Summer Trucking Tips from our RoadStars drivers

Summer

Tom and David tell us their top summer trucking tips.

Heading out on the road this summer? Get some tips on how to survive from two of our UK RoadStars drivers, Tom Barbour and David Henning.


Summer is nearly here. As the days get brighter and longer, driving becomes slightly trickier, particularly if you are travelling across continents. To help you along the way, we have asked two of our RoadStars drivers to give their top tips for travelling during the summer.

Tom Barbour has been a truck driver for 24 years and currently works at Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage Ltd.  David Henning has been driving since 1999 and currently works as a truck driver at Mulgrew Haulage. They both recently won a place to showcase their trucks on the Mercedes-Benz Trucks stand at Truckfest Peterborough in May.

Meet the two drivers and see their top tips for summer driving below.


Where will you be trucking to this summer?

Tom: My top destination this year is Southampton as I only do work in UK and Ireland.

David: My summer destinations will be Ireland wide and some in Scotland. 

What is your top tip for staying cool and comfortable in the cab?

Tom: The air con is fantastic in the Mercedes-Benz, so that’s enough for me!

David: To avoid the sharp contrast between a cold cab and sweltering outside temperature, keep the climate control as close as possible to the outside temperature. Wear shorts where possible. Keep some fruit in the fridge - grapes and strawberries from the fridge on a summers’ day are perfect coolers. Always drive with a little air circulation from either a window or the sunroof.


What is your top stopping destination during the summer?

Tom: My favourite place to stop during the summer is the Stockyard Truck Stop.

David: I’m a country boy at heart. I love nothing better than parking in the rural areas of Ireland with a view and just let nature take place around me as I have a cup of tea. 

What is your favourite summer driving song?

Tom: Cliona Hagan, The Cowboy Song is great for driving.

David: This is a very hard question! I am a big music fan. But if it’s the summer I like anything from Above and Beyond, Anjuna Beats! That sets the mind free and I really love my job on those beautiful summer days, especially evening driving when no one is about. 


Do you have any other tips for drivers trucking in the summer?

Tom: Just to make sure that you’re always concentrating and to stay safe on the roads.

David: Yes, try and stay away from sugary drinks foods etc. In the heat it can cause extra tiredness. Stay clean. Take plenty of clothes with you during the week to stay fresh and clean. Drink plenty of water stay hydrated and try to get plenty of walking in on the long summer evenings to de-stress. 

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