If you are a trucker devoting so much of your time to the open road, our experts at Decatur Trailer Sales & Service, Inc. have some helpful advice for you. We want to ensure you’re safe on the road and also mindful of your money, so you don’t feel like you have to spend too much of your paycheck on things you need while driving. So, let us help you with a few simple but effective money-saving tips that can help you keep as much of your hard-earned paycheck as possible. There are many reasons why it is important to save money when you’re on the road—anything you purchase while traveling can be overly expensive and add up. So, let us help you prepare for your journey and help save you money!
Don’t Buy Supplies on the Road
A great approach to prepare for another long haul is to be organized and plan out what you need to have with you. This will help you avoid having to make stops and buy supplies. Instead, have a list you consult each time you’re about to plan a long trip, and make sure you have everything you need before heading out the door. This way, you’re prepared for every contingency and don’t have to pay hiked-up prices for items you need just because you’re desperate. They always mark up the prices of goods in a truck stop because that’s how they make their money, but by being prepared and pre-packing what you need, you can outsmart them and save that hard-earned paycheck.
Bring Food From Home
One of the most important things you’ll need on a long trip is sustenance—food and drink to keep you going! Instead of making frequent stops and paying high prices for food, you could take the time before your trip to prepare easily prepared meals at home. Just store them appropriately, so they keep well until you’re ready to eat them. Often, home-prepared meals are much tastier and healthier than you can find at a truck stop or fast-food window. The benefits include: convenience, saving time and money, and helping you avoid food poisoning or other digestive troubles. In addition, you can eat a meal whenever you’re hungry and trust that it is safe and delicious because you made it to your specifications.
Take Advantage of Reward Programs
Many big chain stops have reward programs, so asking while you’re there doesn’t hurt. See if you can earn points or get discounts on your needs. If you have a reward card, saving points can earn you free showers and more, so take advantage of those benefits. Also, if your company has a fuel card, make sure you can use it and earn discounts on gas. That will come in handy time and time again on your long-haul journey since you’ll have to make frequent stops to fuel up. It only makes sense to get the most use out of whatever rewards programs are available to you. Talk to your company today to find out your options for savings. Contact our experts today to learn about what rewards programs we can offer to our valued drivers.
Use Wi-Fi
Another great tip to remember is to use WiFi on your cell phone wherever and whenever available. You can save money on your cell phone plan by using free WiFi. Making calls or sending text messages isn’t too costly, but the data expenses on your phone will add up and become very expensive. WiFi is often available at most truck stops, restaurants, and public places. Don’t hesitate to ask for the password, especially if the establishment offers free WiFi. They should be more than willing to share that information so you can use your phone freely and save money during your trip. You should always have a functioning cell phone if you need assistance during your trip. If you are ever in need of semi-truck services, you know who to call.
Avoid Cash Advances
Unfortunately, not everyone thinks about cash advances and when to avoid them. Our professionals recommend that you avoid cash advances whenever possible because when the time comes for you to be paid, you may be surprised that there isn’t as much money left as you thought. Sometimes you might get offered a Comchek, which businesses use to pay their employees and others. It functions like a standard check, but we advise that you avoid this type of payment and payment by credit card. Always insist on cash because it is the best way to monitor and control your spending effectively.
Please contact us today if you have any questions or want further advice from our professionals at Decatur Trailer Sales & Service, Inc. Call 217.422.7179 or visit our location in Decatur, IL.
