Gagandeep Baidwan On How to Get Through the Holidays as a Long Freight Operator
By: Gagandeep Baidwan
Tags: Pandemic, Covid 19, Texas, Freight Shipping, Holidays

Gagandeep Baidwan On How to Get Through the Holidays as a Long Freight Operator

Given the current pandemic, this year’s holiday season will likely look different for almost everyone. Especially for long freight operators who are already working hard to meet the pandemic’s increased demand, the coming season will have its own unique challenges and difficulties.

The holidays have always been a stressful, high-output time for the freight industry. This year, operators will likely face even more intense conditions. Pushing through the long hours and stressful weeks may be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Freight company owner Gagandeep Baidwan of Plano, Texas is passionate about helping the industry’s hard workers to thrive through the holiday season. The following are his tips for how long freight operators can successfully maneuver the stressful season.

Travel Safely Through Harsh Weather

The holiday season puts increased demand on long freight operators who often find themselves working extended hours during peak periods. For many, the stress of increased workloads is worsened even further by inclement weather, especially in regions which experience sleet, snow and other harsh conditions during the busiest time of year.

That’s why Gagandeep Baidwan urges long freight operators working through the holiday season to focus special attention and energy to travelling safely through harsh weather. This includes staying acutely aware of weather conditions, frequently consulting with regional forecasts and practicing caution at all times — even when driving at slower speeds.

In staying alert, Gagandeep Baidwan highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and staying constantly aware of your surroundings. A few other key tips for navigating the roads safely during inclement weather include:

Thoroughly clearing your entire vehicle of snow before driving — this includes not only the windows but the roof, hood and doors as wel

Consistently wearing a seat belt

Driving at a slower pace in order to prevent skidding and increase your chances of avoiding collisions on icy roads

Staying acutely aware of your vehicle’s specific blind spots

Keeping hydrated by regularly drinking water

Padding your journeys by leaving early in order to avoid any temptation to speed or rush

Leaving extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, particularly during inclement weather

Call Family Often

For many long freight operators, the high-demand holiday season means long periods spent away from their family. Some may even miss big holidays in order to complete routes. To make it through the holiday season, Gagandeep Baidwan recommends making a conscious effort to call home often. Outside of helping the operators keep in touch during a crucial time, frequent calls will also help boost morale and promote motivation, which may make the job’s long hours come easier than they otherwise would.

Capitalize on Routes to See Friends

For long freight operators, long routes are a blessing and a curse. During the holiday season, they often take operators away from their homes and families. But these routes also inevitably pass through areas where old friends, family members and acquaintances live. Often, these are people the operator may not otherwise get to see much. That’s why Gagandeep Baidwan suggests capitalizing on routes in order to see friends whenever possible. During the holiday season, a few familiar faces can go a long way in helping long freight operators feel a little more at home.