Navigating Hurricane Season as a Truck Driver

Hurricane season lasts from the start of June to the end of November. September is the busiest month when it comes to hurricane season. That’s when we see the most active hurricanes — many of which have become notorious storms, including Hurricane Ian.

If you’re heading to an Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coastal area during this timeframe, you might be worried about how you’ll be affected. Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Louisiana are especially susceptible to getting hit by hurricanes. Even areas inland can face the consequences of hurricanes, including flooding and hurricane-force winds. Hurricanes can even produce tornadoes!

As a truck driver hauling a dry van trailer or a large tarped and secured load, the last place you want to be is in an area that’s flooding or experiencing a wind storm. 

As a driver manager here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), each day, I’m advising drivers like you on how to be safe — in all types of weather conditions. In this article, I’ll discuss how to avoid going into the eye of the storm and how to stay safe if it’s unavoidable. I’ll also provide some tips for drivers who live in an area that’s susceptible to hurricane damage. 

Tip #1: Listen to the Weather

One of the first things you should do before you start driving each day is to check the weather. Know which areas you’re driving through and what’s happening there. This is especially important during times of the year when prone to experiencing snowstorms, tornadoes, or hurricanes. 

Every time you stop — to take a break, fuel up, or check your securements — you should check the weather. Weather patterns can be chaotic. When you checked the weather earlier in the day, maybe the storm wasn’t going to hit an area you’re driving to. However, just a few hours can make a big difference and it could be crossing your path now.

When checking the weather, make sure you know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch means the conditions are right and a hurricane could occur. A hurricane warning means a hurricane is expected and you should prepare your home and evacuate if needed. 

Understanding the difference between the two can help you make your next move.

As you’re driving, be sky-aware. Keep your eye on the horizon and watch the clouds to see if bad weather is about to hit.

Depending on the weather forecast, you may be able to alter your route to either stop short of the storm or drive around it.

Tip #2: Slow Down or Pull Over

If it’s becoming increasingly unsafe to drive or you’re about to cross through the heart of the storm, slow down and pull into a safe location. You being on the road is not only endangering yourself in conditions such as these, but you’re also a danger to the motoring public because your vehicle is so large and heavy. 

High wind zones, especially when combined with rain, are dangerous to drive in. You should lower your speed and increase your following distance as you navigate to a safe haven. It’s not advisable to park on the side of the road or an off- or on-ramp. 

In an emergency, you may be able to park in a lot you otherwise wouldn’t be able to — as long as there’s plenty of space and you’re just waiting out the storm for a little bit.

Tip #3: Double-Check Your Securements

Hauling flatbed specialized freight through a windy area? Make sure that load is secure. Pull over and double-check your securements before you encounter the worst of the storm. (Again, this requires you to keep checking the weather.)

It’s a good idea to make sure you always have extra straps and securements in your headache rack. 

Tip #4: Be Prepared for an Emergency

Always be prepared for an emergency — no matter what time of year it is. Just like you could encounter hurricane effects in coastal regions, you could also be in the Midwest and encounter a tornado or a snowstorm. As a truck driver traveling cross-country, you never know what you’re going to come across. 

Keep tools, supplies, extra water and food (nonperishables), and blankets in your sleeper. These items will help you survive if you’re shut down for an extended period of time and don’t have access to supplies. 

Keep your phone charged too. If the worst happens and you have no truck power, you’ll be glad you did.

Tip #5: Find Safe Parking 

If you’re headed into a rough area, other drivers will be too. Parking shortages are already a problem, but drivers may be shutting down early to avoid the storm and lots can get parked up early. 

When you’re planning your trip for the day, make sure you plan out a few options for parking and either get there early or reserve a spot. The last thing you want to do is park in an unsafe location where you can cause harm to others on the road.

Tip #6: Take Care of Maintenance

Just like it’s important to make sure you’re prepared with supplies in your truck, you also need to make sure your truck is in good working order. No one wants to get stuck in a hurricane disaster area with a broken-down truck. 

If you know where you’ll be going soon or you plan to provide hurricane support relief, make a quick appointment at the shop — especially if you’re coming up on a service or your check engine light is on. 

Tip #7: Keep in Touch with Your Dispatcher 

This should go without saying, but you should always be in good contact with your driver manager or dispatcher — especially when you’re driving through bad weather. 

They have access to an array of tools, so they can monitor the weather for you, offer alternate route options, and help you decide the best way to move forward. In some cases, you may be able to avoid taking loads into a bad weather area. Explain your concerns so they can advocate for you and get you off that load.

If you’re in bad weather, let your dispatcher know you’re pulling over. Together you can decide how long you need to be there while the storm passes through. If you’re under a load or on the way to grab one, they can call the customer for you with an update. 

Going Home During a Hurricane 

So what do you do if your home is in an evacuation area? If you’re on the road, you may feel pretty helpless knowing your family is home and you aren’t. The moment you hear a hurricane is going to hit, you’ll probably want to get down there to take care of the house and be with your family. 

First of all, take a moment and take a breath. Tune into what the authorities are saying, and talk to both your family and your driver manager. If the authorities are calling for an evacuation, make sure your family evacuates and make sure you stay away, too. 

If authorities are saying it’s okay to shelter in place, think about what sort of difference you can make at home. Is there someone there to board up your house or do you need to be there to do it yourself? Does your family have a shelter to go to? Do they have emergency supplies like food, water, and medical kits? Your family may be okay without you coming home until the storm is over.

Remember: You’re incapable of helping anyone else if you’re incapacitated yourself. Even while your heart is screaming at you to get home, you can make the most difference in the clean-up afterward. 

Work with your family and dispatcher to come up with the best decision. 

If you do decide to go home either before or following the storm, take as many safety precautions as you can. Keep in mind that supplies may be sparse and roads may be closed due to damage. Trip plan before you go home to avoid driving through dangerous areas.

Stay Safe Year-Round

The key to staying safe is staying informed. Watch the weather, stay sky-aware, keep your truck full of supplies, and make sure your truck is in good working order. Don’t be afraid to pull over and tell your dispatcher you need to stop to keep yourself safe. 

Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to safely navigate any weather you encounter because of a hurricane. 

Remember to follow these five safety tips to avoid accidents — no matter what time of year it is.