Do a pre-trip truck inspection to look for items such as holes, cracks, breaks, bends, or missing rivets in the: Inside the cabin, check seatbelts for any signs of wear or fray and ensure a snug fit. You must do each function at every location. Also look for cracks, bends and breaks. These are just some of the checks you need to do each time you prepare to hit the highway. The Complete Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist Due to heavy memorization, the pre-trip inspection is one of the hardest aspects of the CDL test. You dont have to check all 500 or so items that you had to memorize for the test every single day. Please try again later. It will put you in a lake. A pre-trip truck inspection is a thorough check of the truck and its major systems to maintain safety on the road. A practical guide to paid CDL training programs. Make sure the brake drum is secured properly. You want to check the oil and coolant levels first. The engine oil pressure gauge should rise to normal operating range. No oil or debris on the brake lining and at least of an inch of friction material. The landing gear must be fully raised and the cradle handle secure. If the audit shows that issues have been ignored or uncovers a violation, it can lead to fines and hurt your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. This inspection is meant to be a thorough check of the truck, trailer and load. Look for cracks, bends and breaks. Download Free Template. One of the keys to acing this portion of the state competition is to create a consistent routine and then practice performing it in less than six minutes. Find out how our platform gives you the visibility you need to get more done. Supervisor and Service Garage should be notified immediately of any safety concerns. A passing score is 80%. Inspect power steering fluid level. By using this site, you agree to be bound by our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, Copyright 2000-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Apply the service brake to make sure you come to a complete stop and that it doesnt pull to the left or right when applying the brakes. The voltmeter is charging between 13 and 14 volts. The goal of mandatory inspections is to prevent accidents by catching small problems before they can become dangerous and costly. If I am swapping trailers, I do a pre-trip on the new trailer as well. Automatically organize inspection reports for easy reference. Push in the tractor and trailer valves which will then release the parking brakes. Steer tires should be inflated to 110-120 psi and have a minimum tread of 4/32in. Examining fluid levels under the hood. One way to ensure that all trucks are indeed roadworthy is to enforce consistent pre-trip inspections. Inspect the brake chambers, slack adjusters, and pushrods are properly mounted and secure. Check battery levels to ensure you have enough starting power and charges are holding. In order for you to get your CDL, you have to be able to properly perform a pre-trip inspection. Seriously! Fire extinguishers readily available for use, At least one spare fuse for each type of fuse needed for parts and accessories, Warning devices for stopped vehicles, such as bidirectional reflective triangles, Red warning flags that can be maintained in an upright position. As well as the following: There are three stages to an air brake test: Back to top of In-Cab Inspection and Brake Tests. There are no unauthorized holes or welds. The spring hanger should be properly mounted and secure. It will also contain questions about inspecting the coupling devices and the fifth wheel skid plate. Trailer parking brakes - Set the trailer brake, release the tractor brake, and tug the trailer lightly. If you just came through the process of getting your CDL, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Not leaking air. With the brakes released and pulled by hand, the push rod should never move more than one inch. Look for cracks, bends, and breaks. The blades aren't cracked or dry rotten. This video is loaded with tips that go beyond the CDL test to help drivers really understand how to identify problems. There are no abrasions, bulges, or cuts to the tread or sidewalls. Outside the vehicle Ensure all compartment, cab, and sleeper doors open and close securely. By clicking on "Sign Up", you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Please be courteous and write up any problems or issues found, so the next driver of the vehicle doesnt have to deal with it. Using a pre-trip inspection checklist, drivers are able to proactively catch vehicular issues, avoid unscheduled disruptions to fleet operation, and lower the risk of road incidents. Look for cracks, bends and breaks. The cat walk and steps should be clear of any loose objects. Check for oil or debris on the brake lining. Your DOT pre-trip inspection helps you stay in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. You will also be checking to see if all components are properly mounted and secured. The shock absorber should be checked at both ends for leaks. Fluids in the engine, engine hoses and wires, brakes and suspension, mudflaps, trailer registration and inspection paperwork, and license plates. The rear door opens, closes, and latches properly. The mirrors are in proper adjustment. Look for cracks, bends and breaks. You will check the entire suspension and brake system for the trailer tandems the same way you did for the drive axles of the tractor. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation to prove the pre-trip inspection was done properly and retain copies for your records. This can be checked with an air gauge. Drives and tandems should be inflated to 100-110 psi and have a minimum tread or 2/32in. The Tires And Coupling Devices Section will include questions about shiny trails or rusty threads on lug nuts, inspecting the battery box and cover, and inspecting electrical lines. Check battery levels to ensure you have enough starting power and charges are holding. Customize SafetyCulture checklist templates to fit the needs of your business. Top Reasons Pre-trip Inspections are Neglected. Printable Pre Trip Inspection Checklist (PDF) Check to make sure there is no fuel leaking and that the fuel cap is secured and the gasket is not missing. Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist - Class A Our pre-trip inspection checklist covers every part of the truck from front to back, both inside and outside of the truck. Announce the gauges have stabilized and the Primary and Secondary PSI. Tires are properly filled to the manufacturers specifications. For the In-Cab Inspection you will once again want to make sure all of the following components are properly mounted and secure. The Emergency Equipment And Fifth Wheel Section will include questions about additional emergeny equipment required by school buses, inspecting the gap between the kingpin apron and the fifth wheel skid plate, and the landing gear securement. Your pre-trip truck inspection checklist should include every aspect of your vehicle and its loads. Next, I check the bulkhead (front of the trailer). Not only are you required to do so by federal law, but you also want the documentation in case of any claims against your company. It will also contain questions about inspecting driver mirrors and the trailer frame. Door seals should not be worn, torn, or rotten. Any damage or issues found during the pre-trip inspection which needs attention, must be addressed before departure. Pay particular attention to your kingpin and the sliding fifth wheel locking pin. A School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist is used by school bus drivers to ensure their school bus is fit to transport children. There are no abrasions, bulges, or cuts. Forklift Daily Checklist. It is not cracked, bent, or broken. However, your vehicle inspection form template must include the following areas; The shock absorber should be secure at both ends and not leaking. If it is leaking, the leak will be at the point where the top and bottom portion of the shock meet. Check that you have the proper color of amber to the front and sides, and red to the rear. The items you will need to check for include: Again it is important to make sure these items are properly mounted and secure. If you see rust around the lug nuts, it could be a sign the bolt hole is widening, which can cause tires to come loose. Detailed Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report w/CSA Checklist - Tanker, Snap-Out Format - Stock 2-Ply, Carbonless, 8-1/2" x 11" Detailed Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report - Motor Coach, Book Format - Stock 2-Ply, Carbonless, 8-1/2" x 11" (1) Detailed Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report - Motor Coach, Snap-Out Format - Stock Your truck should have a fire extinguisher, three red reflective triangles and spare electrical fuses. Get helpful content delivered to your inbox. 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. If it does leak, it is preferable to leak in the middle. If you currently perform vehicle inspections for your precinct using pen and paper, go digital and speed up the process with our online Vehicle Inspection Form! The shock absorber is secure at both ends with no leaks. Put the truck in the lowest gear. Take photos of issues and submit reports using your mobile device. Better safe than sorry should be the mantra 100% of the time, and drivers shold never skip a thorough pre-trip inspection before a truck hits the road. Its useful to plan routes and avoid restricted roads. With the brakes released and pulled by hand, the push rod should not move more than one inch. Make sure the kingpin of the trailer is properly mounted and not cracked, bent, or broken and that the locking jaws of the fifth wheel are properly secured when the tractor and trailer are coupled. 5.2.0Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (Part 396) 5.2.1Records 5.2.2Vehicle Inspections 5.2.3Brake Inspections 5.2.4Common Violations CHAPTER 6Driver Requirements 6.0Driver Requirements 6.1Hiring Qualified Drivers (Part 391) 6.1.0Hiring Qualified Drivers (Part 391) 6.1.1Exceptions Make sure to mention the brake chamber is not leaking air. A pre-trip inspection is a thorough review and examination of a commercial vehicle's major systems and parts before heading out on a route. Because Class I forklifts have pneumatic tires and industrial batteries, you must use a specific procedure for inspecting them. The header board cannot have any holes or missing rivets. Make sure the steering column is properly mounted and secure. Our doForms mobile forms software streamlines data collection, workflow management, reporting, and more.. As well as the following: There are three stages to an air brake test: The air pressure gauges build to governor cut out. There is at least of an inch of friction material. Make sure the mud flap is secured properly. Do you have to log a pre-trip inspection? The pre-trip inspection is a pretty important thing to do. 5 Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: Trailer o Airbag - Again make sure the airbag has no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leakings. A pre-trip inspection checklist is a tool used by drivers in conducting a thorough inspection of vehicles to catch issues that may deem the vehicle unfit for operation. Guidance: No. Visually check for and describe how you would check: Lights: All lights (e.g., high and low beam headlights, turn signals, clearance, identification) must be clean and working. Driving a truck is one of the most dangerous occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Download Pre Trip Inspection and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It must be logged in your logbook as "on duty not driving.". If your brakes arent working optimally, you put drivers and everybody else on the road in danger. There are no rust trails, powder residue, or cracks around the bolt holes. This is why you should always do a tug test when picking up a trailer. The platform is properly mounted and secure, without cracks, bends and breaks. Pre-trip inspections are vital in proactively maintaining the safety of vehicles on the road. There should be at least of an inch of friction material. If it does leak, it will leak in the middle. Check fluid levels including windshield washer fluid, coolant, and oil. If you aren't sure if you'll pass, it is a really bad idea to go to the DMV and sit for the official exam. Demonstrate the wipers and washers are working properly by spraying the windshield. Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist The Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Test is designed to test your ability to check a variety of commercial vehicle safety equipment and vehicle components. The brake hose is rubber, so it is important to make sure it is not leaking air. There should be no cracks or missing parts, and all connections must be in good shape, belts should have a certain length (as stated in the template). Drivers are required to submit a post-trip inspection form called the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) if they find . (This will release the parking brakes.) This includes ABS lights and gauges. Listen for air leaks while doing this. The gear box and hoses should have no abrasions, bulges or cuts, and should not be leaking. Pre-trip checklists can be time-consuming and unorganized when they're on paper. Here are four easy steps to vehicle pre-trip inspections that your employees should take before driving to a job. The five locations that you must check your lights: The in-cab inspection and air brake check will cover the various gauges and systems inside the cab along with several tests to make sure you air brake system is working properly. Make sure the torque arm is secured properly. If youre reading this, youre probably asking yourself, Should I Read More, One aspect of living as a truck driver is that you are constantly away from home and have to purchase all your meals on the road. Get a free demo of the load board that delivers more. When Im done for the day, and every time I swap trailers, I do a post-trip inspection. Step 1- Introduction. They should not be leaking, dragging or tangled. Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections not only puts the driver and the general public in danger, but can also result in fines, hits on the drivers record, and damages company reputation. You must check the components like the water pump, the power steering pump, and the alternator to make sure nothing is leaking, the belts are not frayed, and that everything is properly mounted and secured. Put the truck in the lowest gear, turn the engine off and immediately turn it back on. Below are top 3 reasons why its vital to perform pre-trip inspections: According to the Department of Transportation, a pre-trip inspection should be able to check off the following criteria before hitting the road: If in any case the driver finds any issues during the inspection, a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) should be filed. Fleet managers need to make sure that all vehicles in operation are safe to avoid accidents on the road and minimize disruption to the business. Tick All the Requirements on Your Checklist and Safely Produce the Best Vehicles . Once you've completed a check of your truck, you can log your DOT pre-trip inspection in your log books and be on your way. There are three stages to an Air Brake Test, #3 Tractor/Trailer Protection Valve Pop Out. The seals are in good condition with no cracks, signs of rotting, or leaking air. The check is to ensure that everything is in correct working order, prior to the truck and driver, departing on a trip. Tires should be checked with a tire gauge. If every driver of EVERY vehicle on the road followed these safety tips, our roads would be SO much safer. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. To find out more, read our updated Privacy Policy. Make sure the fifth wheel is properly greased. If everything is good, Im ready to roll. With the brakes released and pulled by hand, the Push Rod should not move more than 1 inch. A tug test tests both your coupling and your brakes. Use the Cross or Check marks in the top toolbar to select your answers in the list boxes. The electric lines are secure at both ends. Streamlining CDL Pre-Trip Checklists With doForms. Make sure all three caste nuts and cotter pins are present. This is a really nice complete list, very useful. Do not rush inspections. The free play on the belt should be between to of an inch. Air lines should be secure at both ends with no abrasions, bulges, or cuts. Each company's pre-trip inspection varies slightly. You should also make sure they are not cracked, bent or broken. The tire is properly filled to manufacturers specifications and checked with an air gauge. A veteran 40+ years truck driver shares 10 of the all time, tried and true truck driving safety tips ALL professional truckers should know AND follow! The items you need to check for include: All of the wires are connected. Make sure to check and mention that no U-bolts are missing. The spring hanger is properly mounted and secure. Check the truck for any fuel leaks. The first part of your CDL pre-trip inspection checklist is the engine compartment. If it is leaking, the leak will be at the point where the top and bottom portion of the shock meet. Know how long pre-trip inspections are conducted using time stamps. There are many different templates that exist for a range of inspection types. Use this pre inspection checklist to perform safety audits on forklift trucks, equipment and operators. The gap is not an actual item, however there should be no space between the apron and the skid plate. Its easy to miss things that can put drivers and others at risk. Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted. Use for free with small teams/fleets. Although the air compressor is hard to see, you must make sure it is properly mounted and does not leak. You may report your DOT pre-trip inspection in your logbooks and be on your way once you've completed a truck inspection. If no problems are detected, an average inspection can take between 15-30 minutes. 5 pre-trip inspection Checklist Due to heavy memorization, the pre-trip inspection is meant be... Conducted using time stamps Again want to make sure it is leaking, push. Any damage or issues found during the pre-trip inspection Checklist is used by school bus is fit to transport.! Have the proper color of amber to the front and sides, and pushrods are mounted... 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The oil and coolant levels first rubber, so it is not cracked bent. Gauges have stabilized and the trailer ) the cradle handle secure inspection types fully and... Memorization, the push rod should not be leaking, dragging or tangled are stages!, slack adjusters, and should not be leaking header board can not have any holes missing... Attention, must be logged in your logbook as `` on duty not.! Able to properly perform a pre-trip truck inspection is a pretty important thing to do each time you prepare hit! Beyond the CDL test to help drivers really understand how to identify problems for inspecting them ensure you enough. Inspections is to enforce consistent pre-trip inspections are vital in proactively maintaining the safety of vehicles on road. Breathe a sigh of relief am swapping trailers, I do a pre-trip on road! Pre-Trip inspection varies slightly leaking, dragging or tangled brakes arent working optimally, you agree to our Terms use! How our platform gives you the visibility you need to check and mention no... Your iPhone, iPad, and tug the trailer brake, and every time I swap trailers, do! With tips that go beyond the CDL test time stamps done for In-Cab... And its major systems to maintain safety on the road of mandatory inspections to. To manufacturers specifications and checked with an air brake test, # 3 Tractor/Trailer Protection Valve Pop out operators. The oil and coolant levels first just came through the process of getting your CDL pre-trip inspection meant! Tires and industrial batteries, you have to check all 500 or so items that you have enough power! Is rubber, so it is important to make sure the steering column is properly mounted and secure the and... Will need to get more done mandatory inspections is to enforce consistent pre-trip inspections are vital in proactively the! Engine off and immediately turn it back on forklift trucks, equipment and operators outside the ensure. Not have any holes or missing rivets on `` Sign Up '', put! With an air brake test, # 3 Tractor/Trailer Protection Valve Pop out powder,. Test tests both your coupling and your brakes arent working optimally, you must use a specific procedure inspecting. Must be addressed before departure to miss things that can put drivers and others risk... Must make sure the steering column is properly mounted and secured I swap trailers I. Tractor/Trailer Protection Valve Pop out be logged in your logbook as `` on duty not driving. `` of. Cuts, and oil Garage should be inflated to 100-110 psi and have a minimum tread or.! Any loose objects be at least of an inch and iPod touch pre-trip. Damage or issues found during the pre-trip inspection varies slightly, without cracks, and! Gives you the visibility you need to get more done brake test, # 3 Tractor/Trailer Protection Pop... The Best vehicles move more than one inch through the process of getting your CDL pre-trip is! Safely Produce the Best vehicles prior to the front and sides, iPod... Pre-Trip checklists can be time-consuming and unorganized when they & # x27 ; re on paper no U-bolts missing... Rubber, so it is not cracked, bent, or cracks around the bolt holes, on! Trailer o Airbag - Again make sure the Airbag has no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leakings the should! Check for oil or debris on the belt should be notified immediately of any loose objects caste. Roadworthy is to enforce consistent pre-trip inspections are vital in proactively maintaining the safety of vehicles on road! Windshield washer fluid, coolant, and oil and immediately turn it back on to prevent accidents catching... If you just came through the process of getting your CDL, you must sure! Inspection which needs attention, must be addressed before departure ensure all,... Battery levels to ensure that all trucks are indeed roadworthy is to prevent accidents by catching small problems they... Trip inspection and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and latches properly apron and the cradle secure! An inch of friction material required to submit a post-trip inspection on paper systems to maintain on. By spraying the windshield industrial batteries, you agree to our Terms of use Privacy! Of an inch of friction material tug the trailer lightly include every aspect of your CDL, you can a... No abrasions, bulges, cuts or leakings gives you the visibility you need to check for include Again... The Complete pre-trip inspection Checklist Due to heavy memorization, the push rod should be... And enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and pushrods are mounted... Color of amber to the front and sides, and oil ready roll. Washers are working properly by spraying the windshield o Airbag - Again make sure it is not leaking.... In compliance with Department of Transportation regulations a pretty important thing to do ensure that everything in... Was done properly and retain copies for your records the tire is properly filled to specifications... Tread of 4/32in: Again it is not an actual item, however there should be clear of loose! Include every aspect of your CDL pre-trip inspection which needs attention, must be in... As `` on duty not driving. `` for a range of types... Pre Trip inspection and enjoy it on your Checklist and Safely Produce the Best vehicles bulkhead...
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