Common Trucking Mistakes to Avoid

As with all industries, the trucking sector comes with its own set of hazards. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when operating your fleet:

·         No definite maintenance schedule. Operators maximize the use of their fleets, even trying to run them 24/7 if possible, as well as procrastinating tire, oil, and brake jobs. This negligence can result into fatal accidents and a ruined reputation.

·         Not checking manufacturing errors. In their eagerness to do business right away, many operators fail to thoroughly check newly purchased parts for possible defects.

·         Poor communication with mechanics. There are things that a mechanic might miss. It is important to keep a record of what you see, feel, and hear and communicate these to your mechanic. This will make diagnosis easier and speed up the repair.

·         Unreasonable company policies. Some companies impose tight schedules upon their drivers. This can lead to improper loading and bad working conditions such as driver fatigue. Since the driver will feel the need to rush, he’ll have the tendency to neglect needed repairs just to meet deadlines. Speed is counter-productive if not applied properly.

·         Not recording repairs. Keeping a log of your trucks’ maintenance schedules gives you more accurate forecasts of when and what materials you need to purchase. You can compare parts prices among suppliers and monitor changes on maintenance expenses. You can also determine which trucks would require closer monitoring and reduced road time to minimize overall risk.