Penske Truck Leasing

2023's Top Roadside Violations and How To Avoid Them

Nearly 3 million roadside vehicle inspections took place in 2023, resulting in more than 4.5 million violations, including about 850,000 out-of-service violations. Violations can affect carriers’ Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) scores and result in fines, unscheduled downtime and driver frustration.

Many of 2023’s top vehicle violations can be prevented with proper maintenance and pre- and post-trip inspections.

Lighting Violations

Lights are critical for safety and visibility but are among the most frequent roadside violations. Lighting-related violations made up three of the top ten roadside violations in 2023, with an inoperable required lamp being the No. 1 violation carriers experienced. Not far behind it were an inoperative turn signal and no or defective lighting devices or reflective material as required.

Minimizing the risk of a lighting violation can start with spec’ing LED lights, which typically have multiple diodes. Even if a portion of the diodes goes out, the light still illuminates and meets the requirement of a functioning light.

Drivers should also check all required lamps and turn signals as part of their pre- and post-trip inspections to ensure they are operative, properly mounted and not obscured in any way. During preventive maintenance (PM), technicians check all wiring, look for corrosion and ensure all lighting is in good working order.

Periodic Inspections

The second-most-common roadside equipment violation for the last fiscal year was operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection. Several forms of proof meet the requirement, including a decal/sticker with the name of the company that performed the inspection, along with its address and the month and year the inspection was performed. The form/document of the inspection with the same information for the decal/sticker also meets the requirement.

Brake Violations

The third-most-common roadside violation in 2023 was clamp or roto-type brakes out of adjustment. With automatic slack adjusters in vehicles, brakes are sometimes cited as being out of adjustment when they are on the verge of adjusting. To prevent that, drivers can apply the brakes several times at a high PSI level — 90 or better — when pulling into a scale.

Another way to prevent the violation is to spec air disc brakes, so brake stroke adjustment is no longer an issue.

Tire Issues

Tire-related violations comprised two of 2023’s top ten violations. One of the most critical steps in overall tire care is checking tire pressures, which can be done manually or with a tire inflation system. Tires should be inspected as part of every pre- and post-trip inspection and during PM. Additionally, tire pressure gauges should be checked periodically for accuracy and calibrated per the gauge manufacturer guidelines.

As part of its regular PM program, technicians monitor tread depth and replace tires before they hit the minimum tread depth required by the Department of Transportation. Technicians also check tires for irregular wear and ensure the vehicle is aligned properly.

Penske Truck Leasing can help customers select the right tire and tread designs for their application, operating environment and operational goals.

Other Vehicle Violations

Other top roadside violations include no/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher, a tire that is flat and/or has an audible air leak, a tire tread depth lower than 2/32 of an inch, and windshield wipers that are inoperative/defective, which are all inspected as part of PM inspections.

Top 10 Vehicle Violations in 2023

Inoperable required lamp
Operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection
Clamp or roto-type brake out of adjustment
No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher
Inoperative turn signal
Tire: flat and/or audible air leak
Windshield wipers: inoperative/defective
No or defective lighting devices or reflective material as required
CMVs manufactured after 10/19/94 that have an automatic airbrake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear
Tire: tread depth less than 2/32 of an inch measured in a major tread groove

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Proper Maintenance, Treated Fuel Improve Uptime in Winter Months

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can increase the risk of downtime for all diesel vehicles if the equipment and fuel that power them aren’t properly maintained. Breakdowns can result in delayed drivers, missed deliveries and poor customer service.

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Regular Maintenance, Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Protect Wheel Ends

Inspectors often focus on wheel ends, which include the wheels, rims, hubs and tires on a commercial motor vehicle. Wheel-end components support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking.

Violations involving wheel-end components historically account for about one quarter of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered during inspection blitzes, such as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck.

“Wheel ends contain numerous moving parts, whether it is the brake system, the bearings or the hubs, that can leak, wear or seize due to lack of preventive maintenance. Wheel end systems require routine daily pre- and post-trip inspections, and a sound maintenance program is key to reducing breakdowns,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering for Penske Truck Leasing.

Wheel-end failures may lead to a catastrophic crash. “When a wheel end component fails and you have a wheel run-off situation, major damage could result,” Hough said, adding that wheel-end fires often result from brake system air leaks that prevent the brakes from completely releasing.

Completing pre- and post-trip inspections is one of the best things drivers can do to help prevent issues. “Check the wheel-end brake system for air leaks, lubricant leaks, proper adjustment, etc., and when defects are discovered, write them up and have them addressed by a qualified technician before you dispatch the unit,” Hough said.

Wheel seals, lube levels, lug nuts and brake components are among items that should be inspected daily, Hough said. Drivers’ observations during the inspection are the first step in detecting a wheel-end problem.

CVSA has said that drivers may also find abnormal or uneven tire wear, see or smell smoking or extremely hot hubcaps (too hot to touch), notice smoke from a wheel end, or feel wheel vibration, wobble or noise. Increased stopping distance or decreased braking power, abnormal side pull when braking, wheel lock-up and skidding are all signs that wheel ends may need maintenance or replacement.

During the inspection of wheel ends on a commercial motor vehicle, inspectors will:

Check for cracks or unseated locking rings, studs or clamps
Check for bent, cracked or broken rims on the inside and outside wheel rims
Check for loose, broken, missing or damaged wheel fasteners and elongated stud holes
Check spoke wheels for cracks across spokes and in the web area or slippage in the clamp areas
Check the hub for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs
Check the inner wheel seal for leaks
Check the tire and valve stem for leaks
Check for improper inflation, cuts and bulges on all tires, including the inside tire on a dual set
Check for regrooved tires on steering axle
Check tread wear and measure major tread groove depth
Inspect the sidewall for improper repairs, such as tire plugs
Check for exposed fabric or cord
Check for tire contact with any part of the vehicle or another tire
Check for markings on the tire that would exclude its use on a steering axle
Check for debris between the tires
Check for tires touching one another or any part

Hough added that drivers and technicians also need to be careful not to over-torque lug nuts; over-torquing will stretch the studs. “Once a wheel stud is stretched, the stud will never maintain the correct torque,” he said.

The residual damage from over-torquing a lug nut could take months to develop, but eventually will cause problems. “A bolt/stud acts as a tension/clamping device when torqued properly. If over-torqued, it loses the ability to maintain the correct clamping force,” Hough said.

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Maintaining Filters Is an Essential Part of Service

Regular preventive maintenance drives uptime for Class 8 tractors, and filters play a crucial role in ensuring the engine and critical components operate at peak performance, reducing wear and tear on the engine and improving fuel efficiency.

“At times, filter replacement may be overlooked. It is important to know what filters each of your vehicles are equipped with, what the recommended replacement intervals are, and where filters are located,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering for Penske Truck Leasing.

As part of its PM service, Penske maintenance technicians change filters based on either meter readings or day intervals. Filters are also changed if there is an indication that they need to be changed ahead of schedule, Hough said.

Filters requiring maintenance include:

Fuel Filter: Fuel filters, including modular filters some engine manufacturers use, remove impurities, water and contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. “It is extremely important that you utilize high-quality replacement filters and maintain fuel systems correctly. If fuel systems are neglected, you could end up with major fuel system issues,” Hough said.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Filters: DEF systems have a filter that filters the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). These filters need to be changed at regular intervals to optimize the emission system performance.

Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter ensures clean air enters the engine’s intake system. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to reduced engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions issues. “Penske power units are equipped with LED vacuum indicators. These indicators will change from green to yellow and then red if the vacuum pressure exceeds a preset parameter, indicating that the filter has reached its capacity and needs to be changed,” Hough said.

Oil Filter: The oil filter is designed to filter the oil and remove contaminants to ensure only purified oil is circulated through the engine. “Like with the fuel filters, you want to utilize high-quality oil filters to maximize the oil performance,” Hough said.

Power Steering Filter: Power steering filters also need to be changed on a regularly scheduled interval to minimize power steering system issues.

HVAC Filter: HVAC filters clean the air before it enters the cab to remove dust, pollen and other particles. Inspecting these filters and replacing as needed during each PM is critical to the HVAC system performance. Most sleeper berths also have an HVAC filter that filters recirculated air. These filters should be inspected and replaced as needed during each PM. HVAC filters are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment for drivers.

Air Dryer Filters: Air dryer filters remove moisture and contamination from the air supply produced by the vehicle’s air compressor. “Again, utilizing quality replacement filters will pay dividends. Many lower-quality air dryer filters on the market today do not utilize desiccant. Without the desiccant feature, moisture will bypass the air dryer and wreak havoc on the air system,” Hough said.

Replacing filters as needed improves engine performance, reduces the risk of roadside breakdown, and can ultimately reduce operating costs.

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Proper Reefer Maintenance Can Extend Trailer Life

Refrigerated trailers are among the equipment affected by supply chain shortages and manufacturer backlogs, which means maintenance on transportation refrigeration units and trailer bodies is taking on even more importance to ensure equipment keeps products cold and meets quality and safety expectations.

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Improve Fleet Maintenance With Contract Maintenance

Regular maintenance is critical to equipment’s safety, reliability, and efficiency, helping fleets and drivers prevent mechanical failures, avoid roadside violations and maintain uptime. However, maintaining equipment can be complex, requiring significant investments in tooling, training and labor. Penske can ease the maintenance burden on trucking companies through its contract maintenance plans, allowing carriers to focus on their customers and business.

Penske’s maintenance partnerships start by bringing carriers’ trucks up to Penske’s high quality standards with a regular maintenance schedule. Program benefits include:

Easy Access: Customers can access a nationwide network of more than 900 shops and 10,000 technicians.

Discounted Rates: Penske offers tire retreading, DPF filter cleaning and rental trucks at preferred rates as part of its contract maintenance program.

Roadside Support: While preventive maintenance helps curb roadside failures, breakdowns happen. The key is getting equipment back up and running quickly. There are more than 12,000 service providers who deliver 24/7 roadside assistance.

Fleet Services: Regulatory compliance requires careful documentation and can be a time-consuming process, but Penske’s Fleet Services and Operating Tax groups offer vehicle licensing, permits and tax reporting services, taking the complexity out of compliance.

Fueling Services: There are more than 360 Penske fueling locations, and when customers fuel at Penske locations, they have the benefit of customer service representatives who conduct vehicle and safety inspections and top off the oil, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze during fueling.

Visibility: Customers have access to real-time fleet data with Fleet Insight™ to help them make proactive decisions and keep their vehicles on the road.

Data Analytics: Penske analyzes vast amounts of data from across its network, including remote diagnostics, to understand when specific components may fail on each vehicle type. Detailed information allows shops to be proactive and schedule a repair before there’s a problem.

Dynamic PM: Penske’s Dynamic PM services analyze specifications and trends unique to each fleet, delivering the right preventive maintenance at the right time. Technicians completing a Dynamic PM use speech recognition technology to guide and record specific inspection steps, which ensures techs can focus on accuracy, safety and quality.

Extended Hours: Some locations offer extended hours and weekend availability so technicians can perform maintenance to help boost fleets’ uptime.

To learn more about how Penske’s Contract Maintenance can benefit you, contact 855-345-7268.

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Summer-Specific Maintenance Tasks Keep Equipment Running

Summer has arrived and temperatures are heating up across the country, which means some components on Class 8 trucks need extra attention to prevent unscheduled maintenance or costly fixes down the line.

“A lot of the maintenance is the same year-round, but there are certain maintenance items, especially the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and tire pressure, that are important in the summer,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing.

Air Conditioning System Maintenance: Inspecting the HVAC system, including circulation air filters and ensuring the AC system is cooling as designed, is essential for driver comfort and safety, Hough said. Demands on air conditioners increase in summer months, and the units should be checked regularly. Technicians must ensure the engine fan/clutch is activated and properly engages when the A/C system is turned on. In addition, the A/C system typically interfaces with the vehicles’ electronic systems and controllers, which means that abnormal operation conditions within the A/C refrigerant subsystem could trigger fault codes that must be investigated, repaired and cleared before the vehicle is placed back into service. This is also a good time to service or replace the cabin filter.

Truck Tire Maintenance: Proper summer tire pressures improve safety as well as tire life and fuel economy, and tires need special care when temperatures increase. “Maintaining correct tire pressure during the summer months will help reduce over-the-road-tire failures,” Hough said.

Tires tend to run hotter and wear faster in warm weather, and the tire tread portion becomes softer in the summer months. That makes tires more susceptible to punctures from road debris.

To help mitigate the risks tires face, tire inflation pressure needs to be checked with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Because tire pressure increases as temperatures rise, there is a risk of over-inflated tires in the summer. When air pressures are inaccurate, tires flex in ways they weren’t designed to, changing the shape of the tire’s footprint. That not only decreases fuel economy but also creates irregular wear patterns and reduced tread life. Also, underinflated tires build up excessive heat, potentially causing premature failure.

Cooling and Electrical System Maintenance: During the summer, it’s critical to ensure a truck’s engine radiator, EGR coolers and transmission cooler operate properly to maintain the correct engine and transmission temperatures. Inadequate or improper service of cooling and electrical systems can lead to heat-related failures during hot weather. Penske checks cooling systems on every preventive maintenance (PM) inspection.

Electronic component failures can be caused by damaged or missing heat guards, heat shields or heat deflectors, especially within those components found near the exhaust system after-treatment devices. Excessive heat can also melt or make the plastic electrical connectors brittle, leading to electrical malfunctions caused by poor connections at the electronic control units, sensors and solenoids that control various vehicle systems.

APU Maintenance: Auxiliary power units (APUs) also require special attention during the summer. Diesel-powered APUs are like mini engines with belts, lines and AC compressors that should be checked. An electric, battery-powered APU is integrated with the cab air conditioning and should also be checked to ensure it functions properly.

Refrigeration Unit Maintenance: Warm temperatures mean the reefer units on refrigerated trailers face higher demand. Carriers should inspect them regularly to ensure they run correctly as outdoor temperatures increase.

Battery Maintenance: Battery maintenance is not seasonal; a solid, year-round battery maintenance program will pay dividends.

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Get Roadside Assistance 24/7

No one wants to experience a roadside breakdown, but machinery can fail, even at the most inopportune time. When motor carriers and drivers find themselves needing emergency breakdown services, speed is critical.

Penske’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance has 12,000+ emergency providers to respond to drivers’ needs day or night. Plus, the call center is staffed by experienced, in-house Penske personnel who have detailed knowledge of trucks and understand the specific problems drivers may be experiencing.

Vehicles are repaired within a short amount of time, and if more lengthy repairs are necessary, Penske provides a rental or substitute vehicle.

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Are Essential

The ultimate goal is to prevent a roadside event from occurring in the first place, and drivers play an essential role in reducing over-the-road breakdowns. Thorough pre-and post-trip inspections can ensure trucks are in good working condition before they hit the highway.

Drivers should look for leaks, damage, operable lights, properly secured cargo, sagging equipment and anything else that seems out of place. Common problems drivers may find include damaged lights, cracked windshields, faded placards, and chaffed light cords and hoses. Drivers should also pay particular attention to tire pressure. If drivers have any concerns about tire pressure, they can stop at a Penske location so technicians can inspect their tires.

Additionally, when drivers fuel at a Penske location, the customer service representatives who fuel the truck also walk around the truck and check the vehicle to ensure headlights and taillights are working and mudflaps are in good condition, which can prevent issues on the road.

Timely PMs Help Drive Uptime

Penske focuses on preventive maintenance (PM) to help increase vehicle uptime and strives to have trucks go from one PM event to the next PM event without ever having to come back. Penske Truck Leasing follows a rigorous maintenance schedule for customers that includes using advanced system analytics to identify potential failures before they occur.

With dynamic preventive maintenance, technicians can adjust inspections based on failure rates and a vehicle’s history. Penske Truck Leasing captures and analyzes maintenance and vehicle data throughout its entire fleet, creating a thorough base of knowledge that allows technicians to customize maintenance.

Access Help

If a roadside breakdown occurs, help is just a call or a click away. Drivers and carriers can call 1-800-526-0798 or take advantage of digital fleet tools that offer instant visibility.

With Fleet Insight™, Penske’s secure website for fleet data, and the Fleet Insight™ mobile app, carriers can submit 24/7 roadside assistance requests and view real-time updates. They can track breakdown and repair details, see detailed charges for easy verification, identify and address recurring issues, and predict downtime more accurately.

With the Penske Driver™ app, drivers can submit and get real-time updates on roadside assistance requests and remain updated on the status of service, avoiding future phone calls. They can also use the app to check in for service at Penske locations and find rental, leasing, service, parking and fueling locations.

If drivers experience a roadside event (such as a breakdown or maintenance issue) within 40 miles of a Penske location, they can contact the location directly rather than contacting 24/7 Roadside Assistance— saving a step in the process and speeding up service. Locations are equipped with technicians and roadside assistance vehicles to serve drivers faster.

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Penske Uses Telematics Data to Improve Uptime and Reduce Driver Frustration

When drawing on telematics information for maintenance, the ultimate goal is to increase vehicle uptime by speeding up, or even preventing, repairs.

“If the vehicle is down for any type of maintenance, that means it is not delivering product,” said Gregg Mangione, executive vice president of maintenance, Penske Truck Leasing. “At their core, fleets want uptime.”

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The Trucking Industry is Experiencing Increased Maintenance Costs

Inflation, supply chain issues and increased labor expenses are driving up the cost of maintenance for Class 8 tractors.

“The entire industry has experienced cost increases, and we are no different,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering for Penske Truck Leasing.

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When Techs Rock, America Rolls

For over 50 years, Penske’s maintenance technicians have powered our industry-leading fleets. At Penske, we’re proud to provide career development opportunities that keep our techs on the cutting edge of the technology and trends shaping transportation. We’re simply committed to growing and training the best talent on the planet.

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Maintenance Needs and Benefits

A strong focus on preventive maintenance (PM) can help control costs, reduce downtime and extend the life of parts and components, all of which can help to improve fleet operations within a business. However, managing and maintaining a commercial fleet can get more complex as vehicle technology advances. At the same time, many fleets are keeping equipment longer due to supply chain challenges and manufacturer delays. This makes a focus on equipment upkeep even more important.

Strengthening Maintenance with Data

“Penske Truck Leasing monitors component failures continuously and uses the data to add preventive maintenance steps by make and model,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing. That helps technicians to get ahead of issues before they result in an over-the-road breakdown.

Live diagnostic reporting systems can also help identify patterns that provide insights into potential failures. “By using repair history associated with fault codes and applying data science you will learn of the need for certain repairs,” Hough said. “This allows you to be proactive and make the repairs prior to the component or system having a failure.”

Penske Truck Leasing has taken more than 1,000 fault codes and broken them up into red, yellow and green to help technicians, carriers and drivers understand which codes need immediate attention.

Extending Tire Life Through Proper Care

Like many products, tires have been affected by supply chain challenges, and keeping tires functioning properly improves safety and fuel economy, prevents over-the-road failures and extends their lifespan.

Tire care is especially important as temperatures increase. Tires typically run hotter and wear faster in warm weather, and the tread portion of the tire becomes softer, making tires more susceptible to punctures from road debris.

Because tire pressure increases as temperatures rise, there is a risk of over-inflated tires. When air pressures are inaccurate, tires flex in ways they weren’t designed to, changing the shape of the tire’s footprint, creating irregular wear patterns and reducing tread life. Also, underinflated tires build up excessive heat, potentially causing premature failure. To help mitigate the risks tires face, tire inflation pressure must be checked with an accurate tire pressure gauge.

Keeping Brakes Safe

Brake-related violations comprise the largest percentage of all out-of-service vehicle violations cited during roadside inspections, and according to last year’s three-day International Roadcheck data from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), brake systems and brake adjustment violations accounted for 38.9% of all vehicle out-of-service violations, the most of any category of vehicle violations.

“Poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of large trucks and motorcoaches, which poses a serious risk to driver and public safety,” said CVSA President Capt. John Broers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “In those split-second emergency situations, the proper functionality of the brake systems on large commercial motor vehicles is crucial.”

Brakes should be checked at every preventive maintenance inspection and drivers should regularly check brakes during pre- and post-trip inspections, Hough said.

To help improve brake safety and functionality, drivers and technicians should focus on the following:

Slack Adjusters: Automatic slack adjusters in vehicles are sometimes cited as being out of adjustment when they are on the verge of adjusting. To prevent that, he advises drivers to apply the brakes several times at a high PSI level — 90 or better — when pulling into a scale. Typically, drivers apply brakes at a 20-30 PSI, but stabbing the brakes and applying 90-100 PSI three or four times, will balance a slack adjuster on the verge of adjusting.

Chafed Lines: The routing and clipping of brake lines should be checked at every preventive maintenance interval. Drivers should make sure they store their airlines that connect to the trailer properly after every use. They also need to make sure that lines are not rubbing the catwalk when connected to the trailer.

Air Leaks: Penske technicians check for air leaks when they conduct preventive maintenance on a unit, and drivers should check for air leaks during pre-trip inspections. Releasing the parking brakes and applying the brake pedal/treadle valve can help drivers monitor their air gauges. The unit should not lose more than two pounds of pressure in a one-minute period of time and a combination (tractor/trailer) should not lose more than three pounds of pressure in a one-minute period of time. If it does, it needs to be repaired before drivers continue with their trip for the day.

Seals: Drivers and technicians need to regularly inspect their gladhand seals where the tractor and trailer connect to minimize the risk of corrosion within the braking system.

Wear: Hough recommends replacing or repairing brakes before they hit the Department of Transportation (DOT) minimum standard of 1/4 inch. As part of its preventive maintenance guidance, Penske Truck Leasing replaces the brake lining between 5/16 and 3/8 of an inch.

During the brake portion of the CVSA inspections, inspectors will look for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system. They’ll also look for non-manufactured holes, such as rust holes and holes created by rubbing or friction, and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake.

Inspectors will also listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines and ensure the air system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi. They will also check for S-cam flip-over and measure pushrod travel. They will check that slack adjusters are the same length (from the center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size. They will also inspect required brake-system warning devices, such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices. In addition, inspectors will ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer, and inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer.

Keeping up with Inspections

Even with advanced vehicle technology, proper pre- and post-trip inspections are a crucial component of vehicle safety. The inspections can help drivers avoid violations during roadside inspections, prevent accidents and ensure the vehicle is safe while also preventing breakdowns out on the road, saving drivers time and ensuring on-time deliveries.

During every pre-trip inspection, a driver should look for leaks, damage, operable lights, properly secured cargo, sagging equipment and anything that looks out of place. Drivers should also review the previous DriverVehicleInspectionReport.

The post-trip inspection gives time for carriers to make necessary repairs and it also provides documentation the next driver can review during his or her pre-trip inspection. If the previous driver noted defects or deficiencies, the new driver must sign the inspection report to acknowledge that he or she has reviewed it and that there is a certification that the required repairs have been performed. Motor carriers must maintain the original of each vehicle inspection report and the certification of repairs for three months.

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Penske Truck Leasing Supports Skilled Trades at 2022 SkillsUSA National Conference

For the eighth-straight year, Penske Truck Leasing will be participating in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). Taking place from June 20-24 in Atlanta, Georgia, Penske will be connecting with aspiring technicians to reinforce the importance of their work to the industry and to promote career opportunities that are available with the company. This year will mark Penske’s first as an official sponsor.

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Supply Chain Challenges Extend Equipment Life Cycles, Increasing Maintenance Needs

Long backlogs and supply-chain constrained production have limited new Class 8 truck availability, extending equipment lifecycles throughout the industry. A strong maintenance program is always critical, but it is becoming even more important as trucks are remaining on the road longer.

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maintenance

Lighting Violations

Periodic Inspections

Brake Violations

Tire Issues

Other Vehicle Violations

Conducting Winter Maintenance

Treating Diesel Fuel

Removing Snow and Ice

During the inspection of wheel ends on a commercial motor vehicle, inspectors will:

Here are Five Ways Maintenance Affects Safety

Timely Maintenance Reduces Safety Risks

Contract Maintenance With Extended Maintenance Hours

On-Site Maintenance

Mobile Maintenance

Managed Maintenance

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Are Essential

Timely PMs Help Drive Uptime

Access Help

Strengthening Maintenance with Data

Extending Tire Life Through Proper Care

Keeping Brakes Safe

Keeping up with Inspections