In this episode of Beyond the Road, Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) Recruiting Manager Jeron sits down with Omar, a specialized flatbed driver who's become known for his calm, prepared, "one-step-at-a-time" approach to trucking. A quick exchange about football soon turns into a genuine discussion about winter driving tips, life on the road, and why mental resets, patience, and planning matter so much for professional truck drivers.
Omar's Path from Flatbed to Specialized
Omar joined ATS in the spring of 2024, hauling legal flatbed freight. Over time, as he grew more confident and comfortable, he began taking specialized loads and today, he's running as a Class 3 specialized driver, taking on larger and more complex freight when the opportunity is right.
But he's not racing toward the next milestone, and that's intentional. His approach is simple:
“Take it one day at a time and move up only when you’re ready.”
For drivers looking to advance into divisions like heavy haul, Omar reminds them that the opportunities are there, but so is the responsibility. Rushing into the next step without full confidence can lead to mistakes that impact safety, freight, and long-term success.
And while he may be from Alabama, Omar knows a thing or two about winter driving, too, which he was happy to share with us as the season approaches.
Winter Truck Driving Tips from a Driver Who Lives It
Some drivers experience the challenges of winter driving the hard way. Omar didn't, understanding that winter driving isn’t something you “figure out as you go.” It takes planning long before the first snowflake falls (you'll find this theme of pre-planning coming up a lot here), so let's get into the winter truck driving tips he relies on most.
1. Pack More Clothing Than You Think You’ll Need
This one might seem obvious, but when you’re out for weeks at a time, temperatures and conditions can change fast. Omar keeps multiple layers in his truck year-round, including:
- Heavy jackets
- Multiple pairs of gloves
- Thermal pants
- Sweatshirts and base layers
Because cold weather slows down securement, it's that much more important to have dry gear and backups.
2. Use Anti-Gel Before Temperatures Drop
As temperatures drop, the paraffin wax naturally found in diesel fuel solidifies and clumps up (or gels), which can prevent your truck's engine from starting or running properly. Knowing this, Omar keeps anti-gel treatment (found at truck stops or any large retail stores like Walmart) in his truck to use before the temperatures start to drop.
A few dollars and a few seconds of prep can help save hours of downtime.
3. Check Weather & Road Conditions Before You Roll
Yep, here's that pre-planning thing again. This is one that many new drivers skim over or skip entirely. There's more than just preparing your truck for adverse weather — you need to prepare your route, too, and plan for possible alternatives and detours. Most states offer real-time road condition websites.
Before crossing mountain passes or running into snow and ice, Omar checks:
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Road closures
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Wind advisories
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Temperature swings
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Chain laws and restrictions
At the end of the day, being safe on winter roads means being proactive and thinking ahead.
4. Take Your Time Securing Freight in the Cold
Flatbed winter driving brings its own unique set of challenges: frozen tarps, stiff straps, slippery decks, etc. Omar's rule? Warm up when you need to. Slow down. Never rush a securement job just to escape the elements.
Fixing mistakes always costs more than just slowing down and doing it right.
The Mental Side of Trucking: How Omar Handles Stress
For truck drivers, winter driving safety encompasses both physical safety and mental clarity. Traffic, delays, weather, tight schedules, and more can really add up and cloud your ability to think and react clearly.
Omar's advice: don't wait until you "lose it." If you find yourself starting to feel overwhelmed:
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Find a safe place to pull over and reset
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Walk into a truck stop, stretch your legs, breathe, and let the congestion clear out
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Don’t let frustration push you into making risky decisions
“Even if you’ve already taken your break,” he says, “your mental state matters more than sticking to a schedule.”
Safety Goes Both Ways: What Omar Wants Four-Wheelers to Know
Omar isn't the type to blame all issues on four-wheelers, but he is honest about the challenges they can create. Here’s what he wants everyday drivers to understand about sharing the road with truck drivers:
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Cutting off a semi, even light braking, can shift freight and cause issues for flatbed and specialized loads
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Give trucks room when merging left, especially if law enforcement or a breakdown is on the shoulder
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Passing a truck on the right when they’re trying to merge is unsafe for everyone
Still, Omar points out that professional truck drivers have responsibilities, too. Safety on the road is a two-way street, and both sides have to do their part.
Advice for Anyone New to Trucking
Whether you're thinking about flatbed trucking jobs, specialized freight, or simply building experience, Omar keeps his guidelines for those newer to the industry simple:
- Take it one day at a time. Growth doesn't happen overnight.
- Ask all of your questions. Everyone, from drivers to loaders to dispatchers, has something to teach.
- Be patient. Don't rush into the next class of freight before you've done your research and feel truly ready.
- Lean on the trucking community. Drivers across companies look out for one another. Use that support network.
Life Outside the Truck
You're probably getting the vibe that Omar is a straightforward driver who likes to keep things simple and stress-free. That mindset is as important outside of the truck as it is behind the wheel, and for him, part of that off-duty routine includes leisure activities like:
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Playing video games (Battlefield, Madden, Call of Duty)
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Watching football (he’s a
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Relaxing at truck stops or lounges
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Catching a ride into town when he’s parked close enough
Last Stop: Safety Over Speed
Omar may have been nervous before recording this episode, but he delivered a powerful and honest look at what it means to be a professional truck driver today, especially in winter:
Be patient. Stay prepared. Ask questions. And always put safety ahead of speed.
Want More Real Driver Insights?
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Learn more about flatbed and specialized trucking at ATS, or if you're ready to take the next step, contact a driver recruiter today.
Stay safe out there, especially this winter, and thank you for what you do.