Trucker Summer: Seasonal Stuff to Do on the Road
Summertime: when the weather is at its hottest. With schools out, families take vacations and enjoy quality time together, while everyone else sneaks in valuable rest and relaxation when not on the clock.
For long-haul truck drivers, however, summer is just another day on the road. While truckers do have Hours of Service (HOS)-regulated breaks, their schedules are packed with little downtime between. After all, having an empty trailer is a waste of money.
For many truckers, when they are on the road, most of their time is spent in their cabs, either sleeping, scrolling on social media, or maybe streaming a movie or TV show if they are awake long enough to finish. The same thing they do every day of every season.
But is that any way to live? Summer is all about getting outside and enjoying the sunshine. Even truckers on tight schedules and long hours on the road can find time in between to enjoy some trucker summer activities.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fun seasonal stuff truckers can enrich themselves with while on the road during the summer. Many of these activities require only a small amount of equipment or supplies, making them easy and affordable to try.
Remember, though: safety is of the utmost importance. Make sure your trailer is secured before leaving it, that you participate in any activities in safe areas, and that you remember to let people know where you are and what you’re doing. Make the most of your free time during trucker summer while ensuring your safety!
Hike and Explore the Outdoors
If you became a trucker, you may have been drawn to the profession’s adventurous side (or the money, we don’t blame you). Truck driving takes you all over the country, from the forest-covered Northeast to the vast open plains of the Midwest, to the scorching deserts of the Southwest. However, truckers don’t always take advantage of the scenic routes before them.
That’s why we recommend taking a little time this summer to explore your surroundings. Find some picturesque places to stop for your break, such as a national or state park, and take a few minutes to walk around and immerse yourself in nature. Don’t forget to take photos!
Camp Out
Sleeping inside your cab can get cramped and small after a while. You could get a hotel room, but that costs money if you aren’t a part of a company with points for rooms. A unique solution for truckers in the summer: pop open a tent and sleep under the stars!
This is best done at a national or state park, where facilities and park rangers are nearby. However, if safety isn’t too much of an issue, you can simply find a grassy area near your truck, set up a tent, and relax for the night.
Try Geocaching
If you’re looking for a more adventurous walk, consider trying geocaching. This activity is known as the “world’s largest treasure hunt,” where you use GPS devices to find geocaches containing small treasures. You can take an item from a geocache, but you must replace it with something of your own.
After finding a geocache, sign and date the logbook inside, then return it to its original spot. You can also note your experiences in your personal logbook. There are over 3 million geocaches worldwide, making it easy for truckers to jump in and hunt for treasure.
Take a Beach Break
A trucker’s travels will take them to some extraordinary places. These include towns and cities near oceans, lakes, and rivers. Why not take advantage of HOS-mandated breaks near the shore and have a mini beach day?
All you need is a beach or lawn chair, a towel, some sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat, and some swimwear if you want to get wet. You could also rent or buy a cheap umbrella or get a pop-up sunshade. It doesn’t take much to kick back on the sand and get a little beach time in.
Go Fishing
Speaking of bodies of water, one of the most popular activities for outdoorsy types is fishing. It can be a slow pastime, but it’s also relaxing to sit by the water and pay off your patience with an excellent catch. For truckers, fishing is a great summer activity, as it’s similar to driving long hours to a destination: it requires great patience and careful attention.
Some states have specific regulations that permit the general public to fish at certain rivers and lakes. Take advantage of this opportunity when you’re near a body of water. Just pack a portable fishing rod and gather some bait, and be ready to reel your catch in fast.
Cook a BBQ Dinner
Barbecues are the quintessential meals of the summer. You don’t have to wait until you get home to your beloved George Foreman to grill, however! You can make a BBQ dinner right next to your truck!
There are many portable or disposable charcoal grills you can bring with you while traveling. Then just throw some meats, veggies, and other grillable foods on and you have yourself a home-cooked BBQ dinner away from home.
Make Some Summer Treats
BBQs aren’t the only kind of food you can make while on the road. There are several types of treats and snacks you can make using only a few ingredients and tools. Here are some good recipes to create for trucker summer:
Ants on a Log: A classic treat with no baking required. All you need to do is cut celery sticks, peanut butter, and raisins (or M&Ms if you’ve got a sweet tooth) to make it.
No-Bake S’Mores Bars: If you don’t have a campfire or portable grill, you can make these no-bake s’mores with only a microwave and a fridge.
Walking Tacos: A staple at football games and parties, all you need is a bag of Doritos or Fritos, taco meat, and whatever toppings you like on your tacos!
Easy Watermelon Sorbet: This one only takes two ingredients: frozen watermelon chunks and lime/lemon juice. A reduced-sugar treat perfect at the end of the day!
Attend Free Outdoor Events
When the weather warms up, everyone gets out to celebrate. Many places offer free events, like fairs and outdoor concerts, that anyone can attend. Truckers may not always get to go home to their events, but they may pass some while on familiar routes.
If a town or city near you is hosting a free outdoor event, take some time to go. Not only does it break up the monotony of your routine, but you’ll also be supporting the local communities you travel through. You may even get some freebies too, like pens, water bottles, and towels!
Do Some Stargazing
One of the best parts of a clear summer evening is looking up and seeing the stars above you. A trucker driving down highways at night may not be able to see the sky, but one resting at a truck stop may be able to do some stargazing if the weather is nice.
Although portable telescopes may not be the most affordable option (unless you’re considering a children’s telescope), investing in a good one can offer exceptional views of the stars and planets. Expand your horizons by looking beyond the road in front of you!
Enjoy Your Trucker Summer
In the end, the best thing you can do during the summer is get outside for a little bit. Truck driving can be an exhausting and time-consuming job, regardless of whether you are a company hauler or an independent owner-operator. Some even dedicate their entire lives to it!
While some truckers may not have enough time during their off-hours to do anything except sleep, others might find some moments during their breaks or in between jobs to step away from work and have some fun. After all, summer is the perfect time to enjoy the weather and have a good time.
You should never let the demands of long-haul trucking crush your adventurous spirit. When the weather is this nice and people are enjoying it, step out of your comfort zone and try some of our summer activities.
We hope you found something on our list that you want to try. Enjoy the rest of your trucker summer!
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