Content Overview
Guide to Writing Pre Trip Inspection Checklist
Completing the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is an important step before hitting the road. It ensures that all necessary checks are made to keep you and others safe. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form correctly.
- Begin by writing the date at the top of the form.
- Fill in your name and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Check each section of the checklist, which may include items like lights, brakes, tires, and fluid levels.
- For each item, mark it as “OK” if it is in good condition or “NOT OK” if it needs attention.
- If you mark any item as “NOT OK,” provide a brief description of the issue in the comments section.
- Sign and date the form at the bottom to confirm that the inspection has been completed.
Document Breakdown
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe and operational before they are used on the road. |
| Components | The checklist typically includes sections for checking brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels. |
| Frequency | Drivers are required to complete the checklist before each trip to promote safety and compliance. |
| Documentation | Completed checklists must be kept on file for a specified period, often required for inspections and audits. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate the use of a Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. |
| State-Specific Laws | Each state may have additional requirements for the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist, governed by local transportation laws. |
| Training | Drivers must receive training on how to properly complete the checklist and identify potential issues. |
FAQ
What is the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form?
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is a document used by drivers to ensure that their vehicle is safe and ready for operation before beginning a trip. It outlines various components and systems of the vehicle that need to be checked, promoting safety and compliance with regulations.
Why is a Pre Trip Inspection important?
A Pre Trip Inspection is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps identify potential mechanical issues that could lead to breakdowns or accidents. Second, it ensures that the vehicle meets safety standards and regulatory requirements. Lastly, it protects both the driver and other road users by ensuring that the vehicle is in good working condition.
Who is responsible for completing the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
The driver of the vehicle is primarily responsible for completing the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. It is their duty to ensure that the vehicle is safe for operation. However, fleet managers and maintenance personnel may also play a role in reviewing the checklist and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
What items are typically included in the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
The checklist usually covers a range of items, including:
- Tires: Checking for proper inflation and tread depth.
- Brakes: Ensuring that the brake system functions correctly.
- Lights: Verifying that all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are operational.
- Fluid Levels: Checking oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels.
- Wipers: Ensuring that windshield wipers are functioning and that the washer fluid is full.
- Mirrors: Confirming that all mirrors are properly adjusted and free of obstructions.
How often should the Pre Trip Inspection be conducted?
The Pre Trip Inspection should be conducted before every trip. This practice ensures that the vehicle is safe and ready for the journey ahead. Regular inspections help maintain the vehicle's performance and reliability over time.
What should a driver do if they find an issue during the inspection?
If a driver identifies any issues during the Pre Trip Inspection, they should not operate the vehicle until those issues have been resolved. The driver should report the problem to the appropriate personnel, such as a fleet manager or maintenance team, who can assess and fix the issue before the trip begins.
Is there a specific format for the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
While there is no universally mandated format, many companies and organizations create their own checklists tailored to their vehicles and operational needs. These checklists should be clear, comprehensive, and easy to follow, ensuring that all necessary checks are completed.
Can electronic devices be used for the Pre Trip Inspection?
Yes, many drivers now use electronic devices and applications to conduct their Pre Trip Inspections. These digital tools can streamline the process, making it easier to document findings and track maintenance records. However, it is essential to ensure that any electronic method complies with regulatory requirements.
What happens if a driver fails to complete the Pre Trip Inspection?
Failing to complete the Pre Trip Inspection can lead to serious consequences. The driver may face disciplinary action from their employer, and they could be held liable for any accidents or incidents that occur due to mechanical failure. Additionally, regulatory agencies may impose fines for non-compliance with inspection requirements.
Where can I find a sample Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
Sample Pre Trip Inspection Checklists can often be found online through transportation and safety organizations. Many trucking companies also provide templates for their drivers. It is advisable to use a checklist that aligns with industry standards and specific vehicle requirements.
Fill out Other Forms
Annual Vehicle Inspection Report - The certified inspector's name must be printed or typed for accountability.
Emotional Support Animal Letter From Therapist - The presence of an emotional support animal can create a calming effect during distress.
The importance of the Work Release form extends beyond mere documentation; it represents an opportunity for growth and rehabilitation. For many individuals, understanding this form is crucial as it permits them to work outside their detention facility, facilitating a smoother transition back into society. Resources such as the Work Release Form can provide valuable insights and guidance on how to complete the process effectively, ensuring that individuals are better prepared to meet both their employment and legal obligations.
USCIS Form I-864 - Timing for submitting the I-864 is critical for the overall process timeline.
Pre Trip Inspection Checklist Example
Class A CDL
®
FRONT OF TRACTOR
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS o Proper Color
o Working
o Not Broken o Not cracked
LEAKS
o Check for puddles
o Check for drips under engine
Lights
License Plate
Leaks
Reference Items |
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - PASSENGER SIDE
WATER PUMP o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o Hoses attached securely
o No leaking hoses or water pump o Belts no more than ¾ inch of play
o Belts not cracked, frayed, or damaged
ALTERNATOR
o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts
oWires good connections, not frayed
oBelt no more than ¾ inch of play
oBelts not frayed or cracked
OIL LEVEL
oCheck for level and condition
PLUS ALL OTHER HOSES & WIRING
oNot cracked, frayed, or broken
oBelts no more than ¾ inch of play o Hoses not leaking
Engine Air Duct Work
Engine Air Duct Work
Oil Dip Stick
Oil Fill
|
Accessory Drive |
|
Belts |
|
Water Pump |
Turbo Charger |
Alternator |
Reference Items |
1
Class A CDL
®
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE
COOLANT
oCheck for level and condition
oHoses attached and not leaking
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
oMounted properly
oHoses attached and not leaking
oCheck for level and condition
AIR COMPRESSOR
oMounted Securely
oNo missing bolts or parts
oNo air leaks at lines
oCheck if gear or belt driven
oBelt no more than ¾ inch of play
oBelts not cracked or frayed
STEERING GEAR BOX
oMounted properly
oNo missing parts, nuts or bolts o Lines and hoses not leaking or broken
|
Engine Coolant |
|
Reservoir |
|
Windsheild |
|
Washer Fluid |
|
Reservoir |
Engine Air Duct |
|
Work |
|
Power Steering |
|
Reservoir |
Radiator Brace |
|
|
Steering Gear |
|
Box |
|
Pitman Arm |
|
Reference Items |
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR |
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE CON’T |
||
|
|
|
|
o Mounted properly |
|
|
|
o Hoses attached and not leaking |
|
|
|
o Check for level and condition |
|
|
|
AIR COMPRESSOR |
|
|
|
o Mounted Securely |
Power Steering |
|
|
o No missing bolts or parts |
|
|
|
Reservoir |
|
|
|
o No air leaks at lines |
|
|
|
o Check if gear or belt driven |
|
|
|
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play |
|
|
|
o Belts not cracked or frayed |
|
|
|
STEERING GEAR BOX |
Steering Gear |
|
|
Box |
|
|
|
o Mounted properly |
|
|
|
o No missing parts, nuts or bolts |
|
|
|
o Lines and hoses not leaking or |
Pitman Arm |
|
|
broken |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STEERING LINKAGE |
|
|
|
o Pitman arm, Drag link, Steering |
|
|
|
knuckle, Tie rods and tie rod ends |
|
|
|
o Not cracked, bent or broken |
Spring Mount |
Drag Link |
Leaf Spring |
o Castle nuts and cotter pins |
|
|
|
o Not missing and in place |
|
|
|
Reference Items |
Air Governor
Air Compressor
Engine Oil Pan
2
Class A CDL
®
AIR COMPRESSOR o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o No air leaks at lines
o Check if gear or belt driven
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play o Belts not cracked or frayed
STEERING GEAR BOX
o Mounted properly
oNo missing parts, nuts or bolts o Lines and hoses not leaking or broken
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE CON’T
Engine Air Duct
Work
Fan Belts
Gear Driven Air
Compressor
Steering
Steering Column
Additional Hoses & Wiring
Shock Absorber
Steering Gear Box |
Frame Rail |
Fuel Filter |
Reference Items |
||
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - AIR COMPRESSOR
AIR COMPRESSOR o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o No air leaks at lines
o Check if gear or belt driven
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play o Belts not cracked or frayed
Air Governor
Gear Driven Air Compressor
Hoses
Fuel Pump
Reference Items |
3
Class A CDL
®
FRONT SUSPENSION
LEAF SPRINGS
o Not shifted or out of place
oNot cracked, broken or missing
SPRING MOUNTS
oMounted securely- front, back, and
oNot cracked or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
oMounted Securely
oNot bent or dented o Not leaking
Shock Absorber
Leaf Spring
Tie Rod
Air Hose
Air LIne
Tie Rod End
Axle |
Service Brake |
Chamber |
Reference Items |
LEAF SPRINGS
o Not shifted or out of place
oNot cracked, broken or missing
SPRING MOUNTS
oMounted securely- front, back, and
oNot cracked or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
oMounted Securely
oNot bent or dented o Not leaking
FRONT SUSPENSION CON’T
Frame Rail
Leaf Spring
Air Dryer location varies depending on model.
Located either behind the front bumper or behind the fuel tank.
Reference Items |
4
Spring Mount
Air Dryer
Class A CDL
®
HOSES AND LINES |
|
FRONT BRAKES |
|
|
|
||
o Mounted securely |
Service Brake |
|
|
o |
Not leaking |
|
|
o |
Not cracked or frayed |
Chamber |
|
|
Tire |
||
|
|
|
|
CHAMBER |
Push Rod |
|
|
o Mounted securely |
|
|
|
o Not dented or damaged |
|
Wheel |
|
o |
Not leaking |
|
|
SLACK ADJUSTER |
|
Slack Adjuster |
|
o |
No more than 1 inch of free play at |
Castle Nut |
|
the push rod with the brakes released. |
Cotter Pin |
Adjustment Nut |
|
o |
Not bent, broken, loose, or missing |
|
|
|
|
||
parts |
Steering |
|
|
|
|
Knuckle |
Brake Drum |
DRUMS |
|
||
|
|
||
o |
Not cracked, broken or dented |
|
|
o |
No oil leaking from inner oil seal, |
Snap Ring |
|
free of debris |
|
Brake Lining |
|
LININGS |
|
|
|
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts o Not less than ¼ inch in thickness
Reference Items |
HOSES AND LINES o Mounted securely o Not leaking
o Not cracked or frayed
CHAMBER
o Mounted securely
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
SLACK ADJUSTER
oNo more than 1 inch of free play at the push rod with the brakes released.
oNot bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
DRUMS
oNot cracked, broken or dented
oNo oil leaking from inner oil seal, free of debris
LININGS
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts
oNot less than ¼ inch in thickness
FRONT BRAKES CON’T
Service Brake
Chamber
Push Rod
Clevis Pin &
Cotter Pin
Slack Adjuster
Reference Items |
Air Line
Air Hose
Shock Absorber
Spring
5
Class A CDL
®
FRONT WHEEL
TIRES
oProper inflation – company or manufacturer specification
o No bulges, cuts, or retreads
o Minimum tread depth of 4/32”
RIMS
oNot bent, cracked, No welding repairs.
LUG NUTS
oNone are missing
oTight – no shinny threads, or rust trails
OUTER HUB OIL SEALS
oNot leaking, no missing bolts o Proper oil level
Tire |
Wheel |
|
Hub Oil |
Lug Nut |
|
Reservior |
||
|
||
Outer Hub |
Valve Cap |
|
Oil Seal |
|
Reference Items |
DRIVER FUEL AREA
DRIVER’S DOOR
oDoor opens and closes properly
oSeal is in good condition
DRIVER’S MIRRORS
oClean and free of obstruction
oNot cracked, broken, or damaged
oMounted securely
FUEL TANK
oMounted securely
o Not leaking
o Seal in cap OK
Mirror |
Storage |
Compartment |
Door |
Cap & Seal |
Battery Box & |
Cover |
Saddle Mounts |
Leaks |
Reference Items |
6
Class A CDL
®
AIR LINES & ELECTRIC LINE o Not cracked, frayed, cut, or kinked o Mounted securely at the glad hands o Not leaking
BEHIND THE CAB
BATTERY BOX & BATTERIES o Box is mounted properly
o Batteries are secure in the box o Lid secure
o Connections not corroded
CATWALK
o Mounted properly
oNot, missing, or damaged
oFree of obstructions
DRIVE SHAFT
oNot bent, or damaged
oCoupling,
EXHAUST SYSTEM
oSecurely mounted
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
FRAME
oNot cracked, or damaged
oNo missing bolts
oNo illegal welds
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS
oClean and working
Lights & |
|
Reflectors |
|
Electrical Line |
Exhaust |
Glad Hand |
|
Service & |
|
Emergency |
|
Airlines |
Drive Shaft |
|
|
Battery Box & |
|
Batteries |
|
Frame |
Catwalk |
Reference Items |
FRONT OF TRAILER
HEADER BOARD
oNo holes or missing rivets
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS
oNone broken, cracked, or missing
oWorking and proper color of amber
Lights |
Header Board |
Height Sticker
Electric Hookup
Air Line
Reference Items |
7
Class A CDL
®
DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION
CONTROL ARM MOUNT o Mounted securely
o Not bent, broken or damaged
CONTROLARM
oMounted securely – front, back, and
o Not cracked, or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
o Mounted Securely
oNot bent, dented or leaking
TORSION BAR
oMounted Securely
oNot bent, broken or damaged
AIR BAGS
oMounted Securely
o Not leaking
Spring Brake |
Torsion Bar |
|
|
Chamber |
Control Arm |
|
|
Spring Brake |
|
Chamber |
Air Bag |
|
|
|
Control Arm |
|
Mount |
Control Arm |
|
Reference Items |
DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION CON’T & FIFTH WHEEL
CONTROL ARM MOUNT o Mounted securely
o Not bent, broken or damaged
CONTROLARM
oMounted securely – front, back, and
o Not cracked, or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
o Mounted Securely
oNot bent, dented or leaking
TORSION BAR
oMounted Securely
oNot bent, broken or damaged
AIR BAGS
oMounted Securely
o Not leaking
Skid Plate |
|
|
Shock Absorber |
Mounting |
|
Bolts |
|
Locking |
Spring |
|
|
Pins |
|
Control Arm |
Air Bag |
|
|
Mount |
|
|
Tire |
Control Arm |
|
|
Space |
Reference Items |
8
Class A CDL
®
HOSES AND LINES o Mounted securely o Not leaking
o Not cracked or frayed
CHAMBER
o Mounted securely
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
SLACK ADJUSTER
oNo more than 1 inch of free play at the push rod with the brakes released.
oNo bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
DRUMS
oNot cracked, broken or dented
oNo oil leaking from inner oil seal, free of debris
LININGS
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts
oNot less than ¼ inch in thickness
DRIVE BRAKES & DRIVE SHAFT
Drive Shaft
Universal Joint
Differential
Reference Items |
Air Line
Service Brake Chamber
Frame
Brake Chamber Mount
Slack Adjuster
TIRES
oProper inflation - company or manufacturer specification.
o No bulges or cuts, can have retreads o Minimum tread depth of 2/32”
RIMS
oNot bent or cracked
oNo welding repairs
LUG NUTS
oNone missing
oTight – no shinny threads, or rust trails
OUTER AXLE SEAL
oNot leaking, no missing bolts
SPACE OR SPACER
oCheck for objects between wheels
oCheck for proper spacing
Lug Nuts
Outer Axle Seal
DRIVE WHEELS
Tire
Bud Rim
Dayton Rim |
Spacer |
Reference Items |
9
Class A CDL
®
REAR OF TRACTOR
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS o Not cracked, or broken
o Working and proper color
SPLASH GUARDS
oNot missing or torn and properly mounted
Locking Jaws |
|
|
Reflectors |
|
Lights |
Splash Guard |
Air Bags |
Reference Items |
MOUNTING BOLTS
oNone missing or broken
RELEASE ARM
oNot bent, broken, or damaged
oEngaged in the lock position
LOCKING PINS
oNo missing or broken parts
oEngaged and locked
PLATFORM
oSecurely holds skid plate
oNot cracked, or broken
SKID PLATE
oMounted properly on the platform
oProperly greased
oTilting freely
Mounting Bolts
Slide Stops (all 4 corners)
COUPLING SYSTEM
Skid Plate |
Pivot Pin |
Release Arm |
Platform |
KING PIN |
Welds |
oNot broken, bent, or damaged
APRON
oNo bends or damage to visible portions
GAP
oCheck that the trailer apron is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate
Frame |
Slide Locking Pin |
Spring Mount |
JAWS |
Reference Items |
|
|
|
|
o Check that the locking jaws are fully |
|
|
closed around the shank of the king pin |
10 |
|