Often the first and last people to touch a truck, the driver’s role in maintenance isn’t always clear.
Aaron Thompson, vice president of maintenance and purchasing for Birmingham, Ala.-based Action Resources, says the driver must fully understand what is at stake if he doesn’t help keep his truck rolling.
“On-time service is all we have to sell in this business and they can’t be on-time if they’re broken down on the road,” Thompson said during a breakout session on the driver’s role in maintenance at CCJ’s Solutions Summit in Palm Springs Wednesday. “There’s too much at stake for drivers not to participate [in truck maintenance].”
Thompson requires all his drivers to carry basic tools like a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, cutters, flashlight, a pry bar and zip ties for simple repairs.
“There’s not a lot on a Class 8 truck you can fix with these tools,” he says, “but if road service can quickly diagnose what their issue may be, they can do a quick temporary fix to avoid a road call.”
Quality pre- and post-trips are critical, as is checking all truck tire pressures with an air gauge and not a “thumper” along with opening the hood to check fluids, belts and hoses. Thompson also requires drivers to carry basic parts like bulbs, seals and hoses.
Still, it’s up to the driver to use the tools and replacement parts, which requires accountability and often incentives.
