The Five Biggest Changes Summer Brings for Truck Drivers

Summer is coming! Here at Platinum Drivers, we’ve got five big changes to watch out and be prepared for. In ways both good and bad, the summer is unlike any other time of year for commercial truck drivers.

The Weather

That’s right. Get ready for the hottest temperatures of the year. But remember that it doesn’t stop there. In summer months more than any other time, the weather can change on a dime. So enjoy every minute of fresh, warm air rushing through the cabin, but keep in mind that the sky could get dark at any moment, and be ready to proceed with caution. It’s can be tough to track and predict the weather when you’re traveling long distances on a trip.

Your Diet

If there’s one dietary tip to stress for truck drivers during the summer months, it’s to stay hydrated. Hot temperatures tend to sap the moisture out of our bodies, and it’s easy to forget to compensate by driving plenty of water, even if it means a few extra pee breaks. When you do pull over, do yourself a favor and take advantage of the abundance of tasty and healthy fruits and vegetables readily available on the side of country roads.

The Sun

We’ve good some good news and some bad news. The good news is that the Sun’s rays can feel mighty good on your arm stretched out on a beautiful summer day. The bad news is that if you don’t properly protect yourself, those rays can do some serious long-term damage to your skin. You may actually spot a retired truck driver by the way one side of their skin on face looks older than the other. Just remember to use sunscreen.

The Traffic

There are definitely more cars on the road in the summer than at any other time of year. Depending on the driver you ask, this can be a good thing or a bad thing. Some might feel a little less lonely and isolated when they’re surrounding by family minivans and tour buses, while others might see it as only a hindrance to their duties. Either way, it’s important to adjust to heavier traffic while exercising caution as usual.

The Roadwork

There’s really no debate when it comes to summer roadwork. No matter who you ask, it’s a huge pain in the you-know-what. Still, it’s important to slow down when you see those temporary construction signs and keep your eye out for workers on the road. Actually, you might as well roll your window down and thank them, as healthy roads make your job a heck of a lot easier.

If driving a truck this summer sounds like something you’re interested in, contact Platinum Drivers for commercial driving opportunities in Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.