Great West7/9/193 min read

What You Need To Know When Uncoupling A Trailer

Working around the truck can be just as dangerous to a driver as getting involved in a crash. One daily task a driver performs is uncoupling the trailer. This activity, if performed improperly, can result in shoulder and back strains, head injuries (e.g., cuts, abrasions, and concussions), as well as slips, trips, and falls. Read the information below, and determine if there are areas of your uncoupling technique that can be improved.

Recognize the Hazards

ENVIRONMENT-RAIN

Environment

Slip hazards can include wet or dry contaminants, such as water, dirt, or oil, on the floor. Trip hazards can include open file drawers, boxes on a stairwell, or trash left on the floor. Falling from an elevated position can include into an open service pit, from a loading dock, tractor steps, or off a ladder.

Equipment

Slips, trips, and falls can occur when using equipment improperly. Slipping on a mechanic’s roller seat in the shop, tripping over an extension cord, or falling off a ladder with a damaged rung are common hazards.

Personal Behaviors

Talking or texting on a device, talking to a co-worker, or eating and drinking while walking all divert your attention away from where you step and potential hazards in your path. Ignoring hazard signs and wearing improper footwear are other risky behaviors.

Know the Defense

Before Uncoupling the Trailer

Get Out And Look (GOAL) to ensure the ground is level and can support the weight of the trailer.
Reposition the trailer to ensure your range of motion is not inhibited by nearby equipment.
Stretch to warm up your arms, legs, shoulders, and back.
Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Shut off the trailer’s air supply to lock the trailer brakes.
Check the fifth wheel area for any slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Chock the trailer wheels.
Lower the landing gear.
Disconnect the trailer’s air and electrical lines.

Uncoupling the Trailer

Use a fifth wheel pin puller to reduce the risk of a shoulder or back injury.
Bend at the knees, not with your back, if crouching underneath the trailer.
Be mindful not to hit your head.
Hook the release lever with the pin puller and grip it with both hands. If a pin puller is not available, grip the end of the fifth wheel release lever with both hands.
Face the fifth wheel. Position your feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other for stability.
Pull back on the lever or pin puller with both hands in one slow, steady motion. Avoid jerking and twisting movements.
If the trailer fails to uncouple, you may need to rock the unit to loosen up the fifth wheel.

Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.

The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven^® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.

Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.

One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.