Trucks and other vehicles have come a long way since the invention of the combustion engine. From the first simple cars that maxed out at 10 MPH, they’ve developed into huge, specialized machines with thousands of parts, ranging from large industrial equipment to impossibly precise computer components.
As with anything that grows in complexity, these modern machines are also more difficult to maintain and repair – especially if you leave the fix until after there’s already a problem. This will almost always result in additional damage or costlier repairs, as issues can compound and get worse before you even notice they are there. That’s why regular preventative maintenance is so important in keeping your commercial truck, semi, or other big vehicle running at its best.

​Alberta truckers are familiar with long hours on the road, traveling the long highways that cross our province. But as the economy continues its recovery, and the volume of commercial truck traffic increases, so does the frequency of commercial truck inspections.

These temporary stations are often seen on the side of Alberta highways, conducting safety inspections on drivers, vehicles, and cargo. But what you might not know is that there are also mobile versions – and these pop-up inspection stations can set up in new locations all the time (including major freeways like Stoney Trail) to catch unsuspecting drivers. These “blitz” style operations are nearly impossible to predict, and can’t be avoided when you’re already cruising down the highway.

Now don’t get us wrong: it’s important to follow the law, and these stations are enforcing strict standards for the safety of everyone on the road. After all, big trucks + small passenger vehicles + speed = bad news! That’s why during an inspection, if infractions are found, you can be fined or even have your truck held temporarily until the problems are fixed. If your cargo is not secured properly or documented poorly, or if your truck is mechanically not up to par, you might be stuck indefinitely – and that’s not good.