Navigating Summer Traffic

Now— summer is just around the corner. What does that mean? An increase in the number of vehicles and the annoying Class A Motorhomes on the road as people enjoy their summer vacations. So, what does it mean for truck drivers during the summer? More vehicles in your way on your journey to deliver your loads.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in trucking, let’s talk about how you can navigate summer time traffic.

The Cause of Summer Traffic

By now we should understand that there are several factors that contribute to summer traffic.

1. Vacation Season: Families embark on road trips.
2. Construction Projects: Many road projects take place due to improved weather conditions.
3. Festivals and Events: Festivals and summer events draw large crowds, increasing traffic to various regions.
4. Commercial Traffic: There’s an increase in demand for goods and products, especially during summer sales and promotions.

Embrace the Early Bird Life

Do you recall the phrase, “the early bird gets the worm” or “early to rise – early to thrive?” Well, in trucking it’s more like, “the early trucker misses the traffic jams.” To avoid morning traffic, especially during rush hours, start your day earlier, as early as 01:00 am.

The Impact on Truck Drivers

For truck drivers, summer traffic comes with a new set of challenges.

• Delays: Congestion may lead to longer travel time and delivery schedules being delayed.
• Safety Concerns: More traffic can increase the risk of accidents and collisions. The number one cause of heavy traffic.
• Fatigue: Prolonged periods spent navigating through congested roads can contribute to driver exhaustion.
• Regulatory Compliance: It becomes a lot harder to stick to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations when traffic delays disrupt travel time.

Related: Get To Know Driver Hours of Service Regulations

Patience is a Virtue

This one might be easier said than done, especially when you’re stuck behind a line of slow cars. Take a deep breath, turn up the radio, and channel your inner Zen, getting worked up over traffic won’t make it disappear. Let’s work on developing a calm and collected mindset while on the road. This could help you avoid any level of altercation on the road. You might even discover a good audiobook or podcast to listen to. A great podcast option is Haulin Assets.

Related: Best Trucking Playlists for Every Mood

Keep in mind that getting upset on the road to the point of road rage is never good for anyone. Road rage incidents cause more traffic problems, accidents and moving violations. The consequences are just not worth it.

Stay Cool (Literally and Figuratively)

Summer heat can turn even the most level-headed trucker into a cranky, sweaty mess. Instead of letting your temperature rise due to frustration, take proactive measures to stay cool— figuratively.

Literally— Invest in a good quality fan or portable AC unit for your cab, stay stocked on ice-cold drinks. Keeping up on your truck maintenance can help you avoid unexpected issues during the heat of the summer.

Plan Your Pit Stops

Rest stops can either be a blessing or a curse. Do you take a chance and hope for a parking spot, or do you play it safe and stop at the next available exit? Another benefit of starting your day early is that you are likely to find more parking options when it comes time to stop for the day.

When it comes to summer traffic, strategic planning is key. By utilizing a tool like FuelStream, you can plan your route accordingly to not only save you money at those pit stops, but help you plan your pit stops with the summer traffic. By strategically planning your route and pit stops, you can minimize the impact of summer traffic on your journey.

Additional Strategies for Summer Traffic

• Stay informed: Ensure that you are well informed about weather forecasts, road closures, and traffic incidents along your route. Use a GPS or App that shows trucking specific routing, that is updated with road conditions so you can modify your route if needed.
• Take breaks wisely: It’s a good thing to keep stops to a minimum to avoid delays but never jeopardize safety.

By being prepared with the necessary tools to help you navigate the roads, remain cool, and stay patient during the summer season, you will be able to effectively navigate through summer traffic.

Related: Motor Carrier Safety Tips
Related: How Technology is Impacting the Motor Carrier Industry