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Navigating Gratitude on the Road: A Trucker's Guide to Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, families nationwide are eagerly anticipating the warmth of shared meals and laughter. Yet, many of the nation’s unsung heroes – truckers – will be spending the holiday on the road. Being away from loved ones can be challenging, but you can still celebrate with fellow truck drivers at stops along your route and family via technology.
At Lee-Smith, we understand the importance of navigating gratitude on the road. In this blog, we present “A Trucker’s Guide to Thanksgiving,” offering tips to help you embrace the spirit of the season. From handling holiday traffic to savoring a Thanksgiving feast on the go and staying vigilant against cargo thieves, we’ve got you covered.
Surviving Holiday Traffic: Keep on Truckin’ with Ease
The Thanksgiving travel season kicks off on Wednesday, November 22nd according to
AAA. When the workday ends, holiday travel begins! AAA expects a whopping 49.1 million people to travel by vehicle this Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.7% from 2022. With so many people on the road, traffic jams are a given. With a little strategic planning, truckers may be able to find less crowded routes. Today’s GPS apps will often offer you a shorter alternate route when one is available. AAA also put together a list of the best and worst times to travel. Keep these times in mind to help you plan:
(Image Credit: AAA)
Unfortunately, some traffic is just unavoidable. The best thing all of us can do is practice patience. Turn on some holiday tunes and enjoy the ride.
Finding a Thanksgiving Feast on the Road
Just because you’re on the road for Thanksgiving does not mean you have to miss out on the turkey! Watch for truck stops, diners, or restaurants along your route that offer a special Thanksgiving menu or traditional holiday dishes. Packing your feast in advance is another option. An on-the-go Thanksgiving dinner could feature turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Don’t forget to pack cranberry sauce too! Thanksgiving is a time for us to gather with others. Truck drivers, consider enjoying a meal with your fellow drivers. If you stop at a truck stop or restaurant and come across other drivers, invite them to join you for a bite to eat.
Staying Prepared Against Cargo Thieves
Cargo thieves won’t be taking the holiday off. Instead, they’ll be waiting for someone to take their eye off the ball long enough for them to make their move. In quarter 3 of 2023,
CargoNet said there were close to 700 instances of cargo theft across the United States and Canada. Compared to quarter 3 in 2022, this is a 59% increase in theft. Most of these thefts fall under the strategic cargo theft umbrella, where criminals misdirect freight by acting as logistics brokers. Over $31.1 million in shipments fell into the wrong hands during the last quarter. Sadly, this trend is only expected to continue to rise during the holiday season. Trucking companies need to watch for warning signs like one PO Box address being used by multiple companies or emails sent from unusual addresses. If something seems off, it probably is. Also, make sure your truck and trailer are always locked. Together, we can work to prevent cargo theft.
One Last Word
Truckers, we are so grateful for all you do. Thanksgiving dinner would not be possible without your hard work and dedication. If you are on the road this Thanksgiving, we hope this guide will help you navigate one of the busiest travel holidays of the year with ease. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Lee-Smith!
