If you’re considering becoming a trucker, knowing what a pre-trip truck inspection is and how to complete the process correctly is essential. This inspection ensures you comply with federal commercial driving laws that exist to keep you and others safe. It is also a core proficiency evaluation on a trucker’s Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Pre-Trip Inspection exam, which you will need to take if you plan to start a trucking career.
In this guide, you’ll find the answers to your most frequently asked questions about pre-trip truck inspections. We’ll also provide an example of a pre-trip inspection checklist to help get you started.
What Is a Pre-Trip Truck Inspection?
A pre-trip truck inspection is an essential first step of every commercial road trip. It is a comprehensive inspection of your truck’s major systems, including the truck, trailer and load. Drivers must ensure all parts, accessories and systems are functional before operating the vehicle. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drivers must — at a minimum — check the following:
- Service brakes and trailer brake connections
- Parking brakes
- Steering mechanisms
- Lighting devices
- Reflectors
- Tires
- Horns
- Windshield wipers
- Rear-vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels
- Rims
- Emergency equipment
Pre-trip truck inspection reports should also note any possible vehicle defects. You should never depart on a trip if you find faults with the truck or its systems. Rectify the issue before operating the vehicle again, and retain a copy of the report for at least 12 months following the inspection, according to the DOT. Drivers should also organize and keep track of compliance paperwork for easy access and review, including the truck’s registration details, inspection stickers, state permits, International Fuel Tax Agreement stickers and paper logbook.
Overall, pre-trip inspections ensure your truck is in working order before dispatch, helping you stay safe, compliant and productive. For this reason, they must occur before a driver starts their shift and every 24 hours while on the road. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR), drivers must also submit a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for every vehicle they operate each day.
Why Is It Important to Perform a Pre-Trip Truck Inspection?
Driving a truck is one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it had one of the highest ratings for occupations with fatal work injuries in 2021. Pre-trip truck inspections are intended to keep you and other drivers safe while operating your commercial vehicle.
However, pre-trip checklists offer truckers several other advantages. Below are the top reasons you and your crew should always complete a truck evaluation before hitting the road.
Safety
A pre-trip inspection could save your or someone else’s life. These checks help drivers identify and address dangerous but common complications, including unsecured cargo loads, loose wheel lug nuts and brake line fluid leaks.
Compliance
The DOT requires commercial drivers to complete pre-trip inspections before each shift to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. Missing or incomplete pre-trip inspections could lead to fines that impact your Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) score.
Liability
Accidents involving others — even if they’re not your fault — can increase your company’s liability insurance costs, especially if you don’t have documentation proving that you completed a pre-trip inspection. Thoroughly complete pre-trip inspections before hitting the pavement to avoid accident liability.
Breakdowns
Pre-trip inspections assist drivers in finding minor vehicle issues that could snowball into more significant, costlier complications. Roadside repairs are typically more expensive than your average in-shop service, so unresolved defects can also strain your wallet.
Revenue
Accidents and breakdowns inevitably lead to downtime. Downtime equals missed deadlines and lost revenue. Pre-trip inspections ensure your vehicle is in top working order to keep you on schedule so you always receive full payment for your deliveries.
How Long Should a Pre-Trip Inspection Take?
There is no guideline on how long a driver should take to complete a comprehensive inspection. A full inspection could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. However, each inspection time frame will vary, depending on several factors. The driver must ensure the truck is free of problems and safe to drive before hitting the road. This process could take any amount of time.
The key to completing a truck evaluation is to slow down and take the time to check each section of your vehicle systemically. You should never rush an inspection. Otherwise, you could miss critical details that put you and other drivers at risk for the sake of saving time. Thoroughly check every aspect of your truck, paying attention to commonly overlooked criteria, including the truck’s brake systems, tires, fluids, coupling system and emergency kit.
How to Complete a Pre-Trip Truck Inspection
Inspection checklists ensure you never miss a detail when inspecting your truck. They also streamline the process and improve accuracy. Every trucking company should have its version of a pre-trip inspection checklist, per the FMCSA’s regulations.
Below are some of the most common items you should include in your checklist.
Step #1 – Check the Engine Compartment
Inside the engine compartment, take stock of the oil, coolant and power steering fluid levels. Look out for leaking, frayed or sliced hoses. You should also ensure these components are in excellent condition and securely mounted:
- Radiator
- Alternator
- Air compressor
- Belts
- Water pump
- Power steering pump
- Hoses
- Wiring
- Suspension system
- Steering system
- Front brake system
Step #2 – Check the Lights and Reflectors
Test your truck’s lights, warning lights, turn signals and reflectors. Ensure your left and right turn signals, four-way flashes, high and low beams and brake lights are operational. UV rays cause reflectors to fade with time, so ensure your reflectors are functional and clear of debris.
Step #3 – Check the Windshield Wipers and Mirrors
Ensure your cab’s windows and mirrors are clean and free of cracks, defects or obstructions. Remove items from your dashboard to eliminate reflections in the glass and distractions. Run your windshield wipers and washers to ensure they are in good condition and functional.
Step #4 – Check the Battery and Trailer Coupling Area
Next, examine your truck’s fuel tank and battery area, noting the battery levels. Ensure the following components are secure, up to standard and free of cracks, breaks or leaks:
- Exhaust system
- Battery box
- Batteries
- Fuel caps
- Driveshaft
- Catwalk
- Steps
- Frame
- Crossmembers
- Airlines
- Apron
- Gaskets
- Suspension system
- Brake chambers
- Slack adjusters
- Pushrods
Step #5 – Check the Fluids
Inspect the ground beneath the truck’s cab to confirm that there are no leaking fluids. Look for fuel, oil, coolant, power steering and brake or windshield washer fluid stains on the pavement.
Step #6 – Check the Brakes
Thoroughly examine all brake systems before operating the vehicle. Survey your brake pads, drums and slack adjusters, ensuring they are not worn or cracked. Ensure your brake airlines are adequately sealed and have no leaks. Pump the brakes four to five times before you leave the yard to ensure they are correctly aligned.
Step #7 – Check the Tires
Next, test your cab and trailer tires, starting with the air pressure. Examine the tread, looking for even wear and ensuring each tire has the appropriate thickness and grip. Inspect the tires for cuts or other defects and ensure no stones or debris are between dual wheels. There should be no space between the tires and rims.
Finally, ensure the wheel’s lug nuts and axle seals are tight and the wheel fasteners are free from rust.
Step #8 – Check the Trailer
Inspect all aspects of your truck’s trailer, ensuring everything is securely mounted and that there are no cracks, breaks or holes in any components. Ensure the following are in excellent condition:
- Frame
- Crossmembers
- Headboard
- Release handles
- Release pins
- Locking pins
- Doors
- Hinges
- Mudflaps
- Door seals
Step #9 – Check the Cabin
Verify that all components are functional inside the cab. Your cab’s gauges, air brakes and other systems must be undamaged and operational, including the:
- Seat belts
- Steering wheel
- Pedals
- Voltmeter
- Oil pressure gauge
- Water temperature gauge
- Air pressure gauge
- Fuse box
- Air horn
- City horn
- Heater
- Defroster
- Parking brake
Drivers should also be comfortable to reduce distractions on the road, so adjust your seating and steering wheel positions before setting off. You should also fine-tune the cab’s temperature or heating settings to the season to eliminate possible windshield obstructions. This preparation helps you stay comfortable, alert and focused while driving.
Step #10 – Check the Emergency Kit
By law, drivers must carry emergency equipment kits in their trucks. These supplies ensure you have everything you need in the event of the unexpected, including a breakdown. Emergency kits provide the tools and equipment drivers might need in case of a fire, blown electrical fuse or another issue.
Before driving your commercial vehicle, confirm your truck’s emergency kit is stocked and that all items are functional. According to the DOT, your truck emergency kit should include fire extinguishers, spare fuses and warning devices for stopped vehicles. However, it could also have:
- Reflective triangles
- Warning flags
- A first-aid kit
- A safety vest
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- Strobe lights
- Batteries
Stay Safe and Productive On the Road
Pre-trip checklists ensure you stay safe and productive on the road so your trucking company remains profitable. Yours should account for every aspect of your truck, trailer and loads to guarantee a safe, timely and productive cargo delivery schedule. Depending on your needs, you may add other items to check before each trip for additional peace of mind. No stone should be left unturned to ensure your and others’ safety.
If your team needs help with DOT compliance, turn to Porter Freight Funding. Our trusted partners offer DOT compliance services to help you improve compliance, freeing up the time and resources you need to manage and grow your business. To learn more about our trucking compliance services, contact us by calling 205-397-0934 or filling out our online contact form.
