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- Examine the vehicle\u2019s air system to ensure there is no moisture in it that can freeze into ice and cause the system to shut down.<\/li>\n
- Check tire pressure and tread depth because weather can affect inflation.<\/li>\n
- Look at the charge in batteries, which tend to be less efficient in colder temperatures.<\/li>\n
- Remind drivers of the importance of keeping sensors and cameras that are part of the advanced driver assistance systems clear of snow and ice so the systems can operate as designed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also remind truckers to drive even more carefully during the winter than they do during other times of the year. Roads can be slick without appearing to be, and one fast acceleration on a slippery road can spell disaster.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also a good idea to suggest your drivers put together a \u201csurvival\u201d kit to carry in the cab during the winter. Blankets, water, snacks, and flashlights can all come in handy when the truck and driver are sitting on the side of the road or stuck in a weather-related traffic jam.<\/p>\n
As you are reading this, I imagine you are wondering what this has to do with freight efficiency? While it’s true that a truck not moving isn’t using any fuel so one could argue that was very efficient. But trucks are designed to deliver goods, so every time they are sidelined, they are actually very inefficient.<\/p>\n
Adding to the inefficiency, when a truck is stuck on the side of the road in the winter, the driver is very likely going to idle the engine to keep warm. As we know, idling is extremely inefficient<\/a>, but no one can blame the driver for idling the vehicle\u2019s main engine in cold temperatures to keep warm while waiting for a tow or emergency repair.<\/p>\n
Since drivers are a key element to a fleet\u2019s success, let\u2019s make sure that\u2014especially in the winter\u2014the trucks are up to date on their maintenance and make sure to give extra attention to components that may be affected by cold weather. While we should hope for the best\u2014no roadside breakdowns during the winter, no weather-related traffic difficulties\u2014we need to prepare for the worst and make sure drivers have a supply of the things that they will need to weather whatever winter throws at them.<\/p>\n
\nMichael Roeth has worked in the commercial vehicle industry for nearly 30 years, most recently as executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency. He serves on the second National Academy of Sciences Committee on Technologies and Approaches for Reducing the Fuel Consumption of Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles and has held various positions in engineering, quality, sales, and plant management with Navistar and Behr\/Cummins.<\/i><\/p>\n
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By Michael Roeth<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
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