If you want to become a driver, it’s easy to find plenty of job options in a transportation company in Chicago. But as with any career, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in a job before you change careers. Trucking jobs are not easy and involve a number of unique challenges.
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Truck drivers have to spend many hours on the road, and winter nights are no exception. However, it is at night that work can be a bit challenging. In addition to working when everyone else is enjoying a good night’s sleep, you have to deal with the discomfort and cold of nighttime driving. There is a way for truckers to stay warm at night. Several things can help truck drivers stay warm at night. In addition to the general rule of dressing when weather is cold, there are nine practical tips to help truckers stay warm at night.
Truck drivers should get ready for night winter driving. If you want to be warm all night, you need to wrap up! Spread your budget between thermal socks, thick gloves, blankets and everything that will keep you warm.
It’s not enough to have the necessary supplies in your truck. If you often drive at night, especially in the winter, you need to know some tricks to stay warm during the coldest months of the year.
1. Inspect your truck
Before you set out on your journey, it’s essential to take the time to check your truck closely to ensure everything is functioning optimally. Professional truckers go through a list of things including verifying fluid levels, changing wiper blades, assessing the headlights, and inspecting the tires.
You may be wondering what any of that has to do with your cab’s internal temperature. The answer is: everything. If your engine is running at peak performance, your truck will keep running smoothly and will generate enough heat to keep the cab comfortably warm.
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2. Turn on the heater
One great suggestion for keeping your vehicle warm while driving at night is to turn the heater on for a while prior to going to bed. Before you turn in for the evening, crank up the heat to maximum level and let it stay running. This will keep the enclosed area of your vehicle a maintained warmth that will still be there when you switch off the motor. Remember though, to shut off the heater prior to going to bed, otherwise, you will wake up to a cold, blowing heater.
Another suggestion that can prove beneficial is to buy a heater that is powered by an outside source. Through this method, you will avoid draining the battery while the heater is running.
3. Smart layering works wonders
As a trucker, a warm and comfortable sleeping bag is essential for those night trips. Temperature can get extremely low, so it’s important to find one designed to provide the right level of warmth. Investing in a good quality sleeping bag is an extremely wise decision as you’ll be able to use it even outside of those miles you drive. To protect your bag from wear and tear, adding some layers of blankets will provide extra insulation and ensure your sleep is undisturbed.
4. 12-volt mattress pads.
If you want to remain comfortably warm throughout the night without taking up excessive amounts of fuel, then 12-volt mattress pads should make their way onto your must-have shopping list. These mattress pads can easily be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket of your truck and provide the necessary warmth that your body needs without the need to idle the engine.
It should also be noted, however, that the power delivered to the cab is sourced from a collection of batteries. Therefore, drivers must be careful to adhere to the set voltage limits or risk appliances drawing excess power which could then deplete the battery or even the truck’s starter itself.
5. Invest in a down comforter
Sleeping bags are quite useful when requesting additional warmth at night. When you first hop in, the temperature can feel quite frigid and it may take a considerable amount of time before you start becoming truly comfortable. However, a down comforter will keep you feeling nice and cozy in a jiffy. On top of that, if you don’t particularly enjoy dealing with a bag, a down plaid is an excellent alternative.
6. Homemade insulation with sun visors
The addition of sun visors to your windshield is an inexpensive and useful way to protect yourself from the bright light of the morning sun and keep you warm during the colder nights. They really do come in handy during those bright, sunny days by shielding your eyes from the glaring light and reducing uncomfortable sun glare on the road. Suitable for both day and night, they will make your journey more bearable and a lot more comfortable on those long drives.
7. Keep your sleeping bag instantly warm
Do you already possess a sleeping bag yet still want to stay toasty when resting? There is an uncomplicated option to make sure you stay warm all night long – all you need are a few plastic objects and hot water! Fill the bottles with hot water and place them in your sleeping bag before you hit the hay. You will be cozy and comfy in no time, and you won’t need to spend a dime! Plus, you will have the pleasure of cutting down on the chilliness as you drift off to dreamland, ensuring a snuggly, restful night!
8. Open a window in the winter
As temperatures begin to drop outside, it becomes increasingly important to stay warm and keep moisture out of your car, both in order to remain comfortable all night. A fast and easy method for this is to slightly open one of your windows.
It may appear counterintuitive to open a window in order to keep warm, however this small gap will ensure that the moisture in the air is released from the vehicle and does not continue to reduce the temperature inside the cabin. You do not have to open the windows completely; just enough to allow the moisture to escape.
9. Become familiar with corporate rules.
It is essential for all drivers to be familiar with their respective company’s policies regarding the operation of the truck in cold temperatures. Many companies demand that drivers turn off the vehicle temporarily when idling, but some permit the engine to remain running if it is exceptionally cold. Thus, prior to departing, it is wise to acquaint yourself with the regulations of your company on this subject.
Furthermore, knowledge of the company’s policy concerning rest is just as important. Generally, employers demand that truck drivers get some rest before hitting the road; how long you are required to pause is determined by the company. As a result, it is useful to be aware of this before you set off, so you can plan accordingly and rest at a warm and comfortable motel instead of stepping into the cold to sleep in your truck.
