How Truckers Help During Hurricane Season

How Trucking is Essential to Hurricane Season

While most people consider winter a difficult season to travel in, hurricane season can also be formidable as well as unpredictable. It's a given that snow will fall in parts of the country that experience that season, but the strength, location, and direction of the tropical storms that come with hurricane season can vary at a moment's notice and completely derail a trucker's delivery time and location.

Hurricane season typically lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November, with the most powerful and active storms typically happening between late August and mid-September. It takes a community to help those affected by hurricanes, and the trucking industry is an essential backbone of that support system.

Transporting Donations to Hurricane Victims

One of the most important jobs that truckers have during hurricane season is to help transport relief resources to areas that were heavily impacted. Since hurricanes are closely monitored before they even reach land, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will often hire hundreds of trucks to deliver emergency supplies to areas that may be affected. These supplies can include:

• Medical supplies
• Bottled water
• Tarps
• Ready-to-eat meals

Once the hurricane hits, the supplies are then distributed from the larger distribution points to smaller ones in affected areas. Without the dedication and hard work by the trucking companies and drivers, these supplies would take longer to reach those who need them or could not be distributed at all.

Partnering With Other Companies

The unpredictability and strength of hurricanes can affect multiple areas of multiple states or just one state, and it often takes the cooperation of multiple trucking and supply companies working together to make sure shelter, electricity, food, and other immediate needs are restored as soon as possible.

Providing hurricane relief not only creates partnerships between trucking companies but also big names such as Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Lowe's and others who have distribution centers that are solely used for hurricane supplies. Having a distribution relationship with these companies can also help bolster business and the legitimacy of your company.

Getting Fuel to Evacuating States

In 2017, when Hurricane Irma approached Florida as a dangerous category 5 storm, hundreds of Floridians were forced to evacuate. This situation created a dire fuel shortage, which would have left many stranded without truckers coming to the rescue with fuel deliveries.

But what about weight and other restrictions? While this depends on the state and level of emergency, for dangerous storms such as Hurricane Irma, many states waive these restrictions to ensure that important supplies get to their intended destinations quickly.

Things to Consider During Hurricane Season

It's a point of pride for many trucking companies to lend their drivers and trucks when needed during hurricane season, but there are also some points to consider before volunteering to help or even driving in areas that may be affected by a hurricane.

Road Closures and Fuel Price Spikes

Pre-planned routes and familiar roadways may be closed or jammed with traffic in states where residents are evacuating. When driving into an area that may be affected by a hurricane, it's a best practice to plan alternative routes just in case.

Another unfortunate result of hurricane traffic is a sharp increase in fuel prices as companies try to make the most profit while everyone is filling up. Strategically planning your refuel stops or budgeting for a slightly elevated increase in fuel expenses can help ensure you're prepared.

Don't Skimp on Safety and Security Expenses

When it comes to being able to safely drive and handle your truck or fleet on the road, it's important to not take shortcuts. Any parts that aren't operating at maximum capacity, especially brakes, steering, wheels, and engine components, should be addressed before hurricane conditions occur. Not knowing what kinds of weather conditions you may be facing, making sure all your truck's visibility lights and stickers can also ensure a safe journey.

Whether a truck or fleet is helping deliver supplies or just driving in or through a state that is expecting an impact from a hurricane, safety and security of truck, driver, and cargo all need to be taken into consideration.

No Company Is Too Small To Help

If you're interested in getting your truck or fleet involved in hurricane supply distribution, you don't need to be a vast company to do so. Everyone's help is essential, and no matter what kind of services you can offer to the cause, even the smallest trucking companies can play an important role.

Where to Buy High-Quality Truck Parts This Hurricane Season

We're already a few months into this year's hurricane season, but there's still a few months left and still time to get your truck or fleet ready for the rest of it. Shop online today and optimize your brakes, steering, suspension, cargo tie-downs, visibility lighting, wheels, and even top-performing AGM batteries.

With trusted brands such as Horton, Delco Remy, BorgWarner, ConMet, Odyssey, and more, when you shop with us, you get the latest product innovations and best-in-class performance in the industry.

Key Points: How the Trucking Industry Is Essential During Hurricanes

• The trucking industry is essential during hurricane season, which lasts from the beginning of June til late November
• Trucks and truck drivers are the backbone of assisting areas when a hurricane is expected to hit, helping deliver essential rescue items and fuel
• Although it's a great service to volunteer your truck or fleet to help during hurricane season, there are also other factors to consider, including a spike in fuel prices, closed roadways, and the safety and security of the trucks you've got on the road
• Diagnosing and addressing any malfunctioning parts on your truck or fleet before driving in a hurricane-affected area can help ensure driver and cargo safety

Shop our online catalog today or contact us to start outfitting your truck with the best aftermarket truck parts this hurricane season.