Your brakes aren’t just another system on your truck. They’re your safety net, and  an important part of your pre-trip inspection. That’s why Brake Safety Week 2025, hosted annually by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), is the perfect reminder to give your brakes the attention they deserve. 

This Year’s Focus  

This year, inspectors will be paying special attention to brake drums and rotors, in addition to overall brake system health.  

Since brake-related violations make up a significant portion of out-of-service citations nation-wide, now is the time to make sure your truck is ready.  

5 Tips to Help Pass Your CVSA Brake Inspection 

1. Visually Inspect Your Brakes 
Locate your disc or drum brakes and rotors and check for signs of wear, loose equipment, or missing hardware. If you notice a problem, get it addressed before you hit the road.  

2. Check for ABS Warning Lights 
If your anti-lock brake system (ABS) light is on, it’s an automatic red flag for CVSA inspectors, and can mean an immediate citation. Make sure all dashboard warning lights are clear before your trip. 

3. Listen for Air Leaks 
Walk around your truck and trailer and listen closely. Air escaping from the brake system could indicate a leak in your air lines that must be repaired before continuing. 

4. Never Skip Your Pre-Trip Brake Inspection 
Your pre-trip inspection is more than just a checklist. Take the time to check your brakes and other critical systems before every run to avoid preventable issues. 

5. Make Brake Safety a Year-Round Habit 
While Brake Safety Week is a great motivator, drivers should maintain these inspection habits all year long.  

Staying consistent can protect your record, reduce maintenance delays, and keep you moving safely. 

Take the Time

A few extra minutes spent on your truck brake inspection can mean the difference between passing your DOT inspection and being placed out of service.  

With Brake Safety Week 2025 right around the corner, there’s no better time to make brake safety a priority. 

Learn More 

Interested in a driving career where safety is a priority and you  feel supported? Drive with U.S. Xpress.  

We offer consistent miles, competitive pay, and flexible home times for drivers. On top of that, you’ll be more than a name.  

Learn more today and join one of the fastest-growing fleets on the road: U.S. Xpress.  

What is Heat Exhaustion? 

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body struggles to cool itself down. This can happen quickly in high temperatures, especially if you’re working or moving around outside. Everyone responds to heat differently, but symptoms of heat exhaustion often include:

• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Elevated body temperature
• Cold or clammy skin

If you or someone around you begin experiencing these symptoms, take action right away. Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, remove excess clothing, and rehydrate. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke, a serious condition that can cause permanent damage or even death if untreated.

4 Ways to Help You AND Your Truck Beat the Heat 

Staying safe in the summer heat takes planning and preparation. From staying cool to spotting signs of heat exhaustion, here’s what every driver should know to stay safe and comfortable on the road this summer.

 1. Stay Hydrated

Your body needs water to regulate temperature and function properly. The Red Cross recommends around ¾ of a gallon per day for the average adult—but if you’re sweating in the summer sun, you’ll likely need more. Keep water on hand and sip regularly. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. Sports drinks with electrolytes can help on especially hot days.

2. Find Shade When You Can

Your truck’s cabin can heat up quickly in direct sunlight. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas and use windshield sunshades during breaks or downtime to help keep the interior cooler. This makes a big difference when you get back on the road.

3. Take Breaks to Cool Down

Don’t underestimate the power of a quick break. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces, like rest stops or diners, when possible. Giving your body a chance to recover from the heat helps prevent serious problems later.

4. Know the Signs of Heat Illness

The best defense is early detection. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or unusually weak, don’t push through it. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and act immediately: cool off, hydrate, and rest. Call 911 and seek emergency assistance if symptoms persist or worsen.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Create a Summer Emergency Kit to keep in your vehicle during hotter months. Keeping a stock of water, electrolyte drinks, sunscreen, a fan or cooling towel, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, and basic tools can come in handy. A sunshade for your windshield is also a great addition to your summer kit.

Simple steps can go a long way when it comes to preventing heat-related illness. Whether you’re hauling freight or parked for a break, staying cool and hydrated will help you stay healthy and on the road. This summer, stay smart, stay safe, and beat the heat!

Interested in trucking? Learn more about a career with U.S. Xpress today.

As a driver, we know you have many options to choose from when it comes to employment, and we want to make sure our drivers have the best experience starting on day one.

Watch the video below to hear more about what you can expect at orientation if you decide to drive at U.S. Xpress.

Ready to take on the road with U.S. Xpress? Click here to fill out an application today.

More about Vismari Cruz, driver development specialist

Vismari is a bilingual driver development specialist, focused on guiding new drivers through onboarding and student upgrades. She has over 13 years of experience in the transportation/training field, including service in the United States Army and managing driving schools before coming to U.S. Xpress. In her free time she enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and going on weekend road trips.

Use these four tips to install chains so you can reach your safe haven during winter weather.

As winter rolls in, so do the joys of the season—snowball fights, hot cocoa, and holiday fun. Families gather, friends reconnect, and many of us hit the road to see loved ones. But while we look forward to these moments, it’s important to remember that winter also brings challenges, like slick and dangerous roads.

For truckers out on the road working hard to deliver the goods that keep America moving, navigating snow and ice is a real challenge. Staying safe on the road is always a priority, and sometimes, the best decision is to shut down and wait out the dangerous weather. But when conditions require pressing on to get to a safe haven, tire chains can be a crucial tool to keep your truck moving safely.

A tire chain is a device that fits around the tires of vehicles to improve traction on snowy or icy roads. They are typically made of interlocking metal links and wrap around the tire treads, providing a better grip on slippery surfaces. Proper installation and maintenance are key to ensuring safety and maximizing the effectiveness of tire chains.

Whether it’s your first winter using chains or you’re an experienced driver looking for a refresher, here are four tips to help you tackle tire chain season like a pro.

1. Know where to get your chains from. If you don’t know where to pick up tire chains, you might find yourself procrastinating—and that’s the last thing you want when you hit snowy conditions. U.S. Xpress drivers can conveniently pick up chains at any of the following terminals: Tunnel Hill, Dallas, Springfield, Markham, Indy, Shippensburg, Allentown, and Ellenwood. Stock up before heading into areas where they might be required. If you’re not sure where to pick up tire chains, ask your supervisor for guidance.
   
2. Keep at least four sets of chains with you. This is crucial, especially when driving through certain states west of the Mississippi and in parts of the northeast.Having four sets ensures you’re prepared for the toughest conditions and can cover all your drive wheels.
   
3. Have the right tools for installation. You’ll need serviceable chains that aren’t rusty or worn out, a tension tool for tightening the cam locks, and at least four rubber bungee cords (12-18 inches long) for extra security. With the right equipment, you can install your chains efficiently and safely.
   
4. Inspect your chains regularly. Before winter hits and throughout the season, take time to inspect your chains. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as broken links, rust, or damage that could compromise their effectiveness. If you spot any issues, replace the chains immediately to avoid potential problems on the road. When you find yourself in a situation that requires chains, remember to test drive and retighten the chains as needed, checking every 5 miles to ensure that they don’t become damaged or loose while you’re driving. 

Winter weather can be tough, but with the right preparation and tools, you can navigate the roads safely and become a pro this season. As always, remember to find a safe place to shut down if the road and / or weather conditions are unsafe, and it is too dangerous to press forward.

Ready to take on the road with U.S. Xpress? Click here to fill out an application today.

More about Brenna Powers, Communications Specialist

Brenna specializes in digital media, with a focus on driver communications. Her experience in social media, email marketing, and communication campaigns give her the ability to adapt to reach drivers where they are. When she’s not writing epic content to keep our team up to speed, Brenna enjoys going to concerts, traveling, and reading. 

Connect with Brenna on LinkedIn.