Prep Yourself against the Flu

With winter around the corner, the number of influenza cases is sure to spike. Being a truck driver and getting sick do not go well together because that means missing hours on the road. November is the perfect time to think about prepping yourself against the flu before the season starts.

Gray Transportation wants you to stay healthy this winter, so you can keep moving. Prep yourself against the flu with these tips from Gray Transportation.

Keep your space sanitized. It may not seem like you have time each day to clean your truck, but you should make time to steer clear of illness. Keep sanitation wipes on hand to wipe your steering wheel and seating area.
Change your bedding. Make it a habit to wash your bedding when you do laundry on the road. If possible, pick up a new set of sheets before the winter to ensure they are clean. Not only will clean sheets help to prevent illness, it is always nice to sleep on a clean set.
Have hand sanitizer readily available. When you stop at your favorite truck stop, understand that germs are the worst in the bathroom. Wash your hands frequently and especially before eating. If you are on the go and eating while driving, be sure to use hand sanitizer.
Keep an air disinfectant in your cab. An air disinfectant (like Lysol) can clear the air of many germs and potential illnesses. You could spray the truck as you are getting out for a break, so you are not overwhelmed with the smell. Not only will this help you stay well, you can pick your favorite scent.

Gray Transportation wants you to prep yourself against the flu and the best way you can is to get a flu shot. Our tips can help you avoid other common illnesses like a cold, which can also get you down for a couple days.

So Now You’re a Truck Driver: Helpful Tips for New Truck Drivers

We have tips for new truck drivers so your career starts off well.

You may be a new graduate of the local CDL program, a new hire, and ready to get out on the open road for life’s new adventure. Gray Transportation is excited to have you on our team. We have gathered helpful tips for new truck drivers, so you can head in the right direction to a successful career.

Truck driving is a career that is like none other because it is rewarding, adventurous, and ever changing. Now that you are ready to get on the road and see where your career with Gray Transportation will take you, we have some helpful tips to be successful.

Tips for new truck drivers:

Don’t do your food supply shopping at a truck stop. If you are looking to save money, it is best to go to a local grocery store so you don’t bust your budget.
Always be conscious of other semi drivers and cars on the road. This may seem obvious, but other drivers are not always concerned about your safety. It is best practice to be cautious when passing fellow drivers. This goes for driving on the highway and in town during deliveries.
Be conscious of your eating habits. Set a goal to eat healthy on the road by choosing fruits and vegetables instead of chips and cookies. You will be better off and not bust your waistline. Many truck stops have tempting buffets, it is okay to treat yourself every once in a while, but not every meal.
Take note of which truck stops have laundry facilities. Most chain truck stops have decent facilities. You likely won’t have too many clothes in your truck, so plan when you will need to do laundry each week.
You can get exercise as a truck driver by parking farther away. The further you park, the more walking you will need to do. Not only does it feel good to get out of the truck and walk, you will also be bettering your health.

Do you have any other tips for new truck drivers? Let Gray Transportation know! If you want to work for Gray Transportation, we would love to have you on our team so apply today.

So You Want to Be a Truck Driver? What to Expect

So you want to be a truck driver? There is a lot that comes with the profession. Truck driving is not for everyone, but for some people it is a great career to be in. Gray Transportation is looking for qualified drivers who are ready for an exciting career in the trucking industry. We offer great benefits and experience pay. Whether you are new to trucking or have many years of experience, Gray Transportation is wants to work with you. In today’s blog, we will show you what to expect when truck driving and you can see if Gray Transportation is a good fit for your life.

What to expect if you are a truck driver:

Each day is different. You may be in Iowa in the morning and by the afternoon you are on the edge of Kansas making a delivery. Trucking is perfect for people who are interested in seeing the country through the front windshield. Being a trucker means you have to expect the unexpected and go with the flow.
You will have plenty of alone time. Depending on your personality, this can be a good or bad thing. Alone time can be therapeutic because you have time to think. Your alone time can help you love your job more, so if you enjoy solitude, truck driving with Gray Transportation is for you.
Trucking takes a lot of self-discipline. Trucking comes with deadlines and you have certain miles you must drive each day, so you need to plan your time wisely. Self-discipline will get you up in the wee hours of the morning and it will keep you pushing through those last 100 miles. If you have what it takes to keep on trucking, you have found the perfect career.

There are many benefits to truck driving with Gray Transportation. Now that you have a glimpse as to what to expect, we want you to join our team of skill truck drivers. It takes a special person to be a truck driver, so contact us today for more information.

6 Tips for Driving Safe in Storms

Take the right steps to ensure your safety on the road.

The summer months bring about weather patterns of thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and sometimes tornadoes. While these storms can be threatening when driving, there are steps you can take to ensure you and other’s safety on the road. Gray Transportation consists of over 125 trucks and 500 trailers providing on-time and safe deliveries of products. We take pride in our services and encourage you to contact us at 800-234-3930 for information on our delivery services.

Tips for staying safe in a storm:

Pay attention to weather forecasts as you are traveling to be aware of any approaching storms. Tune into the radio and listen for danger. The more you know, the more you can prepare.
If you are driving and hear a tornado warning or see a tornado, do not try to out run it. Tornadoes are unpredictable and can change direction quickly. You should seek shelter in the closest building. If unable to find shelter, lie down in a low ditch and beware of flooding that may occur.
Keep substantial distance between your truck and the car in front of you while driving during heavy rainfall in case of a sudden stop.
When in high winds, be aware of other cars around you, reduce speed, and correct steering. With a trailer attached, winds can be more problematic for trucks.
If you ever approach a flooded area, turn around. It is not worth the risk to attempt to drive through. You can cause your truck unnecessary damage and risk getting stuck.
Check your windshield wipers and tires frequently to ensure they are prepared for any storm.

Gray Transportation hopes you have a successful trip free from storms and danger. While we can’t control the weather, we can control our actions. Be smart and take steps to stay safe!

Three Best Truck Stops for Food and Hospitality

The right accommodations can ensure a successful stop.

Ensure you stop at only the best rest stops while traveling.

Gray Transportation knows that as a truck driver, some of the only respite you get is at rest stops across the country. If they’re not the best, it can drag down your mood. If you really enjoy the food and amenities offered, it can refresh you for the long road ahead. If you’re a truck driver or know someone who is, check out this list of the best truck stops in the Midwest and the country and make sure to stop by and enjoy them!

Iowa 80 Truck Stop

The Iowa 80 Truck Stop has private showers (24 of them!), delicious food and plenty of entertainment. The stop has a 60-seat movie theater, a trucking museum, an embroidery-vinyl graphics shop, a barber shop, a dentist’s office, and a truck wash. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for all your needs. Gramma’s Kitchen, a nearby restaurant, has amazing comfort food. Make sure to try the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich when you’re there.

Find the I-80 truck stop at 755 I-80 Rd, Walcott, IA 52773 and Gramma’s Kitchen at 3408 N Plainview Rd, Walcott, IA 52773.

R Place Restaurant

If you’re looking for a great place to stop and enjoy some real food, this is the place. It’s open 24 hours, making it perfect for truckers, and it’s famous for its four-pound Premium Ethyl Burger. If you can eat the whole thing in an hour, it’s free. There are classic dishes like mac ‘n cheese, chicken fingers, wings and onion rings, as well as a bakery.

Find R Place Restaurant at 21 Romines Dr, Morris, IL 60450.

Johnson’s Corner

This restaurant/bakery/truck stop is known for its great hospitality. Its home style cooking can appeal to everyone, with its breakfast being rated as one of Time & Leisure magazine’s top 10 in the whole world.

Find this stop at 2842 SE Frontage Rd, Johnstown, CO 80534.

Gray Transportation wants you to have a great experience truck driving, so check out these truck stops if you have the chance!

Welcome to our new blog!

As part of our commitment to providing you with the best customer service, we’ve established this blog to keep you up-to-date. Here, you’ll find updates on services, industry news, and tips and advice to help you live better!

We value all of our customers and hope that you find the information in our blog to be both informational and helpful. Be sure to check back regularly for updates!

From all of us at Gray Transportation, we appreciate your business and look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!