On the road, the unexpected can happen at the worst time. A winter storm shuts down the interstate, leaving a driver stuck on the shoulder for hours. Road debris causes a flat tire miles from the next exit on the hottest day of the year.
Weather and road conditions are out of your control, but being prepared isn’t. With the right emergency essentials on board a commercial rental truck, your drivers can stay safe and keep a short delay from turning into a major disruption. In this article, you’ll learn how to build a year-round emergency kit and adapt it for hot- and cold-weather months.
What should you pack in your truck driver emergency kit?
Pack these basic supplies to stay visible, connected and safe in an emergency.
Roadside Safety and Visibility Equipment
All commercial drivers should carry a working and charged fire extinguisher and warning devices such as reflective triangles or flares. Trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Combination Weight Rating of 10,001 pounds or more operating in interstate commerce must abide by federal regulation 49 CFR 393.95, which requires:
- A fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating of 5 B:C or more, or two extinguishers with UL ratings of 4 B:C or more. All extinguishers must be labeled, filled, charged and securely mounted. Placarded hazmat vehicles must carry an extinguisher rated 10 B:C or more.
- Warning devices for stopped vehicles. These can include either three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles or at least six road flares that burn for at least 30 minutes.
Other must-have visibility devices include a flashlight and a reflective safety vest.
First Aid and Personal Supplies
Equip each emergency kit with basic first-aid supplies. Encourage drivers to bring extra prescription medications as needed, along with a list of emergency contacts. Bottled water and nonperishable food such as nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars can provide hydration and nutrition if a driver is stranded for an extended period.
Communication and Maintenance Equipment
Drivers should carry a cellphone and charger with them so they can stay in touch with dispatch as needed. Other fundamentals include jumper cables, duct tape and a basic tool set.
Helpful hint: Store all emergency items in plastic tubs or containers so you can carry them in and out of different rental vehicles each day.
Cold Weather Add-Ons for Rental Trucks
If your business operates in a region known for harsh winters, take a few extra precautions during cold-weather months. Make sure your emergency kits include:
- Winter weather essentials. Pack a snow shovel, an ice scraper with a snow brush, and traction material, such as sand or kitty litter.
- Extra warm clothing. Wear or pack insulated clothing, parkas, waterproof hats, mittens, hand warmers and winter boots. Also store extra blankets or sleeping bags in rental vehicles.
Helpful hint: If winter storms are in the forecast, remind your drivers to check weather and road conditions regularly, drive cautiously and leave plenty of space between their truck and other vehicles. Share these tips for how to drive a truck safely in winter.
Hot Weather Add-Ons for Your Emergency Kit
For businesses that operate in extreme heat, pack an emergency kit that helps drivers:
- Keep themselves cool. Pack cooling towels, sunscreen and extra water or electrolyte packets.
- Keep the rental vehicle cool. Pack a portable fan and use a reflective windshield shade to reduce interior temperatures while parked.
Helpful hint: Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., and many people don’t see the signs until it’s too late. Protect your drivers by sharing these tips to stay cool in the heat.
How often should you update your emergency kit?
Inspect supplies before trips and at each season change. Make sure your kit contains the right supplies for each season. Check batteries to ensure they’re in good working order. Check the expiration dates on all food, water and medication and dispose of expired items.
How to respond in an emergency
Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit is just one part of keeping your drivers safe. The other is teaching them how to respond if something goes wrong on the road. Encourage your drivers to:
- Turn on their hazard lights at the first sign of trouble.
- Pull over to a safe location.
In a life-threatening emergency, drivers should call 911. For all other situations, drivers should call for roadside assistance, update dispatch on their status, follow instructions and use their emergency supplies to stay safe until help arrives.
Drivers should also set out triangles or flares within 10 minutes of pulling over. In winter, drivers should stay with the truck, keep the exhaust pipe clear from snow or ice and run the engine sparingly.
Gain peace of mind when you rent from Penske
Penske offers one of the best-maintained commercial rental fleets in the industry, including an extensive inventory of late-model vehicles. We perform preventive maintenance on all commercial rentals, including repairs, inspections and tire replacements.
When you rent from Penske, you also get 24/7 roadside assistance. Just call 1-800-526-0798 or log in to the free Penske Driver™ app in the event of a flat tire, fluid leak, mechanical problem or other situation. We’ll dispatch roadside assistance, communicate with you and your driver, and give you online visibility into road-call status.
We typically put drivers back on the road within two hours. We can also provide a comparable substitute delivery truck if needed.
Looking for the right commercial truck? Reserve your rental today.
Common Questions
How should businesses store emergency kits in rental trucks?
Store emergency supplies in a durable, portable container that can easily be moved between vehicles. Keep frequently needed items, such as flashlights, reflective vests, first-aid supplies and warning devices easy to access. Secure the container inside the truck so it cannot shift in transit.
Do local delivery drivers need an emergency kit in a commercial rental vehicle?
Yes. Even drivers making short, local deliveries can experience a roadside emergency. A basic emergency kit with water, food, first-aid supplies, communication devices and seasonal essentials can help drivers stay safe while awaiting assistance.
Can you use the same emergency kit in different commercial rental units?
Yes. Businesses that rent trucks occasionally can maintain a portable emergency kit that drivers transfer between vehicles. Before each trip, inspect the supplies inside the kit, dispose of any expired food, batteries or medications and add items that are appropriate for the time of year.