Cheap tricks we forget to pass on...

As added precaution, while trailer brakes are applied, put tractor in reverse and bump kingpin. I did that 100% of the time.

 

Bolt cutters for those solid shank seals. Because the shipper doesn't always have a set and waiting for maintainence to cut it off with a cut off tool can take a while.

 

The cheapest trick........Just relax.

 

Creampie had a good point, the cleaner you keep your truck the less you will get messed with. Especially the dash board. I have seen so many drivers drive with so much crap in their windsheilds I don't know how they can even see out the thing. If you keep your truck like that and live like that then that's a good indicator to DOT that you are lazy and aren't keeping up with the important issues of the truck.

At the very least, have some pride in what you do. Even if it doesn't effect you DOT wise, take care of it. If its a little bend or crack or chip or whatever, fix it. Keep your truck in the best working and looking condition as possible. Makes a big difference to the customers also. Ever seen those drivers at a shipper/receiver that when they open their door it is just completely and utterly disgusting?! Or even have stuff fall out the door all over the parking lot? You can almost envision a greenish blue stank cloud follow them around as they get out of their truck in their sweat pants and flip flops adorning their frito toe nails and dip stained chin! Sorry getting carried away....

Just reiterating Creampie in that it really is a good tip to keep your truck up to par or beyond.

 

Like i said:

 

In regards to this... If I had any extra shower points then I would stop at a truck stop before I went on home time and have the clerks run the shower points and then keep them and give them to drivers as they came in for a shower. Better to pass them on than lose them and never get the value of them.

 

Thats 2 1/2 side panels on most trailers.

 

Carry a small bag of kitty litter. Good for traction on ice and oil. 5 gallon bucket and trash bags good for emergencies.

 

Diesel fuel can replace wd40, good on stuck sliders, just use a spray bottle.

 

Some of the older drivers may remember a saying form years ago ... "A clean truck is a sign of a sick mind." How times have changed <g>.