Safety on the road begins before the engine starts and continues after it's turned off. The pre-trip and post-trip inspections are critical components of commercial truck operation that help ensure mechanical integrity, regulatory compliance, and driver safety. These inspections aren't just regulatory requirements—they're your first line of defense against breakdowns, accidents, and violations.
A thorough inspection process identifies potential issues before they become critical failures, saves on costly roadside repairs, and ultimately protects lives. Whether you're a seasoned driver or new to the profession, this comprehensive checklist will guide you through each critical inspection point to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Vehicle Information
Truck/Tractor Number:
Trailer Number(s):
Odometer Reading:
Driver Name:
Pre-Trip Inspection
Documentation
- Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Medical Examiner's Certificate
- Record of Duty Status (logbook/ELD)
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance documents
- Fuel tax permits
- Inspection reports (previous)
- Shipping documents/bills of lading
- Hazmat documentation (if applicable)
- Emergency contact information
Engine Compartment (Engine Off)
- Engine oil level
- Coolant level
- Power steering fluid level
- Windshield washer fluid level
- Battery (secure, no corrosion, connections tight)
- Belts (not frayed, proper tension)
- Hoses (no cracks, leaks, or bulges)
- Wiring (no exposed wires or signs of burning)
- Air compressor (securely mounted, no leaks)
- Water pump (no leaks)
- Alternator (securely mounted, wires connected)
- Engine mounts (no cracks)
- Frame (no cracks or bends)
In-Cab Checks (Before Engine Start)
- Parking brake applied
- Transmission in neutral
- Seat adjusted properly
- Mirrors adjusted properly
- Seatbelt functional
- Fire extinguisher (charged and secured)
- Emergency reflectors/triangles
- Spare fuses
- First aid kit
- Accident report kit
- Required permits and documents
Start Engine and Check Inside Cab
- Oil pressure gauge (rising to normal)
- Air pressure gauge (building to operating range)
- Ammeter/voltmeter gauge (showing charge)
- Coolant temperature gauge (rising to normal)
- Engine warning lights/indicators
- Horn functioning
- Windshield wipers and washers functioning
- Heater and defroster functioning
- Air conditioner functioning
- Steering wheel (not loose, excessive play)
- Parking brake functioning
- Service brake test (pressure drop test)
- Clutch and gearshift functioning
- Dashboard indicators and gauges functioning
- Interior lights functioning
- Low air pressure warning devices functioning
- ABS warning light cycle and off
- Emergency equipment accessible
External Inspection
Front of Vehicle
- Headlights (high and low beams)
- Turn signals
- Clearance lights
- Identification lights
- Hazard lights
- Windshield (no cracks or illegal stickers)
- Windshield wipers (good condition)
- Front wheel rims (no cracks or damage)
- Front tires (proper inflation, adequate tread, no cuts)
- Front suspension (springs, shocks, mounts)
- Front brakes (drums, linings, chambers, slack adjusters)
- Steering components (steering box, hoses, links, arms)
- Front axle (no leaks, properly mounted)
Driver's Side
- Door functions properly
- Mirror (secure, clean, not cracked)
- Fuel tank (secure, no leaks, cap present)
- Drive shaft (no bent or loose parts)
- Exhaust system (no leaks, properly secured)
- Frame (no cracks or damage)
- Side marker lights
- Reflectors
- Tires (proper inflation, adequate tread, no damage)
- Rims (no cracks, missing lugs, distortion)
- Lug nuts (tight, not missing)
- Hub oil seals (no leaks)
- Axles (no leaks or damage)
- Suspension components (springs, hangers, shackles)
- Brake components (hoses, lines, chambers)
- Body (no damage, secure load)
Rear
- Taillights
- Stop lights
- Turn signals
- Clearance lights
- Reflectors
- Mud flaps (present, secure, not dragging)
- Cargo secure
- Doors secure
- Landing gear raised (if applicable)
- Rear axles (no leaks)
- Tires (proper inflation, adequate tread, no damage)
- Rims (no cracks or distortion)
- Lug nuts (tight, not missing)
- Suspension (springs, hangers, shackles)
- Brakes (hoses, chambers, slack adjusters)
Passenger Side
- Same as driver's side inspection
- Check all components for symmetrical issues
Coupling System (Tractor-Trailer)
- Fifth wheel (no cracks, properly lubricated)
- Fifth wheel mounting (all bolts present and tight)
- Fifth wheel platform (good condition)
- Release arm properly seated and safety latch engaged
- Kingpin and apron (not bent or cracked)
- Air and electrical lines (properly connected, no damage)
- Trailer landing gear (fully raised, handle secured)
- Sliding fifth wheel (locked, no damaged parts)
- Trailer kingpin engaged in fifth wheel jaws
- No space between upper and lower fifth wheel
- Locking jaws closed around kingpin
Air Brake Check (Engine Running)
- Build air pressure to governed cut-out (approximately 120-140 psi)
- Turn off engine, release parking brake, and press and hold brake pedal
- Note air gauge pressure drop (should not exceed 3 psi in one minute)
- Begin fanning the brake pedal
- Low air warning devices should activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi
- Continue fanning brakes until parking brake valve pops out (usually around 40 psi)
Signal Light Check
- Have someone check all exterior lights while you operate controls, or check them yourself using reflections or by walking around the vehicle
Post-Trip Inspection
External Inspection
- Check all items inspected during pre-trip again
- Note any changes in condition
- Pay special attention to:
- Tires (any new damage, proper inflation)
- Lights (any burned out)
- Fluid leaks under vehicle
- Body damage that occurred during trip
- Cargo securement still intact
- Signs of brake or bearing overheating
- Air lines intact
In-Cab Checks
- Gauges final readings
- Warning lights
- Switch off all systems
- Secure the vehicle
- Remove all personal items and trash
- Ensure windows are up and doors locked
Documentation
- Complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
- Document any defects found
- Submit report according to company policy
- Update logbook/electronic logging device
- Organize and secure all trip documents
- Notify maintenance of any issues requiring immediate attention
Conclusion
Completing thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections is not just about regulatory compliance—it's about professional responsibility and personal safety. These inspections provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment is in proper working condition before you begin your journey and after you complete it.
Remember that each defect identified during an inspection is a potential breakdown or accident prevented. By maintaining discipline in your inspection routine, you protect yourself, your cargo, your equipment, and everyone else on the road. The time invested in these inspections pays dividends in reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and most importantly, lives saved.
Make these inspections a non-negotiable part of your professional routine. Your commitment to safety begins and ends with these critical checks—be thorough, be consistent, and be safe.
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April 25, 2025By Fleet Rabbit
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