Driver Solutions provides company paid CDL training opportunities to inexperienced drivers, allowing them to find truck driver jobs with companies that provide training. For the holiday season in 2011, Driver Solutions has put together a holiday survival for truck drivers. This guide includes: gift ideas for truck drivers, free CDL training information and advice for safety out on the road. Download the FREE guide today and be sure to contact Driver Solutions for more information on truck driver training or truck driver jobs.

1. HOLIDAY
SURVIVAL
© 2011 DRIVER SOLUTIONS | HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

2. GUIDE
The holiday season can be as challenging for some as it is uplifting for others. For some truckers,
home is in the driver’s seat, but for many others home is across the country with family members.
As truck drivers, we recognize that not everyone shares our passion for travel, driving, and hard
work. We value these activities because they help us support our families, help the American
economy, and help us build networks of meaningful relationships. But with the holiday season
upon us, many will be setting aside time to go home and reconnect with family and friends.
The month of December can be a trying time for truckers. Most trucking companies respect
requests for time at home during the holidays, but other variables like bad weather, possible
breakdowns, and late delivery times can all effect time with the family. If you do end up on the road
during the holidays, try to make the best of it no matter what. Be thankful for what you do have,
and remember that truck drivers help keep the toys, clothes, great foods and many other Christmas
gifts moving across the country.
Going home for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. As the song goes, “’Tis the season to be
jolly,” not stressed out! It IS possible to balance the important aspects of our lives with our career
responsibilities. Whether you’ve been driving for days, months, or years, here are a few suggestions
to help you survive the holiday season.
Trucker Gift Ideas
In today’s busy world, gift buying has become not only more complicated,
but a lot more expensive. The good news is that shopping for a truck driver
doesn’t have to be hard. There is a long list of both essential needs and nice
luxuries that a truck driver might want. Plus, gifts do not need to be pricey or
expensive, but rather should be thoughtful and from the heart. Here’s a list of
some sample gifts for any budget:
Nice Cell Phone
A nice cell phone will help drivers stay connected to family members
and friends, search the web in down time, take pictures or videos, or
may even act as a GPS. Keep in mind that safety comes first, so don’t
use your cell phone while driving!
iPod
An iPod or other mp3 player can store music for the many hours that
drivers are on the road. Some devices can now also store video and
© 2011 DRIVER SOLUTIONS | HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

3. pictures, so truck drivers would have plenty to do for entertainment.
AC/DC Transformer
An AC/DC transformer could be a lifesaver for drivers if their truck
breaks down while on the road. A transformer would allow a driver to
still plug in some small appliances, like a refrigerator, TV, microwave,
heater, or to charge electronic devices like a cell phone.
GPS
Truck drivers are often driving in unfamiliar territory, and having a nice
truck driver GPS can help save time and make trips safer. GPS devices
can now be found for under $100, but advanced models can be much
more expensive. Make sure your get a GPS that is rated for truck driver
use and includes truck-friendly routes.
Maps and Atlases
Some drivers may prefer maps and atlases to a GPS. Even if a driver has
a great GPS, maps and atlases can be a great tool to help supplement a
GPS or provide backup in case the GPS stops working.
Movies or Books
Truck drivers may have a lot of down time between runs or may hit
delays with nothing to do. Having movies or books to delve into will
help keep drivers entertained and have fun.
Sleeper Cab Fan
No one wants to sleep in a stuffy truck. A sleeper cab fan will help
regulate the temperature in the cab, which drivers will probably really
appreciate when they are trying to get the vital rest they need.
Seat Cushion
Sitting all day or night can take a toll on the body. Consider getting
your favorite truck driver a nice seat cushion to help ease the aches that
sitting can cause. If you know a truck driver who really needs some
extra love, consider a heated or massaging cushion.
Sheets
Having nice sheets can help a driver be more comfortable while sleeping
and remind them of home.
Bluetooth Headset
There are many great hands-free headsets that will help make driving
and talking on the phone safer. Now that a ban on hand-held cell phone
use has been passed, a hands-free headset is more important than ever.
© 2011 DRIVER SOLUTIONS | HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

4. Satellite Radio
Much like an mp3 player, a satellite radio will help make the endless
miles of driving more enjoyable. Not only can drivers listen to music on
satellite radio, but they can also listen to sports and talk shows.
Polarized Sunglasses
Anyone that has been out on the road knows how important it is to be
able to see. Help your trucker driver safer while protecting their eyes.
When in doubt, most people enjoy handmade gifts like a home-cooked meal or
a knitted blanket. Gift cards are also a safe gift that anyone can find a use for.
Money Saving Tips
One of the biggest challenges for inexperienced drivers working their first
truck driving job is saving money. With the holidays right around the corner,
many families are really pinching pennies to buy food for get-togethers and
gifts for friends and family members. Here are a few tips that can help you
save money during the holidays:
• Make a list and check it twice. Search for the best bargains,
regardless of what you are buying or where you are buying it.
• Recycle. By reusing wrapping paper, tissue paper, and gift boxes
from previous occasions, you should save time and money on new
products.
• Make a spending plan and stick to it.
Safe Driving Tips
You never know when inclement weather or a mechanical breakdown will
have you stranded on the side of the road. Being prepared for these situations
is important. Here are some tips to help keep you safe so you can make it home
for eggnog and pumpkin pie:
• Create a survival kit with extra clothes, blankets, water, canned food,
a small travel tool kit, a basic first aid kit, a flashlight and toiletries.
© 2011 DRIVER SOLUTIONS | HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

5. • Always remember to do a proper pre-trip inspection before you go
anywhere.
• To avoid a fire hazard, do not to leave anything plugged in when you
leave the truck.
• Do not leave your truck running when you leave it, no matter how
cold it may get!
• Never drive tired.
• If a deer or other animal suddenly appears in your headlights, DO
NOT try and swerve to miss it.
• Be aware of distracted drivers that might be using cell phones,
eating, drinking, or trying to read a map.
• Tune in to traffic for road closures, delays, and accidents.
• Above all, if you don’t feel its safe, DON’T DO IT.
Tips For Staying Stress Free
The holidays are generally a time when family and friends come together and
share traditions. For many, however, the holidays can be very stressful or even
lonely.
• Choose realistic expectations for the holiday season – keep it simple!
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can
handle.
• Make a list and prioritize the important activities. This can help
make holiday tasks more manageable.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
• Look to the future with optimism.
• Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing
today with the good old days of the past.
© 2011 DRIVER SOLUTIONS | HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

6. • Find holiday activities that are free, such as looking at holiday
decorations, going window shopping without buying, and watching
the winter weather, whether it’s a snowflake or a raindrop.
• Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people.
Source: http://www.ua.edu/features/holiday10/stress.html
Places To See
One of the biggest advantages when you’re driving over-the-road is seeing
more of the country in one year than many will see in a lifetime. The holiday is
a great time to see special events, exhibits, and beautiful decorations. So while
you’re driving, take some time between runs or at the end of a shift to visit
some of the great tourist destinations around the country. Even better, if you
have time to spend with your family members take them to see some of these
locations. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Halls of Fame
Whether you’re a football, baseball, basketball, or music fan, there’s
probably a hall of fame for it! Learn about the greats that impacted your
favorite sport or pastime and relive a memorable moment or two.
Museums
Every large city has them and some cities are known for them. When
visiting a new city, check out their art museums, natural history
museums, or even the children’s museums. Many museums hold special
exhibits just for the holidays, so make sure you don’t miss out on a
unique experience.
Theme Parks
Theme parks are no longer just for young kids. Most parks like Disney
World, Six Flags, and Universal Studios have tons of fun activities for
kids and adults alike. Plus, most theme parks get ramped up for the
holidays and have special exhibits and holiday lighting.
Historic Monuments
From the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts to America’s first city
- St. Augustine, Florida- our great country has many memorials paying
© 2011 DRIVER SOLUTIONS | HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

7. tribute to important historical events. Visiting these historical sites and
memorials gives us a valuable perspective on the past as we drive into
the future.
Landmarks
Investigate not only our country’s great natural landmarks like the Grand
Canyon, but also man-made wonders like Mt. Rushmore and the St.
Louis Gateway Arch.
Nature Spots
Connect with nature and take time to visit a park. You could go big and
see a national park like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or
stay closer to home and check out city parks.
New Year’s Goal
The holiday season is the time to start setting goals for the New Year. Every
year you should think about what’s important to get done in your life and
evaluate how you can make your life better. Maybe your goal is to finally
get your CDL and attend truck driver training school. Maybe you want to
save more money. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds or you want to quit
smoking. Whatever your goal is, make sure you take the time to evaluate your
past and look forward to what needs to happen in the future.
Setting goals should be fun and inspiring, but for some it just causes stress. If you
really want to relieve some stress, take a break from making New Year’s resolutions.
You may feel a lot better if you practice self-forgiveness for any mistakes or goals
you didn’t meet in the previous year.
Driving a truck during the holidays can be stressful, but when you start to feel down, just imagine
how hectic Santa’s schedule must be! Thanks to America’s truck drivers for all you do to make the
holidays merry and bright.
~ Driver Solutions Team