Useless DMV rules for truck drivers

It's funny that there is still lots of places that have damaged fences behind the trailers. I would rather see a driver do more than less when it comes to safety.

 

i don't get it.. i have never hooked up the air lines before backing under the trailer. i drop and hook every day. 2 to 3 times a day. and can't see way anyone would get out hook up air lines then back under.. hell most of the time bring up the landing gear before i even hook up the air lines...

 

you are 100% right.....not that Im an old guy but back when I started (89) I worked for some small outfits with a fleet of old etnyre tar buggies without spring brakes...( most had wheels instead of sand shoes) if you didnt hook up your lines and pull the johnny bar you could push your wagon anywhere..

 

I can't think of a single reason to do so, other than if you are using an ancient trailer with no spring brakes. Furthermore, I have _never_ seen another driver do so. Can you enlighten me?

 

Just wanted to highlight this answer. EXACTLY correct. No reason to do it in our modern age. Also, I suppose, if you're going to high hook it and you get out , dolly up, hook up your cables, then get clicked in. I check the pin and jaws every time so this doesn't eliminate a step for me.

 

We were always told PAL when hooking, Pin, Airlines, Landing Gear and LAP when dropping. Company wanted it done in that order each time.

 

Ever have one of those days?

I just can't get that last little piece of lint out of my belly button.



Oh, by the way...

A very interesting thread.

 

Most drivers aren't going to this, but a real good reason to at least have it on your mind is to get out and look things over before coupling. Many drivers just back up couple and tug and then get out. Trailer could be too high or too low, fifth wheel lock could have slammed shut while driving across the parking lot. It also allows you to charge the trailer and make sure it's not leaking and the brakes are operative rather than couple to it and then have to drop it because the brakes don't work. How many drivers have I read about who actually drive off without checking trailer brakes only to find out they do not work down the road. You read about them because of the accident reported on TV or papers. All this in addition to the lack of spring brakes mentioned.

 

dibstr is right. It's more of a safety issue than anything else now. You'll see drivers that have been around awhile doing this because way back when the trailers would roll when hit. So that was just part of the steps when hooking along with making sure everything else was right.