Keep the truck ready and plan for breakdowns

LESSON 1

Inspect the equipment, not just the load

Driver and carrier inspection duties depend on the operation and applicable rules. Before departure, assess vehicle safety and defects that could affect operation. Pay particular attention to tires, wheels, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, coupling, and cargo securement. Address unsafe defects before operating.

Use a repeatable predeparture and defect-response routine

Assess brakes, steering, tires, wheels, suspension, coupling, lights, required safety equipment and cargo securement. Applicable inspection and reporting duties vary by operation. Unsafe conditions require appropriate correction rather than merely documenting the defect.

Apply it step by step

Create an inspection route around the vehicle and document who reviews defects and who authorizes return to service after repair.

Common mistake: Do not use a signed checklist as a substitute for safe equipment.

LESSON 2

Maintain a service calendar and records

Build a preventive maintenance schedule using manufacturer guidance, duty cycle, service history, and applicable regulations. Keep service dates, mileage, work performed, parts, invoices, and upcoming maintenance reminders. Heavy towing and frequent stop-and-go work may change recommended service intervals.

Base intervals on the actual duty cycle

Use manufacturer schedules, service history, towing severity and qualified technician advice to plan fluids, filters, brakes, bearings, tires and trailer components. Track both mileage and calendar time when relevant.

Apply it step by step

Build a service log with date, odometer, component, symptom, work performed, invoice and next review point.

Common mistake: Do not copy a generic interval without checking your equipment instructions.

LESSON 3

Watch tires, brakes, and loading

Tire capacity, inflation, wear, and condition affect safety. Check the correct cold inflation guidance for the tires and equipment; do not use a generic pressure for every configuration. Overloading, poor weight distribution, and mechanical defects can accelerate tire and brake wear.

For any brake or tire issue that may make the vehicle unsafe, stop operating and seek qualified assistance.

Understand why tire and brake problems compound

Correct load distribution, tire condition and inflation, wheel integrity and brake function are interdependent. Overloaded axles or neglected components can generate heat and wear. Stop operation when conditions are unsafe and seek qualified repair.

Apply it step by step

Use certified axle and tire ratings and scale weights to document the loaded configuration; record visible damage and repair decisions.

Common mistake: Do not assume the overall weight proves each axle and tire is within its limit.

LESSON 4

Have a roadside plan before a failure

If a problem occurs, prioritize personal safety and comply with traffic and vehicle-safety requirements. Move to a safe location only when it is safe and lawful to do so, assess the situation without entering traffic or unsafe work areas, and contact qualified roadside or emergency services as appropriate. Do not attempt repairs beyond your training or equipment.

Emergency warning-device and stopped-vehicle requirements may apply. Consult the applicable rules for your operation.

Prioritize safety and communication during breakdowns

Move to safety only when lawful and possible, use appropriate warning procedures, keep clear of traffic, and call qualified roadside or emergency help as warranted. Then notify the customer with verified facts and a realistic update rather than an invented ETA.

Apply it step by step

Write a response card with emergency contacts, truck and trailer identifiers, insurer, tow and roadside providers, and a customer notification template.

Common mistake: Do not attempt repairs that require equipment or training you lack.

LESSON 5

Build a maintenance reserve into every mile

Maintenance and repairs do not arrive on a convenient schedule. A planning reserve based on business miles helps you recognize that some cash earned today may be needed for future service. Your reserve rate should be based on actual equipment history and expected wear, not a universal industry number.

Review operating costs →

Connect repair reserves to cash planning

A per-mile reserve is a planning allocation, not an expense invoice or guarantee. Use historical maintenance, tires, expected component replacement and major-repair exposure to choose a rate; revisit it as the truck ages.

Apply it step by step

Calculate reserve transfers at 3,000, 5,000 and 8,000 miles; separately decide what emergency cash is needed if the truck cannot earn revenue.

Common mistake: Do not confuse a reserve estimate with comprehensive coverage of breakdown risk.