Snow and ice on roadways make for dangerous driving. However, when snow and ice blow off semi-trailers and trucks, the risk factors for drivers and carrier responsibility increase dramatically. Not surprisingly, many states have snow laws and impose fines on carriers who don’t sufficiently remove snow. Even in areas without specific snow laws, all commercial transport vehicles are required to secure their loads while on the road. Snow and ice on top of a trailer can be considered unsecured, leading to fines for drivers.
There are many time honored methods of removing snow buildup from vehicle roofs, snow better than others, and we will look into them here. As always, it is best to keep safety the number one priority when choosing any of the methods mentioned.
There three main methods are:
- Climbing to the top of the trailer and using a shovel
(dangerous, time consuming, and labor intensive) - Using a snow rake from the ground
(dangerous, difficult with ice or heavy snow, time consuming, and labor intensive) - Driving through an automated snow removal machine
(quick, safe, and effective)
Snow Removal: The Hard Way
Truck drivers often bear the responsibility of removing snow from their vehicle roofs. However, some methods can put drivers at risk. The options for clearing snow from rooftops include climbing to the top of the trailer with a shovel, using a snow rake specifically designed for tractor trailers from the ground, or driving through an automated snow removal machine. While the shovel and rake are traditional approaches, they are time-consuming and endanger drivers and employees.
While the shovel or rake are considered more traditional methods, they take time and put
drivers and employees in harm’s way. Manually removing snow from trailers that are 12-plus feet tall requires people using snow brushes and rakes, as well as ladders. In wintry conditions, the possibility of slipping increases, as do injuries such as sprained or broken ankles and legs or separated shoulders. Additionally, even the best snow brush and snow rake for tractor trailers still pulls snow downward near (or onto) the person clearing the snow. The physical exertion of manually removing snow for extended periods can also result in cardiac events.
Remove Snow Safely: The Easy Way
Manually removing snow with traditional methods like the above can be costly and hazardous. Thankfully, there is a solution that enables quick, safe, and efficient snow removal from trucks and trailers—Arctic Air Snow Removal Systems.
These systems help keep fleets clean and on schedule. Snow removal doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive ordeal fraught with the risk of injury and stress with manual means, or the possibility of damaging your expensive fleet like scraper systems. There’s a safer, more efficient way to remove snow from tall trailer rooftops: high pressure warm air.
This seemingly simple concept can provide substantial safety and efficiency benefits. Removing snow from truck and trailer roofs can help reduce the risk of ice missiles creating turmoil and death on North American roadways. Before Arctic Air Snow Removal Systems, scrapping has been the primary method for removing snow from the roofs of trucks and other fleet vehicles.
Arctic Air Snow Removal Systems offer a range of key advantages for efficient snow removal from trucks and trailers. They operate without physical contact, minimizing the risk of damage such as scratches or dents. These portable systems can be easily moved, optimizing yard space as needed. With automated operation, drivers can conveniently operate the machine without leaving their vehicles, enhancing both convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, these systems exhibit remarkable weather resilience, remaining effective even in extreme conditions such as heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, or icy environments.
In terms of maintenance, Arctic Air Snow Removal Systems have fewer moving parts compared to other systems, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. Additionally, their no-contact nature minimizes wear and tear on the vehicles, reducing the frequency of repairs or component replacements. The systems are also versatile, capable of adapting to different truck types and designs. This makes them a suitable option for fleet vehicles or trucks with various roof configurations.
By utilizing powerful air jets, these systems enable swift and efficient snow removal, significantly reducing the time and effort needed compared to manual methods or scraping techniques. Finally, there is no additional cleanup required, as the machine directs the snow into designated collection areas or drainage ditches, allowing it to melt and drain away naturally.
Conclusion
Arctic Air Snow Removal Systems offer a comprehensive solution that ensures safe and efficient snow removal, while protecting the vehicles’ integrity and optimizing operational efficiency. From minimizing damage risks to providing versatility and reducing maintenance needs, these systems streamline the snow removal process and offer notable benefits to truck and trailer owners.
Embracing this innovative technology not only enhances safety but also saves time, resources, and costs associated with manual snow removal methods and scrapper methods. Overall, Arctic Air Snow Removal Systems offer a superior alternative for keeping fleets clean, efficient, and in compliance with snow laws, ultimately benefiting the transportation industry as a whole. Would you like to find out more?
