Despite the fact that nowadays there are no problems with communication and it has become very easy to call for help, drivers sometimes have to deal with technical problems on their own. Therefore, it is very important to have a set of necessary tools with you.
Tolerance for delays becomes less and less as expectations from the supply chain increase, which means that even minimal delays are sometimes unacceptable.
HMD Trucking, like many other trucking companies, has its own repair and maintenance shop, so serious repairs are better to entrust to qualified mechanics, but minor problems can be handled by the driver with the right set of tools himself.
Therefore, it is recommended that every driver have a set of basic tools, so that minimal problems do not turn into big problems or, do not lead to a violation, which is even worse.
It is mandatory to have pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers of various sizes.
For dislodging frozen brakes, the driver may also need a hammer. It’s also a good idea to carry a set of bolts, nuts, and gaskets.
In Midwest and Northeast climates, fasteners often corrode and rust, so sometimes they have to be replaced. For example, the bolt holding the landing gear knob may fail and break, making it impossible to further roll up or down the landing gear. If you have a few spare bolts with you, you can replace them at any time.
Fifth Wheel Pull Hook
Drivers often injure their shoulders, elbows, neck, and back when trying to pull out the fifth wheel. To protect yourself from such accidents, you can carry a fifth-wheel puller that can also be used to attach chains, making it a versatile and useful tool.
Equip truck drivers and operators and promote safety with the proper tools needed to help them avoid injury.
The OPNBar tool, for instance can help avoid some injuries by providing an ergonomic means of opening shipping containers, checking for low pressure tires, and aiding operators in releasing the tractor from the trailer.
Please be sure to read OPNBar Extended Instructions & Precautions
Safety Glasses, Earplugs, and Gloves
For minor repairs on the road, it’s a good idea to have safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves with you. If you have to fix the truck in the dark, a headlamp will help.
Wire and Duct Tape
Some little things like wire and duct tape will also be helpful. These things will help you temporarily fix parts of the truck that were broken in an accident or collision with a wild animal. This way you can get back on the road without assistance.
Don’t forget about your own safety while repairing on the road. Every truck should have the necessary equipment to ensure driver safety on the roadway. This means that safety vests and safety triangles are a must.
Triangles
Regulations require each truck to have three triangles. In case of an accident or repair, they should be posted 10 feet, 100 feet and then another hundred feet from the truck on the highway. It is advisable to twist the bottom edges of each triangle to give them more stability and to eliminate possible deflation in gusty winds.
Fire Extinguishers & First Aid
Fire extinguishers are mandatory in every truck, because the driver may encounter situations where he has to deal with an open flame. Regulations do not require you to carry a first aid kit, but it is highly recommended by experienced drivers. Perhaps someday you will provide first aid to the injured. So it’s a good idea to have bandages, band-aids, antiseptics, and antibiotic ointment with you. These things can help you, too, if you get micro-traumas on the trip.
Good Clothing
It’s corny, but it’s important to dress for the weather. Hoodies and jeans are fine for springtime, but what happens if you have to chain up your tires during a snowstorm in Minnesota or Wisconsin? The weather tends to turn bad all of a sudden and it’s best to have a set of warm clothes in the car for such occasions. Also, don’t spare the money and get some rain gear, because there’s nothing worse than getting soaked through in a stressful situation.
Equip operators with the proper tools needed and promote safety to help them avoid injury.
The OPNBar tool, for instance, can help avoid some injuries by providing an ergonomic means of opening shipping containers, checking for low-pressure tires, and aiding operators in releasing the tractor from the trailer. Please be sure to read OPNBar Extended Instructions & Precautions Safer Grip by OPNBar™️ are ideal work gloves for all-day use for light manufacturing, warehouse operators, and for use in maintenance areas. Safer Grip gloves by OPNBar are ideal multi-purpose work gloves for various applications like trucking and delivery, warehouses, maintenance areas, light manufacturing, and carpentry. They are also great for gardening, and various outdoor activities that require grip in wet conditions, like boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, and can help protect hands while providing extra grip when handling tools and materials.Did you know that trucking, cargo and insurance companies lose billions a year due to operator injury?
Did you know 50% of all trucking injuries are sprains/strains? Check out our infographic on workplace injuries, costs and causes:
