Owner Operator of the Month – May 2024 – William
06/14/2024
Owner Operator of the Month – June 2024 – Michael
07/23/2024A Serious Look at Summer Heat & Funny Solutions for Owner Operators
Summer’s here, and for our fellow owner operators, that means battling the heat while braving the roads. While we highly recommend prioritizing tried-and-true methods like staying hydrated and cranking the AC, we also believe a little laughter can go a long way. So, buckle up, because we’re about to share some lighthearted, maybe slightly out-there hacks to keep you cool on those scorching summer hauls.
Remember, safety first, but a little laughter never hurts anyone (except maybe your copilot if you try some of these).
Methods for Keeping Your Cool
Cooling Spray: These are spray bottles filled with a minty or citrus-scented solution that you spray on yourself to feel cooler. While the scent might be refreshing, the cooling effect is likely to be temporary. But hey, it’s a great excuse to use a nice personal mist.
Canned air “blasters”: These are small cans of compressed air, that you might already have in your maintenance kit, can spray on yourself for a quick burst of cool air. Instant, not-long-lasting results.
Fans Fans Fans.
- 12-volt or USB fan: These small, affordable fans can plug into your truck’s 12-volt or USB outlets. Some clip onto your visor or dashboard and can provide a directional flow of air. If you have a power bank, put it on your lawn chair for dinner or relaxing time!
- Battery-powered fan: This type of fan runs on batteries and is completely portable. It’s a good option for when you need to be outside of the truck for a while. More temperature control options for evening reading or chatting with other drivers!
- Funny trucker hats with built-in fans: Stay cool AND block some sun. Meanwhile, look awesome!
Eat cooling foods. Fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and celery, can help to keep you cool.
Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. These substances can dehydrate you and make you feel hotter. (haha, no coffee or soda on the road? Yeah right!)
Pack a portable refrigerator or cooler. You can store cool drinks and healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day. Some of these small fridges can be powered by your 12V outlet.
Park in the shade whenever possible. This will help to prevent the sun from heating up the interior of the cab. (Clearly only advice for stopovers – telling you to drive in the shade of another truck is just too ridiculous).
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or clothes made from non-breathable fabrics. Cotton is a good choice for hot weather. (or less clothing is an option; it is your own truck after all)
Invest in a ventilated seat or seat cover. A ventilated seat can help to keep you cool and comfortable on long drives. Some covers can wick away sweat to keep you dry too.
Take a cool shower or bath before you go to bed. This will help to lower your body temperature and make it easier to fall asleep.
Cooling towels: Small towels that can be moistened and worn around the neck or head to help you stay cool. And, well, ice packs – at least they won’t drip all over you.
Use sunshades and window covers. Reflective sunshades for the windshield and window covers for the side windows will help to block out the sun’s rays and keep the cab cooler.
Ventilate the cab before you get in. Open the windows and doors and let the hot air escape before you climb in for your shift. You can also use a fan to circulate the air – see the above, excellent fan suggestions!
Consider installing an auxiliary power unit (APU). If you don’t already have one, an APU is a small diesel engine that can power the truck’s air conditioning system while the main engine is off. This is a more expensive option, but it can be a lifesaver in hot weather.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Water is always the best choice, but you can also drink sugar-free sports drinks or electrolyte replacement beverages.
Heat Can Be Serious
Now that we’ve had a laugh, the summer heat conditions can be a very serious area of concern for truck drivers. While air conditioning is a trucker’s best friend, extreme temperatures can still take a toll. Staying cool isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety. Dehydration and heat stress can cloud your judgment and slow your reaction time, which is the last thing you want behind the wheel.
Beat the Heat Stroke: Our bodies are amazing machines, but they can only handle so much heat. When it gets scorching outside, your body works overtime to cool itself down. If you’re not careful, this extra effort can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is basically your body overheating. It can cause confusion, dizziness, and even seizures. Not exactly ideal conditions for driving a big rig!
Dehydration Drowsiness: Hot weather zaps your fluids faster than you might think. Dehydration sets in, and with it comes fatigue, headaches, and trouble concentrating. These symptoms are pretty nightmarish for anyone on the road, let alone professional drivers who need to be sharp for extended periods.
Sharpness Matters: Extreme heat can mess with your cognitive function. Reaction times slow down, and decision-making can become sluggish. This is especially risky on the road, where split-second reactions can mean the difference between a safe journey and an accident.
Keeping your cool on the road is crucial for owner operator safety and efficiency. Not only will you feel better and more alert behind the wheel, but you’ll also avoid the dangers of heat exhaustion that can slow you down and sideline you from your route. By taking some simple steps to manage the heat, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable ride.
Enjoyed the attempt at a little humor in this blog? That’s what it’s like driving with Trailer Transit, Inc. We take our jobs seriously, but have fun with our Trailer Transit family. If you’d like to drive with a transport company that likes to have a little fun, give us a call or check out our Join Our Team page for more information.
