How do some people get a CDL? This is why you do a tug-test

As a recent,,,and I mean recent graduate........thank you. LOL

 

OMG I almost can't believe that was real! What a complete moron!

 

OUCH, that was painful to watch!

 

A Tango driver did the same thing in Port Allen,LA.about 3 weeks ago.

 

I was at a shop yesterday, a driver was in there showing the mechanic that his rear bobtail lights didn't work, he was pointing at his reflectors!!!!

worse part, the mechanic had to show him twice that is was a reflector and even show him that there were no wires going to them

And this is who is driving next to us on the highways

 

I actually do two tug tests. One at hook-up, a visual inspection to ensure the locking pin is fully engaged (I've had it not fully lock before), and a rolling tug test against just the trailer brakes (that's what the "johnny bar" is for, guys) before I hit the road. That way, I am reasonably sure the fifth wheel is fully locked and unlikely to fail and the trailer brakes are operational and adjusted. Yeah, I'm anal about keeping my combination vehicle combined while rolling.

 

Ditto. It's one mistake I've yet to make and have no intention of ever doing so. My "anality" increases directly proportionate to the decrease in temperature. With the jaws not operating as smoothly now as they do in the warmer months, I'm guessing we'll see even more of this the next few months....

 

i dropped one 11 years ago.....
hooked. did a good tug. slid the tamdems, checked again.. handle in and locked
pull 1/2 way across the company yard and it dropped......
yard dog pulled it into the shop were i hooked it again....... did a hell of a tug test in the shop.... left skid marks on the floor... trailer had 42k in it
shop and i checked and the handle was IN AND LOCKED
went under and checked the jaws NOT LOCKED...!!
they had to replace the hitch

 

My flashlight is right by my door with the fire extinguisher. I drove into my head after training to check every time I hooked up and now its second nature. The reason is reading a few stories on this forum before going to CDL school. And yea I work for Swift, but you won't see me dropping a trailer.