When backing under a trailer, visually inspect to ensure the pin is properly engaged in the fifth wheel. Make certain the brakes are set and the wheels chocked before going under equipment.
Equipment & Loading
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When a roadside enforcement inspection with defects is conducted,
- The drivers’ daily vehicle inspection report must indicate the equipment violation noted in the enforcement inspection. To show the equipment was satisfactory with no defects is simply unacceptable.
- Proof of repair must accompany the roadside inspection when sent to the safety department.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
You must complete and sign a driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) upon the conclusion of each day you operate.
- Note any defect. Note it every day until repaired.
- Be sure to include any defect noted on a roadside enforcement inspection in the DVIR.
Stay Safe During Loading or Off-Loading
Loading and off-loading are the shipper’s responsibility. Our responsibility is to secure cargo onto the trailer deck safely.
- Do not place yourself near your trailer during loading or off-loading.
- Remain a safe distance away – a minimum of 25 feet from the trailer/equipment.
- Avoid any position where a cargo shift or fall might result in your injury.
Inspect Cargo Securement Devices
Inspect your cargo securement devices frequently.
- Do not use cut or frayed straps or any with holes.
- Inspect the strap hooks for fatigue cracking.
- Use edge protectors if the strap crosses any surface with a sharp edge that may cause damage.
- Also, replace chains with bent or elongated links or a damaged binder.
Find & Report Any Equipment Defects
As a courtesy to others, either repair equipment with a defect or report it to maintenance for repair scheduling.
- Don’t drop a trailer with known defects and leave it for the next person to handle.
- Carefully look for and note all issues that need addressing in your daily pre- and post-trip inspections.
Measuring is YOUR Job
It is your responsibility to measure your cargo after loading.
- In other words, the only accurate dimension is what YOU see on the end of a tape measure.
- There is no excuse for leaving a shipper with over-height, over-width or over-length freight.
Check Your Tires
Careful examination of your tires is an essential step in any pre-trip/post-trip inspection.
- Pay close attention to tread depth and any damage to the tire tread and sidewall.
- Check air pressure with a gauge for both safety and fuel economy purposes. (Merely bumping a tire won’t indicate pressure with any degree of accuracy.)
- Remember: An under-inflated tire is subject to failure due to excessive heat build-up.
Check ALL Your Lights
The #1 violation noted during a roadside inspection is “Inoperative Lights.” ALL lights must be operative at ALL times.
- Pay close attention to every lamp during your pre, en-route and post-trip equipment inspections.
- Also, closely inspect all brake-related components, tires, load securement devices, crankcase oil level and any other equipment that could be defective.
Equipment violations count negatively on your PSP report.
Don’t Move an Unsecured Load
NEVER move a loaded trailer without properly securing the cargo — over any distance, under any circumstance.
Occasionally, a shipper or consignee may ask you to reposition your equipment before applying or after removing securement devices.
Don’t let ANYONE pressure you to make a poor decision. After all, there’s always a risk that,
- The load could shift or fall off the trailer, resulting in
- Injury to bystanders or damage to cargo.
