Winter Tips for Commercial Trucks and Drivers

Updated October 28, 2024

As temperatures begin to drop, fleet managers face unique challenges to keep vehicles and drivers safe on winter roads. Preparation is key, especially when it comes to winterizing diesel fuel systems and implementing winter safety practices that protect both your fleet and your drivers.

Fuel and Vehicle Preparation for Winter Conditions

Winterizing your fleet goes beyond choosing the right fuel—it includes comprehensive maintenance practices to prevent fuel-related issues. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), the most common diesel fuel in the U.S., offers environmental benefits, but its low sulfur content also makes it more susceptible to winter-related issues. Here are essential maintenance tips to improve your diesel fleet’s winter performance:

• Fuel Additives: Add a diesel fuel anti-gel additive when temperatures fall below 20°F to prevent the fuel from gelling and clogging the lines.
• Winter Blends: Ensure your tanks are filled with a winter-blended fuel that’s formulated to handle colder temperatures.
• Fuel Tank Level: Keep fuel tanks at least half full to prevent condensation buildup, which can cause freeze-ups in fuel lines and filters.
• Cold Weather Route Planning: Consider the coldest points of the route to properly treat and prepare fuel. This extra planning can make all the difference in maintaining fleet performance in extreme weather.

At Ryder, our preventive maintenance services include winter preparation by draining vehicle fuel tank sumps to remove water, along with other pre-winter maintenance required by our Standard Repair Practices. Our fueling locations prepare for winter by offering a special winter blend fuel with anti-gel and deicer additives, helping to prevent breakdowns and downtime due to fuel line and filter freeze-ups.

Additional Winter Safety Tips for Fleet Operations

1. Battery Checks: Cold temperatures put more strain on vehicle batteries. Ensure batteries are tested, charged, and ready to withstand freezing conditions.

2. Coolant and Antifreeze Levels: Proper coolant levels and antifreeze mixtures are crucial to prevent engine freezing and overheating. Check and maintain these levels frequently during winter.

3. Tire Inspections and Chains: Check tire tread depth regularly, as winter roads demand maximum traction. In snowy regions, ensure vehicles are equipped with chains or snow tires.

4. Windshield Wiper Fluid and Blades: Use winter-grade wiper fluid that won’t freeze in colder temperatures. Replace wiper blades to ensure they can handle ice and snow buildup.

Addressing Winter Driver Fatigue

Winter driving conditions are taxing, and driver fatigue becomes an even more pressing issue. Fatigue isn’t just about sleep; it’s also about the physical and mental strain of driving in winter weather. Here are 10 tips to help prevent driver fatigue:

1. Open Communication: Foster an open, honest culture where drivers can report fatigue without fear of repercussions.

2. Consider HOS Compliance and Commute Time: Plan routes that allow drivers sufficient rest while complying with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

3. Encourage Rest Breaks: Teach drivers to take breaks if they feel tired—15 minutes of rest can provide up to two hours of alertness.

4. Pre- and Post-Trip Feedback: Regularly check in with drivers to get feedback on their fatigue levels.

5. Signs of Fatigue: Train drivers to recognize signs like yawning, blinking frequently, or feeling drowsy and to take a break if they notice them.

6. Highway Preference: Plan routes using highways as much as possible for better access to rest areas.

7. Lane Tracking Devices: Consider using lane tracking systems to alert drivers if they unintentionally drift between lanes.

8. Avoid Early Morning Driving: Fatigue is more common during pre-dawn hours, so try to schedule around these times if possible.

9. Medication Awareness: Remind drivers that some over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, impacting alertness on the road.

10. Healthy Eating: Encourage light, nutritious meals over heavy or sugary foods, which can lead to fatigue.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue is a factor in 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and over 1,000 deaths. Empowering your drivers with knowledge and safe driving practices is critical to protecting both lives and operational productivity.

Winter Safety at Ryder

Ryder’s preventive maintenance and winter fuel solutions are designed to keep fleets operating smoothly even in the harshest winter conditions. From anti-gel and deicer additives to pre-winter maintenance practices, Ryder supports fleet safety and reduces downtime risks during the cold months. This winter, make fleet safety a priority to ensure the resilience and reliability of your operations.