Road Transport
Tips
Before you go
No airline pilot would consider taking off without first undergoing a complete check of his aircraft. As a professional, you should approach your preparation the same way. The safety of your cargo, indeed the safety of the motorists who share the road, all count on your attention to detail.
Every day, before you climb into your rig, it's a good idea to perform a circle check to ensure all your equipment is in good working condition. After all, it's the everyday care of your vehicle that will pay off in the long run. Not only that, you'll also be prepared for any roadside inspection today or somewhere down the road.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has developed a standard vehicle inspection enforced in almost every state and province in North America. By following their guidelines, you will not only pass their inspection, but your rig will also pass the test of time.
Here's what to look for during your daily inspection:
Tractor
- Check tires. Look for low pressure, cuts, tread wear, bulges and missing or broken valve stems.
- Check rims. Look for damaged rims, loose or missing lugs. Look for signs of lubricant leaking from the wheel bearings or seals.
- Check hub oil level.
- Check front axle and steering system. Look for loose, worn, bent or damaged parts. Test steering mechanism for looseness.
- Check all primary and safety locks to make sure they're engaged.
- Check for missing license plates and decals.
- Check under hood for proper fluid levels -- lubricants, hydraulics, coolant, windshield washer, transmission, power steering if applicable.
- Check for worn hoses and leaks around engine.
- Check all warning indicator lights inside cab, windshield washer fluid and wipers, and all working gauges.
- Check brake chambers to make sure everything is connected and in good working order.
- Check brake drums for cracks and signs of wear.
- Check that slack adjusters do not move more than one inch from the push-rod when pulled.
- Check lights and reflectors.
Right saddle tank area
- Check the ground behind the engine for leaks in the transmission and the exhaust system.
- Check that all air lines and electrical wiring are secured.
- Check fuel crossover lines.
Coupling
- Check the fifth wheel locking jaws to ensure they are securely fastened around the shank of the kingpin, not around the head.
- Check the release arm to ensure it's properly seated and the safety latch/lock is engaged.
- Check the air and electrical lines to the trailer.
Trailer
- Check load securement. Everything should be strong, properly mounted and safely latched with security seals in place.
- Check tires, rims and brakes as described above.
- Check spare tire and carrier or rack.
- Check lights and reflectors.
- Check license plates and splash guards.
- Check the tailboard security.
- Check the air tank and air lines for cracks, cuts, crimping, and other damage.
- Check the suspension springs, spring hangers, shackles, U-bolts, torque rod arms, bushings and shock absorbers.
- Check for damaged, worn or missing parts on sliding axles, if applicable.
Left saddle tank area
- Check the battery box and battery to ensure it is securely mounted. There should be no leaks, caps should be tight, fluid should be at the proper level, and the cell caps should be free of anything that could block the escape of gases.
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