As the summer of 2024 ushers in unprecedented temperatures, the trucking industry is facing an intensified array of challenges. The soaring heat, coupled with natural disasters, has significantly strained the already demanding job of hauling cargo. Truckers are encountering increasingly hazardous driving conditions, leading to delays in deliveries and impacting the flow of consumer shipments.
Highways Buckle Under Record Temperatures
This summer stands out as one of the hottest on record, with extreme pavement temperatures causing major highways to buckle and forcing lane closures in states such as Colorado, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Texas. These severe conditions disrupt traffic flow, creating additional hurdles for truckers who must navigate through obstructed routes. The AAA highlights a surge in emergency roadside assistance requests due to heat-related issues, such as car batteries failing and engines overheating.
Extended Heat Waves: A New Normal for Truckers
Historically, high temperatures have always been a part of summer, but the current prolonged heat waves are pushing the limits of our infrastructure and transportation systems. While highways can handle occasional spikes in temperature, extended periods of extreme heat are taking their toll. Truckers are dealing with increased traffic, heightened fatigue from longer journeys, and a greater likelihood of encountering construction zones and tire blowouts.
Health and Safety Implications
The health risks associated with extreme heat are becoming increasingly evident. A recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute revealed a notable increase in work-related injuries—by 5% to 6%—when temperatures surpass 90 degrees, compared to milder temperatures. This underscores the pressing need to address the health and safety challenges faced by truckers in extreme heat conditions.
Insurance and Financial Burdens
The financial impact of extreme heat extends beyond the immediate challenges of trucking. Nationwide, the transportation sector, including airlines and rail companies, is grappling with substantial losses due to heat-related infrastructure damage. The cost of repairs from the last seven heat waves has soared to $35 million, a figure not typically covered by standard insurance policies. These policies are designed for sudden and unpredictable events but often exclude the gradual effects of extreme heat.
Preparing for Extreme Heat
To manage the risks associated with prolonged heat, truckers must adopt proactive measures. Maintaining optimal tire pressure, ensuring adequate engine oil and lubrication, and utilizing weather apps and routing services can help mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures and improve safety on the road.
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