For many construction professionals, the workday doesn’t start when you arrive on-site—it starts the moment you get behind the wheel. Whether your commute is 15 minutes or two hours, the time you spend on the road adds up. In fact, in a recent poll we ran, here’s what professionals in the heavy civil industry reported about their total daily commute (round trip):
- 22% said under 30 minutes
- 32% said 30 minutes to an hour
- 33% said 1–2 hours
- 13% said over 2 hours
Think about that—if you’re in the 1-to-2-hour group, that’s 5–10 hours every week. For those with 2+ hours a day, you’re essentially giving up an entire workday every week just to travel.
The big question is: what are you doing with that time? Your commute can either drain you, leaving you stressed before you even arrive, or it can develop you, giving you a head start on your day. Here are eight practical ways to use your windshield time with intention.
1. Know What Puts You in the Right Mindset
Everyone has a routine that helps them mentally prepare for the day. For some, it’s complete silence to gather their thoughts. For others, it might be a playlist that energizes them or a few minutes on a mindfulness app like Calm or Headspace. Start by figuring out what sets you up to lead with clarity, and make it part of your daily drive.
2. Get a Jump on Your Day with Calls
Your commute can be the perfect window to handle quick conversations. Using a hands-free device, knock out a few calls—check in with your crew, confirm deliveries, or update a client. By the time you pull into the jobsite, you may already have four or five items off your to-do list.
3. Invest in Professional Development
Turn your truck into a mobile classroom. Industry-related podcasts like the Construction Leadership Podcast or The Contractor Fight can provide insights on leadership, project management, and new technologies. Just 20 minutes a day adds up to hours of learning every month.
4. Mix It Up with Music or Fun Podcasts
Not every commute needs to be about work. Sometimes the best way to arrive sharp and ready is by relaxing and recharging. Put on your favorite music or listen to a podcast that makes you laugh—arriving at the site in a good mood can set the tone for the whole team.
5. Listen to Audiobooks
Whether it’s leadership, time management, or even a novel to unwind, audiobooks are a great way to fill longer drives. They can spark new ideas, shift perspectives, and even help reduce stress.
6. Learn a Foreign Language
In construction, crews often speak multiple languages. Learning Spanish or another language common in the industry can strengthen communication, build trust, and improve safety. Apps like Duolingo make it easy to practice while you drive.
7. Stay Current with Industry News
Building codes, safety standards, and market changes all impact projects. Use your commute to listen to industry updates so you can anticipate challenges and stay ahead of the curve. Being the person who always knows what’s coming is a powerful leadership tool.
8. Combine Growth and Clarity
The real power of these strategies is balance. Some days, you may use your drive for leadership development. Other days, you may simply need silence or a good playlist. What matters most is that you’re intentional—using your commute to serve you instead of drain you.
Final Thought
You can’t always control how long your commute is, but you can control how you use it. Instead of seeing it as wasted time, look at it as an opportunity to grow, prepare, and arrive ready to lead. The next time you hit the road, ask yourself: Am I letting this commute drain me, or am I using it to develop myself?
That mindset shift can make all the difference—for you, your team, and your projects.
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