Winter is coming up, and the temperatures are plummeting. This creates challenges for all drivers, especially truck drivers handling freight transportation. The demand for logistics doesn’t stop—despite Mother Nature’s attempt to make it so.
Read on to find out about winter truck driving preparation.
Loading the truck
An important task to do before you hit the road is to ensure that cargo is properly loaded. An imbalanced load can result in items falling out of the back of the truck. Another possibility is that this lack of balance leads to the truck toppling over or swerving. This is even more likely to happen if the roads are icy and traction is poor. Double-check that the cargo is loaded to distribute weight evenly ahead of time.
Tire chains
Another important part of winter trucking preparation is fitting the tires with the right chains. These chains should be sized properly for handling adverse weather conditions. You’ll also want to bring vital winter equipment like warm gloves, a pad to kneel on, a flashlight, bungees and cam lock T-handles.
Drive slowly
The demand for speed is a constant in the trucking industry; however, it’s more important that you and the goods you’re transporting arrive safely. The snow and ice associated with winter driving means you want to avoid any unexpected acceleration, braking or lane-changes whenever possible. Going slower than you normally would means that it’s easier to respond to changing conditions on the road. You can maximize traction and avoid pitfalls like fishtailing.
Check before you go
It’s always essential to inspect the truck before you depart. This is even more crucial in the winter, as your truck needs to be in optimal operation to deal with difficult conditions since fixing even minor problems may be more hazardous in the cold, wind and snow.
Here’s a checklist of items to go through before you depart:
- Fuel system
- Wiper blades
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Defroster
- Battery
- Lights
- Antifreeze
- Snow tires
- Tire treads and pressure
- Brakes
- Belts
- Exhaust system
What to do if you slide
By going slowly and driving defensively, you can usually prevent sliding. Should the truck begin to slide, it’s important to know what to do. Follow these steps:
- Take your foot off the accelerator
- Put the truck in neutral
- Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go
- Prior to the rear wheels stopping skidding, put the truck in drive
- Gently press the accelerator
- Do not slam on the brakes
Not every driver is going to be as cautious on the icy roads, so even if you take all the right steps, winter still makes driving tough.
If you want reliable trucking and logistics services no matter what time of year, hire the experts at Energy Trucking. We provide all our clients peace of mind, and we serve as a critical part of the business supply chain. Call us today to find out how we can deliver on all our logistics and transportation needs.