
Set a 9:00 AM alert for tomorrow’s trucking news and read our concise briefs first. This helps address shifting policies and infrastructure funding before peers. You’ll hear responses from carriers, shippers, and regulators that shape the movement of goods, and you’ll see what’s lost when disruptions hit the network. Use these quick takeaways to help teams across departments stay aligned around each operation with a shared set of goals.
observed growth around 4.6% in freight movement last quarter, totaling approximately $58B in value across core lanes. lsps volumes rose to 2.1 million units, underscoring capacity tightness and the need for coordinated planning. Review these shifts against current policies and map long-term capacity to guide your operations.
Here are concrete steps to stay ahead: each plan centers on data, collaboration, and rapid execution. First, track units for your network and compare lanes to last quarter to target savings. Second, map infrastructure bottlenecks and coordinate with carriers and 3PLs to improve ruch flow. Third, align with long-term policies that support sustainable growth and safer operations. Compared to six months ago, the pace of change remains steady, so keep responses sharp and amplify team efforts to address bottlenecks around critical corridors.
To turn updates into action, focus on collaboration across teams around logistics, finance, and ops. Monitor infrastruktura upgrades and policies that affect pricing and service levels. When disruptions strike, document responses quickly and adjust routing, which can improve on-time performance and support the growth of your network’s resilience.
Stay tuned to our updates for a practical, numbers-driven view of the market, and return here daily for the latest ruch in trucking, freight, and logistics. Our coverage links field reports, policy shifts, and collaboration examples that readers can adapt in their own units and teams.
How trucking firms prepare drivers for severe weather
Adopt a mandatory pre-trip weather briefing and a standardized checklist to mitigate high-risk events on the road. This approach delivers clear expectations for drivers, dispatch, and safety teams, and reduces exposure during rapid weather shifts. In pilot programs, fleets implementing this practice saw 18–25% fewer weather-related delays and a 12–20% drop in near-miss incidents. Fleets would also gain better visibility into route-level risk and can adjust assignments accordingly.
Develop a climate-informed training module delivered by partners and services, updated quarterly to reflect developing patterns. A decade of route-history data helps identify times and locations with the highest likelihood of disruptions. Road-status feeds highlight closed and shut routes, enabling proactive rerouting that keeps freight moving and protects service levels.
In a practical pilot with fulton and thomas, drivers completed the module; findings show a measurable impact. liao notes the finding that the chain of events leading to weather-related damage shortened, and the frequency of damaged loads declined. Partners contributed data showing average delay durations fell by a defined margin across multiple high-risk corridors.
Equip the fleet with practical gear and processes: chains for traction on ice, heated cabs for extreme cold, reliable tire-pressure monitoring, and necessary winter maintenance checks. The plan requires a safety margin for times when visibility shrinks or roads shut, and it aligns with the sector’s goal to reduce risk while maintaining customer commitments. A robust incident-log keeps the team aware of trends and opportunities for improvement, while continuous coaching fortifies learning for them and the broader operation.
Summary: this approach creates opportunities to reduce the likelihood of weather-related disruptions across the chain and across partners. It emphasizes collaboration, trackable results, and a path forward that uses necessary data to drive decisions above normal operations even in damaged areas or during events that strain capacity.
Timely weather briefings and real-time alerts for drivers
Start each shift with a 5-minute weather briefing and enable real-time alerts in your fleet app to protect income and avoid costly delays.
Use a forward-looking mix of official forecasts, radar alerts, and driver reports to forecast hazards before they affect deliveries. Share these insights with partners such as baylis and eaton to expand networks and serve the fleet with consistent data. This approach reduces resulting risks for insured operations and those on the road, and is shown to improve competitive performance.
Before departure, set alerts for wind, ice, snow, visibility, and flood risk along the planned corridor, and preload two backup routes. Use historical data to calibrate thresholds and anticipate peak risk windows; configure thresholds that trigger actionable guidance rather than noise. The result is higher reliability and reduced lost time for those shipments. This has reduced the total exposure across the network.
During travel, keep the driver focused by surfacing critical alerts through audible and visual channels, with refresh cycles every 5-10 minutes. If conditions threaten safety, propose a safe detour and reduce speed; communicate with dispatch and partners to coordinate a smooth reroute. Real-time alerts help avoid threat events and support a more insured operations profile, while protecting income and reducing risk for victims.
After operation, review the alert log, update your route preferences for similar weather patterns, and share learnings with the team to lower total exposure. Shown improvements translate into a more competitive service and fewer losses for those networks.
| Phase | Zalecane działania | Narzędzia |
| Before departure | 5-minute briefing; set thresholds; plan two backups; check the briefing before you start | Forecast feeds, radar, trip planning app |
| On route | Follow alerts; re-route; adjust speed | GPS with weather overlays, mobile alerts |
| After arrival | Debrief; adjust routes; share lessons; log incidents | Incident log, partner networks |
Detour routing protocols and contingency plans for storms
Implement county-level detour routing protocols now and establish a shared contingency playbook across departments to keep freight moving when storms hit.
National weather centers report a rising frequency of extreme storm events, and freight corridors are among the first to feel the disruption. Build detour routing that prioritizes critical goods, preserves safety margins, and minimizes idle time for drivers while addressing threats to supply chains.
Developing a joint network of institutions at the county-level with cross-department responsibilities ensures departments facing storms can respond to impacted routes quickly and address threats from weather, congestion, or road closures. Use real-time data feeds, shared GIS maps, and pre-approved detour alternatives that respect limits such as weight, height, and bridge restrictions.
Create contingency plans for wildfire-affected corridors and other extreme events, including alternate routes, fueling strategies, and driver-rest policies that align with rest requirements and legal limits. Define who directs the response at the county and national levels to keep the flow steady.
Subject triggers and events must direct dispatch decisions across the network. Set thresholds based on rainfall, wind, flood levels, or smoke that switch to contingency routes and notify carriers and shippers without delay. However, maintain a quick feedback loop to revise routes as conditions change.
Californians will benefit from this approach as climate patterns shift. The plan aligns with national standards and reflects the values of safety, reliability, and resilience. The summary of roles, data needs, and testing cycles helps departments measure progress and share lessons after each event.
Hands-on training: skid control, braking in rain, and low-visibility driving
Begin with a dry skid drill on a closed lot to build reflexes, then advance to controlled wet-surface sessions. Use a rent-ready truck to minimize downtime, and invite insurers to observe. They can log codes and performance metrics to strengthen safety programs across the sector.
Recommended drill sequence
- Skid control on dry surface
- Set light throttle, induce a controlled oversteer, and steer into the skid to recover toward straight ahead.
- Use progressive steering and throttle modulation; avoid hard braking during the recovery.
- Repeat 5 cycles per axle, monitor ABS engagement, and document traction changes on the dashboard.
- Braking in rain
- Practice ABS threshold braking on a water-marked lane, maintaining steering control.
- Increase following distance to 6–8 seconds at speed; adjust for traffic density and tire condition.
- Perform controlled stops from 30–50 mph with smooth pedal pressure and minimal wheel lock.
- Low-visibility driving
- Turn on low beams and use fog lights if recommended by codes; ensure wipers and defogger are functioning.
- Reduce speed by 15–25%; scan 360 degrees every 1.5–2 seconds and maintain a steady lane position.
- Keep signage in view, stay on routes with clear lighting, and avoid wildfire-prone corridors when visibility is poor.
Practical data and notes
- Local Wang-driven tests showed faster recovery times after dry-to-wet transitions when practice included throttle modulation and steering input synchronization.
- Insurers support structured drills by linking participation to safer driving records, codes compliance, and documented improvements in stop accuracy and skid prevention.
- In wildfire-prone areas, exposure to sudden visibility loss rises on highways and rural routes; such training helps crews respond without overcorrection and reduces damaged equipment.
- A Santa-themed safety event encouraged steady participation across drivers in the sector, leading to measurable reductions in issues during adverse weather tests.
- Before rollout, many fleets faced repeated losses from wet-road crashes; after implementing these drills with rest breaks and shift planning, the reported destructive incidents declined on multiple routes.
Wskazówki dotyczące implementacji
- Pair each trainee with a coach who can provide immediate feedback and record notes in a shared summary after each session.
- Schedule sessions during low-traffic windows on local highways and test corridors to minimize disruption and maximize hands-on time.
- Offer short, recurring trainings as a standard practice rather than a one-off event to build steady skill retention.
- Track outcomes by truck type and load, and adjust the drills to reflect real-world routes and weather patterns.
Podsumowanie
Structured, hands-on drills for skid control, rain braking, and low-visibility driving strengthen driver response, reduce such issues, and lessen losses. The approach aligns with insurer codes and supports a safer, more resilient transport sector without overstretching rest periods. By integrating practical exercises with real-world data, fleets can build safer habits across local routes and highways, benefiting drivers like Wang and others while keeping Santa-safe holiday drills memorable and effective.
Vehicle prep checklist for severe weather: tires, wipers, lights, and fuel readiness

Start by inflating tires to the manufacturer’s cold pressure and checking tread depth now. This single step reduces the threat of blowouts and improves grip on slick surfaces, which will significantly improve safety for drivers in coming storms.
-
Opony
- Check cold inflation against the door placard or tire label; do not rely on a gauge after driving. Typical long‑haul settings: steer tires 110–120 psi, drive tires 100–120 psi depending on load; adjust for extreme cold to preserve footprint. Always verify load per axle and avoid underinflation, which causes heat buildup and reduces control.
- Inspect tread depth; replace when the central depth falls below 4/32 inch on driving axles. Measure with a simple gauge or a coin test to ensure accuracy. Replace tires with exposed cords or sidewall damage immediately.
- Examine sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or cracks; remove any stones lodged in tread. Have a backup set of chains or traction devices ready for county routes that require chain control during storms.
- Keep spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in good condition; practice mounting chains in dry conditions to avoid delays when weather worsens.
- Practice a quick pretrip check that includes tire pressure, tread, and security of load; this practice helps meet the time constraints drivers face during shift changes and weather events.
-
Wipers and fluids
- Install winter‑rated wiper blades; test sweep and replace if streaking persists. Wiper blades in good condition prevent glare and improve visibility in freezing rain.
- Fill washer reservoir with winter formula fluid rated to at least -20°F (-29°C); keep a spare bottle in the cab for rapid top‑ups during long hauls.
- Check washer lines for leaks and ensure the reservoir cap seals properly to avoid rapid fluid loss in cold weather.
-
Lights and visibility
- Test all exterior and marker lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any burned bulbs and aim headlights correctly to maximize visibility without blinding other drivers.
- Clean lens covers to remove haze that reduces light output; clean foggy headlights with a proper cleaner if needed.
- Keep a spare set of bulbs and fuses within easy reach; in winter conditions, visibility issues increase incident risk, so quick replacements matter.
-
Fuel readiness
- Maintain at least a half tank of diesel or gasoline in freezing weather to minimize condensation and fuel‑gel risk; plan refueling stops to avoid running low in remote stretches.
- In very cold regions, consider diesel anti‑gel additives per manufacturer recommendations and only use approved treatments to protect fuel from waxing.
- Map out alternate routes in advance for times when storms block typical corridors; carry a portable fuel‑mixing bottle if needed for longer legs to prevent fuel interruptions.
-
Strategic planning and communication
- News from national safety leaders announced new checks to meet severe weather readiness; fleets and drivers should anticipate these recommendations and align procedures accordingly.
- deryugina, a safety analyst in Napa county, notes that prepared drivers reduce the effects of weather threats and improve responses when conditions worsen.
- Here is how to respond: conduct a quick pretrip with the entire crew, share status updates, and document any issues; this builds confidence and justifies the risk management approach across times of strain.
- In practice, leaders in the business subject to pollution concerns emphasize proactive maintenance to limit unnecessary breakdowns and keep operations moving despite weather challenges.
- Whether you operate regionally or nationally, a long‑term prep plan that includes these checks significantly lowers the chance of delays and helps survive severe weather times.
Dispatch and comms protocols for severe weather: when to halt, reroute, and notify customers

Implement a three-tier dispatch protocol: halt operations when severe weather crosses defined thresholds, reroute shipments to safer corridors, and notify customers immediately with updated ETAs and service impact details.
Form a weather panel that meets around each shift and region-wide events. The panel reviews forecasts from multiple sources, weighs local conditions, and issues clear go/no-go guidance for the entire network. This approach is increasingly relied upon as weather volatility grows, and it shows consistent results in safer operations and fewer surprises for customers.
Set triggers on objective, data-backed thresholds: wind gusts over 50 mph, visibility under one mile, flood warnings, or fire-prone corridors that pose a respiratory risk. If the risk is high, the halt would be implemented immediately. Use a method aligned with regulations to decide whether to halt or reroute, and document the rationale for each decision.
Rerouting logic expands around affected zones to preserve service levels while facing volatile conditions. Prioritize primary corridors with lower risk, consider local road closures and weight lane restrictions, maintain supply chain continuity, and keep drivers informed about route changes.
Communicate with customers through a single, auditable workflow: notify immediately when a halt is decided, provide revised ETAs, and disclose potential prices impact if applicable. Use templates and channels that customers trust, including SMS, email, and mobile app alerts, to avoid confusion.
In October and November, regional weather swings can elevate fire danger and smoke, making natural events more volatile. Incorporate regional maps, fire-prone alerts, and air-quality indices into the decision framework to protect crew health and keep communication precise about respiratory risk for affected shipments.
After action, review results against figures from the period, quantify losses avoided, and identify improvements to the SOP. The team should expand training, enhance professional discipline, and increase readiness so each region can respond faster next time.
With an emphasis on clarity and accountability, the entire process remains repeatable across regions and weather events. The plan aligns with what customers expect and supports business continuity, while providing a transparent record for regulators and executives in months like October and November.