How To Conduct a Pre-Trip Inspection on a Truck

How To Conduct a Pre-Trip Inspection on a Truck

Conducting an inspection before a road trip should be a necessity for every professional truck driver. Unfortunately, it is often neglected. A thorough check on the truck and its load can ensure that everything’s in good working condition prior to departure.

Also, Section 396.11 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations requires truck drivers to prepare and submit a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report or DVIR on each vehicle they operate. But how do you perform a proper pre-trip inspection? To help you, here’s a guide you should follow:

• Under the Hood of the Vehicle
– Check the fluid levels of the oil, coolant, as well as the windshield washer and power steering fluid.
– Tighten the caps of the oil filler and radiator, and the power steering axle tires.
– Inspect the hoses for tears, leaks, and cracks, and the wirings for wears.
– Ensure that the kingpins, ball joints, and shock absorbers are properly lubed.
– Ensure that the fan belts have proper tension.

• Outside and Back of the Truck
– Make sure that the sleeper, cab, and compartment doors open and close easily and safely.
– Check the windows, mirrors, lamps, and reflectors for damage.
– Make sure the cargo is secured.
– Check the tires for flats, air leaks, and exposed cords.
– Ensure the brake chambers and driveshaft are free of grease.
– Make sure the catwalk and stairs aren’t broken and are free from any debris.

• Inside the Truck
– Ensure that the driver’s seat can be adjusted and free from any damage.
– See to it that the seatbelts are secure.
– Make sure the temperature gauges of the oil, water, and air move up to orderly levels.
– Ensure that the horns and A/C systems are working properly.

Reach Out to Custom Diesel Drivers Training Today!

Inspecting your truck prior to a trip will guarantee your safety on the road. If you want to learn more tips on how to check your vehicle properly, enroll now at Custom Diesel Drivers Training. We’ve got the perfect CDL course for you. Contact us today for more information!

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Are Truck Drivers Responsible for Their Loads?

Unsecured loads pose a threat not only for the truck drivers but also for the other vehicles on the road. The objects from the cargo may fly off and cause accidents. To prevent such unwanted events from happening, one of the most important truck driver duties or responsibilities is securing their loads.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation or FMCSR, truckers should be familiar with the methods for securing their cargo. They should inspect their load and make adjustments during transit whenever necessary.

Truck drivers should ensure that their cargo won’t shift or fall. If this happens, it can damage the freight and make the vehicle unsafe because of uneven weight distribution.

Who Are Liable in Case of Unsecured-Load Accidents?

Many large truck crashes are caused by unsecured or overloaded cargo. In such events, several parties who may be held liable or responsible. They include:

  • Truck Driver

As mentioned, one of the truck driver duties is to ensure that their loads are secured and comply with federal and state laws. That said, they can be held liable if an accident occurs due to unsecured cargo.

  • Truck Manufacturer

The truck manufacturers may also be held accountable, especially if the unsecured-load accident is caused by a product defect. A faulty tie-down, for example, can cause the load to fall from the truck even if it is properly blocked or braced.

  • Trucking Company

Since the owners of the trucking company are the employers of the truck driver, they are responsible for the poor conduct or skills of their employees. They have the responsibility to ensure that their drivers are properly trained in securing loads.

Enroll at Custom Diesel Drivers Training Today!

Aside from unsecured loads, one of the causes of large truck crashes is untrained drivers. Just because someone knows how to drive a car doesn’t mean they can also steer a truck.

So, if you want to become a truck driver, you should enroll at Customs Diesel Training. We offer field and classroom training from Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We also conduct night classes. Contact us now to learn more about our programs!

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What Disqualifies a CDL Driver

To drive a commercial motor vehicle, you should first have a valid CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). As a commercial vehicle driver, you are held to a much higher standard while you’re driving. You can’t expect a career as a professional driver if you are a menace on the road. That’s why commercial drivers need to be informed of the actions that lead to a suspension or a disqualification.

Having your CDL suspended or disqualified can be financially disastrous. Therefore, avoiding road violations should be one of the top priorities for a truck driver. It’s also vital to be aware of the difference between a suspension and disqualification.

A suspension prohibits a driver from operating a vehicle of any kind. On the other hand, a disqualification still permits a CDL driver to use vehicles but not commercial ones. With that being said, let’s look at which violations disqualify your license.

Exceeding the Speed Limit

Driving a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) beyond the speed limit of 24.1kmph will get your license disqualified. Consequences for overspeeding using a CMV are much more severe than non-commercial drivers. Also, these convictions stay on the driver’s record longer.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol will get a CDL disqualified. If your blood alcohol level reaches at least 0.04%, you can easily get your commercial license disqualified. Refusal to take a blood alcohol test also disqualifies a CDL. If you decline to take the test, then you are considered positive for alcohol.

Erratic Lane Changes

For you to keep your license, you should observe traffic rules. Failing to use signal lights, weaving through traffic, and passing lanes where trucks aren’t allowed are some examples of erratic lane change violations drivers should be mindful of.

Avoiding Disqualifications and Suspensions

The best way to avoid a disqualification or suspension of your license is to be mindful of the rules and follow traffic protocols. An excellent truck driving school is pivotal to become a professional and licensed truck driver.

Custom Diesel Drivers Training in Omaha, Nebraska will help you achieve those goals. We offer classroom and field training courses to better educate our students on the rules of the road. Call us today and start your truck driving career!

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