After a long shift, parking for the night marks a transition—from the road to rest. Drivers from our Truck Drivers USA community shared the very first thing they do once they shut down for the night, and their answers reveal just how real and routine life on the road can be.
Set the Brake—A Universal First Step
Pulling or setting the parking brake comes first for many.
Wayne Wiltshire, Todd Gebo, Jeff Barth, Jeff Rucinski, Sammie Runnels, Chris Smith, Dakota W Wagner, Tony Zamparelli, Karl JB, Don Savoy, Cory Clark, and Peter Doe: All said they set the parking brake first.
Joe Baker: “MAKE SURE THE BRAKES ARE SET SO IT WILL NOT ROLL.”
Loosening Up and Personal Routines
Once the truck is secure, the personal routines begin.
Dan Perry: “Stretch, then eat and exercise. Go take a shower and then it’s Facebook—PlayStation time until I’m a full zombie and then sleep.”
Tim Johnson: “Set the brakes, lockdown, snack, lay down and watch TV.”
NaTasha Alexander & Mark Vincent Gatewood: “Close the curtains.”
Amanda Rose Parker: “Say out loud, ‘I gotta PEE.’”
John Kennedy: “Take my boots off. Nothing like freeing your feet. Lol.”
Walking the Dog & Quick Bathroom Breaks
Some drivers step out right away to handle essentials or walk their pets.
William Tyler, Mark Brooks, April Shepley, Gary Mills, Dezel Rose, and Chris Heath: Walk their dogs immediately.
Christopher Charles Brown, Zoltán Rapkay, Pedro Gonzalez Jr.: Head straight to the bathroom or shower.
Courtesy & Community Care
Some drivers make small gestures that help others around them.
Wayne Grogan: “Turn my headlights on bright so everyone can see to back up straight.”
Richard Andrew Ross: “Turn off my headlights as a courtesy to other drivers trying to park.”
Heading Home or Staying Off Duty
Not everyone ends their shift in the sleeper.
Brian Tennison, Dustin Houlihan, Alastair Rodden, Gerald Irvin, Tim Webb, Brad Stull: Go home after parking.
Bryan Mabin: “Park the truck in the back of Target across the street from the house—shower, eat, and go to sleep every night.”
Post-Trip Inspections & Safety First
For some, the shift doesn’t end until a few more safety checks are done.
Michael Kunze, Donald Cornelius, James Gravina, Johnny Hozzy, Joshua Ainsworth, Kieth Eden, John Currie: Do walkarounds, light checks, lock doors, and make sure everything’s secure before winding down.
Comfort, Connection & Fun
When there’s time, a little personal comfort goes a long way.
Rebecca Hunter: “Kiss my co-driver!!!”
Jerry Martin: Cooks dinner.
Marcus Winstead: Plays on his phone, makes food, then sleeps.
A Glimpse Into the Resting Realm
From setting the brake to walking the dog, making dinner or just kicking off boots, these small routines are the start of rest—and a reminder that every trucker is still a human being under that hat. Each answer gives a glimpse into life on the road, where even the smallest rituals matter.
Want to connect with other drivers who get it? Join our community and be part of the conversation.
