DOT Compliance and Safety Equipment Checklist Freightliner Trucks

DOT Compliance Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial motor vehicles to comply with safety regulations outlined in 49 CFR Parts 390-397. This checklist covers required safety equipment, documentation, and inspection items specific to Freightliner trucks to help ensure compliance with DOT regulations and prepare for roadside inspections. Regular verification of these items helps prevent violations, avoid fines, and maintain CSA scores. This checklist applies to all Freightliner models including Cascadia, Coronado, 122SD, 114SD, M2, and others operating in interstate commerce.

Required Documentation

Verify these required documents are present, current, and accessible in the vehicle.

Driver Qualification Documents

Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Current Medical Examiner's Certificate (unless exempt)
Driver's Record of Duty Status (paper logs or ELD)
Valid Skills Performance Evaluation (if applicable)
Entry-Level Driver Training Certificate (if applicable)
Hazardous Materials Endorsement (if applicable)
RODS Supporting Documents (previous 7/8 days)
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)

Vehicle Documentation

Current vehicle registration
Proof of annual inspection (sticker, report, or decal)
Proof of insurance/financial responsibility
Lease agreement (if applicable)
Hazardous Materials shipping papers (if applicable)
International Registration Plan (IRP) cab card
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decals/permit
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) receipt

Permits and Operating Authority

USDOT Number properly displayed on vehicle
Motor Carrier (MC) Number documentation
Oversize/Overweight permits (if applicable)
State-specific permits
FMCSA Operating Authority documentation
Fuel tax permits
Mileage tax permits (OR, KY, NM, NY)
Electronic toll payment devices (if required)

Electronic Logging Device (ELD)

Registered ELD that meets FMCSA requirements
ELD user manual
ELD data transfer instruction sheet
ELD malfunction reporting procedures
Blank driver logs (at least 8 days supply)
ELD instruction card/sheet
Data transfer verification (last successful transfer)
ELD diagnostic and malfunction indicators functional

Safety Equipment Verification

Verify the presence and proper functioning of these required safety items.

Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguisher, properly rated (minimum 5 B:C)
Fire extinguisher properly mounted and accessible
Verify fire extinguisher is fully charged
Check pressure gauge is in green zone
Ensure pin and tamper seal are intact
Inspect nozzle for clogs or damage
Check extinguisher inspection tag/date
Verify monthly inspection record

Emergency Warning Devices

Three DOT-approved reflective triangles
Triangles stored in accessible location
Triangles in proper working condition
Verify reflective surfaces are clean and visible
Check for broken or damaged legs/stands
Verify triangle storage case integrity
Ensure flags/triangles meet visibility requirements
Confirm proper triangle placement instructions available

Spare Fuses

Verify spare fuse kit is present
Check that all required fuse types are available
Minimum one spare for each type/size used
Fuses stored in accessible location
Fuses protected from damage/moisture
Verify fuses match correct amperage ratings
Check fuse kit contents against requirements
Fuse removal tool present (if required)

Required Conspicuity Markings

DOT reflective tape properly applied to rear
Side reflective tape (if required by GVWR)
Reflective tape in good condition and not damaged
Proper retroreflective sheeting visible at night
Red/white alternating pattern on rear outline
White reflective tape on front corners (if required)
Lower rear of truck/trailer marked properly
Conspicuity markings clean and effective

First Aid & Biohazard Equipment

First aid kit present and accessible
First aid kit contents complete per company policy
Unexpired items in first aid kit
Body fluid cleanup kit (if required by carrier)
Disposable gloves
Hand sanitizer
Eye wash kit (if carrying hazardous materials)
Emergency contact information

Seat Belts & Restraints

Driver seat belt properly installed and functional
Passenger seat belt(s) properly installed and functional
No cuts, frays, or damage to belt webbing
Belt retractors functioning properly
Buckles and latches operate correctly
Mounting points secure and undamaged
Ensure seat belt warning system functions
Check adjustable anchor points if equipped

Wheel Chocks & Securement

Wheel chocks present (minimum 2)
Chocks in good condition and undamaged
Appropriate size for vehicle's tires
Securely stored when not in use
Cargo securement devices adequate for load
Proper number of tie-downs available
Tie-downs meet strength requirements
Load binders and chains in good condition

Miscellaneous Safety Items

Charged mobile phone or communication device
High-visibility safety vest
Flashlight with working batteries
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency contact list
Accident report kit
Clean rags/paper towels
Basic tool kit for minor repairs

Freightliner-Specific Safety Systems

Verify these Freightliner-specific safety systems are functioning properly.

Detroit Assurance Safety System

Verify radar sensor cover is clean and undamaged
Check camera windshield mount integrity
Verify system warning indicators function
Test Active Brake Assist indicator
Verify Lane Departure Warning system (if equipped)
Check Adaptive Cruise Control function
Test Side Guard Assist system (if equipped)
Verify no active fault codes in system

Visibility Systems

Verify all mirrors properly adjusted and secure
Check mirror heaters function (if equipped)
Test all wiper blades for proper operation
Verify washer fluid level and spray pattern
Check hood mirrors (if equipped)
Test backup camera system (if equipped)
Verify side cameras function (if equipped)
Check all windows for clear visibility

Stability & Braking Systems

Verify ABS indicator lamp cycles properly
Check Roll Stability Control indicator
Test low air warning systems
Verify automatic traction control function
Check hill start aid system (if equipped)
Verify engine brake controller function
Test parking brake system and alarm
Check trailer brake hand control operation

Engine & Drivetrain Safety

Check engine shutdown system operation
Verify engine protection parameters
Test engine brake functionality
Check transmission PTO lockout (if equipped)
Verify differential lock controls function
Test cruise control system interlock with brakes
Check speed limiter function (if equipped)
Verify idle shutdown timer operation

Lighting & Electrical Systems

Verify all exterior lights function properly
Check high/low beam headlight operation
Test turn signals, front and rear
Verify brake lights operate correctly
Check marker and clearance lights
Test 4-way hazard flashers
Verify license plate illumination
Check interior dome and dash lights

Tires & Wheels Safety

Check tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped)
Verify all tires meet DOT minimum tread depth
Check for proper inflation of all tires
Inspect tires for damage or irregular wear
Verify lug nuts are properly torqued
Check wheel condition for cracks or damage
Verify hub oil levels (if applicable)
Test auto-inflation system (if equipped)

Advanced Driver Monitoring

Check driver-facing camera operation (if equipped)
Verify Guardian/Seeing Machines system (if installed)
Test driver attention monitoring system
Check sleep detection warning function
Verify distraction monitoring systems
Test collision avoidance alerts
Verify following distance warning system
Check telematics and safety reporting function

Trailer Connection Safety

Verify fifth wheel jaws locked around kingpin
Check fifth wheel release handle position
Verify safety latch is engaged
Check air line connections for leaks
Verify electrical connection is secure
Test trailer ABS indicator light function
Check trailer light operation through tractor
Verify trailer brake application through tractor

Record Keeping Requirements

Maintain these critical records to ensure DOT compliance.

Driver Files

Application for employment
MVR (pre-employment and annual)
Road test certificate or equivalent
Medical examiner's certificate
Annual driver's certification of violations
Annual review of driving record
Drug and alcohol testing records
Entry-level driver training certification

Vehicle Maintenance Records

Annual inspection reports (minimum 14 months)
Preventive maintenance inspection reports
Repair orders and invoices
Lubrication records
Driver vehicle inspection reports (90 days)
Brake maintenance and adjustment records
Tire maintenance and replacement records
Safety equipment inspection records

Hours of Service Records

Electronic logging device records (6 months)
Supporting documents for RODS
ELD malfunction and diagnostic event records
Paper logs (if applicable)
Time records for short-haul exceptions
Electronic logging device user manual
ELD instruction sheet for data transfer
ELD malfunction procedures

Accident Records

Accident register (3 years)
Accident reports and investigations
Police reports
Insurance claim documents
Post-accident drug and alcohol testing records
Photographs of accident scenes
Vehicle damage reports and repair orders
Witness statements and contact information

Vehicle Registration & Tax Records

Vehicle registration documents
International Registration Plan documents
International Fuel Tax Agreement records
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)
Unified Carrier Registration receipts
Weight distance tax records
Oversize/overweight permits
Equipment lease agreements

Drug & Alcohol Program Records

Random testing selection process documentation
Verified positive drug test results (5 years)
Alcohol test results ≥ 0.02 (5 years)
Documentation of refusals to test (5 years)
SAP reports and follow-up testing (5 years)
Annual MIS reports (5 years)
Negative test results (1 year)
Education and training records (indefinite)

Hazardous Materials Records

Hazmat training records (3 years)
Hazmat shipping papers (2 years)
Hazmat registration certificate
Hazmat security plan (if required)
Hazmat incident reports
Hazmat security training records
Cargo tank test and inspection reports
Special permits or approvals

Electronic Records Systems

ELD data backup systems
Electronic maintenance record system
Digital driver qualification file system
Safety and compliance software access
CSA SMS monitoring system
Electronic DVIR system
Telematics and vehicle tracking systems
Document storage and retrieval systems

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