During the last two weeks, we have seen storms drop 10+ inches of snow on the southern portion of the U.S. The following are recommendations to protect your drivers and trucks during these extreme weather conditions this fall.

Protecting the Driver

Cold weather precautions to prevent hypothermia and frostbite:

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature falls below normal. Early and mild symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, mental slowness

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or lethargy, muscular stiffness, and clumsiness. Symptoms of severe hypothermia include mental confusion, disorientation, stupor or coma, absence of shivering, stiff or rigid muscles, shallow and very slow breathing, weak pulse, and a drop in blood pressure. If symptoms are detected, especially in the elderly, seek immediate medical help.

To prevent hypothermia, take the following precautions:

  • Wear several layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing. Items that wick moisture away from the skin are best.

  • Use gloves and knit caps to retain body heat.

  • Change clothing if it becomes wet.

  • Carry an emergency kit containing a change of clothes, a blanket, hand warmers, and snacks in case of being stranded.

  • Eat hot, nutritious meals and drink water. This is important during winter as well.

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages.

  • Make sure drivers have a way to communicate in the event of a breakdown in rural operating areas.

Many prescription drugs may increase sensitivity to cold. Check with your physician or pharmacist to determine whether your medication falls into this category.

Frostbite, especially when the wind chill factor is very low, can also be a problem. Symptoms include changes in skin appearance such as swelling or reddish, bluish, or whitish coloring, numbness, stiffness, or rigidity. If untreated, frostbite can lead to the loss of fingers, toes, or other affected areas. To prevent frostbite, protect skin from direct exposure to cold air and extreme temperatures.

Protecting the Truck

  1. Diesel supplement should be added to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel when temperatures drop below 32°F.

  2. If your truck is equipped with an engine block heater, it should be plugged in when temperatures are below 32°F. Trucks that are not in use should be started and run daily to reach normal operating temperature.

    DieselFuel

  3. Initial startup procedure should be as follows: complete a pre-trip inspection, unplug the block heater, turn the ignition switch to “on” and wait for dash lights to stop cycling, start the engine, and allow it to run until operating temperature increases.

  4. For trucks equipped with air brakes, drivers should purge air tanks daily. If the unit has an air dryer, bringing the PSI to 120 will automatically purge the system.

  5. When driving in snow, ice, slush, or rain, lightly apply the brakes before parking to dry brake shoes, drums, rotors, and pads to prevent freezing.

  6. Ensure windshield washer fluid is full and all windows are clean.

  7. Remove any ice or snow buildup from steps and grab handles to prevent slips and falls.

  8. When parking, if heavy snow is forecasted, avoid leaving the unit at an outside dock or near building overhangs. Snow can drift from buildings, causing excessive accumulation on the top of the truck or trailer and potentially collapsing the roof.

Preventing Driver Injuries in Fall and Winter

Slip, trip, and fall injuries are the most common type of injury for drivers, especially during winter months. Each year, thousands of professional drivers are seriously injured due to inattention in winter conditions. Working in ice and snow requires full awareness.

  • Remember: our primary goal is that you return home to your family and friends the same way you came to work—safe and healthy.

  • Always wear proper footwear: full-support leather shoes with rugged, non-slip soles. Use non-slip covers (Yaktrax, etc.) when necessary.

  • Slow down. Never be in a hurry.

    Winter Fall Risk

  • Always watch where you walk. Snow can accumulate over ice in parking areas.

  • Take small steps and check your footing.

  • Look for ice on all handrails and grab handles before using them.

  • Always use gloves for better grip.

  • Always maintain three points of contact when entering or exiting your tractor or trailer, or when using the catwalk behind the cab.

  • Always wear your seat belt.

  • Slow down!

Important Steps for Handling Diesel Exhaust Fluid in Cold Weather

Winter poses special challenges for equipment using diesel exhaust fluid. DEF is made from technically pure urea and purified water and freezes at 11°F (-11°C). It must be properly maintained and dispensed to preserve its quality, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

Like water, DEF expands up to 7% when frozen and can damage storage tanks if they are full or nearly full. Keeping DEF tanks less than full during cold temperatures is recommended.

Got Chains?

If you operate in states that require chains to be carried, ensure they are the correct size, properly secured, clean, and undamaged so they can be applied easily when needed.

To check your state’s chain laws, visit:

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html

FMCSA Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates Remain Unchanged for 2026

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has confirmed that minimum random drug and alcohol testing rates will remain unchanged in 2026. Motor carriers must continue testing:

  • 50% of CDL drivers for drugs

  • 10% for alcohol

These rates were last updated in 2020.