Tag: winter driving

How to Stay Warm When Trucking in the Winter

Bob Holtzman

Winter is well on its way and has even settled in in some parts of the country. Major snowstorms can back up traffic, alter travel plans, delay freight shipments, and, at the very least, make people very uncomfortable. For truck drivers hauling loads on the highway, trying to stay warm can be a struggle when the temperatures drop.

There are many different ways to stay warm and keep the cold out for those who drive 18-wheelers and live out of their truck on long trips.

Here are some ways to keep the fire burning and keep warm this winter:

The Basics

First, it’s important for drivers to check with their company to make sure they have an extreme cold weather idle requirement. Most companies require the truck to run when temperatures get below 20 degrees. When drivers head into even colder climates, they should make sure they’re ready for the cold road ahead.

Also, trucking companies who hire out independent drivers should be sure to have their truck insurance intact, covering any liabilities that may arise from cold weather. Beyond drivers falling ill, risks such as road conditions and majorly inclement weather that causes delays should be covered against.

Inspect the Truck

Truck drivers are required by law to check their vehicles before every trip. A visual, hands-on inspection should check for things like any issues with tires, wiper blades, fluids, and lights. When temperatures go too high or too low, it’s imperative to check even more regularly and thoroughly.

Running a Heater

Truck drivers should opt for running a heater to keep their cabs warm, at least for a period of time to raise the temperature inside. As drivers are finishing up their paperwork for the day and getting ready for bed, a heater can be used with the fan on its highest setting to heat the truck up. It’s important, though, to remember to turn the fan down before the truck is shut off, or else icy air will blast through when a driver strikes it up again the next morning.

Sleeping Bags and Blankets

A basic, but still effective move is to always remember warm items like blankets and sleeping bags. A heavy-duty, low-temperature sleeping bag will help to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep while keeping the cold away. Plus, layering on some thick blankets to pile on top is another important tip do take advantage of.

Another option to increase warmth is to line a sleeping bag with a down comforter or keep one on top. While a sleeping bag is a must-have, it can be cold when slipping into it and zipping up. 

Mattress Pad

Mattress pads not only supply more comfort and support for drivers, especially for those with sore backs, but they can also be heated to add warmth. These pads are popular among truck drivers who have to spend some nights tucked away in their truck’s cabin.

The pads are plugged into a lighter socket and help increase warmth and comfort without having to idle the engine. The 12V mattress pad won’t deplete the batteries if they are in good working condition.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.

Winter is Coming: A Guide to Safe Trucking in the Snow

Bob Holtzman

About 70 percent of the roads in the United States are in snowy areas during winter months. This presents a great opportunity for accidents to occur due to icy roads and wintry conditions. In fact, more than 116,000 people are injured every year due to a wreck caused by winter driving conditions like snow and sleet on the roadways. While this is a danger to every day drivers going about their regular commute, it’s even more of a serious problem for commercial drivers who see more time on the road during winter months.

From poor visibility to icy roads to less-than-adequate tires, there are a number of things to look out for if you’re a trucking operation preparing its drivers for dangerous hauls over the next few cold months. Here are some winter driving tips commercial driving truckers can heed to stay safe on the highways and byways this winter.

Inspect Vehicles Thoroughly

It’s in a driver’s DNA to give his or her truck a solid inspection before any trip is underway. From checking lights to kicking tires, it’s always a rule of the road to look over every inch of a truck. But during the winter it’s even more important to keep things safe. First, this can be accomplished by investing in commercial truck insurance to protect against major financial setbacks that come with traffic incidents. And beyond commercial truck insurance, proactively inspecting your trucks more delicately can prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.

Check the pressure, engine oil and liquid levels, like antifreeze, with the utmost care before the truck gets on the road. Mechanics can also step in to provide backup when making sure commercial vehicles are ready to hit the road with the best quality.

Tire Spray

Once you’re on the road it’s important to keep an eye out for possible issues that can turn into culprits of large-scale wrecks. One way to stay alert is to monitor the way water is coming off the tires of vehicles around you, especially in front of you. If a lot of water is being kicked up, the road is very wet, but if the water spray is relatively less, this may mean that the roadway is freezing, which means more caution is called for.

Slow Your Roll

No matter the conditions, it’s always a good rule of thumb to slow things down when you’re unsure of the roadway and traffic status. Most accidents occur because drivers don’t alter their speed. Drivers may need to compensate for bad roads and adjust their speed to keep things safe for themselves and those around them.

Give More Space

The stopping distance on wet roads is twice that of dry roads, and more than 10-times longer on icy roads. With this in mind, it helps to add more distance between your truck and others cars on the roads in winter. Overcompensating in this case is a good thing, helping to keep a safe distance to protect those around you. Leave plenty of room so you can move out of harm’s way or just stop with plenty of room to spare.

Check Tail Lights

It’s important to help out fellow drivers around you by keeping your taillights and license plate clean. If they’re covered in snow it will only create issues for drivers on the road who need to be able to see you. Even in a tailwind these can become covered by snow.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates and coverage changes.

Prepare Your Fleet for Winter Driving

Bob Holtzman

Though each season of the year will task a fleet in different ways, winter is the one that sends owners scurrying to make sure each truck is ready to ride out the storms. Even semi’s that spend the majority of their miles in warmer states can be unpleasantly surprised by weather that is not common. For instance, in Atlanta, Georgia, a January storm in 2014 turned roads into sheets of ice, causing thousands of people to be stranded at work, on the roads and even at school.

Prepare for the Unexpected

The rule of thumb, when you are responsible for the safety of your drivers, the delivery of goods and the overall expenses of the fleet is to prepare for the unexpected. This means getting those vehicles ready for the winter truck driving before they are caught in the cold. Failing to do so means leaving your entire fleet vulnerable during the most damaging weather season. Taking time to make sure each vehicle in the fleet is winterized can make all the difference to your drivers, customers and especially to your bottom line.

Fleet Winterizing Checklist

Keeping a winterizing checklist on hand is a great way to make sure you do not miss any steps when making sure your vehicles are prepared for whatever winter might bring. Here are 7 checklist Items that should be performed on every fleet vehicle.

  1. Winter fuel – Diesel fuel and cold are typically not mentioned in the same sentence without some frustration. This is because diesel fuel is known to gel in very cold weather due to the hydrocarbon, Paraffin, found in the fuel. Educating drivers about the need to use a winter-blend fuel and having them add anti-gel additives when they are fueling can go a long way to ensuring the semi truck winter start, even in the cold winter weather.
  2. Battery testing–Because batteries drain more quickly in cold weather, each vehicle in the fleet should be tested to make sure the battery is strong. This should not be a one-time test, but should be done periodically throughout the winter to ensure that the battery is still able to maintain its charge level. Any battery that is more than 3 years old should be tested more frequently or replaced.
  3. Don’t forget the coolant – A truck’s cooling system is not just for the summer months. This system, containing coolant, controls the boiling and freezing points as well as offering some protection from corrosion. Checking the inhibitor levels and coolant concentration is a must before cold weather sets in. Older style coolants were known to drop in level pretty quickly, but there are newer coolants available today that can stay in the truck’s system for up to 600,000 miles.
  4. Check the engine heater – Weather the vehicles in your fleet use external, internal or coolant engine heaters, they should be checked as part of a winterization routine as well. This type of heater makes starting a diesel engine in the winter much easier, as they preheat either the coolant or the engine block. Easier starting saves wear on the engine, lowers emissions, and can even increase fuel economy, not to mention the fact that some also provide heat to your driver more quickly.
  5. What about the trailer – Drivers know that winter is as hard on the trailer as it is on the tractor. One frequent trailer problem is frozen brakes that simply refuse to release. Making sure to properly lubricate moving parts during the winter is one of the ways to make sure those brakes work properly when needed. Another way is to make sure all of the air is released from the brakes before stopping for an extended period of time.
  6. Check the electrical system for corrosion – Both tractors and trailers have a 7-terminal receptacle for the electrical trailer cable plug. These are standard throughout North America. This plug is critical as it controls all the lights, signals and antilock devices on the trailer. As such, keeping them clean is always important. It may take a bit more time and effort in the winter, as many chemicals such as magnesium chloride and salt are coming off the road. Prolonged exposure to such chemicals can corrode the contacts and cause the loss of lights, ABS equipment and power. Even more unsettling is the fact that any moisture that makes it into a plug or socket can slowly make its way into the wiring system causing expensive problems later on.
  7. Protect your drivers – Every fleet owner knows that trucks only make money when paired with good drivers. Making sure your valuable drivers have all the equipment they need for winter trucking safety. Such items include emergency flares, a tool kit, bottled water and non-perishable emergency food, waterproof gloves and a working cell phone.

Taking time to properly inspect and prepare each vehicle in your fleet can help to ensure that the wheels keep turning, no matter what mother nature surprises you with.

Is Your Rig Ready for Winter? 7 Ways to Prepare for Plummeting Temperatures

Bob Holtzman

It’s getting chilly out there. Is your truck ready? Take some time today to prep your truck for the cooler, potentially freezing, temperatures that are surely ahead. A little preparation today can save you from a whole lot of trouble later.

When Temperatures Drop, Coolant’s a Must

Anti-freeze, or coolant, provides vital protection to your truck during freezing weather. Getting your coolant system in order is one of the most important winter maintenance preps you’ll do all year. Check for leaks and low coolant levels at every PM. Use high quality coolant, obtained from a reputable source. This is one area where you don’t want to compromise on quality.

Don’t Get Stuck in the Snow- Check Your Chains

Are your chains ready to go should you need them? Many drivers take their chains off the truck and put them into storage during warm summer months, but now that the temperatures are dropping, it’s time to bring them back. Before loading them up, give them a quick check to make sure you have everything you need and that all parts are in good repair.

It’s also prime time to brush up on chain laws. Many drivers prefer to sit and wait when chain whether hits, but some states require that you carry them, needed or not. Knowing the laws in the states where you travel most can save you from expensive tickets and violations.

If you do use chains, remove them as soon as they aren’t needed. Chains that are left on too long can rip up your tires and cause road damage. Remember, chains are intended to get you out of trouble, not into it. If it is too snowy to continue, stop and wait for the weather to clear.

Are Your Tires Ready for Winter?

Tire pressure drops in cold weather. It’s time to check pressure on all your tires again. It is often most effective to check your tire pressure during your pre-trip inspection, before you do any driving. Valve caps help to ensure that ice doesn’t form in the valve core, leading to a slow pressure leak. If you’re missing any caps, replace them.

Tire pressure isn’t the only tire check you should do this winter. If you regularly drive in icy, snowy areas, consider special tires with tread designed for winter driving.

Scrape Less- Add Some De-Icer to Windshield Fluid

Check your washer fluid levels and add de-icer if needed. This will help to defrost your windshield and will keep your fluid jug from freezing solid and bursting. While you’re at it, check your windshield wipers too.

It’s Hard Being a Battery in the Winter

Cold temperatures make it more difficult for your battery to charge, often resulting in lower battery levels. Cleaning, checking, and testing the battery should be a regular part of your PM (preventative maintenance) program. If your battery is over three years old, you may want to replace it this winter.

If your truck has an APU, you can expect reduced service life from your batteries, especially during cold weather. The APU is constantly pulling power from the battery which can drain battery life.

Stock Your Truck, Just in Case

Do you have cold weather essentials on hand, just in case? You should have a heavy coat, a blanket, and some food on hand in your truck. Although we hope you’re never stranded out in the cold, you’ll be happy to have a few emergency supplies on hand. These supplies could very well save your life some day.

Is your truck ready for winter? What are your favorite ways to prepare for dropping temperatures?

 

Winter’s Coming- Driving Tips to Help You Travel with Care

Bob Holtzman

If you need a reprieve from hot summer temperatures, relief is on the way. Winter is definitely coming and temperatures are dropping around the country. Plummeting temperatures present some unique challenges in the truck. Here’s our guide for safe winter driving. Do you have any tips to add to the list?

How Does Weather Impact Safety on the Road?

Each year more than 1.2 million crashes are caused by bad weather, approximately 22% of all accidents. Weather related accidents include those that occur in adverse weather (rain, sleet, snow, fog, etc.) or on slick pavement (icy, snowy, wet). On average 6,000 people are killed each year and 445,000 injured by weather related crashes. Yes, bad weather can occur any time of the year, but it is much more likely during the winter.

Watch Out for Water

Rain and wet pavement are some of the biggest dangers for winter driving. Icy pavement and snow certainly cause crashes, but wet pavement is responsible for the majority. The Federal Highway Administration has found that wet pavement plays a role in 73% of weather related crashes, 80% of weather related injuries, and 77% of weather related fatalities. When it is wet, be extra cautious as this is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.

Give Yourself Extra Time

Winter driving isn’t going to be as productive as summer driving, especially during bad weather. Plan your routes accordingly and give yourself extra time when estimating arrival times for dropping and loading. It is estimated that 23% of non-recurrent delays are due to snow, ice, and fog. Overall, 12% of total truck delay is due to weather and trucking companies lose about 32 billion hours each year due to weather related delays. During peak travel periods in Washington D.C. travel times increase approximately 24% in the presence of precipitation. Plan accordingly when winter weather is expected.

Prepare for Weather

Winter weather can leave you stranded on the side of the highway when roads get shut down or conditions are too dangerous to continue. You can’t always count on making it to the next truck stop. Stock your truck with the supplies you’ll need for a day or two of delay, just in case. Make sure you have appropriate winter clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves, ready. Keep extra food, water, and blankets in your truck. Fill up your fuel more often (try to keep at least half a tank at all times) and keep extra wiper fluid on hand. Tire chains and a windshield scraper are winter must-haves.

Watch for Ice

If you’ve ever experienced black ice, you know how scary it can be. Slick ice that comes out of nowhere, black ice is very difficult to spot. When the temperatures drop near freezing, be aware that black ice is possible and be very cautious if the road looks wet, as it may actually be ice. Bridges are especially prone to black ice. Be careful!

Don’t Be Afraid to Shut Down

We know you have deadlines to make and places to go, but getting to a drop on time isn’t worth sacrificing your safety. If you do run into weather conditions where driving is unsafe, stop and give the storm time to pass. Good communication with all parties involved will help to alleviate problems caused by winter delays. Keep everyone informed about where you are and what’s happening. Your safety this winter is a priority.

A little extra caution in the winter can help you stay safe on the road as temperatures drop. Travel with care this winter and beyond.