Trucking in Winter
Winter weather is here! Recently, we’ve had storms shut down highways throughout the the west in Canada and the Midwest in the U.S. We all know that trucking is challenging in the winter.
It’s important that drivers are prepared for winter challenges. Inclement weather can easily shut you down in an area without services for truckers and severe storms can strand you without services for days.
The thing about winter weather is, it can be brutal and unpredictable. It is important for truck drivers to be prepared for the winter season by equipping the truck with the proper supplies. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use them but you’ll have them just in case.
Be Prepared for Everyday Winter Living
Be smart and make sure you have good quality winter clothing in the truck. Winter gear is useful for everyday life on the road, not just emergency situations. Drivers do have to spend time outside of the truck (fueling, walkarounds, loading and unloading, etc.) you may as well be prepared for the elements instead of letting the cold get to you. For everyday living consider:
- A good quality winter parka
- Quality thermal, waterproof gloves
- A touque, and scarf or balaclava
- Snow pants
Be Prepared for Emergency Situations
Road closures happen and they don’t always happen right beside a truck stop. Drivers can be prepared to get stranded and consider putting together an emergency kit, along with your regular truck supplies. Room in the truck is always an issue but if you pack smart you should be able to contain most of these items to a backpack.
Food and Water
- Drinking water to last for 72 hours, or three gallons per person and/or pet
- 3-day supply of non-perishable, shelf-stable foods that can be eaten without heating them up, such as:
- Canned meats, poultry and/or fish, i.e. tuna pouches, Spam, meat sticks, jerkies
- Canned fruits and vegetables, i.e. fruit cups, applesauce, black olives, cranberry sauce,
- Grains and beans, i.e. chickpeas, black beans, baked beans
- Hard crackers, such as the Wasa bread, soda crackers
- Peanut butter
- Granola bars or energy bars
- Canned Soups or Pasta
- A can opener
- A set of dishes
For drivers who don’t do a lot of cooking in the truck, a lunchbox stove would be a good addition to your emergency supply list.
Medical and Hygiene supplies
- Prescription medication
- Non-prescription medication such as Advil
- A first aid kit specifically for motorists to ensure you have a good selection of items
- Moist towels aka baby wipes
Clothing
- A wool sweater
- Wool socks
- Long underwear
Tools
- Hand cranked radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Whistle for calling for help
- Solar charger to use with cell phone
- Duct tape
- A container of sand and winter sidewalk salt mixture
- Candles and a lighter or matches
- Foldable shovel
- Screwdrivers (both flat blade and Phillips.)
- Pliers
- Box knife
- Small selection of wrenches
- Spare bulbs for marker lights and headlights
- Extra fuses
- Windshield de-icer and scraper
- Emergency flares
Earn a Good Living with Len Dubois
We are able to ensure good miles and home time with regular Winnipeg based clients, regular lanes and long-term clients. Our experienced team of dispatchers work hard to ensure that your time off and resets are taken at home, not on the road. For drivers, this equals above-average pay and the ability to enjoy a life outside of the truck.
Ask John About the $1000 Sign-On Bonus for Company Drivers and $2000 Sign-On Bonus for Owner Operator’s
- Must have 2 years OTR experience
- Must be able to cross the U.S border
- 80% U.S miles
- Must have a positive attitude about safety & compliance
Let’s have a conversation and see if we’re a good fit for you! Call John, Safety Manager/Driver Recruiter 1-888-590-2760 Ext 309 today.
If you’d prefer, John can contact you. Fill out the form below
