Staying Cool Without Idling: Smart Strategies for Summer on the Road

Summer’s here and we know it can be brutal out there. When temperatures climb, it’s only natural to want to keep the cab comfortable. We get it. Your health and safety always come first.

But here’s the challenge: excessive idling takes a toll on fuel costs, equipment, the environment, and our company-wide goals as an employee-owned team. So how do we balance comfort and responsibility? With some smart strategies and mutual understanding, we can beat the heat and keep our idle times in check.

Why Reducing Idle Time Matters
Even just one hour of idling can burn nearly a gallon of fuel. Multiply that across our fleet, and the cost adds up fast. Reducing idle time helps us:

Cut fuel costs and continue to get the best rates
Reduce engine wear and maintenance needs
Improve our environmental footprint
Help protect the shared success we all benefit from as part-owners of the company

In short: every minute matters.

Summer Tips to Stay Cool (Without Running the Engine)
Here are a few things drivers are doing across our fleet to beat the heat while limiting idle time:
1. Park Smart
Look for shaded areas or position your cab to block direct sunlight during rest breaks. Even small changes can keep your cab cooler.
2. Use Window Covers and Ventilated Screens
Reflective sunshades and window screens can lower the inside temp dramatically, and provide privacy too.
3. Portable Battery-Powered Fans
Rechargeable fans with adjustable speeds can circulate air without draining your truck’s battery.
4. Cool Down Before You Power Down
Run the AC while driving to cool your cab in advance, then shut down with a comfortable temp that holds longer.
5. Hydrate and Dress Light
It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. Lightweight, breathable clothes and plenty of cold water help your body stay cool even when the air isn’t.

A Shared Commitment
We know it’s not always easy. That’s why we’re not asking for perfection. We’re asking for awareness. Small changes by many drivers make a big impact for all of us. As an employee-owned company, what we save together helps grow the business we all share in. So thank you for doing your part, and if you have ideas or tools that help you idle less, we’d love to hear them.

Let’s stay safe, stay cool, and keep it rolling this summer.