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.

When winter weather moves in, the right equipment — and the confidence to use it — makes all the difference. After 19 years on the road, and more than 2 million accident-free over-the-road (OTR) miles (including through many snow-covered mountain passes), I've seen what winter can throw at a driver. Now, as part of the Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) safety team, I'm here to help drivers chain up correctly, stay compliant, and make confident, safe decisions when winter weather hits (and it will!).

Winter means bright snow, hot cocoa, holidays with friends and family, and a pensive time for reflection. However, for truck drivers, the winter season is...less idyllic. While ice-covered roads and whiteout conditions can certainly take their toll on drivers, they're not the only things they have to worry about when temperatures start to drop. Because as cold as you might feel, remember that your truck doesn't get a break from the cold. Its engine feels every degree, and if not properly cared for, it'll stall up on you — or worse.