As we close the chapter on International Roadcheck for the year, it's time to switch gears to trailer safety. Trailer Safety Week is an annual nationwide awareness campaign that will take place between June 5-11th this year. While trailer safety is important every day of the year, Safety Week is an opportunity to hone in on education, awareness, and action around trailer safety, maintenance, and usage.
The mission of Trailer Safety Week is to "improve the safety of the nation's roadways by raising trailer safety awareness through education of end users, dealers, and manufacturers on safe trailering practices." The campaign intends to:
- Increase awareness of the importance of being committed to trailer safety
- Educate end-users about proper trailer maintenance and usage
- Create a stronger partnership and alliance between stakeholders of the industry including trailer dealers, manufacturers, and end-users
Let's look at what to expect during Trailer Safety Week and how you can best prepare for it. Because many carriers give clean bonus inspections, it's an opportunity not only to ensure you're complying with all industry standards in light of safety, but a way to take home some well-deserved extra cash.
What to Expect
Trailer Safety Week is when there will be a higher volume of inspections on the road - similar to International Roadcheck. It's critical to be prepared for an inspection to occur at any time, especially during this week.
You may receive any level of inspection on any day of the year. However, during Trailer Safety Week, you have a higher chance of being inspected due to the increased volume of inspections. Because the focus is on trailers, Level I (full) and Level II (walk around) are most common.
How to Prepare
Whether you lease onto someone else's authority or running under your own, give yourself enough runway to adequately prepare for Trailer Safety Week. Here are a few best practices as you prepare:
1. Know What to Expect
Each level of inspection comes with its own set of criteria. Review the CVSA's North American Standard Roadside Inspection Vehicle Cheat Sheet and our Owner-Operators Only article, CVSA Inspections: Understanding and Preparing for Them, to familiarize yourself so that nothing comes as a surprise during the inspection itself.
2. Keep Up with Routine Maintenance
Whether you lease or own your trailer, it's essential to ensure you stay on schedule with maintenance. As you do so, remind technicians and mechanics to explain what inspectors look for and pay particular attention to trailers. If you pull a dry van trailer, review our article Dry Van Trailer Maintenance: Benefits and Best Practices for additional insights.
3. Be diligent about Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
You are required to complete a Pre- and post-trip inspection report every day you operate your truck. These inspections often help to preemptively identify issues before they become costly or dangerous. Want a reminder on how to do your pre- and post-trip? This 30-minute video is your guide!
4. Looks go a Long Way
Make sure you and your truck look professional and presentable at all times. This means fresh and clean equipment and organized documentation. Specifically, here are a few easy things you can do:
- Replace faded/torn reflective tape, lug nut covers, mudflaps, etc.
- Invest in brake cleaner and clean up the pads so the original color and any other critical brake parts show through.
- Review and organize your permit book and double-check that everything is valid and accessible. This includes ensuring you have a current and correct trailer registration that matches the license plate as well as the required supplementary ELD items.
- Dress and act professionally. Sometimes this one falls by the wayside given the day-to-day demands of trucking, but it's an important one to remember.
5. Shift your Attitude
Inspections can feel like a drag, but they're an essential component of improving safety for all. Expect to be inspected and keeping a smile on your face goes a long way. While it doesn't guarantee you will come out of your inspection with zero violations, it certainly helps.
Trailer Safety Resources
Operating a trailer requires several different components. Let's take a look at each one to ensure safety and compliance on the road.
It's up to all of us - industry partners, agencies and drivers - to improve our nation’s roadways. Thank you for your attention and diligence in doing your part and ensuring compliance and safety. It has a larger impact than you can imagine!
Other relevant articles:
CVSA Inspections: Understanding and Preparing for Them
How to Roll Through International Roadcheck with Confidence, Ease, and Extra Cash!