Going to operate a 16 ft. box truck for the first time, or want to know the safety tips? Follow along to learn useful tips to operate a 16 ft. logistics truck.

Safety is a top priority in the logistics industry, especially when it comes to operating a 16 ft. box or bigger truck. Every year, the number of injuries and deaths in truck crashes is increasing. Although a 16 ft. box truck is a lot smaller than the large trucks we see on highways, it can still lead to serious incidents. However, a few safety tips can keep you and your fellow roadway drivers safe.

Here are some useful tips on how to safely operate a 16 ft. box truck:

1. Seatbelt

First thing first, buckle up the seatbelt. Many deaths in road accidents are due to not wearing seatbelts. Furthermore, 1 in 6 truck drivers don't use seatbelts. So, avoid being one of them. Make sure to buckle up the seatbelt as soon as you sit in the driver's seat.

2. Keep a Safe Distance

Always maintain a safe distance around your truck from all angles, including the top. A safe distance gives you and the vehicle behind you enough time to apply brakes and avoid collision.

3. Follow Speed Limits

Never try to exceed the specified speed limit to fulfill the final mile delivery faster. It's okay to be late for a few minutes rather than never arriving at the destination.

4. Apply Brakes Sooner

Whether your 16 ft. box truck is for courier or other purposes, it weighs more than the cars on the road. Secondly, it takes longer to slow and stop. So, it is important to apply brakes sooner to keep a safe distance between your truck and the vehicle next to you.

5. Switch Lanes with Care

Since your truck is longer in size, you need decent space to switch lanes. Once you are clear on switching lanes, use the turn signal and side-view mirror and gradually switch lanes.

6. Avoid Unnecessary Overtakes

If your 16 ft. box truck is used for final mile delivery of couriers, then you may likely go through narrow roads or drive through curves or uphill. In such roads, try to avoid overtaking because the truck takes longer to overtake and increases the chances of accidents.

7. Avoid Smartphone Use

Never try to use your smartphone when operating your 16 ft. logistics box truck. In fact, around 10% of fatal truck crashes are due to cell phone use by the driver. Cell phones can distract you from the road and lead to unpleasant situations.

8. Turn with Extra Space

Turning a logistics truck is a lot different from a normal car. Make sure you have enough space between the truck and the curb to turn correctly in one try.

9. Park in Areas with Larger Parking Spaces

Try to look for parking areas with large parking spaces. This will give enough room to park the truck and make it easy to pull it out the next day without any hassle

10. Other Useful Tips

Other than the above tips to operate a courier or logistics 16 ft. box truck, below are a few additional ones to note:

• Set the seat position that comforts you
• Check the clearance of the truck
• Adjust side-view mirrors for a clear view
• Avoid alcohol or drug use
• Don't neglect vehicle maintenance
• Be careful in harsh weather
• Get insurance

Wrapping Up

Driving a 16 ft. box truck requires extra care and safety to lower the chances of unintentional incidents. Above, we have discussed a few valuable tips on how to operate a logistics 16 ft. box truck safely. So, we will wrap up by recommending you adhere to the above tips and have safe journeys for yourself and fellow roadway drivers.