Performance Skill Standard:

Conditions of Performance:

• Given verbal or written instructions to connect to a specific trailer, given the trailer and the time for pick-up, …

Statement of Work to be performed:

• … The driver will demonstrate safe coupling of typical tractor-trailer units.

Performance Criteria:

• Driver must couple tractor-trailer units within 8 to 10 minutes.
• Complete coupling in accord with safety requirements and approved practices.
• Complete coupling with secure connections, including air lines and electrical cables.

Performance Elements and Assessment Criteria:

• Check and adjust mirrors.
• Align tractor and trailer units and back to position where Fifth Wheel Plate just touches apron of trailer. Get out and check height of fifth wheel.
• Secure trailer against movement (using wheel chocks if available) and recheck trailer height.
• Connect and check air lines.
• Connect and check electrical cable.
• Back tractor slowly and straight into trailer kingpin at right level and with appropriate force.
• Check coupling and pin engagement.
• Check connection for security by pulling tractor forward If it is okay release brake, if not, secure connection.
• Check for symptoms of improper/incomplete connections and make necessary adjustments.
• Set in-cab air brake controls, retract and secure landing gear, adjust mirrors, and remove chocks (if used).