It’s the height of summer, and your freight is on its way from point A to point B. Your trucker aims to get the delivery to its destination on time, but there are plenty of challenges along the way, given the summer heat. Your freight might also be at risk; can it stand the temperature? How hot can a semi-truck get in summer, really? You might be surprised!
How Hot Can a Semi-Truck Get in Summer?
A semi-truck cab is just like a car. In the summer heat, it can become insanely hot if you do not have air conditioning and the windows are rolled up. You might have heard of the dangers of leaving children or pets in a car, something you should never do. The inside of this metal contraption can become life-threateningly hot. The same applies to the inside of a semi-truck cab, where the trucker sits. It can easily get to over 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Dangers of a Broken AC
Should the truck’s air conditioner go bad, the truck cab can become sweltering and highly uncomfortable. It can get so bad that it is difficult to concentrate on the road. Even at nighttime, it is highly uncomfortable to sleep in a cab that is over 80-some degrees.
The worst threat is heat stroke, which shows itself in these ways:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- No longer sweating
- Nausea and dizziness
- High temperature
A trucker must do his best to stay cool in a hot cab by staying hydrated, eating cool foods, and getting the AC fixed! The threat of getting stranded in the summer heat is real.
How Hot Can a Semi Trailer Get in Summer?
What about the cargo? A semi trailer can also become unbearably hot; when unloading semi-trucks at a warehouse, workers need industrial fans to ventilate the trailer and cool it down enough for it to be bearable. A semi trailer might be slightly cooler on the inside than the outside in summer, but it can still get well over 100 degrees.
Protecting People and Cargo
It is crucial to preserve both the safety of the trucker and your freight. The trucker is responsible for reacting to a problem; if the AC is broken, it needs fixing. Preventative maintenance should happen in the spring before the AC needs to go into full gear. As for the freight, consider if it requires temperature-controlled shipping, which Evan Transportation in the Mid-Atlantic offers.
For All Your Trucking Needs
Follow us here at Evan Transportation to get more updates on driving tips and the trucking industry. Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries, benefits, and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.