Driver Resources – Black Hawk Logistics

Maintain 3 points of contact at all times

Check ladder and handholds for defects before climbing
Ascending and descending ladders—take your time and look before you step!
Brace yourself while operating landing gear and be careful not to apply too much force and lose balance
Climb in and out of the truck cab facing the unit; confirm a solid grip on each hand hold

Hooking and unhooking the hot hose requires extra care at all times of year
Properly dispose of trash
Sweep/clean up any spills immediately
Be mindful of oil/grease on paved or vehicle surfaces; once on your boots, this becomes a slip and fall hazard
Wear proper non-skid footwear (closed-toe work shoes or boots only!)

First rain after a dry spell can cause roadways to be much more slippery
New asphalt with fresh oil and rain water can be very slippery and increase stopping distances
Avoid leaves – Wet leaves can be as dangerous as an icy road. Dry leaves are a fire hazard so don’t park over them
Watch for children – Be cautious near schools, fields, parked cars, and buses. Also, with Halloween comes extra sugar and unexpected behavior around streets
Don’t veer for deer – If a collision is unavoidable, don’t swerve. Brake firmly, hold the wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and move the vehicle out of traffic
Pack an emergency kit that includes:

Warm-weather precautions

Keep an eye out for children. They’re out of school and potentially near streets
Summer is construction season—slow down and watch out for workers and stopped vehicles
More vacationing lost distracted or sightseeing travelers around
Greater chance of roadside DOT check points; reminder: first week of June for the inspection blitz
If you wear short-sleeve shirts, be cautious around hot hoses and pipes on trailers—burn injuries are possible
Pack insect repellant to prevent bites from flies, mosquitos and spiders. Be aware of wildlife near rail yards (snakes, scorpions, etc.)
Wear sunscreen to prevent UV exposure
On hot, humid days, work slow enough to avoid overheating, which can lead to dehydration or heat stroke

Carry a glass cleaner and paper towels to clean the bugs off the windshield
Maintain engine fluid levels—especially coolant
Check engine belt conditions on pre-trip inspection
Recommended tire pressure is 105 psi for steer and wide-base tires; 95 psi on all dual tires (underinflated tires overheat more quickly and the potential of blowout increases dramatically)

Plastic industry specifics

Manage blower temperatures less than 240º by lowering rpms or pressure if needed
Maintain air-cooler functionality and limitations to keep product temperature in the safe range
Pay attention to product flow ability in high humidity (product will flow slower on high air temp and humidity days)
Air transfer piping will be very hot from the blower to the air cooler (this includes the blower coupling hose)
Cool down the blower for a one minute minimum before disconnecting hot hose
Silo piping is already heated by sun and air temperature—product degradation is more likely
Follow clean and reload trailer inspection and blowdown procedures, keeping a watchful eye for contaminants

Cold-weather precautions

Watch for construction zones. Adverse weather makes them much more dangerous. Pay attention and stay extra cautious.
Changing temperatures can cause your tires to expand, contract, and lose pressure. Inflate to specifications and maintain adequate tread
Fall brings rain, often sleet, hail, and snow. Make sure wipers are in good condition. Apply Rain-X© to your windshield. Avoid sudden braking or steering movements when driving on wet or flooded roads. Pull over and wait, if necessary.
With later sunrises and earlier sunsets, keep sunglasses handy and watch for kids, pedestrians, and cyclists in the late afternoon
Watch for frost. Clean your windshield before driving and be cautious when approaching bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas
Add these cold-weather items to your emergency kit:

- - brake-line antifreeze
  - thermal blanket
  - shovel
  - sand, salt or cat litter

Maintenance items

We're here 24/7 to assist you with dedicated support and expert solutions tailored to your unique logistics needs.