No vehicle or machine is perfect. Dealing with the occasional breakdown or mishap is just part of the gig when it comes to truck driving.

While a truck driver can't control when or how a breakdown occurs, what they can do is be prepared for when it does happen. Below, you'll find a guide as to what to do and have with you when the unexpected happens.

What to Do When a Breakdown Occurs

As a PAM Driver, remember that the first step when an issue or breakdown happens is to pull over to a safe area and turn your vehicle off.

Once you do that, contact the Road Rescue team (1-800-283-5167), and take note of any sights, sounds or smells that might help you better describe what's going on.

The rescue team will then tell you what to do from there (i.e. stay where you are, direct you to a shop, or let you know if a vendor will be coming to assist you).

Then, contact your driver manager to make them aware of your breakdown. This is extremely important for both you and the company. If you don't communicate your breakdown, problems can occur between PAM and its customers as well.

Have a Toolbox

Sometimes when a truck breaks down, there's an easy or quick fix to an issue. Having the right tools handy can save you a lot of time and worry!

Driver Solutions and PAM both recommend you have the 18 items below in case you encounter something you can fix on your own:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Tread depth gauge
• Coolant
• Oil
• Water
• Emergency flares
• Flashlight
• Hammer
• Adjustable Wrench
• Screwdrivers
• Gloves
• Headlamp bulbs
• Load straps
• Safety glasses
• Swiss Army knife/multi-tool
• Vice grips
• Spare fuses
• Chocks

If you keep these resources in your truck, you'll be that much better prepared to succeed through adversity when trucking takes an unexpected turn!

Click here to head back to PAM's 1st Quarterly Newsletter.

Start Your Trucking Career Now

Ready to hit the road? Driver Solutions can help you get the CDL training you need to become a truck driver.  Start your career now and you could be on the road making up to $50,000 in just the first year!  Just take a few moments to complete our online driver application now. 

Apply Now