- Pre-trip inspections
- Spring weather changes
- Changing road and ground conditions
- Frost laws
- Extra tips
April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring a muddy mess.
Spring isn’t necessarily the cleanest season, even though it’s associated with spring cleaning. Especially if you live in an area that gets snow and ice during the winter season, the months that follow can be a mess of slush, mud puddles, and annoying frost laws.
As a former truck driver myself, I know the struggle of trucking in the spring months. While it’s great to have warmer weather after the frigid winter temps, the spring thaw brings about its own obstacles.
I have a ton of tips and tricks to help you plan for every scenario you may encounter, carefully organized into different categories for your convenience.
Pre-Trip Inspections
Pre-trip inspections are important year-round, as you know. But, there are a few things you’ll want to pay special attention to in the spring.
Do Careful Pre-Trip Inspections
As always, pay special attention to tires, brakes, and all lights when doing your pre-trip inspection. Now is also the time you really want your windshield wipers to work. Getting stuck in a rainstorm without working wipers isn’t fun.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
A general rule of thumb is that tire pressure will change by approximately one or two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree change in air temperature.
During periods of significant temperature fluctuations, like spring, check your tire pressures more frequently. What was correct in the morning might not be correct in the afternoon.
Spring Weather Changes
You can get all kinds of weather patterns in spring. The temperatures can jump up and down and you may see rain, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and yes, even snow.
Here’s how to prepare for the extreme weather.
Make Sure Heating and Cooling Systems Work
During spring, it’s not uncommon to encounter fog and sudden temperature drops as a thunderstorm approaches. The temperatures from morning to night can vastly change, so you might wake up to a chilly breeze and end the day swearing in the heat.
To counter this, ensure your defroster and heating systems are working correctly. Now is also the time to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. If it’s not, you’ll have plenty of time to get it fixed before the intense summer heat rolls in.
Monitor Weather and Road Conditions
Stay informed about forecasts along your route. You might be starting your route in one part of the state, but think about where you’re ending your day. What will the weather be like there? Check the forecast and plan accordingly. You may need to stop early or diverge from your route.
Be prepared for rapid changes in conditions. Remember: It will be warmer during the day and cooler at night. It may even freeze at night, which can lead to potentially icy roads.
Adjust Your Speed
Never outdrive the conditions. Reduce your speed on wet or slippery roads to maintain traction and increase stopping distance.
And while we’re on the topic, here’s your reminder not to attempt to outdrive a tornado. Pull over and get somewhere safe.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pull Over
Spring can bring strong winds, which can significantly impact a semi-truck’s stability. You may as well be a sail out there, especially if you’re hauling an empty trailer.
Be prepared to slow down or pull over if winds are severe. Check out the wind chart, below.
Wind gusts above 40 mph will make driving difficult. If wind gusts reach 50 mph or higher, immediately pull over and get to safety.
You shouldn’t hesitate to pull over if you feel unsafe driving. If you’re driving with a company, your dispatcher or driver manager should understand. Your safety should take priority over everything. If you don't feel that your carrier shares those priorities, you should consider looking for a safety-driven carrier.
Changing Road and Ground Conditions
The spring thaw might mean warmer temperatures, but it can wreak havoc on roadways.
Be Wary of Potholes
The freeze-thaw cycle of winter and spring can create or enlarge potholes. If you hit on, it can cause significant damage to your truck’s tires and suspension — two big problems you want nothing to do with.
Scan the road ahead and avoid potholes when possible. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way as a truck driver when I ran over a pothole and ended up with a $750 bill to get a roadside fix.
Stay on Solid Ground
Whenever possible, stick to paved or gravel surfaces. Avoid areas that appear waterlogged or excessively muddy.
If you do have to drive on an unpaved surface, if possible, walk the area to check the firmness of the ground. Look for signs of deep mud or soft spots.
You definitely don’t want to drive on muddy roads. To use a cliche, it’s a recipe for disaster. AKA, you’ll end up stuck.
I coach drivers on this all the time.
Semis vs. poorly maintained, muddy roads = You: 0 Roads: 1
Maintain Momentum in Muddy Areas
If you must drive through a potentially soft area, try to maintain a slow, steady speed without stopping. Sudden acceleration or braking can cause your tires to lose traction and dig in.
While you’re at it, avoid sudden steering inputs. Abrupt turns in mud can lead to losing control or digging ruts.
If you’re out of options, slightly lowering tire pressure can increase the tire’s contact patch and improve traction in some soft conditions, but this should be done with extreme caution and only in dire situations. Tires must be reinflated to the proper pressure immediately upon returning to a firm surface.
Semis driven slowly without sudden braking vs. poorly maintained, muddy roads = You: 1 Roads: 0
Frost Laws
The spring thaw significantly weakens the asphalt and the road base underneath.
As the ground thaws, excess moisture is trapped beneath the road surface, saturating the base layers. This reduces the load-bearing capacity of the road, making it more susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles.
To prevent damage to the infrastructure, many states and local jurisdictions implement seasonal weight restrictions, often called frost laws.
Check for Restrictions
Spring weight limits vary significantly by state, county, and even specific roads. The duration and severity of restrictions depend on temperature fluctuations, moisture levels, and the construction of the road.
Restrictions often involve reduced axle weight limits and gross vehicle weight limits. Some roads may be restricted to a percentage of the normal legal weight, while others may have specific per-axle tonnage limits (e.g., five or seven tons per axle on certain routes).
Semi-truck drivers like you must check for current weight restrictions along their planned route before every trip during the spring season. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) typically publish information on seasonal weight limits on their websites.
Believe me, it’s far better to check and feel confident about the roads you’re traversing than it is to make an embarrassing call to the cops or your dispatcher.
Change Your Route
Spring weight limits may require you to adjust your route to avoid restricted roads. Or, you may have to take lighter loads for the time being. Failure to comply with weight restrictions can result in significant fines and potential delays.
Frost laws are an important reminder to trip plan every day and to make sure you’re traveling on safe, stable roadways.
Stay Updated
The start and end dates of spring weight restrictions are weather-dependent and can change with little notice. Regularly check official sources for updates.
A Few Extra, Fun Tips
I’m a fun guy, so I wanted to leave you with a few more fun, random tips.
Watch for Vacationers and Wildlife
Warmer weather brings out more pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Animals also become more active in the spring. Be extra vigilant, especially in urban areas and at dawn and dusk.
We’ve all seen a motorcycle weaving in and out of traffic and taking risks we’d never take. No one wants to hit motorcyclists, so remember to keep a safe following distance and keep it a few miles below the flow of traffic.
You can also account for the start of summer vacation. You’ll experience a lot of summer vacationers — many of whom may or may not know where they’re going and are potentially hauling something they’re not accustomed to (boat, trailer, etc.). You may see some erratic driving patterns as they try to find their turn to get to the cabin or one of our county’s beautiful national parks.
Again, mind your following distance and lower your speed.
Carry Essential Equipment
Having a shovel, tow strap, and traction aids (like sand or specialized mats) can be invaluable if you find yourself in a slippery situation.
Spring is also the time of year when you may want to wear layers of clothing.
Trip Plan Your Way to Success
Spring trucking may bring warmer days and a hint of sunshine, but it also delivers plenty of challenges — from unpredictable weather and muddy roads to frost laws and eager vacationers on the move.
By staying proactive with pre-trip inspections, monitoring weather and road conditions, adjusting your speed, and being prepared to pull over when needed, you can navigate the season safely and confidently.
With the right mindset and preparation, spring doesn’t have to slow you down. It can be a smooth and successful stretch on the road ahead.
To make sure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way, check out our trip planning guide.
