Best Practices for Fleet Maintenance, Fueling, Driver Training, and
Driver Safety Will Keep Fleets Winter-Ready on the Roadways
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
In preparation for the upcoming winter season, predicted to bring
below-average temperatures and heavy snowstorms, Ryder
System, Inc. (NYSE:R), a leader in commercial
fleet management and supply
chain solutions, is sharing best practices to help fleets get winter
ready. Proactive planning around fleet maintenance, proper fueling,
driver training, and driver safety can help maintain fleet uptime and
prevent unexpected breakdowns and accidents. Useful information and
resources for drivers and fleet managers are available now on Ryder’s
Online Center for Winter Preparedness at campaigns.ryder.com/WinterDriving.
The site will be updated throughout the season with weather advisories,
emergency response protocols, tips, and advice.
“Last year’s polar vortex wreaked havoc on businesses that were not
prepared for the impacts of extreme cold weather on their fleets,” said
Mel Kirk, Vice President, Maintenance & Quality Operations, Ryder.
“Ryder has the experience and expertise to help fleets prepare for and
mitigate the impacts of extreme winter weather, to keep freight moving
and drivers safe on the road.”
The following tips are essentials on Ryder’s winter driving preparedness
list:
-
Fleet maintenance proactive planning: An ounce of proactive
prevention while temperatures are still mild will go a long way to
ensure safety, reliability, and fewer unexpected issues when severe
weather strikes. Doing things like replacing wiper blades with winter
wiper blades and checking for proper tire inflation are examples of
proper maintenance that are key for running an efficient fleet.
-
Proper fueling: Making sure that fuel has been blended
correctly for the seasonal temperature and that a cloud point additive
is included prevents fuel filter waxing that causes breakdowns. For
this reason, it is important that you consider the cold temperatures
you may encounter in reaching your destination before hitting the road.
-
Driver training: Drivers should be trained and well-informed
about how to act in response to different situations. For example, in
the event that a warning light turns on, such as the engine
regeneration light, it is crucial that a driver know how to respond in
order to ensure safety and maintain fleet uptime.
-
Driver safety: Winter weather can add a lot of variables to
driving conditions, but extra caution, alertness, and preparation can
reduce the risk of possible collisions and/or mechanical failures.
Simply increasing following distance or slowing down can ensure a
safer trip.
To learn more about ways to plan ahead and stay informed this winter
season, visit Ryder’s
Online Center for Winter Preparedness.
About Ryder
Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial fleet management and supply chain
solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow
Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Inbound
Logistics magazine has recognized Ryder as a top third party
logistics provider and green supply chain partner. In addition, Security
Magazine has named Ryder one of the top companies for security practices
in the transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing sector.
Ryder is a proud member of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder
Program, supporting national and local disaster preparedness and
response efforts. For more information, visit www.ryder.com
and follow us on Facebook,
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and Twitter.
Source: Ryder System, Inc.