Owner Operator and Driver Ambassador, Niels Mortensen walks us through Pre-Trip Inspection process.
Niels Mortensen is an 15 year veteran of Trans-United and one of the most consistent, reliable, and safe drivers on the road due to his attention to detail. The video linked at the end of the article is Niels walking through his pre trip inspection and shares the steps he takes every single time he is preparing to transport an oversized load on public roads.
Pre-trip inspections are an essential part of being a responsible and safe trucker. Not only are they required by law, but they also help ensure that your truck is in good working condition and safe to drive.
Before starting a trip, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your vehicle to catch any potential issues before they become a bigger problem. In addition to ensuring the safety of your vehicle, pre-trip inspections can also help you save time and money. By catching small issues early on, such as a damaged tire or a dimension that does not match your permit, you can prevent them from turning into a costly repair, ticket, or dangerous situation on the road.
During a pre-trip inspection, you should check all the systems and components of your truck, including the brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels. You should also make sure that all required documentation is up to date and easily accessible so, they can be quickly provided to a Department of Transportation officer if required.
When moving over dimensional freight, measuring and scaling your load to match your permit is a base requirement for safety. This helps prevent accidents, breakdowns, and other issues that can cause delays and put you and other drivers at risk.
Overall, pre-trip inspections are an important part of being a responsible and safe trucker. They help ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition, and can help prevent accidents, breakdowns, and other issues that can cause delays and put you and other drivers at risk. By taking the time to do a thorough inspection before each trip, you can help keep yourself, your cargo, and other drivers safe on the road.