Cold Weather Gear For Flatbed Drivers

I am just curious what cold weather gear is most recommended for flatbed drivers. I originally ruled flatbed out because I don't want to mess around in the cold. However, I have decided that is a foolish reason to rule something out without trying it first.

I did a search but didn't see anything specific. Maybe I am just over thinking it.

Thanks for any information.

Bill

Insulated waterproof coveralls and a good insulated work boot or hiking boot.. sometjing with good grip. Also snug fit hand gloves.. nothing loose because you will want good grip on your gloves too. This was passed along from my codrover who eas a flatbed trainer for many years.

Bill, it is whatever it takes to keep you warm. It is different for everyone. Most of the time I am good with a hoodie and maybe my carhartt vest. You need stuff that will last so forget anything with a nylon shell. If it is really cold, like 30 below, I may put on my insulated coveralls but for the most part it is just jeans.

Exactly. . The coveralls are to keep you warm and dry when having to tarp and secure in foul weather.

Sue and Pat,

Thank you for the quick replies. I hate being cold and that's why I initially decided against flatbed. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize it is probably what suits me best.

You actually stay pretty warm when securing stuff. At least I do. You can always add more clothes. You can also get back in the truck to warm up.

Pat,

I don't want to waste time getting in and out of the truck just to warm up. That's why I asked this question.

Can you be more specific on the gloves please? I figure I will need 2-3 pair so that they have time to drive. I know I will need separate gloves for fueling.

Thanks.

As one who has worked in construction all my life I recommend good apparel. If you cab do it dont be s ares to buy good quality warm clothung. If you live in a northern region buy stuff there if yiu live further south try and buy stuff when you get up north. The quality is so much better. I say this after spending many winters working outside in wisconsin, minnesota, and the dakotas. It also depends on your body type. I am warmer blooded than my wife so it takes Lee's clothing to stay warm than for her.

I always rotated 3-4 pairs of gloves, when they get wet. I would put the wet pair(s) on the defrosters to dry while I was driving. And you're right about fueling, keep a separate pair for fueling, they get nasty. I would just use long underwear, jeans, and an arctic lined carhartt jacket or coat. That was good enough for me, even loading in Northern Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

A quick tip: If you have a high load like styrofoam insulation, that gets loaded up to the 13'6" max, and it rained on it since you moved last, or snow/ice is melting, when you pull the tarp by the corner to pull it off the load, that makes a nice trough for all the water on top to rush right into your face. So look out.

Ken,

Thanks for the tip. I guess I will need to grab more gloves. Are some better than others? For tarping and such.