The Pre-Trip Inspection: A Practical Guide For the Truck Driver
The pre-trip inspection is an integral part of every road trip for a trucker.
It’s probably the most disliked and most often overlooked part of the job of the professional truck driver in the trucking industry.
This inspection is meant to be a thorough check of the truck, trailer and load.
The check is to ensure that everything is in correct working order, prior to the truck and driver, departing on a trip.
Any damage or issues found during the pre-trip inspection which needs attention, must be addressed before departure.
CDL Test Pre-Trip Inspection
If you just came through the process of getting your CDL, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
You don’t have to check all 500 or so items that you had to memorize for the test every single day.
Out on the road, a thorough pre trip shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes.
DVIRs – Daily Vehicle Inspection Report
According to federal law (FMCSR Section 396.11 ), every day, a driver must submit a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for each power unit he operates. Multiple trailers can go in one report.
DVIRs are either paper or electronic.
Not every trucking company (ahem) enforces this policy, so some truck drivers can go months or years without submitting a DVIR.
Minimum DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements
- Service brakes including trailer brake connections
- Parking brake
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency equipment
Your trucking company’s DVIR might be more thorough.
This is a thorough Q&A on DVIRs which you can refer to.
Inspecting a New Truck
When you are assigned a new truck (either daily or just once), there are a few additional things you need to check for on the pre-trip inspection.
Truck Compliance
- Cab card and book – This is a book containing the registration, inspection, permits, cab cards, IFTA paperwork, and any other important papers for the truck. Make sure it is in the truck and all the paperwork is up to date.
- Inspection sticker – This is outside the truck. Find it and make sure the truck is not overdue.
- IFTA stickers – These are the fuel tax compliance stickers. They are on both sides of the truck. Make sure the current year is displayed.
- Elog device – Most trucks are required to have a working elog device.
- Required permits – These are in the cab card book. The most common permits are Heavy Motor Vehicle Trip Permit (Oregon) and the Weight Distance Tax Permit (New Mexico).
- New York HUT sticker – This is usually on the front of your truck. It’s a type of permit.
- License plate – Make sure the license plates on the front and back of the truck match.
- FMCSA Safety Regulations and Hazardous Materials book – These will be given to you by your company. They must stay in your truck within arms reach from the driver’s seat.
- Paper logbook – If your e-log stops working, you must log your hours in a paper logbook, which must be kept in your truck.
- Medical card – You must keep your current medical card in your truck. Always have your CDL on you as well.
- Emergency equipment
- Orange triangles – You must have 3 triangles for when you break down.
- Fire extinguisher – Must be charged and secured to the truck. No rolling around on the floor.
- Extra fuses – If your truck doesn’t use circuit breakers, you must have spare fuses.
- Supplies
- Load bars and/or straps
- Extra oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid
- Line antifreeze and diesel anti-gel
- Chains and bungees
- Gladhand seals
- Hammer, wrench, wire cutters, cable cutters, knife with glass-breaker
The Class A Pre-Trip Inspection Process
Unless I have to bobtail to pick up my trailer, I inspect my truck and trailer together.
The best way to memorize a thorough pre trip is to do it the same way each time.
Your process will look different from mine, but as long as you are consistent, you will be less likely to miss anything.
I do the inspection first thing each morning as well as every time I swap trailers.
Paperwork and Trailer
- Check the paperwork. It should be the first thing checked when you get to your truck.
- Match the trailer number to your paperwork. If your trailer has a seal, make sure it matches too.
- Unsealed trailer. If your trailer does not have a seal, open it and confirm the product matches the bills. If you are picking up an empty trailer, open it and make sure it’s actually empty.
- Confirm your destination. Ensure the destination is the same as on your trip sheet or load assignment. If there is a discrepancy, call your dispatcher.
I personally like to start with checking under the hood of the rig. Not everyone does, but I do.
Under the Hood of the Truck
I walk around the front of the truck, making sure all the lights work. Then I open the hood.
- Fluid levels – Check all fluids: coolant, oil, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Make sure caps are tight for the rad, oil filler, power steering fluid and the dip-stick is seated properly.
- Alternator, water pump, power steering pump –Make sure these are in good working order, and the belts are not worn or have too much slack.
- Observe at the engine block. Check for leaks, fluid running down the side of the engine. Check for wear, cracking or fraying. Inspect fan belts for proper tension and signs of wear.
- Hoses – Check all hoses for leaks, cracks, and tears.
- Wiring – Check wiring for wear.
- Steering linkage – Check linkage for worn or missing parts.
- Tires – Tires should be properly inflated and have decent tread. If there are flat spots on the tire, it needs to be replaced.
- Hub seal – Make sure it’s not leaking and wiped with oil if transparent.
- Brakes – Brake chambers should not be out of round and should be free of grease. Shoes should not be worn down too much.
- Slack adjusters – Pull slack adjuster. If it travels more than an inch, it needs to be adjusted.
- Suspension – Shocks should be in good condition, and not covered in grease or oil.
Back of the Truck
Next, I check the back of my truck because it’s easier to check this before hooking to a trailer.
- Tires – Tires should be properly inflated and have decent tread. If the tires have flat spots, the tire needs to be replaced.
- Brakes – Brake chambers should not be out of round and should be free of grease. Shoes should not be worn down too much.
- Suspension – Shocks and airbags should be in good condition, and not covered in grease or oil.
- Drive shaft – Driveshaft should be undamaged and free of grease. Make sure there is no debris in the u-joints.
- Frame – The frame should not have any welds and not cracked or significantly rusted.
- Fifth wheel – The fifth wheel should be properly greased and not broken.
- Fuel tanks – Fuel tanks should not be leaking.
- Stairs and catwalk – Stairs and catwalk should be free of debris and not broken.
Tires
Tires should be checked with a tire gauge.
Tip. This is especially if you are slip seating. Tire thumpers aren’t very accurate. If you use a tire thumper, still check with a tire gauge from time to time.
Drives and tandems should be inflated to 100-110 psi and have a minimum tread or 2/32in. Steer tires should be inflated to 110-120 psi and have a minimum tread of 4/32in.
Tires under 50 psi should be replaced, as they can’t retain enough air pressure.
Flat spots can occur from dragging tandems in the winter or when trying to slide the tandems. Tires with flat spots should be replaced.
Check tires for damage, nails, and punctures.
In the Cab
Next, I jump in my cab and start my truck.
- Gauges – Make sure air, oil, and water temperature gauges rise to normal levels.
- Mirrors – Adjust mirrors before moving your truck.
- Windshield wipers – Make sure they work and sit flat against the windshield.
- Horn – Make sure the city and air horns both work.
- Heat and A/C – Check to see if heat and/or air conditioning is working.
- Seat belt – Seat belt should not be frayed and should move freely.
Coupling and Air Lines
This is what COULD happen if you DON’T do the TUG TEST!
The pre-trip inspection is a pretty important thing to do.
Learn your pre-trip procedure and do it when required.
This is why you should always do a tug test when picking up a trailer. The passenger side of the front of the trailer is resting on the frame of the truck and NOT hooked up to the 5th wheel.
The front left corner of the trailer is supported by retracted landing gear only. (Not good!)
The truck driver in this photo (hopefully) learned how critical a pre-trip is. Don’t end up in a pickle like this guy.
Next, I hook up to my trailer.
- Tug test – I back under my trailer until I hear a click, and then immediately do a tug test.
A tug test tests both your coupling and your brakes. If you pull away from your trailer, you aren’t hooked properly.
If you pull your trailer with you, your trailer brakes are out of adjustment. Be absolutely sure to write it up and have it corrected before departure.
- 4 Ways + Headlights. I also turn on my four-way flashers and headlights.
- Airlines and pigtails – Next, hook up airlines and pigtails (electrical connection). Inspect to make sure they aren’t leaking or ripped.
- Visual check of Fifth wheel – Look at the fifth wheel arm under the trailer to make sure it is coupled. The arm should be in.
- Landing gear – Raise the landing gear and check for damage.
Bulkhead
Next, I check the bulkhead (front of the trailer).
- Wall – Make sure the wall is not damaged.
- Inspection sticker – Check the DOT inspection sticker to make sure it’s not out of date.
- Registration paperwork – Check the front trailer box to make sure the registration is good.
- Reefer unit – If you are pulling a reefer, select the pre trip function on the unit and run it. It should be completed by the time you are finished your pre trip inspection.
Tandems
Next step for the pre-trip inspection is to check the side of the trailer and the tandems.
- Wall – Make sure the wall is not damaged.
- Lights – Lights should be on and flashing.
- Tires – Tires should be properly inflated and have decent tread. If there are flat spots on the tire, it needs to be replaced.
- Hub seal – Make sure it’s not leaking and wiped with oil if transparent.
- Brakes – Brake chambers should not be out of round and should be free of grease. Shoes should not be worn down too much.
- Suspension – springs or airbags should be in good condition, and not covered in oil or grease.
- Tandem pins – Tandem pins should be locked in position, and slider arm should be in its cradle.
- Cables – Make sure the tandem cables aren’t dragging on the ground.
- Underbelly – Make sure there are no damaged beams under the trailer. Check the entire length.
- Mudflaps – Mud flaps should not be torn and hanging.
Back of Trailer
Next, I check the back of the trailer.
- Doors – Doors and hinges should not be damaged.
- Door latches – Doors should be closed and secured.
- Lights – Lights should be on and flashing.
- Seal – Seal should be intact and match paperwork.
- DOT bumper – DOT bumper should not be damaged
- License plate – Check for the license plate. They tend to wear out and fall off.
Passenger Side
Next, I check the passenger side.
- Wall – Make sure the wall is not damaged.
- Lights – Lights should be on and flashing.
- Tires – Tires should be properly inflated and have decent tread. If there are flat spots on the tire, it needs to be replaced.
- Brakes – Brake chambers should not be out of round and should be free of grease.
- Suspension – Springs or airbags should be in good condition, and not covered in grease or oil.
- Mudflaps – Mud flaps should not be torn.
Ready to Roll
Finally, I jump in my truck and double check my paperwork and destination.
I release my air brakes, roll forward, and push the service brake.
If everything is good, I’m ready to roll.
Post-Trip Inspection
When I’m done for the day, and every time I swap trailers, I do a post-trip inspection. If I am swapping trailers, I do a pre-trip on the new trailer as well.
A post-trip includes:
- lowering the landing gear
- removing the airlines
- uncoupling, and walking around the trailer checking tires, lights, seal, and mudflaps
Then I finish my paperwork and go home.
Slip Seating
If you slip seat (meaning you are in a different truck each shift), your pre- trip check should be more thorough than if you are permanently assigned a truck.
This also applies to the first inspection after being assigned a truck.
Please be courteous and write up any problems or issues found, so the next driver of the vehicle doesn’t have to deal with it.
Side Note: Clean out your truck and throw away any trash. Common courtesy goes a long way in trucking, between drivers.
Pre-Trip Inspection F.A.Q.
Most breakdowns can be avoided with proper preventative measures, such as daily inspections.
Thorough inspections should be done at the start of each shift. Inspections of trailers should be done every time you swap trailers.
Each driver should do a thorough pre-trip every time they swap drivers.
It should take about 10-15 minutes to perform a pre trip inspection.
The DOT. Make sure you stay in compliance so you don’t end up with hefty fines and an out of service.
The best way to memorize your pre trip inspection routine, is to do it the same way every time. That way you’re less likely to miss something. If you have questions, ask your safety team at your company.
Fluids in the engine, engine hoses and wires, brakes and suspension, mudflaps, trailer registration and inspection paperwork, and license plates.
A Few Trip Planning Tips
- Buy and learn to read a trucker’s atlas. It’s useful to plan routes and avoid restricted roads. I find this road atlas a necessity as a professional truck driver.
- Buy a decent trucking GPS, but don’t rely on it 100%. Use common sense.
- Don’t use the GPS in your elog device. It will put you in a lake.
Conclusion
Please note that minimum requirements for the inspection are established by the FMCSA.
But these may vary by state, trucking company, truck type, and trailer type.
It is your duty as a professional truck driver to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before each trip and before you drive.
You’ll save yourself from headaches, fines and unnecessary accidents.
