The Onspot Blog

As there is a shortage of professional drivers in many regions of the world, one may ask why not enough people seem to be attracted by the profession. What once was a job that required mainly driving skills has developed into a computerised operation, requiring multi-skills of the driver. This development can certainly scare away drivers who cannot adapt to the new technology but should reasonably attract a young tech-savvy generation. Yet, there are not good drivers enough in the market. And probably, anyone who consider entering the trade asks herself if truck driver is a good job. Well, is it?

You’ve done your research and have concluded that you need to increase your traction capabilities in inclement weather. The following questions will help you determine what type of traction aid would be most effective.

A truck or other heavy vehicle that loses traction not only disrupts operations but can also lead to a dangerous situation. In regions where weather – or other – conditions entails the risk of slippery driving conditions, having some traction aid could be an obvious precaution to secure operation and prevent delays. Although there are similarities with traction aids for passenger cars, there are other requirements for trucks.

A quick look at today’s modern commercials fleets proves the endless variations that now exist in their design and use. On any given day the average person will see dozens of these vehicles in action. 

A truck or other heavy vehicle that loses traction not only disrupts operations but can also lead to a dangerous situation. In regions where weather – or other – conditions entails the risk of slippery driving conditions, having some traction aid could be an obvious precaution to secure operation and prevent delays. Although there are similarities with traction aids for passenger cars, there are other requirements for trucks.

'When should I use a traction aid?' This seemingly simple question could be answered by 'whenever you lose traction'. However, it isn't as simple as that. There are situations when it's a good idea to use a traction aid even if traction isn't lost. And, there are situations where traction aids should not be used. Here is how you should think.

At the cost of approx. USD2,500 for a complete system, automatic tire chains may seem costly to some. Still, there are others who without hesitation order and mount automatic tire chains on their every new vehicle, obviously finding them well worth the price. And, this has not necessarily to do with the financial status of the vehicle owner...

For a vehicle that never, or very rarely, is driven in icy or slippery road conditions, automatic tire chains are not a very good investment. But, for a driver who very often – possibly daily for extended periods – encounters icy roads, the safety and convenience of automatic tire chains may come as a bargain. So, where is the line between expensive and cheap?

Tire chains are an old and proven method for getting traction in icy road conditions. Even if chains look similar, there are different types of chains for the truck driver to consider. And, as usual, different types have different benefits. Your final choice should be a result of your specific needs and preferences.

There is no such thing as 'the perfect traction aid.' All different methods for increasing traction have their specific advantages. Accordingly, your choice of traction aid should be the optimal compromise for your personal needs, taking into account the features and benefits the different methods offer. When deciding on your traction aid, excluding options due to limitations or other cons could be one approach. So, which are the limitations of automatic tire chains?

Despite the fact that automatic tire chains by most experienced users are considered the most convenient and preferred choice, there are drawbacks you should be aware of.

The need for commercial freight and logistic services has never been higher. However, the firms and entrepreneurs operating in this space continue to see extremely tight operating margins.