Tips for Your Trips in 2026
Most people make resolutions to mark the beginning of a new year. And, most folks also tend to break their resolutions within the first months of the new year as well. Precisely why I don't like to make resolutions, I prefer to set goals. This past year, I set three goals for 2025 but struggled to achieve even one of them. So, with a brand new 2026 upon us, I've rolled over those previous three goals that went unaccomplished and I'm going to try again. Let's see how this year plays out!
Drivers take special note, much of this responsibility is going to fall on your shoulders.
Follow Your Checklist
FMCSA has a checklist that drivers must follow in order to cover key areas of the truck. It starts with checking the truck's general condition. Drivers should be on the lookout for any obvious issues, noting those issues, and reporting any that are potentially serious on their Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) so that the shop can take corrective action and avoid potential problems.
Drivers should also regularly check their fluid levels, including the engine, coolant, and transmission fluids. They also should routinely review the condition of belts, hoses, wires, batteries, and all of the electrical connections. Paying special attention to any slipping belts, loose connections, as well as any signs of fraying or wear on belts and hoses.
Trailers Need Love, Too
If you're pulling a trailer, pay extra attention to obvious signs of any improper maintenance, such as missing mud flaps or airlines that are not properly secured. These are surefire ways to earn yourself a pullover from a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspector.
Inoperable lights are a huge reason for DOT to pull a truck over for a roadside inspection. Drivers need to ensure that their lights (low-beam headlights, four-way flashers, high-beam headlights, and any other lights on the tractor and the trailer) are fully operational.
Drivers should also regularly check all gauges and controls in the cab. And while performing their brake inspection, drivers should determine that all brakes, including the parking and service brakes, are properly working.
Drivers need to be sure and put best practices in motion each and every day. Utilizing an inspection form is one way to make sure all boxes get checked when walking the exterior of the truck and trailer. And if there's an opportunity to use an electronic version of the pre-trip and post-trip inspection form, then that's even better.
Companies and carriers should also be conducting refresher training on daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections for their drivers. The beginning of a new year seems an optimal time to enact any type of refresher courses for drivers, as well as fleet managers and maintenance crew.
Make proper truck maintenance part of your new year's resolutions/goals. The end result is sure to be more pleasing than receiving word that a truck has failed an inspection or needs to spend extended time in the repair shop. A little extra time spent on the truck's well-being will definitely offset any unforeseen costs in the long run.