tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35723158290075706292024-02-20T02:55:54.045-08:00Learn To Drive A Truck. ALWAYS Have A Job!At any time there are over 150,000 tractors sitting idle without drivers.
Get PRACTICE MATERIALS here for taking the California Commercial Drivers License test.
Learn how to present The Six-Point Air Brake Test, The In-Cab and Vehicle component Inspection. Learn about how to perform the five parking skills. Find out what must be done to pass the driving test.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13258790833687043731noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3572315829007570629.post-10806061445175726932011-02-21T10:32:00.000-08:002011-02-21T10:32:40.050-08:00The Pre-Trip Inspection: The Right Way<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Pre-Trip Inspection</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> for Tractor-Trailer combinations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Starting with the in-cab inspection:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Windshield not cracked or broken and seal not leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Windshield wipers have good blades.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Side view mirrors secure and adjusted. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Windows roll up and down.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Seat belt works.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Steering wheel has no more than 2” of free play.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Horns, city and air, work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Turn signals, 4-way hazard flashers and high beam control works.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Oil pressure gauge should read between 45 and 65 psi with engine running.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Coolant temperature should be between 190 and 200 degrees when running.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Voltmeter should read between 12 and 14 volts when running.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The windshield wiper switch and the headlight switch work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The heater, fan and defroster controls work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The clutch has no more than 2” of free play travel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The stick-shift air-line is not leaking, and the range selector switch is working. The boot on the floor around the stick is not leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a fire extinguisher rated for the load I’m carrying,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">three reflective warning triangles, and spare electrical fuses.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Next you exit the vehicle and begin the exterior inspection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Standing in front of the vehicle you check the clearance lights, headlights and high-beams, turn signals and 4-way flashers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There should be no leaks of any fluids under the truck and no hanging wires or hoses visible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The hood is opened and the inspection starts on the passenger side.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The air intake, which leads to the turbo, which becomes the exhaust line should be free of soot, or carbon, which would indicate a leak.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The air conditioning compressor pump and alternator belt should be tight. The alternator should be secure and wires connected and tight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The water pump should not be leaking from any connections.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The frame must not have any cracks or welds. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(You will inspect the suspension, tires and brakes, but for the DMV inspection, you will advise the examiner you are going to inspect these systems on the other side in detail, so they may be skipped right now.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Moving to the driver’s side of the truck, you begin by inspecting the air lines, wires and hoses in general for any signs of leakage or disconnection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The levels of the engine oil, power steering reservoir, radiator coolant and windshield washer fluid are checked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The power steering system consists of the reservoir, which has hoses connected to the power steering pump and the steering gearbox. Nothing should be leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The steering gearbox is controlled by the steering shaft which should be secure to the u-joint.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">On the side of the steering gearbox is the Pitman arm which connects to the drag link. The drag link connects to the upper steering arm, which connects to lower steering arm that moves the tie-rod. The tie-rod “ties” the steering wheels together.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a safety feature, castle nuts and cotter pins to insure the connections cannot vibrate lose and fail.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Next is the Air system, made up of the compressor, which is controlled by the governor. The air line connections are not leaking and the compressor is gear-driven.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Inspect the frame for cracks or welds.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Connected to the frame is the suspension made up of two spring mounts, which have leaf springs between them. The leafs should not be cracked or missing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The leaf springs are connected to the axle by U-bolts, which should be tight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a shock-absorber which should not be leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The brake system air-line hose to the brake chamber should not be leaking or worn. The ABS electrical line should be connected and secure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The brake chamber connects with a push rod to the slack-adjuster, which should have no more than 2” inches of free-play.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The slack-adjuster leads to the brake shoes that have pads which must be no thinner than ¼” thick.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The pads contact the brake drums, which must be free of cracks, weld and contamination. (anything greasy or slippery)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The tires are now inspected.<span> </span>(Inflation, Condition and Depth)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Inflation pressure is found on the sidewall of the tire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The sidewall Condition should be no abrasions, bulges or cuts visible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Tread Depth on a steering axle must be no less than 4/32” and the tire must be new, not a re-tread or used tire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The tire is inflated through the valve stem which should have a cap.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The ridge along the wheel rim is called the bead, which should not be dented or leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The wheel rim itself must be free of cracks or welds.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The wheel is connected to the drum by lug nuts which must be tight and not missing any.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The wheel turns on a wet-hub. The cap should be tight and the hub full of lubricant.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The doors should open and close correctly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The fuel tank should not be leaking and have a good cap.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The tank straps should be tight and have rubber pads to prevent vibration damage which causes leakage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The steps should be secure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Behind the tractor, the exhaust stack should be secure and not leaking at the connections.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The red air-line is the Emergency supply. The blue air-line is the Service brake supply. At the ends of the lines are “glad-hand” connectors which have seals that should not be leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The electrical line plug should be secure and dry at the connection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The plate across the frame is called the catwalk. Under the catwalk is the battery box. Check for loose connections or corrosion.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Under the battery box is the drive shaft, which should not be twisted or loose. The shaft connects to the differential which is full of oil and should not be leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">On top of the differential is a torque-arm that connects to the frame to keep the differential from twisting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The rock guards should be secure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To inspect the drive axle begin with the brake system.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The air-line to the spring-brake chamber is secure, nothing should be leaking. The brake chamber connects with a push rod to the slack-adjuster, which should have no more than 2” inches of free-play.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The slack-adjuster leads to the brake shoes that have pads which must be no thinner than ¼” thick.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The pads contact the brake drums, which must be free of cracks, weld and contamination. (anything greasy or slippery)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The suspension is slightly different from the front axle. The drive axle suspension has one spring mount and one air-bag mount. Between them are the leaf springs which should not be cracked or missing. The air-bag should not be leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The leaf springs are connected to the axle by U-bolts which should be secure. The shock-absorber should not be leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To inspect the dual-tire assembly look between the wheels for debris that could fly loose and that the wheels are touching each other with no space or wobble.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The tires are now inspected.<span> </span>(Inflation, Condition and Depth)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Inflation pressure is found on the sidewall of the tire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The sidewall Condition should be no abrasions, bulges or cuts visible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Tread Depth on a drive axle tire must be no less than 2/32” and the tires can be recaps. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">No mixing of radial and bias-ply tires on an axle is permitted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The tires are inflated through the valve stems which should have caps.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The ridge along the wheel rim is called the bead, which should not be dented or leaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The wheel rim itself must be free of cracks or welds.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The wheel is connected to the drum by lug nuts which must be tight and not missing any.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The drive axle wheels turn on sealed hubs. These hubs have no removable pop-cap to check the fluid level. The lubricant is sealed inside.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The third axle is inspected the same way as the second axle. The only difference is that the third axle often does not have a spring-brake chamber.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To inspect the fifth-wheel assembly begin by checking the apron of the trailer. The king-pin hangs down from the apron. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The king-pin connects to the fifth-wheel by the locking jaws which are operated by the release arm. There should be no space or gap between the fifth-wheel and the apron.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The fifth-wheel connects to the lower or “sliding” fifth-wheel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The slider is connected to the “glide-path” or track by locking pins which are controlled from the cab. At the ends of the track are stops to prevent the slider from coming off of the track when moved. The track is bolted, not welded to the the frame.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Behind the tractor are turn signals, brake-lights and 4-way flashers which must work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Mud-flaps must be present if there is no trailer connected.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The front of the trailer is called the bulkhead and must be free of holes. The side of the trailer must be free of damage and should have reflectors or reflective tape showing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The clearance lights should be intact and working.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The landing gear should work and is made up of the leg, foot, crank and basket. The supports should be secure and undamaged.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Nothing should hang through the floor of the trailer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The trailer axles are inspected the same way as the other axles, brakes, suspension and tires again, completely.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The rear of the trailer has clearance lights, turn-signals, brake lights and 4-way flashers that should be working and intact.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The license plate should have a working light above it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The doors are held on by hinges and closed with latches which should be working and secure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The trailer has a DOT bar or bumper that should be secure to prevent vehicles from going under the trailer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If the trailer has a pintle-hook, inspect the locking latch. Check the safety-chain hanger and the air and electrical connections for the second trailer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The mud-flaps should not be higher than 2” to 6” off the ground.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The left side of the truck is inspected the same way as the right side.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13258790833687043731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3572315829007570629.post-58896965011032657202010-10-19T12:51:00.000-07:002010-10-19T12:51:58.605-07:00It isn't easy...but it isn't real hard, either.It is not an EASY thing to get your Commercial Driver's License.<br />
But it isn't something that is so hard you can't do it, if you WANT to.<br />
Yes, it does involve learning some new and very specific skills.<br />
But it isn't like going to college.<br />
It isn't like driving a car. Yet it is not TOO different.<br />
It isn't like shifting a pickup truck. Yet is isn't hard to do, once you understand how.<br />
A car weighs 3,000 lbs.<br />
An empty semi weighs 35,000 lbs. A loaded one weighs 80,000 lbs.<br />
Yes, it takes skill to operate these giants.<br />
But no, it isn't all that hard.<br />
Once you learn how.<br />
I can help you get started.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13258790833687043731noreply@blogger.com1