winter driving advise

Another thing when climbing slippery hills your truck is going to have more traction at 1100-1300 rpm then up at say 17 or 1800rpm.

Always drain your air tanks more frequently in the winter to keep from freezing your air system.

When you stop, your tires are warm enough to freeze into the snow so sit have a smoke and listen to some music and then move ahead a little bit to take your tires out of the ruts and then go to bed.

Carry a good hammer for hitting frozen brakes and always have a tiger torch if they are too froze to free up.

 

Just went through a quick chain up demo at orientation at Swift in Fontana. I start with a mentor on Monday (hopefully) and the comment was "chain up to get out of trouble, not to get in trouble".

 

Another wrinkle. What if you are carrying canned soda or something that could potentially burst or be damaged in sub freezing temps? What's the procedure for that scenario?

 

If the transit time is long, the shipper of beverages may request an insulated, heated trailer. Problems arise when a shipment is delayed in extremely cold weather. Notify your dispatcher immediately. Your company may have a suggestion for placing the trailer in a building. Typically, portable propane catalytic heaters can be used, but avoid charcoal because the odor may cause rejection of the load by the consignee.

When Stroh had a brewery in Detroit, I was dispatched to pick up a load on Thursday afternoon for Friday delivery in Chicago. Par for the course, Stroh was late loading, and I left the brewery late Friday. I collected eleven hours of detention pay for myself as a driver and for the equipment since I owned the tractor. My home was directly on the route to Chicago, so I planned to deliver on Monday. Of course, my employer was aware of my new schedule.

On Saturday night, the temperature dropped to -20. The consignee was not a happy camper on Monday when we discovered that the beer near the tailgate had frozen and some of the bottles had broken. The Bill of Lading printed at the shipper in Detroit contained the phrase "R-W Service System will not be responsible for frozen beer." This implies that my employer would not provide insulated or heated equipment. I assume Stroh adjusted the invoice to the distributor. My dispatcher asked me why I did not park the trailer in someone's barn. I live in town and do not know anyone with a barn. I did not realize an alcohol product would freeze. I am not a beer drinker, but others tell me the flavor will change if ice has formed even if the bottle does not break. Tip the bottle over and the air movement will reveal whether there is ice in the beer. Canned beer is another problem.

 

Just one piece of advice:
"Drive Your Own Truck"
You and only you know what you are capable of! I always say "It is easier to avoid a situation than it se to get out of one".
No matter what the driving conditions, you will see some "Cowboy with his stirrup caught in the floor mat" that will go flying by! Don't think that just because he is going so fast, you have to speed up! Unfortunately, chances are you will pass him again before travelling to far.
Just "Be Careful" and don't get in over your head and you'll be fine.

 

I'm sure it was mentioned but don't let your fuel get too low and make sure you have food/beverages/appropriate clothing for when delays on the road.

 

Stranger I remember those 2 winters, glad I wasn't driving then. PennDot trucks were stuck al over the place. 1976 one cold azzzzz winter.
So true Tinytim.....lmao!

 

Thanks for all the great info Ill be starting in lewiston next monday and already have puckered some LOL

 

As far as ice goes. Look for signs indicating the condition of the road. For example,

How fast are other truckers driving? I don't recommend you pace these drivers. I don't. But it will give you an idea how good or bad the roads are.

Are the tires of other drivers kicking up spray or not? If they are kicking up spray more than likely you will be able to increase your speed a little bit. There is that possibility of having ice under this spray, so it's just another thing to consider.

While winter driving at night, look for mirror reflections on the road from passing vehicles tail-lights and oncoming vehicle head lights. Road signs will shine on the road as well. If ice is on the road it will present just like a mirror. If the reflection is dull more than likely the road is just wet, but keep evaluating it for changes. Road conditions can change by the mile.

As others have said, slow down to where your comfortable. Someone also mentioned to keep your RPM's down when climbing a hill. This is so true, because at lower speeds you will eventually spin-out. Your language will get really colorful when that happens.

Stay off the Jake!!!! Your trailer will come around on you in big hurry. Always remember the Jake is NOT slowing down that trailer just the tractor. If it's slick, that trailer will try to pass ya.

On and off ramps, are slicker than snot!!!!! Brake EARLY!!!!!! When I need to take any off ramp, I hit my turn signal and start slowing down well in advance. Just plan on driving on pure ice as soon as you get off that interstate.

Talk and listen to other drivers on the CB. Never turn it down or shut it off. They're pretty good at telling you what's up ahead and what to watch out for. They're a great help out there.

Take your time. Better to get there late, than not at all.

 

Definately don't use the jake in slippery conditions.

I drive a truck with wide based singles on the drives, and I often travel very long distances with my empty flatbed between loads. Definately don't use the jake!!

Also, drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions. Depending on your truck, how you are loaded, your driving experience, and your comfort level, that speed might be far different than what others are doing around you. Don't worry about those guys and just worry about yourself. Get home safe!