Next week kicks off the holiday season for many Americans, and that means wintery weather is just around the corner! With all the warm and fuzzies this season can bring, it also welcomes in a host of predictable risk factors for commercial truck drivers. Whether you’re an insurance agent partnering with commercial truckers and fleets, or you’re a long haul truck driver yourself, this handy round up of truck stops for the holiday season will help you meet winter weather risk head on.
Trucking Risk Rises Over the Holidays
Black Friday means intense holiday shopping with retail, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer sales beginning even earlier this year in November. With this, the peak shipping season has begun!
Remember these driver risk factors that increase over the winter months:
- Higher Freight Volume – As temperatures drop, line hauls along with first mile, middle mile, and final mile deliveries rise. There’s infinitely more to manage for fleet owners and independent truckers during this busy delivery period.
- Driver Fatigue – Driver fatigue becomes a greater risk due to heavier volumes, more family communication, winter driving conditions, and financial pressures.
- Hazardous Conditions – Winter weather creates more hazardous driving conditions and longer travel times.
- Engine Failure – Cold temperatures can cause regular diesel to gel and become solid, increasing the potential for clogged or poorly functioning engines.
These are just a few of the challenges that commercial truck drivers face during the holidays, and the implications of these risk factors are significant. The National Safety Council data demonstrates that large truck accidents are more likely to happen from September – December.
To prepare for the holiday season, it’s helpful for truckers to know which truck stops provide not only the fuel they need for their semis, but also nutritious food that is hearty to fuel their bodies. Seasonal expenses need to be carefully managed for commercial transportation businesses during this busy season. With that in mind, let’s look at our ROUND UP OF HOLIDAY TRUCK STOPS ACROSS AMERICA that offer a salve to the winter woes.
Trucking accidents are more likely to occur from September through December.
– NSC
Trucking Risk Rises Over the Holidays
Truck drivers may look for particular amenities at a truck stop during peak holiday season. Convenience and comfort are always top of mind while safety reigns in priority. To that end:
- Well-lit parking lots and heated rest areas can be a lifesaver during snowstorms and colder, darker winter months.
- Winterized diesel can help prevent untimely engine problems.
- On-site maintenance becomes particularly important for tire checks and cold-weather related repairs like frozen fuel lines.
- Accessible parking, affordable fuel, homestyle food, warm showers, and winter weather gear are travel center amenities that are always appreciated.a
Finally, holiday deals, entertainment, and other winter-themed truck stop events may be welcomed by over-the-road drivers who are pulling holiday long hauls.
Truck drivers can seek out truck stops with Diesel #1, or “winter diesel” when driving in cold weather to prevent engine problems.
Holiday Long Hauls and Where to Stop
Iowa 80 Truckstop
Iowa 80 Truckstop prides itself on being the “world’s largest truckstop” at Exit 284 off I-80 in Walcott, Iowa. It’s a destination for truckers and family RV travelers alike! In addition to a robust list of standard amenities – like 900 parking spaces in a well-lit, secure lot and a bustling food court – Iowa 80 also offers a Truckomat wash, laundry center, fleet maintenance, a workout room, a museum, an annual Trucker’s Jamboree event, and more. Learn more about Iowa 80 on its Youtube channel.
Truck Stops Across America
These well-known truck stop chains offer secure parking and rest areas, ample fuel lanes, and hearty nourishment over the holiday season. Many locations offer truck maintenance and washes, as well as seasonal promotions and discounts.
- TA Travel Centers of America offers 280 locations across 44 states and Canada. Its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Day all-you-can-eat buffets are offered throughout.
- Love’s Travel Stops boasts 510 locations in 41 states. Maintenance, convenience stores, and financial services for fleets are on the list of benefits at Love’s. If you’re trying to keep fit over the holidays, Love’s offers a master list of nutrition facts on its food and beverage offerings.
- Pilot Flying J claims to be the largest network of travel centers in America with 750 locations in 44 states and Canada. Holiday savings include discounts on coffee and fuel.
Peak Season Trucking Increases Risk and Demand for Winter Truck Stop Amenities
Let’s summarize. As peak shipping season merges with colder weather and longer periods of darkness, the risk of trucking accidents increases. Truck drivers are in need of truck stops that offer solutions to meet this risk head on. Planning ahead for long hauls or full days of final mile routes can greatly reduce driver risk over the holidays, ensuring each delivery is made safely and on-time – just like our favorite jolly elf in the red suit!
If you’re a fleet owner managing several drivers or a fleet insurer, we encourage you to share this guide to “Best Truck Stops for the Holidays: Where to Fuel Up, Maintain Your Vehicle, and Rest Safely.” You just might make their next haul a whole lot better!
