We're shifting into winter, and with that comes some changes, not only to how we drive but also we prepare ourselves for each load and trip. Anything can happen when you're in your truck, and that's even more so during the colder months.

Communication: Make sure you have a cell phone with you, and more importantly, make sure it's charged and stays charged. In an emergency, you need to be able to contact someone for help as soon as possible. Let this extend to your radio and truck stops, too. Find out how others are doing, and what the condition is like on the road ahead. A prepared driver is a safe driver.

Drive For Your Conditions: If it's snowing, raining, or hailing, change your speed accordingly. No load is worth your life. Take your time and be safe, keeping an eye on the road looking out for black ice, potholes, and snow in the road.

Pack for Emergency: Make sure you have an emergency kit in the cab with you containing blankets, a change of clothes, some snacks, a backup battery for your phone, a flashlight, canned food, and water. If you get spun out or stuck on the side of the highway, you're going to want to be prepared.

Dress for the Occasion: The cab of your rig is going to be climate controlled, so you'll be able to stay warm and cozy while you're on the road. But when you get out, things can change in a hurry. With wintertime comes winter weather, so you want to be sure your footwear and clothing are ready to handle whatever nature throws at you. Dress in layers so you can be comfortable at any time, and make sure you have sturdy footwear with a great grip so you're not slipping on ice as soon as you get out of your cab.