Winterization, Pre-Trip Inspections, and History
Moment of History. What happened on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of 1918, on a railway car in Versailles, France? If your answer is the signing of the Armistice of World War, you are correct. It was once thought to be “the war to end all wars”. Well, it didn’t. The day was later renamed Veterans’ Day to honor U.S. Military veterans of all wars. Our Canadian neighbors celebrate the same day as Remembrance Day. A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including his life'. That is honor. Sadly, there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it or appreciate it. If you can read this article, thank a teacher; since it is written in English, thank a Vet.
Winterization. The shops tell me that the company tractors and all of the trailers have been winterized. The tractor radiator’s coolant is good to -32o Fahrenheit. The shops should have a supply of pre-mixed antifreeze in a bulk tank. If you need to replace fluid on the road, you can either purchase pre-mixed antifreeze at an exorbitant price or mix it yourself by using a 50/50 mixture of full strength antifreeze and water. Several years ago, we started using antifreeze in lieu of hydraulic fluid in the internal valve pumps. This yea,r they also have a supply of used antifreeze to replace fluid in the internal valve hydraulic pumps.
Pre-Trip Inspection. Part 396.13 requires a driver to satisfy himself that the motor vehicle is in safe operating condition and to review the last DVIR written on the equipment to insure that any known deficiencies are corrected before driving on public streets and highways. Pencil whipping a pre-trip isn’t even fooling yourself. Doing a thorough pre-trip inspection and correcting any deficiencies can help you avoid breaking down on the road; being held at a roadside inspection site; or possibly having an accident.
As a minimum the following items must be inspected during a pre-trip inspection (see drawing on reverse side):
- Service Brakes including trailer brake connection.
- Parking (hand) brake.
- Steering mechanism.
- Lighting devices and reflectors (including reflective tape).
- Tires.
- Horn.
- Windshield Washers.
- Rear vision mirrors.
- Coupling devices.
- Wheels and Rims.
- Emergency Equipment (Extinguisher and Triangles).
In addition to these items, Part 396.5 requires the carrier to ensure that each motor vehicle (and trailer) is properly lubricated and free of oil and grease leaks.
Falling Leaves. Not only are the fall leaves pretty, they are also slippery when wet. Please use additional caution when driving on roads and streets that are covered with leafs when it is raining