Phantom Pre-Trip inspections.

Just 2 days ago during pre trip I found that one of drive tires is gone.Literally GONE.

 

Probably another trucker.

 

I slip seat in daycabs so it's a little different ball game when you pre-trip a piece of equipment that someone else has been driving, nonetheless I have found headlights, marker lights and tail lights burned out, low fluids including engine oil, low or flat tires on tractor and trailer, screws, nails and other debris embedded in the tread, bad tires with the steel belt exposed, leaky wheel seals inside and out, fuel leaks, improper, expired or missing permits and registration...I could keep going, but I think you all get my point. Yup...the pre and post trip is a must in my line of work and should be a priority on every other drivers to do list.

 

P.S. any smart driver knows that if their tractor is involved in an accident, especially one with injuries or fatalities, even if the CMV operator is not at fault, investigators are likely to go through the truck with a fine toothed comb to check for any defects which could have impeded the safe operation of the truck. Should they find something awry they will file it in a police report which could later give cause for legal and civil litigation against the driver....Just some food for thought to anyone who might think inspections are overrated and unnecessary.

 

It may be they PTI'd in the evening, if it was still light, warmer etc - when they parked, rather than do it in the morning, but you're right - need to at least check tires, lights and kingpin before rolling out.

 

I have a drone
It does a fly by every morning

 

Its funny to see many of them take off without opening the hood to take a look.
One of the worst things I found was a 5" cut on the inside side wall of the RH steer tire. Never would have been found if I did not open the hood and did what im supposed to do.