In This Week’s Issue: Another Great Day on the Golf Course; Motor Carrier Enforcement Safety Corner

Another great day on the golf course!

Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors and golfers who contributed to yet another great day on the course! Mother Nature didn’t let us down and our consistently good weather came through for us again – in between some crazy rain and even crazier HEAT we had a perfectly sunshiny day with a nice breeze.Congratulations to all of our prize winners – our sponsors were very generous this year!

We look forward to seeing you at Mardi Gras on the Green – our 9 hole tournament happening on Wednesday, September 9th at Bel Acres golf course. Interested in getting involved? Email Shannon at memberservices@heatmb.ca to become a sponsor or visit our website to register.

MOTOR CARRIER ENFORCEMENT SAFETY CORNER

Why Trip Inspections Matter: It’s Your Name Behind the Wheel

Before you turn the key and head down the road, there’s one job that deserves your full attention: the trip inspection.

Let’s be honest. When you’re eager to get moving, a trip inspection can feel like something that’s standing between you and the road. But here’s the reality: that inspection isn’t just a company policy. It’s the law, and it’s one of the best tools you have to keep yourself and others safe. In Manitoba, commercial vehicles must be inspected at least every 24 hours.

Think of a trip inspection as your chance to catch a problem before it becomes your problem.

A flat tire in the yard is an inconvenience. A blown tire at highway speed is an emergency.
A brake issue found before departure means a repair call. A brake issue found while approaching a busy intersection could change lives forever.
That’s why the law requires drivers to inspect their vehicles and report defects. You’re the last set of eyes on that truck before it enters traffic.

What’s a Major Defect?

Not every issue found during a trip inspection puts a vehicle out of service. Some defects are considered minor and must be reported and repaired. Others are classified as major defects, meaning the vehicle cannot legally be operated until the problem is fixed.

Examples of major defects can include:

A critical brake system failure or a condition that significantly reduces braking ability.
A steering problem that makes the vehicle difficult or unsafe to control.
Exhaust gases leaking into the cab where the driver is exposed to fumes.
Tires that are severely damaged, flat, or otherwise unsafe for operation.
Coupling or securement components that could allow a trailer to separate from the power unit.
Major air brake system defects affecting the safe operation of the vehicle.

If you find a major defect, the decision is already made for you. The vehicle stays parked until repairs are completed. That’s not just common sense, it’s a legal requirement.

Your Responsibility Doesn’t End When the Trip Starts

A trip inspection isn’t a one-time event. As a professional driver, you’re expected to stay alert throughout the day. If you notice a warning light, hear an unusual noise, smell burning components, or discover a new defect during the trip, you’re required to report it.

The bottom line is simple: every trip inspection protects your licence, your livelihood, your company, and the people sharing the road with you.

The next time you’re tempted to rush through an inspection, remember that a few extra minutes in the yard can prevent hours of downtime, costly repairs, enforcement action, or even a serious collision. The safest trip is the one that starts with a careful walk-around.

Stay safe out there, Paul

Do you have a question that you think all of our members want clarification on? Send it in, and get answers from, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement (MMCE). Answering your questions will be Sgt. Paul Laporte, the Industry Outreach Officer for MMCE, who has a 27 year background in public safety education and enforcement. Email your questions to office@heatmb.ca