Load checks should be done as follows:
- 1 in the first 50 miles of the load.
Then after the first check:
- 1 every 3 hours or every 150 miles, whichever comes first.
- And every change of duty status.
While commonly called a “load check” this should qualify as an inter-trip inspection. It is very important that a driver check his or her load as well as looking for developing problems on the tractor and trailer. Inter-trip inspections are vital in reducing damage to product, load shifts, and violations.
During this inspection a driver should check the following:
Load securement
- Damage done to straps, chains, or cargo
- Tightness of all securement devices
- Dunnage, blocking, or cribbing used on the load for cracks and signs of failure
- Edge protectors
- Equipment stored on the trailer and headache rack of the tractor
Tractor and Trailer
- All lights
- Mud flaps
- Listen for audible air leaks
- Air lines for chaffing and leaks
- Tires
If problems are found, do not put the repair off until later. Get it repaired or resolved as soon as possible. The longer a driver waits to correct issues, the bigger the problem can become.