Commercial vehicles are driven by professional drivers who typically travel hundreds of thousands of kilometres a year. As a group, professional truck drivers are the safest drivers on our roads and highways. Their safety and the safety of others they share the road with are dependent on a number of factors, including regular maintenance and inspection.

Drivers are responsible and accountable for the safety and maintenance of their equipment. Before taking their trucks out on the road it is essential that they perform a pre-trip inspection that includes looking under the hood, in the cab and taking a walk around the vehicle.

Cargo Security Regulation has adopted the National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 10. Cargo as defined in the NSC Standard 10 means all articles or material carried by a vehicle, including those used in the operation of the vehicle. NSC Standard 10 requires that “all cargo” being transported on Alberta highways must be transported in a secure manner and without causing a hazard to other road users. The owner and driver is responsible to ensure the cargo transported by a commercial vehicle is contained, immobilized or secured so the load cannot leak, spill, blow off, fall off or become dislodged.As drivers take their regular rest stops, they should also perform a short inspection to ensure that their rigs are still in good condition, and the load is still secure.

As a driver finishes a run, it is a good idea to do an end-of-trip inspection and report. That way, anything that needs to be looked after can be taken care of before the driver's next trip. An end-of-trip report should also include a list of any problems that were discovered during the run.

To maintain and enhance the safety of commercial vehicles travelling on Alberta highways, the Province of Alberta has developed the mandatory Alberta Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP). CVIP is not a replacement for the ongoing preventative maintenance carried out by vehicle owners, but rather it audits the effectiveness of the owners' maintenance programs.

All trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and semi-trailers with a registered combined gross vehicle weight of 11,794 kgs or more must undergo a CVIP inspection every 12 months.

A commercial vehicle passing inspection under the CVIP will receive a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certificate, as well as an accompanying decal that will be affixed to the vehicle.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Under the Hood, Check:

• Radiator for leaks, coolant level and proper fitting cap.
• Fan for bent blades, loose mountings, and all belts for tension and signs of wear.
• Oil and other fluid levels.
• Battery for electrolyte level, cracks and excessive corrosion.
• Air cleaner.
• For obvious breaks, or loose connections in electrical system, coolant hoses and vacuum hoses.

In the Cab, Check:

• Seat adjustments and seat belts.
• Adjustments of rear-view mirrors.
• Feel and operation of brake and clutch pedals.
• Horn.
• All lights.

With the Engine Started, Check that:

• The engine runs smoothly.
• The hand throttle, choke and accelerator pedal are operating properly.
• The air brake pressure build up time is adequate and the air pressure drops by an acceptable amount when you apply the brakes.
• All instrument panel gauges are working properly.
• The windshield wipers work.
• There is no unusual noise when you push in the clutch and then release it while the engine is running and in neutral.

Extra Equipment: Check that the vehicle is equipped with:

• Fire extinguishers and approved warning devices.
• First Aid Kit.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate, logbook and other necessary documents.
• Properly secured tools.
• Spare light bulbs. Fuses, belts, etc.

For a more complete list of pre-trip, trip and post-trip inspections refer to the Operator's Licence Information for Driving as a Profession booklet available from:

The Alberta Office of Traffic Safety, Alberta Transportation Main Floor, Twin Atria, 4999 - 98 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3 Phone: (780) 422-8839 Fax: (780) 422-3682 E-mail: debbie.lamoureux@gov.ab.ca Outside Edmonton call 310-0000 and ask for 422-8839.

Updated February 22, 2007