Stay safe on the road this August with Carter Express’ end-of-summer heat safety tips for truck drivers. Learn how to recognize signs of heat stress, prevent dehydration, protect your rig from the damaging effects of hot weather, and adjust your schedule to avoid peak heat. Whether you’re running Midwest routes or hauling through the Deep South, these practical tips help you stay cool, healthy, and ready for every mile.
August is here—and while the back-to-school traffic and the promise of cooler temps are just around the corner, summer’s heat hasn’t clocked out yet. For truck drivers, this time of year can be deceptively dangerous. At Carter Express, we care about your safety on and off the road—and that means knowing how to protect yourself from heat hazards that are still very real across our most traveled routes.
Whether you're running loads through Indiana and Kentucky or hauling across the Deep South, extreme heat can sneak up fast—and it doesn’t always come with a warning. Let’s break down how to recognize heat hazards, what regions to be extra careful in, and how to keep yourself (and your rig)cool and safe.
Heat Doesn’t Quit—Even in August
Don’t let the calendar fool you—temperatures across Carter’s service areas remain high deep into the month. Here's what drivers can expect:
What Heat Hazards Look Like on the Road
Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious medical emergencies like:
If you’re out on a dedicated run or stuck in stop-and-go traffic around cities like Nashville, Knoxville, or Dallas, cab temperatures can rise quickly—especially during idling. It’s critical to know the signs and stay ahead of the risk.
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Even the most experienced drivers can underestimate the warning signs of heat exhaustion or stroke. Watch for:
If you feel any of these symptoms, stop what you’re doing immediately. Seek shade, cool down, hydrate, and don’t push through. Heatstroke can hit fast—and it’s life-threatening.
Stay Cool: Tips for Carter Drivers Across the Map
Wherever your routes take you this month, here are Carter-approved ways to stay safe, smart, and cool:
1. Use Your Equipment to Your Advantage
All of Carter’s 2022–2025 Freightliner Cascadias come equipped with APUs, inverters, and fridges—so use them to your advantage:
2. Hydrate Early & Often
Drink water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. Keeping a case of bottled water or a refillable jug in your cab goes along way—especially when running Southern or Texas routes.
3. Dress for Hot Weather
Wear light-colored, breathable clothing when working outside your cab. A wide-brim hat and UV-protection sunglasses help reduce sun exposure when tarping, securing, or walking the yard.
4. Adjust Your Schedule When Possible
Try to do outside work—like inspections or fueling—early in the morning or late in the evening when the heat isn’t as intense. When possible, take breaks during the hottest part of the day, usually between 3 and 5 p.m.
5. Maintain Your Truck
The heat isn’t just hard on you—it’s hard on your truck. Keep an eye on:
Doing thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections is even more critical in hot weather.
Our Commitment to You
At Carter Express, we believe that being safe means being prepared—and that includes preparing for the heat. As summer winds down, we want you to know we’re here to support you every mile of the way. Keep hydrating, take breaks when needed, and remember: no load is more important than your well-being.
Thank you for all you do to keep Carter Express rolling strong, even in the hottest conditions. Let’s finish this summer safely—and cool.
