Heat Wave Hits Northeast: Strategies for Safe Trucking and Shipping

As Americans from Kansas to Maine brace for a grilling heat wave with temperatures expected to hit triple digits, the trucking and shipping industry face significant challenges.  Extreme heat can affect various aspects of transportation, from vehicle performance to the integrity of the goods being shipped.  Understanding these impacts and how to mitigate them is crucial for maintaining efficient and safe operations during hot weather.

Heat Wave Predictions and Health Warnings

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about an "extreme" heat risk that will start in Iowa and Missouri and move east throughout the week.  This heat dome will cover Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, with Detroit potentially reaching 100 degrees.  The extreme heat will also affect parts of upstate New York and cities on the Eastern Seaboard, including Philadelphia and Washington, by the weekend.  New England will experience the worst of the heat, with temperatures in Boston reaching as high as 98 degrees.

Impact on Trucking and Shipping:

Vehicle Performance and Maintenance

Hot weather can severely impact the performance and maintenance of trucks:

  • Engine Overheating: Trucks are prone to engine overheating in high temperatures, leading to potential breakdowns and delays.  Cooling systems must work harder, increasing wear and tear.
  • Tire Safety: Heat causes the air inside tires to expand, increasing the risk of blowouts.  Proper tire maintenance is crucial.
  • Brake Efficiency: Excessive heat reduces brake efficiency, posing safety risks.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Regular maintenance checks, focusing on cooling systems and tire pressure.
  • Using high-quality, heat-resistant tires.
  • Ensuring brakes are properly adjusted and using brake cooling systems.

Driver Health and Safety

Drivers face the risk of heat stress and dehydration, which can affect concentration and reaction times:

  • Heat Stress: Staying hydrated and taking regular breaks is essential to prevent heat-related illnesses.
  • Cabin Conditions: Functional air conditioning systems in truck cabins are critical for driver comfort and safety.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Encourage drivers to stay hydrated and take regular breaks.
  • Equip trucks with efficient air conditioning systems.
  • Provide training on recognizing and managing heat-related illnesses.

Integrity of Shipped Goods

High temperatures can spoil perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals.  Maintaining the cold chain during transport is crucial:

  • Perishable Goods: Use refrigerated trucks and monitor temperature conditions throughout the shipment process using IoT devices and sensors.
  • Packaging Materials: Ensure proper packaging that can withstand high temperatures.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Use refrigerated trucks for transporting perishable goods.
  • Monitor temperature conditions throughout the shipment process.
  • Ensure proper packaging that can withstand high temperatures.

Road Scholar Transport Solutions:

·       24-hour expedited service, dock-to-dock with NO transfers.

·       We NOT use blankets to sustain temperature.  Our temperature-protect trailers can be set to temperatures as high as 89°F (and reversely, as low as -22°F) and are equipped to handle even the tightest temperature ranges, having imbedded technology that tracks the temperature within and alerts our team in the event that the temperature goes out of range so we can rectify the situation prior to the product losing its integrity. 

·       Customers can track their shipment live throughout the entire transportation process

·       We can provide a complete record of the temperature within the trailer at any given time, even months after delivery, as well as each time the trailer door was opened/closed.

·       Check out Road Scholar Transport’s temperature-controlled shipping page for more information.

Increased Operational Costs

Hot weather increases operational costs due to less fuel efficiency and frequent maintenance needs:

  • Fuel Efficiency: Vehicles tend to be less fuel-efficient in hot weather due to increased load on cooling systems and air conditioning.
  • Maintenance Costs: Frequent maintenance and part replacements due to high temperatures strain budgets.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Implement fuel-efficient driving practices.
  • Schedule regular maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns.
  • Invest in high-quality components that can withstand extreme conditions.

Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with regulations for transporting temperature-sensitive goods is critical to avoid fines and legal issues:

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Stay updated on relevant regulations and industry standards.
  • Use advanced monitoring systems to ensure compliance.

The impact of hot weather on the trucking and shipping industry is multifaceted, affecting vehicle performance, driver safety, the integrity of goods, operational costs, and regulatory compliance.  By implementing proactive measures such as regular maintenance, efficient cooling systems, proper training, and advanced monitoring technologies, the industry can mitigate these challenges and ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods even in extreme temperatures.

 


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