In today’s economic climate, saving every penny is important in a trucking operation. Fleet managers know fuel and tires are the top two equipment-related expenses for a given commercial vehicle operation, and what fleet can afford to waste money in these areas?

But that’s exactly what is happening for many fleets who ignore the axle alignment of their trailers. Tractors get a lot of attention when it comes to tire and fuel expense management, but trailer maintenance can be an untapped source of savings for those fleet managers who choose to ignore it. Trailers which run “dog-legged” rob a fleet of fuel economy by as much as two percent and shorten tire life on both tractor and trailer due to misalignment.

It sounds amusing but it’s true — sideways isn’t a direction.

The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) has great resources to help fleet managers overcome these issues, such as Recommended Practice (RP) 708D, which provides equipment users with guidance on performing trailer axle alignment. This RP defines alignment as the correct positioning of the trailer axle assembly in relation to the vehicle onto which it is installed and covers the alignment of semi-trailers used in combination vehicles. Additionally, this document covers axle toe, since axle toe has a significant effect on axle alignment.

Attend this session and learn from the experts what you need to know about proper trailer axle alignment. We will cover what’s needed for conducting a proper trailer axle alignment, preparations that must be made prior to starting the actual alignment process, the necessary tools, and the procedures themselves. If your trailers are leading you sideways, this session is a must.