The holiday season is a busy time of year for the transportation industry, and truckers are delivering orders and shipments all over the country. For this reason, you may find that you can’t take time off this holiday season. If this is the case, don’t be disappointed about spending Christmas on the road; instead, follow these tips to bring holiday cheer to your cab.

1. Stay Connected to Loved Ones Online

These days it’s very easy to stay in touch with loved ones. Make some time in your day for a video call if you can. Use your laptop or mobile and a video calling platform such as Zoom, Whatsapp, or Google Meets to feel included in the celebrations happening at home. If data charges are too high, use the WiFi at a truck stop. If not, you can use public WiFi in several places, such as coffee shops, hotels, and fast-food chains.

2. Stay Alert and Warm

December means cold weather, rain, and slushy and icy roads, requiring drivers to be even more vigilant. Beware of less-than-ideal road conditions and increased trucking traffic, which can heighten risks on the road. Over 70% of the country experiences wintery conditions, so prepare for below-freezing temperatures and pack clothes and emergency supplies (if you get a flat tire that you’re unable to change, for example) accordingly. 

If you are out on the roads this holiday season, don’t overwork yourself. Stay alert, and soak up the festive cheer across the country.

3. Remember, Christmas Can Be Flexible

Because the Holiday season is so busy, your employer might not give you vacation leave. If you don’t get time off for Christmas Day, why not reschedule the celebrations with your loved ones? There is no reason why you cannot celebrate Christmas a week earlier or later, depending on your schedule. Plus, if you celebrate Christmas after December 25, you can take advantage of the post-Christmas sales.

4. Prioritize a Festive Feast

Eating balanced meals is essential for your health, which is equally true when out on the road. Maintain a healthy diet throughout the holidays, but try to incorporate something festive around Christmas day. Whether you prefer a turkey dinner, or something else, make sure you have something slightly different than your standard fare. Christmas food shouldn’t be difficult to find when out on the road. Truck stops across the country will offer Christmas suppers, so keep an eye out for their advertisements and promotions.

5. Decorate Your Truck 

Get into the festive mood by decorating your truck’s interior (provided they meet safety standards, of course). Drape some tinsel across the dashboard, hang some colored lights, get yourself a Santa hat, and string some baubles up in your sleeper. Bring Christmas out onto the open road with you to keep up that festive spirit.

6. Play Christmas Music and Audiobooks

Turn up the volume and crank out some Christmas songs as you drive. You don’t have to stick to the old classics of Silent Night or Away in a Manger either; Elvis, Faith Hill, Bing Crosby, Jon Bon Jovi, and even the Eagles have all produced toe-tapping Christmas tunes. If you prefer audiobooks, there are many Christmas-themed novels to choose from. Mix it up with a classic like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and a more irreverent take on the holiday season, such as John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas.

Whether you’re out on the road this month, or home with your families, we at American Distribution wish you a happy and safe holiday season! If you want a change and would like to become a valued driver with competitive pay, flexible schedules, and paid holidays, then contact us at American Distribution; we’d love to welcome you as one of the family!