Commercial Vehicles

Information regarding heavy commercial vehicles.

Q&A - Written Pre-Trip & Log Book

Q&A ImageDoes a vehicle with GVWR 14968 kgs require the driver to maintain a pre-trip/post-trip inspection and a daily log book?  This flat bed truck is not equipped with air brakes and only requires a class 5 licence to drive.  At times, it may be used to travel approx. 120 km (round trip) in the greater Vancouver area.

Q&A - Reporting Jake Brake Violators

Q&A ImageVirtually all city and municipalities have laws regarding the use of Air Brake use in residential areas. However, as usual, there is very little enforcement being done.

Truck drivers either drive too fast or they've grown accustomed to use of Air Brakes with no regard for anyone but themselves. I hear and see this happening all the time in residentail arterial routes.

CASE LAW - R v Stein

BC Courts Coat of ArmsPaul Stein was convicted of failing to wear a seatbelt for an incident that occurred on Hillside Avenue in Victoria, B.C. He was observed by Sergeant LeBlanc who pulled him over and issued the ticket. Mr. Stein's argument was that he was a commercial vehicle driver engaged in frequent stops and was exempt from having to wear a seatbelt.

PHOTOS OF CONCERN - Loose Wheel Nuts

cameraNews reports often tell of heavy commercial vehicles that lose a wheel due to loose wheel nuts like those shown in the photo below. However, this is just as likely to happen to light vehicles and trailers too. Having just installed my own winter tires, this is probably an opportune time to post the picture and remind everyone to review your owner's manual.

RESOURCE - Bendix Brake School

bendix logoDo you drive or service vehicles with air brake or electronic safety systems on board? The Bendix Brake School is a free resource that teaches how Bendix products work in these applications. While it is manufacturer specific, the information in general will apply to similar offerings by other companies. The material includes a complete airbrake training course whose interactive content includes quizzes and exams.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES - Trip Inspection Standard

Truck TractorProfessional drivers of commercial vehicles (as defined in the National Safety Code) are required to do both pre- and post-trip inspections of their vehicles on a daily basis. The list of items to be checked is extensive and is set out in a document created by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. The document also sets out the criteria that defines an out of service condition until that problem is repaired.