It seems like just several weeks ago I was enjoying the cool ocean breeze here in Southern California during my off time at home and running the truck around the area locally during the week. It sure was nice to be able to sit in a dock with the engine off and windows down, enjoying the cool breeze while taking a siesta in my new single-bunk sleeper. One small downfall to being CNG-powered, is that I do not have a ParkSmart HVAC system like my condo Cascadia used to have. Developing a few new methods of obtaining personal comfort in this truck and my last CNG-powered truck during the summer heat has taken a couple new tricks up my sleeve.
Idling while waiting to offload is something I am not a fan of by far, regardless of what fuel I am burning. Being that I have to plan out my fuel stops a little more closely than drivers operating diesel trucks and tend to stop for fuel a little more often, burning precious fuel for comfort while sitting in a dock is not exactly my idea of smart spending. There are more ways to stay cool that I have found early-on this hot summer, that have allowed me to continue to reduce my idle times, all while staying relatively comfortable at the same time. Here are a couple of my newfound tips that I have uncovered to help stay cool.
- Seek out a drivers lounge.
Some of the warehouses where I would least expect a driver lounge actually turned out having at least a small air-conditioned room with vending machines and a microwave. If you find a TV and a coffee machine, you might have just hit the jackpot! You just have to look or ask.
- Supervise the Loading/Unloading Process.
If you’re really not ready to lie down for a nap and the warehouse allows it, jump out onto the dock and check out the loading/unloading process. This can be especially true for those of you hauling a reefer. I remember hauling frozen beef out in Texas during my refrigerated days and it sure was nice to be on those docks on a hot Texas summer day! A lot of dry warehouses will have fans on or above the loading areas too, which will circulate decent temperature air throughout the docks for comfort.
Not something that I have tried yet, but I am getting close with these 105-degree+ days we have been steadily having. If you’ve got the small amount of room for a tiny cooler or bucket of ice and a contraption like this, it may be the saving grace to keep you comfortable during your quest of idle reduction. If I try this out, you will definitely see a blog on my experience!
There are some of us that wear a tie for the professional look, but that is not quite the avenue I am cruising down on this one. Wearing a “Kool Tie” like the one pictured, or similar neck cooling device, can help you keep your cool this summer as well. With special crystals inside that absorb water and hold it, these devices provide evaporative cooling to your vascular system through the arteries in your neck.
Of course, if the temperatures and conditions dictate idling to stay cool and comfortable, by all means do so. Be sure to keep hydrated and drink plenty of clear fluids, particularly water. Stay away from sugary, caffeinated drinks during these hot periods, as they will only work to dehydrate your body faster and worsen the effects of heat on your body. Certain foods will also help you stay hydrated, which you can find a small list of in my previous blog linked here, titled “Watered Down”. Be sure to stay cool and comfortable during excessively warm temperatures to help reduce the fatigue we feel already from the long hours behind the wheel!