Beat the Heat – Ways to Cool Off on the Road

ImageWe’re all trying to make it through the hottest time of the year, and when your job takes you all over the country, you really feel the impact. The temperature outside doesn’t even compare to the temperature inside a cab that’s been sitting off or with a broken air conditioning unit.

Not to mention that many of you will be climbing in and out of the back of the trailer to help facilitate loading and unloading. The more you do, typically the better it is for you, but when it is one-hundred degrees out it becomes a safety issue.

Some quick tips to help cool yourself off:

Work with the heat. Like your truck, if the temperature rises too high you will overheat.

  • Drink water. It will replace the sweat and liquids you are losing to the heat and make sure you don’t pass out from dehydration. Take a cooler when you’re on the road and stay hydrated!
  • Buy a portable fan for both your cab and dry van. If your Isuzu or Hino trailer has electrical outlets it might be a good idea to move the fan out there when loading and unloading.
  • Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays, use waterproof sunscreen, and a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.

Depending on what part of the country you are in, the heat can have different affects on your body. Some people call it “dry heat” vs “humid.” One might feel a bit cooler with a dry heat but you are still losing water just as fast. Don’t forget to hydrate no matter what.