This course overviews the steps drivers should take to inspect trailer tires, brakes, mud flaps and trailer skirts, in yards, before pulling the trailers.
Time
This course will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Navigating This Course
This course is mobile friendly. You can take it on your phone or on a computer. Select the cards below for tips on taking this course on your phone.
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Introduction
This course overviews the steps drivers should take in yards before pulling the trailers.
It’s important to inspect:
- Trailer tires
- Brakes
- Mud flaps
- Trailer skirts
Automatic Tire Inflation System
AZNG trailers are equipped with an Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS) designed to monitor tire inflation.
Note: Not all AZNG trailers have ATIS, but the ones that do also have an accompanying alert light.
Let’s review the critical tire inspection steps:
Check ATIS Lines
Check all outer tires to ensure there are 2 ATIS lines present and connected properly and aren’t missing or snapped off.
Check the white indicator light located in the front of the trailer to ensure it is not illuminated.
The ATIS uses the air pressure built up in the trailer to inflate trailer tires as necessary. If the trailer does not have an adequate amount of air pressure to fill under-inflated trailer tires, the white light may remain on until the trailer air pressure system is filled.
This happens when the airlines from the tractor are connected to trailer and when BOTH air brakes are released. Usually this process only takes around 15-30 seconds.
Verify the ATIS light is not illuminated after reaching the destination and prior to uncoupling/disconnecting air lines.
If the white light remains illuminated for an excessive amount of time, after this process, alert a yard associate or contact ROC.
Check Tires
Visually inspect all tires (including inner tires) to ensure they have sufficient tread and tires are not flat. For trailers not equipped with ATIS., check all tires (including inner tires) to ensure they are not flat. A minimum PSI of 90 PSI required on Amazon-branded trailers. If tire pressure is below 90 PSI, alert a yard associate immediately or contact ROC.
There should be no exposed body ply or belt material through the sidewall or tread, tread or sidewall separation, audible leaks, or cuts where the ply/belt material is exposed. Additionally, there should be no bulges, visible cracking/dry-rot, low tread and punctures in tires.
Confirm there are no projectile (bolt seals, nails, etc) punctures in trailer tires.
Confirm that the tires/rims are in good condition and there are no visible oil leaks in the rim of the tire.
Tire Inspection Defects to Look Out For
Here are examples of tire defects that you should keep an eye out for during an inspection.
Press each card to reveal defects to watch out for in tires. Press the (<>) arrows to move through the cards.
Nail in the tire.
ATIS Light
Low tread/Bald spots
Tire rim bent/cracked
Sidewall damage
Bulges on tire
Cut on tire
Missing chunk of rubber from the tire
Mudflap and Trailer Skirt Inspection Steps
The integrity of the mudflaps should be verified before and after every load.
Press each tab to review the steps to inspect mud flaps and trailer skirts.
Mud Flaps
Trailer Skirt
Mud Flaps
Check mud flaps to ensure they’re not missing or broken.
Check mud flaps to ensure they are secure on the trailer.
Check mud flaps to ensure the brackets are not bent or damaged.
Ensure all DOT tape is present, clearly visible and spans the length of the trailer.
Trailer Skirt
Check the trailer skirt, if present, to ensure it is properly mounted and secured.
If trailer skirt is present, perform a visual check behind the skirt to ensure air lines (or other components) are not dragging the ground, or in danger of being damaged by axle movement.
Tandem position can make lines look “low” but there is no risk if they will not catch on anything or if the tandems are adjusted the lines will not be hanging.
Mud Flap and Trailer Skirt Defects to Look Out For
Check each box as you read. Here are examples of mud flap defects that you should keep an eye out for during an inspection:
Trailer skirt defects can be:
NOTE: Carriers should be mindful of parking blocks when parking their trailer to reduce mudflap detachment.
Always be aware of your surroundings and remain alert for pedestrians when your tractor and trailer brakes are released.
Brake Defects to Look Out For
Here are examples of brake defects that you should keep an eye out for during an inspection:
- Oil on the ground.
- Noticeable damage to brake shoes.
- Wearing of rubber deals on glad hands.
- Damaged airlines.
To continue, check each box to confirm you have read each important key takeaway below:
Check each box as you read. Here are examples of mud flap defects that you should keep an eye out for during an inspection:
- Be safe and keep everyone around me safe.