Since it is freaking cold almost everywhere right now, I thought I'd share a 3 common sense tips for some of you new guys that have never seen snow before.
1: Treat your fuel with anti-gel. It's surprising how many people don't treat it. They think that because they have winter blend fuel, they don't need to treat it. Here's the low down on winter blend; the pour point of winter blend depends on which state you get it in, and what month you buy it in. Here is a great chart to reference: http://www.tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-10.html. Think of it as an insurance policy. A $20 bottle of anti gel is a lot cheaper than a tow, fuel filters, and thawing out the fuel. Don't forget your reefer too.
2: If you are not comfortable driving in the conditions, get off of the road. Last night, I passed several trucks that were going around 15mph down I80. Yes the roads were slick, but going that slow is plain dangerous...especially when other people are driving 55-60mph. Besides, you're not making much headway at that speed anyways. Pull off of the road and take a break until the conditions improve.
3: Carry food, a 1st aid kit, blankets, etc. When you are dealing with sub zero temps, things break. The last thing you want to have happen is to break down 100 miles from the nearest sign of civilization when it is 11 below outside and not be prepared. You will have no heat and no electricity for an extended period of time, and the last thing you want is to not have basic supplies to keep you alive.
Hopefully this will help some of you out. Remember; no load is worth your life. If you aren't comfortable doing it, DON'T DO IT! Stay safe out there.
A few cold weather tips
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by flightwatch, Dec 5, 2013.
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O.Henry, GITRDUN45, HauntedSchizo19 and 11 others Thank this.
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I'll add a few thing. Keep food water and something you can use as a toilet in the truck if you run where heavy snow is expected. A couple of years ago one of our drivers got stuck on the road in WV for 17 hours then again in VA for another 11 on the same 600 mile run. Same driver got caught out on the road in Arky during an ice storm and couldnt get off the road for almost 32 hours.
DoneYourWay Thanks this. -
was thinking of mentioning a couple things myself, thanks for starting this thread.
Try not to change lanes on overpasses or bridges when its slick out. Those signs you see every are accurate. Bridges freeze before road surface.
INCREASE YOUR FOLLOWING DISTANCE AND SLOW DOWN. !!!!NOTHING!!!! we haul is worth your or someone elses life.
make gradual lane changes keep the truck as straight as possible. over the warm months we get into bad habits of changing lanes too quickly. You can go from making a quick lane change to waking up in an ambulance or not at all in the blink of an eye.
If your not comfortable get off the road. you become dangerous at that point. same goes for you guys that are overconfident. there is a happy medium. If your dispatcher doesnt like it tell him to come drive it down the road. If you get fired for it, screw em, not a company you want to be working for in the first place.
Just take your time and be safe drivers. would like to see you all still in here come spring.Nightwind8830 and DoneYourWay Thank this. -
stacks, MZdanowicz, Friz and 2 others Thank this.
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Wingnut1, gokiddogo, Caterpillar Cowboy and 6 others Thank this.
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I seem to recall reading signs......"Minimum speed 40.....45". Sounds like somebody is trying tell you something.
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Richter, blairandgretchen and MZdanowicz Thank this.
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Some of us are used to crappy road conditions and those of you from the south would do well to stay out of our way!!muff, Licensed to kill, Honch and 3 others Thank this. -
Some of the stuff is no brainier, like Scorcher mentioned. In extreme winter weather, or impending bad weather, GET UP EARLY. I'm not talking about driving. Get up. Go get your coffee, check the weather, road conditions, go inside and see if there are any drivers standing around talking. Turn your CB on. What's everyone talking about? What are we looking for?
If there is a problem on the roads, you want to know about it BEFORE you leave the truck stop.if everything's going to hell, stay where you're at. You're in a safe haven. If there is a window of opportunity to get out of hell, get the hell out. I'm not even going to talk about fueling.
Had two of my guys coming out of BC with oversized. Weather went to hell. They stopped at the casino in Everette. Weather lifted, but chain law was in effect at the pass for 3 days. One driver moved to the TA on 90, the other stayed at the casino. Suddenly, there was a break in the weather and chain law was lifted. The guy at the TA was able to make it over the pass. THEN, the monster storm moved in. The other guy was trapped for almost a week.
Anyways, in in climate weather, everything you do becomes crucial...you still need to roll to make income, but you need to get through in 1 piece also. Plan accordingly.blairandgretchen and DoneYourWay Thank this. -
blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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