06/08/2026
This is for any of you who have been a student in the last couple of years. Can you guess who?
From Jared L.
The Great Pre-Trip Check
Way up north on a bright Michigan day,
As a orange truck went down the road.
A trucker named Jamie was ready to roll
His semi stood tall with a trailer behind,
But first came a job that was foremost in mind.
“Before I drive off, before I depart, before I reach the Bearded beaver I must think smart.
A pre-trip inspection is where I must start!”
So Jamie lit a cigarette and put on his cap,
Then walked all around for a safety lap.
He checked every tire from front to the rear,
Looking for damage or pressure thats q***r.
No cuts and no bulges, no cracks to be found,
The tires looked ready to roll down the ground.
He peered at the wheels and the lug nuts in place,
Making sure nothing had shifted its space.
He checked all the lights with a click and a blink,
Then nodded and smiled with a satisfied wink.
As he sipped his NOS he kept his stride,
The headlights were shining,
The markers were bright,
The brake lights were glowing,
All ready for night.
He opened the hood with a lift and a tug,
“No leaks,” he said proudly, “not even a drop or a glug!”
Brooks and Dunn was playing loud as he checked the liquids all around because it was his part.
The coolant was full,
The oil was just right,
The belts were secure,
Everything looked tight.
Next came the brakes, a most important part,
“The stopping system must be smart from the start.”
He checked all the hoses and listened with care,
For leaks and for hisses escaping the air.
Checking every Reed City Girl with his deadly Glare.
The air tanks filled up with a whoosh and a hum,
The gauges looked good, just where they’d become.
The parking brake held,
The service brake too,
The truck passed its test,
As good trucks should do.
Then back to the trailer he happily strode,
To inspect the machine that would carry the load.
The doors were secured,
The frame looked just fine,
The landing gear stood in a perfect line.
The glad hands connected,
The airlines were tight,
The fifth wheel was locked,
Everything looked right.
Then Jamie thought maybe a cyber truck would be better tonight,
At last Jamie stepped back and looked with delight.
His semi was safe and prepared for its flight.
“Inspections take time,” said Jamie with a grin,
“But safety begins before trips can begin.”
So off rolled the truck on the highway that day,
Ready for the Amish Gal he would find on the way.
Because Jamie checked it carefully before driving away.
And every good trucker, both old and brand new,
Knows a proper pre-trip is the right thing to do.
So off he went down the road to Manton,
Where the Amish folks say every night you can see a Semi and trailer pull into the Bearded Beaver and it’s Jamie always looking for a Amish dinner.
The End
