With the increasing of frequent heavy rain conditions in Saudi Arabia and the impact it leaves on transportation, in parallel with the rapid growth of e-commerce, it’s now essential for logistics companies to provide heavy truck drivers with a set of critical guidelines to follow during heavy rain or unexpected weather conditions. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of your trucks, cargo, and parcels from damage and waterlogging, reducing the risk of accidents caused by uncontrollable weather conditions.
First: General Instructions for Heavy Truck Drivers
- Ensure the shipment is fully secured against rain:
Simple but necessary steps like using waterproof covers to protect your cargo from rain, checking that the loads are tightly secured to prevent them from moving out of place in case of truck wheel disruptions on slick roads. - Drive at reduced speeds in rainy areas:
Under all conditions, rain makes roads slippery, even with light showers. It is crucial to reduce speed to the minimum safe level, particularly on highways or mountainous areas, where the risks of skidding or losing control of the vehicle are higher. Adhering to updated speed limits during adverse weather is necessary, as follows:- On highways:
Depending on the severity, heavy truck drivers should reduce speed to 80 km/h or less.
In dense fog, speeds should be reduced to 50 km/h or less, or the driver may need to stop on the roadside if necessary. - On internal roads:
Speeds should be reduced to 30–50 km/h, depending on the rain intensity and visibility limits.
- On highways:
- Follow warning signals:
Traffic authorities often activate electronic signals on highways to display updated speed limits during adverse weather. Heavy truck drivers must follow and adhere to these limits. - Additional recommendations:
- In the absence of official instructions or specific speed signs, it is advisable to drive at 30%-50% slower than normal speeds.
- If visibility is severely limited, speeds below 50 km/h are required.
- Avoid sudden braking and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Activate windshield wipers continuously and avoid areas prone to water accumulation.
- Avoid flooded roads:
Utilize navigation apps, updated maps, and GPS systems to avoid roads submerged in water during rain.
Heavy truck drivers should stop and communicate with management if the rain renders certain roads impassable for the truck. - Use appropriate lighting:
- Turn on fog lights and headlights to enhance visibility, even during daytime travel.
- Ensure rear lights are functioning correctly.
- Avoid stopping in low-lying areas:
During rain, only stop in elevated areas away from valleys or roads prone to flooding, especially if the truck is carrying parcels or cargo susceptible to water damage.
Second: Guidelines for Protecting Shipments
- Safeguard shipments from water damage:
Use waterproof materials like reinforced plastic or waterproof covers to protect the cargo. Closed containers or water-resistant truck designs should be used when necessary. - Avoid transporting moisture-sensitive cargo in rainy conditions:
If possible, postpone shipping items prone to water damage or humidity until the roads are safer.
If postponement is not feasible, use additional protective solutions like refrigerated or thermally insulated containers. - Coordinate with customers in advance:
Inform customers about potential weather-related delays and communicate expected delivery times transparently. This builds trust and prepares for any unforeseen losses. - Balance truck loads:
Ensure the load is evenly distributed to prevent the truck from overturning on slick roads or losing wheel traction.
Reduce the load if the route involves steep slopes or hazardous areas.
Third: Special Instructions for the Roads in Saudi Arabia
- Avoid flood-prone areas:
Identify routes prone to flooding, such as roads leading to mountainous or desert regions like Taif and Al Baha.
Avoid passing through valleys or areas at risk of flash floods. - Plan the trip in advance:
Employers should provide heavy truck drivers with updated maps of alternative routes and safe service centers for truck stops.
Drivers must also check daily weather reports from the Saudi Meteorological Authority before starting their trips. - Comply with local authority instructions:
Drivers should adhere to traffic warnings or police instructions in areas known for unpredictable weather. Special permits may be required if the truck needs to travel on restricted or risky roads.
Fourth: Emergency Procedures for Heavy Truck Drivers
Every company has emergency planning and training programs for its employees to minimize losses during exceptional circumstances. For heavy truck drivers, these procedures may include:
- Ensuring constant communication:
- Provide heavy truck drivers with mobile applications for navigation and weather updates to avoid heavily affected areas.
- Equip drivers with communication devices that use strong networks for contacting management in emergencies.
- Allocate an internal emergency number for immediately assisting heavy truck drivers on the road.
- Quick evacuation plans:
- Prepare an evacuation plan for unloading parcels and shipments if the journey cannot proceed.
- Train heavy truck drivers to handle emergency breakdowns professionally and with minimal losses.
- Relying on local support teams:
- Partner with local repair shops or towing services along main routes for quick assistance to company trucks.
Periodic workshops or training sessions are recommended to educate heavy truck drivers on best practices in adverse weather conditions. Hand manuals or illustrated guides with practical and detailed instructions in the driver’s native language or a multilingual booklet.
Drive Your Business Forward with SMASCO’s Professional Heavy Truck Drivers
Dealing with adverse weather conditions like heavy rains poses a significant challenge for transport and logistics companies. Adopting the guidelines and preventative measures in this guide not only ensures the safety of trucks and shipments but also helps reduce accidents, minimize losses, and achieve optimal efficiency in transportation operations.
You can always rely on SMASCO, the leading Saudi Manpower Solutions Company, for supplying your business with a team of professional heavy truck drivers trained to the best standards of driving. This will safeguard your trucks and enhance your logistics. Contact SMASCO now to get workforce support that guarantees your company’s success.
Sources:
- “Road Authority” recommends avoiding speed and adhering to safety instructions while driving in rain, Sabq Newspaper (sabq.org).
- Road Authority confirms speed bump standards in accordance with the Saudi road code, Al Arabiya.
- Safety Guide for Transportation in Adverse Weather (dot.gov).
- Tailored tips for logistics companies, freightwaves.com.