How to Prepare Your Trucking Fleet for Winter

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With the temperatures slowly dropping, this is your friendly fall-time reminder to winterize your fleet.

Winter is no doubt the most challenging season for your company. High winds, rain, sleet, snow, and fog can reduce the road conditions and wreak havoc on your trucks. Your drivers will have to contend with this inclement weather through fewer daylight hours and sub-zero temperatures. 

Driving long distances during the winter can be hard on both your fleet and drivers. But you can prime your staff and equipment with the right coaching, maintenance chores, and repairs. 

Now’s the perfect time to get started on these tasks. Keep scrolling to find out how you can winterize safely on a budget. 

Budget Early for Repairs

You should build ongoing maintenance and winterization tasks into your operating budget. 

Unfortunately, winterizing your fleet can take a financial toll on your company, but it’s best to think of all the work you do now as an investment in tomorrow. 

According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related conditions are responsible for more than a third (36%) of all vehicle crashes, so the steps you take in preparing for these conditions can save your drivers and equipment from harm. 

Compare Equipment Financing Companies

A well-balanced budget can help you handle expected maintenance, but major repairs may still have the power to undo all your best-laid plans. 

If your mechanics determine some of your trucks aren’t roadworthy this winter, you can partner with an equipment financing expert to replace these vehicles. These experts help you find flexible equipment financing solutions that allow you to repair or purchase equipment and tools without delay. 

To find out what it takes to qualify for equipment financing, including commercial truck loans and leases, shop around online. Many equipment financing companies make it easy to see their services, rates, and terms directly on their websites. 

Prioritize Tire Health During Winter Check-Ups

Much like personal vehicles, the trucks that make up your fleet benefit from a comprehensive check-up. This should include the batteries, brakes, electrical and cooling systems, fuel filters, and water separators. 

However, your tires may need special attention, as they’ll take the brunt of the inclement weather on the roads. When carrying out your late fall-time maintenance, check the condition of your winter tires, paying close attention to their alignment, bearings, and tread patterns to ensure they’re ready for another season. 

Remind Drivers of Safe Winter Driving

Winter weather can be manageable if your drivers understand the safety rules for hauling through cold, snowy, and icy conditions. 

Send out a company-wide memo reminding your employees to adjust their driving to suit the conditions. They should buckle up, slow down, and proceed with caution to improve their traction when driving through snow, rain, ice, or other storm fronts that may obstruct their vision.  

Now would also be a good time to suggest they prepare their cabs for the season by putting together a winter survival kit. Here are some things that every driver should place in their kit:

• Water
• Non-Perishable Foods
• First-Aid Kit
• Flashlight and Batteries
• Blanket
• Gloves and Boots
• Snow Shovel, Scraper, and Brush
• Road Flares

Bottom Line

Harsh road conditions pose a challenge to your fleet, but it’s surmountable with the right preparation. Consider your equipment financing options, review the condition of your fleet, and coach your drivers through the season’s dangers. These tips can help you keep your business roadworthy through another winter.

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