There is always a lot of talk among professional truck drivers about defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings at all times to stay safe on the road. But even the most alert and well-trained truck drivers must be able to rely on their equipment to respond and function at peak performance to ensure vital levels of safety and service.
There is always a lot of talk among professional truck drivers about defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings at all times to stay safe on the road. But even the most alert and well-trained truck drivers must be able to rely on their equipment to respond and function at peak performance to ensure vital levels of safety and service.
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Primary Focus: Prevention
Phil Rowe, senior manager of fleet maintenance at Carter Express, says the primary focus of the company’s maintenance program is preventative in nature. “We schedule to see our trucks every 15,000-25,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer, to do a full inspection to try to catch issues with the equipment before they turn into problems and cause a breakdown.”With technicians at six of Carter’s facilities, and a vast network of vendors across the country to help whenever needed, Rowe says someone is ready to help take care of equipment 24/7.
Tips for pre- and post-trip inspections
According to Rowe, the first tip he shares with truck drivers is the importance of thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections. These assessments call for truck drivers to look at everything from hoses, tires, and gauges to fluid levels, wipers, and lights – and everything in between.
The main issues Rowe says they find are:
• Under-inflated, flat, or worn out tires
• Engine/aftertreatment codes
• Brake lines rubbing together
• Outdated permit books
• Missing triangles
• Corrosion on battery terminals and wires due to road salt
“I advise truck drivers to watch tire wear and inflation pressures, and to utilize cruise control when possible to maximize fuel economy,” Rowe says. “That helps keep their tires in optimal condition and fuel costs down.”
Keeping truck drivers safe & rolling
The goal of Carter’s truck maintenance program is to make sure the loads get delivered on time with no mechanical breakdowns at the lowest sustainable cost. “By having a rigorous preventative maintenance program, we can make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our valuable drivers safe and moving by limiting breakdowns and other costs.”
Looking for a truck driving job with a carrier that puts your safety and comfort first? Reach out to us at Carter Express to hear more about joining our team!
