As a delivery professional either working as a driver or in a supervisory role, doing your part to ensure the safety and reliable performance of your delivery fleet is paramount.

Whether you’re running on all-season passenger tires, commercial-grade light truck (LT) tires, or cargo van tires designed for higher load ratings, a quick daily check can prevent downtime, missed runs, anxious roadside tire changes, and delays form having to transfer deliveries to a second vehicle at the roadside.

Daily damage inspection

Do a quick walkaround before every shift, especially if you’re running heavier loads.

Road maintenance is becoming increasingly poor in many parts of the country. Add this to the fact that deliveries  might take you through construction zones and other poor road and offroad, worksite conditions mean a high possibility of nails, cuts, and other tire damage.

Check for Damage from Debris/Potholes

On road incidents, hitting an object on the road or a large pothole or a curb can cause significant damage.

Inspect for any damage as soon as safely possible, even if the vehicle seems to drive okay immediately following the incident.

Also, be aware that sidewall bulges and other evidence of damage may take up to a week to show up. It’s important to be vigilant in regular inspections.

Check Tire Pressure Weekly

Last-mile delivery means constant stops, loads, and curb contact. Underinflated tires wear faster, reduce fuel economy, and can overheat under load.

Check pressure weekly and adjust for load requirements, especially on vans and light trucks.

Look for Uneven Wear

Frequent turning, braking, and tight urban routes can lead to edge wear or cupping.

Uneven wear may point to alignment issues or suspension fatigue, all common in hard-working delivery vehicles.

Monitor Tread Depth

High kilometres and mixed driving conditions wear tires quickly. Obviously shallow tread reduces grip in rain, slush, and snow, but can be overlooked in the flurry of daily activity.
Use a tread gauge and keep an eye on minimum standards, especially important for winter-rated or all-weather tires. If you don’t have a tread gauge, do a “Toonie test”:

• Bear’s Paws (Good): Tread reaches the paws, indicating safe, near-new tires.
• Silver Center (Half-Worn): Tread covers the silver inner part, indicating roughly 50% wear.
• Letters/Edge (Replace): Tread only reaches the lettering or barely covers the gold/silver edge, indicating it is time to change tires.

Don’t Forget the Spare

Many delivery vehicles rely on compact spares or full-size replacements. If it’s flat or missing, you’re off the road if you have a tire failure.

Ensure that the spare is inflated properly, is in good condition, and that all tools are ready to go.

Record and Report

It’s one thing to do a thorough inspection, but it loses its value if you don’t report any suspected issues to those in charge of maintenance who can schedule any needed tire change in an organized fashion and maintain delivery performance.

Regular tire checks are a part of keeping the supply chain moving and keeping drivers safe.

A few minutes each day can help avoid problems and keep deliveries on track.

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This article also appeared in the March/April 2026 print edition of Jobber Nation. You can read the full DIGITAL FLIPBOOK HERE.