FMCSA funds will help states conduct more inspections of vehicles, drivers and carriers. The agency also plans to study the causes of crashes and create new systems, which collect crash data. Their website enables commercial truck operators to use the Internet to get information, apply for registration and pay fines for violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

North American Standard Truck Inspection Procedure

• Choose inspection site
• Inspection preparation
• Greet and prepare the driver
• Interview the driver
• Collect the driver's documentation
• Check for the presence of hazardous materials
• Identify the carrier
• Examine the driver's license
• Check medical examiner's certificate and waiver
• Check record of duty status
• Review driver's daily vehicle inspection report
• Review periodic inspection report
• Prepare driver for vehicle inspection
• Inspect front of tractor
• Inspect left front side
• Inspect left saddle tank area
• Inspect trailer front
• Check left rear trailer wheels
• Inspect rear of trailer, wheels, rims and tires
• Inspect right saddle tank area, right fuel tank(s)
• Inspect right front side of tractor wheels, rims and tires
• Inspect double and triple trailers
• Test low air pressure warning device
• Check steering wheel lash
• Test air loss rate
• Inspect steering axle
• Inspect axle(s) a and/or 3
• Inspect axle(s) 4 and/or 5
• Check brake adjustment
• Inspect tractor protection system (this procedure tests both tractor protection valve and the emergency brake)
• Check fifth wheel movement
• Complete the inspection

To help yourself, take the time to do a good pre-trip inspection. Get down under the truck for an inspector's eye view of the critical areas. The effort will give you added confidence that your vehicle is safe. It will also reduce your chances of being sidelined by an out-of-service violation.