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Preparing for the Cooler Weather


​​​As autumn approaches and the days grow shorter, it's vital for trucking companies and drivers to prepare for the challenges that colder weather brings. With the first day of Fall on September 22, operations need to be optimized for maintaining safety and efficiency during the winter months ahead. From selecting the right fuel additives to ensuring your drivers have a comprehensive Winter Survival Kit, there are numerous steps that can be taken to safeguard against potential hazards on the road. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips and statistics that highlight the importance of winter preparedness for truck drivers, ensuring they stay safe and effective in their critical roles.

In this issue:​​

  • Fuel Additive Use during Cold Weather Conditions.
  • How to Make a Cold Weather Survival Kit.
  • Registration is open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Fall Safety Seminar!

Monday, September 22, marks the beginning of Fall. It's essential to start getting your operations ready for the colder weather on the way. Ensure your drivers are well-informed about what they need to do to maintain their trucks efficiently throughout the winter months.

Fuel Additive Use During Cold Weather Conditions

It's essential to add fuel additives that prevent gelling whenever the temperature drops below 32°F. Popular brands like Power Service and Penray offer effective products, which can be found at our McCandless Truck Center and Idealease locations.

Power Service

  • The “Red Bottle” (Power Service 911) should be used only when the fuel in a unit has already gelled.
  • 911 is not to be used as a regular additive to prevent gelling.
  • The “White Bottle” (Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost) should be added at each fill when the ambient temperature is below 30°F.
  • This is the additive recommended for regular use during the winter months.

Penray

  • Winter Thaw Emergency Diesel Fuel Supplement: Quickly dissolves gelled fuel and minimizes filter clogging while preventing ice crystal formation. It's compatible with low-sulfur fuel.
  • Winter Pow-R Plus Diesel Fuel Supplement: ULSD compliant; prevents fuel gelling, enhances cetane, and improves fuel economy. It also stabilizes fuel, reduces emissions, and enhances lubricity.

How to Make a Cold Weather Survival Kit for Truck Drivers

Every driver should keep a Winter Survival Kit in their truck, as it can be lifesaving in emergencies. Consider including the following items:

  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper and small broom
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Water
  • Snack food (energy bars, raisins, mini candy bars)
  • Matches and small candles
  • Disposable hand/foot warmers
  • Extra hats, socks, and mittens
  • First-aid kit with a pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • Blankets or a sleeping bag
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
  • Booster cables
  • Fluorescent distress flag and whistle
  • Cell phone adapter for vehicle lighter and/or extra battery supply

Driving a Truck Is a Dangerous Job

While people often think of police officers, firefighters, and construction workers as having dangerous jobs, statistics reveal that tractor-trailer truck drivers also face significant risks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • One out of every seven American workers killed on the job is a tractor-trailer truck driver.
  • In 2022, 625 tractor-trailer truck drivers were killed while working.
  • Of these fatalities, 78% were caused by transportation incidents.

In fact, they are three times more likely than the average American worker to sustain such injuries. Common causes include slips and falls, overexertion from lifting and loading, and prolonged sitting or poor posture. Injured truck drivers often have longer recovery times. Half need at least 20 days off compared to just nine days for the average worker, with 42% missing over a month of work. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works to reduce crashes with large trucks and buses, providing online safety resources through "Our Roads, Our Responsibility," which promotes safe roadway sharing. For further information on preventing musculoskeletal disorders, check OSHA's resources, and for additional statistics on job-related injuries and fatalities, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. We hope these insights assist employers in enhancing the working conditions for tractor-trailer drivers.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Fall Safety Seminars!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025.  The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.

Upcoming Fall Seminars:

  • 9/30/2025 - Knoxville, TN
  • 10/7/2025 - Orlando, FL
  • 10/14/2025 - Atlanta, GA
  • 10/16/2025 - Nashville, TN
  • 10/21/2025 - Los Angeles, CA
  • 10/23/2025 - Linthicum, MD

To register for an upcoming fall seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards




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