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The southwest is a pretty special place to be a truck driver.  Here at Truline, we also know it’s a very HOT place to be a truck driver, especially when summer is on the horizon.

The full days of constant sunlight make for great driving conditions, but they can also heat things up in the literal sense. Even with your air conditioner going, you might start to feel hot and uncomfortable while you’re on the job. When it’s time to get out and make a delivery, the heat can make things very unpleasant in a hurry.

Excessive heat can cause fatigue, dehydration, and most concerning of all, heatstroke. All of which can be dangerous to anyone, and especially truck drivers on the road.

This means staying cool is crucial to your focus, concentration and your health. So, here are four ways you can beat the southwest heat (or any summer heat)– both on the job and off.

Stay hydrated. The number one way to stay cool – and more importantly, avoid heatstroke -is to keep yourself hydrated. Keep your water bottle full, take frequent sips, and avoid caffeine and sugary drinks. You should also avoid salty foods, such as chips and anything fried. Snack on foods that are high in electrolytes instead, such as avocados and bananas. Chug down sports drinks if you like, just be mindful of the sugar content.

Keep the sun out. Even with air conditioning, your cab can heat up in the sun (and force your air conditioner to work even harder, too).  Keep your sun shades pulled on the sleeper berth windows while you’re on the road.

When you’ve stopped for a break or for the day, cover the windshield with a reflective sun shade to repel heat away from your cab. If possible, park in the shade, though that’s often scarce at most truck stops!

Dress cool.  We don’t mean wear the latest clothing trends (your kids will still think you’re cringe anyway). Dress yourself in clothes that help your body expel heat and cool down.

Choose clothes made with either cotton or moisture-wicking material to help pull sweat away from your skin. Any apparel designed for intense workouts will also help you stay cool and comfortable while you’re on the road.

When you need to get out of your truck and in the hot sun, invest in some clothing that will quite literally make you cool:

• Cooling neck towel: there’s a reason we’re told to apply cold to the back of our neck to avoid heat stroke. When cold is applied to the pulse point there, it generates a cooling feeling throughout your whole body. Best of all, these towels are designed to stay put while you’re on the move.
• Cooling vest: this is the best way to keep cool when you’re out of the truck and on the hot pavement. These vests use the same gel packs you put in your picnic cooler, which are then inserted into inner pockets in the vest. Best of all, many of them are hi-vis as an added bonus. Prices vary, so you’ll be able to find one that suits your budget.
• Cooling socks: yes, there’s even cooling socks to help your feet feel refreshed. You’ll be amazed at how much better your feet feel in your work boots.

Cool down before bed. Washing the heat of the day off makes a huge difference. Take a shower in cool or tepid water once you’ve stopped for the night. Put battery-powered fans near your bed and keep them running, so your sleeper berth is cool for bedtime.

If the night air has actually cooled from the heat of the day, spend some time outside, enjoying the fresh air and breeze. On the other hand, if it’s still uncomfortably hot out (or the sun is still up), a long stay in an air-conditioned trucker’s lounge will help lower your body’s temperature before bed.

All these things will help relax and cool down before it’s time to hit the hay. Proverbially, we mean. Don’t worry, our trucks have good mattresses!

Summer heat is something nearly all truck drivers must contend with, but especially here in the Southwest. We’ve got to say, though: the views, routes and the people make it all worth it. Why not join us here at Truline and find out for yourself? Just click here to see our current opportunities, and join the Truline family today.