You may think the act of parking is the easiest thing your drivers will do today. But nothing is simple when you’re behind the wheel of a delivery van or straight truck. Parking is fraught with pitfalls. Thinking ahead and following a few easy rules will make parking the simple thing it should be!

GENERAL PARKING GUIDELINES

• Make sure mirrors are properly adjusted throughout the day
• Think ahead to the next stop and the safest place to park
• Plan your exit before you park
• Scan the area as you approach
• Note any fixed objects like poles, signs, or trash cans, which may be hard to see with your mirrors
• Look up for low hanging signs, tree branches or awnings
• Back only as a last resort and back into the most controlled area
• Honk your horn a few times prior to and during backing
• If you are delivering to a new customer and you are unsure of where to park, call ahead and ask for specific instructions

PARKING ON STREETS OR IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

• Pull out of the lane of traffic as far as you can and put on your four-way hazards
• Do not block or pull into driveways or across bike lanes
• Once parked, tuck in your mirrors on the traffic side of narrow streets
• Look around your vehicle when you return and make note of children or pets in the area

PARKING IN LOTS OR ALONG BUILDINGS

• If parking in marked spaces, pull through to the next space so you can pull forward to leave
• If you cannot pull through, back into position so you can pull forward to leave
• Watch for pedestrians and fixed objects
• Watch your tail swing around fixed objects and parked cars by using your mirrors

MOVING FROM A PARKED POSITION

• Take a moment to look around the vehicle for obstacles and double check your plan for leaving the area
• Check to make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted, put on your turn signal, check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder for approaching traffic
• Check your tail swing on the side of your vehicle closest to the curb by looking in the mirror on that side of the vehicle
• If you are unsure of where your vehicle is going or if the area is clear, always get out and look