June kicks off National Trailer Safety Week, a timely reminder for everyone in the heavy-duty trucking world to double down on safety. At Pliler International, we know that a well-maintained trailer is just as critical as the truck pulling it. Whether you’re hauling freight across Texas or navigating tight jobsites in Louisiana, safety starts long before the wheels roll.
Here are some essential trailer safety tips to keep your rig road-ready and compliant—not just this week, but every week.
1. Inspect Before Every Trip
Your pre-trip inspection should include a close look at tires, brakes, lights, and the hitch assembly. Worn or underinflated tires can lead to blowouts, while faulty lights and brake systems pose serious safety and DOT compliance issues. Don’t rush—those few extra minutes can save you a breakdown or, worse, a collision.
2. Mind Your Load
Improperly loaded trailers are a leading cause of trailer sway, rollovers, and jackknifes. Weight should be evenly distributed across the axles, and heavy cargo secured low and centered. Overloading can stress suspension components, affect braking, and result in fines—or even total vehicle failure.
3. Secure Your Connections
Make it a habit to double-check your fifth wheel or pintle hitch, safety chains, and electrical lines. A disconnected trailer at highway speed is a nightmare scenario—and one that’s entirely preventable. Pay special attention to signs of wear or corrosion in your electrical hookups to avoid lighting failures.
4. Adjust Driving Habits
Hauling a loaded trailer demands a different mindset. Your stopping distance increases significantly, turning radius expands, and acceleration lags. Keep a wider following distance, brake early, and take corners slower than you normally would. Remember, your trailer doesn’t respond instantly—and neither does the freight behind you.
5. Don’t Forget the Undercarriage
While most eyes go to tires and lights, don’t ignore what’s underneath. Suspension components, landing gear, and crossmembers are all under constant stress. Rust, cracks, or broken welds can compromise trailer integrity. If your rig sees tough loads and rugged terrain, undercarriage checks should be routine—not rare.
6. Keep Maintenance Proactive
Trailer breakdowns don’t just cost you time—they cost money, customers, and sometimes safety. Schedule regular inspections and address small issues before they become major ones. Wheel-end maintenance, air lines, and brake adjustments are all vital for long-haul reliability.
Learn more about Pliler’s Trailer Service & Repair
Trailer safety is more than a box to check—it’s a responsibility. With freight demand high and timelines tight, the pressure is always on, but shortcuts in safety are never worth it. If it’s been a while since your last check-up, or you’re not sure what your trailer might need, our expert team at Pliler International is here to help. From parts and service to advice from techs who know the road, we’re proud to keep East Texas and Northwest Louisiana moving safely.
Drive smart. Stay safe. And make this National Trailer Safety Week count.
