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Trucking during the holidays involves
increased traffic, potential weather hazards, and higher demand for freight, requiring extra caution from drivers. To manage these challenges, drivers can prepare by planning routes to avoid congestion, checking weather forecasts, and scheduling appointments strategically. Staying connected with family via technology, finding ways to celebrate on the road, and prioritizing rest are also key to maintaining well-being during the busy season.
Safety and planning
- Expect traffic: Be prepared for more cars on the road and heavy congestion, especially around metropolitan areas, and plan routes accordingly.
- Check the weather: Winter weather can bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, so a thorough check of the forecast is essential before and during your trip.
- Drive defensively: Slow down, increase following distance, and use lower gears to cross bridges with patience.
- Manage appointments: Shippers and receivers may be understaffed, so it is best to avoid those with very strict, last-minute appointment times.
- Stay in touch: Use video calls, social media, and other apps to connect with family and friends, even if you cannot be there in person.
- Decorate your rig: Simple decorations can help create a festive atmosphere for you on the long haul.
- Enjoy holiday meals: Many truck stop restaurants offer special holiday meals, so you can still have a traditional dinner on the road.
- Volunteer: If you are in a location with downtime, consider volunteering at a local shelter to give back and stay positive.
- Market shifts: Be aware that holiday seasons bring a surge in demand, which can impact your routes and schedules.
- Stay rested: Avoid burnout by not overworking. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) can help you and your carrier stay compliant with hours-of-service regulations.
- Take pride in your work: Remember the important role you play in keeping the country running, especially during a time when it's most needed
Major truckstops like TA, Petro, and Pilot Flying J typically offer holiday meals, with options often including turkey, stuffing, and sides, especially at their full-service restaurants like Iron Skillet. Other popular choices include Love's Travel Stops and the Iowa 80 Truck Stop, which are also known for providing festive, home-style dinners for drivers.
Major truck stop chains
- TA and Petro: Their restaurants, such as Iron Skillet and Country Pride, often feature all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feasts with turkey, dressing, and other classic sides.
- Pilot Flying J: Many locations offer special holiday meals, including turkey and dressing, and use their app for promotions and discounts.
- Love's Travel Stops: Frequently offers holiday fare for drivers and participates in driver-focused promotions during the season.
- Iowa 80 Truck Stop: Known as the world's largest truck stop, it serves holiday meals at the Iowa 80 Kitchen and is open on holidays.
- Bob Evans: This chain is known for homestyle cooking and partners with some truck stops to provide holiday meals.
- Golden Corral: Some truck stops feature Golden Corral buffets that offer a wide variety of holiday dishes.
- Local diners: Don't overlook local diners in smaller towns, which can offer a more home-style holiday plate.
- Use apps: Download the apps for your preferred travel stops and look for "holiday meal" or "Thanksgiving" offers to see participating locations and hours.
- Check ahead: Call or check online to confirm that a specific location will be open and serving a holiday meal, as availability can vary.
- Be aware of promotions: Many chains offer special deals through their apps, so check for discounts or special menus.
For truck drivers who prefer eating in the cab, grocery stores make it simple to assemble a holiday meal without slowing down the route.
- Pre-cooked turkey, sides and desserts are widely available at stores like Walmart, Kroger and Publix.
- These meals warm quickly wherever you’re parked.
- Single-serve portions make it easy to enjoy a meal without extra prep.
For many oversized load drivers, the holiday meal is not often possible. There are times that they can not get to a grocery store or into the smaller truck stops along their route. At times they are sitting at a rest area. Most are shut down from 11/26 through 12/1. This is for public safety according to the permit issuing departments. But the drivers get stranded and can’t get into some places where other trucks can go.
Remember all truckers this holiday season. They are the reason you have many things that you have.