Description
This course teaches professional drivers how to plan trips safely, legally, and efficiently. You’ll learn how to evaluate routes, account for weather and road conditions, manage hours of service, plan fuel and rest stops, and communicate proactively when delays or issues arise. Effective trip planning helps reduce stress, improve on-time performance, and keep drivers compliant and in control from start to finish.
Topics include:
- Introduction and FMCSA
- Importance of Trip Planning
- Preparing Paperwork and Documentation
- Route Selection Factors
- Using Maps and Online Resources
- GPS and Navigation Tools
- Vehicle and Cargo Restrictions
- Planning for Safety and High-Risk Areas
- Estimating Time and Scheduling Stops
- Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Stop Planning
- Estimating Trip Expenses
- Flexibility and Communication During the Trip
- Ask a Professional Trucker
- Conclusion

