A straight truck pre-trip inspection checklist designed to help drivers identify safety issues, meet DOT requirements, and ensure road-ready operation before every trip. Start your free inspection trial
Straight Truck Pre-Trip
DOT Compliant Inspection Checklist
Inspection Purpose
DOT Compliance
- Meeting FMCSA pre-trip requirements prevents roadside violations, out-of-service orders, and costly fines for carrier and driver.
Driver Safety
- Catching brake, tire, or steering defects before the trip prevents accidents, reducing liability and protecting the driver.
Prevent Breakdowns
- Checking fluid levels, belts, and hoses avoids roadside breakdowns that lead to missed deliveries and expensive towing.
1. Front & Sides of Truck
Walk around the front and sides, checking lights, glass, and tires:
Front of Truck
Side of Truck
2. Engine Compartment
Inspect fluids, belts, and steering components on both sides:
Driver Side
Passenger Side
3. Suspension & Brakes
Check front and rear suspension, air brakes, and components:
Front Suspension
Front Brakes
Drive Axle Suspension
4. Rear Wheels & Brakes
Inspect drive wheels, rear brakes, and rear of truck:
Rear (Drive) Wheels
Drive Brakes
Rear of Truck
5. In-Cab & Brake Tests
Check controls, gauges, and perform required brake tests:
Cab Controls
Gauges & Indicators
Air Brake Tests
Digital Pre-Trip Inspections
Fleet Rabbit App Benefits for Delivery Fleets:
- ✓ Ensure DOT compliance with timestamped, geolocated inspection records
- ✓ Alert dispatch to defects before the driver leaves the yard
- ✓ Reduce roadside violations with consistent, thorough inspections
- ✓ Track recurring issues across the fleet to identify problem vehicles
- ✓ Go paperless and easily retrieve records for audits or accidents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key air brake tests for a straight truck?
Drivers must perform a static air leak test, applied air leak test, low pressure warning device test, and spring brake pop-out test. These checks ensure the braking system can stop the vehicle safely and meet FMCSA requirements.
2. How do I check the slack adjuster?
With the brakes released, pull the slack adjuster. If it moves more than one inch (the width of a thumb), the brakes may be out of adjustment. Excessive free play puts the truck at risk of being placed out of service.
3. Is a pre-trip inspection legally required?
Yes. Under FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 396.13, a driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving. Skipping a pre-trip can result in fines, CSA points, and out-of-service orders.
Standardize Straight Truck Pre-Trip Inspections
Ensure every truck leaves the yard road-ready with repeatable, digital pre-trip inspections.
