Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Video Available

A note in the Timber Bulletin from the Minnesota Timber Producers Assn. (MTPA) reports that the Minnesota Trucking Assn., in conjunction with the Minnesota State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Div., has produced a video demonstrating the proper procedures for a pre-trip inspection.

The video is designed to improve preventative maintenance and compliance with regulations surrounding pre-trip inspections. Since the pandemic, the Patrol has seen a decline in preventative maintenance across all trucking sectors and commodities, due to the driver shortage, a shortage of mechanics, parts shortages and supply chain issues. This has resulted in an increase of the vehicle out-of-service rates which cause CSA scores to rise, insurance rates to go up and a reduction in safety.

The video can be found on YouTube (www.youtube.com), or by searching YouTube: “Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection.”

The MTPA article states that “supply chain and labor issues mean quick fixes now take much longer. Simple repairs that used to take three hours can now take up to three days to address. For example, when a headlight goes out, it’s often necessary to change the entire assembly rather than simply change the bulb. This is also why post-trip inspections are helpful, so you know what needs to be fixed before your next haul.”