Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance, and Load Security
Pre-trip inspection
Commercial drivers are expected to inspect before driving. Know the walk-around: tires (tread depth, pressure, cuts, and sidewall condition), lights and reflectors, brakes and air pressure where applicable, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, and load securement. Alberta requires adequate tread depth and no cord exposed; know that tires must be properly inflated and free of defects. Check that the load is balanced, within axle and gross vehicle weight ratings, and secured with rated straps, chains, or tarps.
Load security principles
A load must not shift, spill, or fall. Understand that securement devices have working load limits, that the number of tiedowns depends on load length and weight, and that covering a load may be legally required for loose material. Overloading affects braking distance, steering, and tire failure risk, and can void insurance and trigger fines.
Maintenance and documentation
Keep maintenance records, defect reports, and daily inspection logs. A driver who finds a defect must report it and, if it is a major defect, not operate the vehicle until repaired. Know the difference between a minor defect (note and monitor) and a major defect (out of service).
Traps in questions
Questions often confuse gross vehicle weight rating with actual weight, or ask whether a load can be "just tied down" - the answer is usually that it needs rated securement of sufficient number and strength. Do not assume a visual check is enough; pressure and tread must be measured.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: any load that could fall or shift must have at least the minimum number of tiedowns required by length, each rated for the load, and the aggregate working load limit must exceed the load weight.