Spring is standing at the front door with one foot already in our lives, waiting to make its full debut, and we’re bracing for the changes. Just like every season brings something new, we’ll look at what Spring has in store, what it already brought, and anything else truckers need to know to breeze through this time of year.

Trucking Through Daylight Savings

On March 9th, we sprung forward one hour in honor of daylight savings time. This is the first week we’ve had to deal with Spring changes like this, as we woke up to one less hour of sleep. Losing any sleep is frustrating, especially for truckers working the road. Although morning starts later, nighttime also comes later, meaning we have more time until darkness. Doing it as little as possible at night is the goal when you drive for a living.

Trucking Through Weather Changes

Spring officially kicks off on March 20th, and there has already been some rain, with heavy storms and dangerous winds still coming. It’s been 2 months since the Palisades and Eaton fires ravaged over 30,000 acres, the aftermath of which we’re still dealing with. The heavy storms forecasted for the next few days and the rest of March are already encouraging evacuations and road closures. Due to mudslides and debris flow hazards, PCH is closed from Chautauqua Blvd. to Carbon Beach Terrace. Check out the Cal Trans site to see when PCH will reopen.

Evacuation orders are underway for areas in Malibu and surrounding areas affected by the Palisades fires. Other evacuation orders include the Eaton, Franklin, Bridge, and Kenneth Fire burn areas. Truck access to these areas will be limited; therefore, it might be best to check your route ahead and plan accordingly. Flash flooding is a risk during this storm season, so avoiding any place where this might be a risk is vital.

Trucking Through Sickness Season

After all the spring rains end, nature will start to bloom, creating a new hell for those who suffer from allergies. Having allergies on the road is not a great feeling, and many medications cause drowsiness, which is a big no-no when driving. There are ways to help alleviate symptoms and make the season less daunting, but it won’t be fun. The rain and colder temperatures are also bringing a crazy flu season. Getting sick sucks, but there are ways to get ahead and prevent a cold or at least help alleviate some symptoms. When warmer weather comes around in April and May, the sick season should come to a close.