Whether you rent or own a semi-trailer, you are held to certain standards of equipment maintenance for safety purposes. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the agency that ensures all semi-trucks and semi-trailers on the road comply with the laws. One way that they do this is by requiring a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) annual trailer inspection. This annual inspection helps to keep trailer safety standards.
An annual FHWA inspection can be conducted at any certified shop. The shop will use an inspection form to check the following areas to ensure everything is in proper working order. If not, the trailer will be repaired, or necessary items will be replaced, for the trailer to pass the inspection and have the shop sign off on the inspection form. Once completed, the shop will give you a copy of the inspection form, which should be located with the trailer. They are usually located in the registration box on the trailer (usually a small round box) along with the registration. That way, it is easily accessible for DOT to verify the paperwork if you are stopped.
The following items are areas that are inspected on the semi-trailer during a federal inspection.
Brake System
- Service Brakes – The service brakes are the primary brakes for the system. They are controlled by the brake pedal in the semi-truck.
- Parking Brake System – This acts as a parking brake and an emergency brake.
- Brake Drums or Rotors – These help to cause friction when being pressed in to stop the trailer.
- Brake Hose/Brake Tubing – Hoses hooked between the tractor and the trailer; these hoses send air pressure to the trailer’s brake system. The air pressure allows the brakes to be applied and released. There are two hoses. A red (emergency) line and a blue (service) line. They are held in place between the truck and the trailer with glad-hand locks. These locks help to keep the trailer from accidentally coming unhooked from the tractor.
- Automatic Brake (Slack) Adjusters – These work with the air brake system to help keep a correct distance (slack) between brake shoes and drums to keep them from wearing down.
Lighting Devices
All required lights and reflectors must be operable. Even if you add additional lights for decorative purposes, they must always be lit.
Safe Loading
- ALL Vehicle Parts – the actual load, dunnage, spare tire (in the spare tire rack located underneath the trailer), etc., all need to be secured.
- Front End Structure – This area consists of the king pin, chassis frame, headboard or front bulkhead (wall), landing gear, brake lines, electrical lines, and wiring harness.
Suspension
- Axle Positioning Parts – This is the suspension system, hubs, axle beam, and spindles. These are the components that keep you tracking correctly. That is why keeping your dry van or flatbed trailer properly aligned is important.
- Spring Assembly – Leaf springs, U-Bolts, and tie plate. These items help to cushion the ride, along with helping to support the weight of the load.
- Torque, Radius, or Tracking Components – Help with keeping the axle lined up properly and keeps stability of the load.
Frame
- Frame Members – Consists of side rails and crossmembers, which are the structural support components of the trailers for the floors and ceilings. They must be in the proper locations with no damage.
- Tire and Wheel Clearance – To ensure there is room for the suspension to move and have enough clearance around the tire wells.
- Adjustable Axle Assemblies (Sliding Subframe) – Helps to balance the load and create maneuverability.
Tires
- All tires – It is very important to make sure all tires are in good condition. They must be aired to the correct PSI, have the proper amount of tread left, and have no bulges or slits.
Wheel and Rims
- Wheels and Rims – Inspect for cracks, any type of corrosion, and stud holes that are out of shape.
- Fasteners – Hub fasteners should all be tight and secured, with none missing.
- Welds – Check rims for welds to ensure they have been properly completed and are in good condition.
Rear Impact Guard (RIG)/ICC Bumper
Check to make sure that the bumper on the back of the trailer is the correct size bumper and verify that it is properly placed and securely attached.
Need a trailer inspection or repair? Call us today to schedule an appointment. In need of a rental trailer? We can help you with that as well.
