Gearing Up for Winter: How Sample Transportation Services Prepares for the Cold Months

As the leaves fall and temperatures start to drop, STS shifts into a whole new gear. Winter might bring beautiful scenery and the holidays, but for those of us in the trucking and hauling industry, it also brings a unique set of challenges — icy roads, freezing temperatures, and shifting project demands. That’s why we take preparation seriously.

Running a dump trucking business isn’t just about moving dirt, gravel, or construction materials. It’s about reliability, safety, and adapting to the needs of our clients and communities, no matter the weather. As a family business, we pride ourselves on staying ready year-round, and winter is no exception.

Prepping the Fleet

Our winter prep starts with the heart of our operation — the trucks. Each vehicle gets a full maintenance checkup to make sure it’s ready to handle cold starts and slick roads. We inspect the brakes, heating systems, tires, batteries, and hydraulics. Cold weather can be hard on equipment, especially dump trucks that need to keep functioning in harsh conditions.

Winter tire inspections are a must. Chains are kept on hand. We also install heated mirrors and make sure all lighting systems are in top shape. Visibility is everything in the winter months, whether we’re hauling at dawn, dusk, or in the middle of a snowstorm.

We also switch over to winter-grade diesel and keep anti-gel additives stocked to prevent fuel issues in subzero temperatures. Breakdowns in the cold aren’t just inconvenient — they can be dangerous. That’s why we believe preparation is prevention.

Diversifying for the Season

While construction tends to slow down in winter, our business doesn’t. We’ve learned to diversify our services during the cold months. Salt hauling and snow removal become big parts of our winter workload. Cities, construction sites, and commercial properties need large amounts of snow removed, and our salt hauling services help meet those needs. 

Keeping the Team Safe and Warm

Beyond the equipment, our people are our greatest asset. Winter driving is no joke, so we hold bi-weekly safety meetings and encourage extra caution on the roads. We make sure every driver has proper cold-weather gear, emergency kits, and communication devices.

Hot coffee, warm gloves, and an understanding that family comes first — that’s how we keep morale high during the hardest and most demanding months of the year.

Looking Ahead

Winter is tough, but it’s also a chance to show what we’re made of. We’re proud of how our family business steps up every season to meet the needs of our community. Preparation, flexibility, and a whole lot of grit keep our trucks rolling — even when the snow piles high.

From our family at STS to yours, stay safe out there this winter. And if you need something hauled, moved, or cleared — you know who to call. We Are STS.