Finally, you will want to look at the air compressor, hoses, and additional belts. There are no abrasions, bulges, or cuts. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, required to carry emergency equipment kits. Make sure to mention there should be never be any unauthorized welds. Make sure this reservoir is not leaking and filled to the manufacturers specifications. Make sure the fully raised and the handle is secure in the cradle when the tractor and trailer are coupled. Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist Forms and Apps Inspection checklists are designed to improve the inspection process by providing staff with an easy-to-use template on the best practices to follow for that inspection. Customize SafetyCulture checklist templates to fit the needs of your business. The oil level should be filled to the manufacturers specifications. The axle seal is not leaking and is filled to the manufacturers specifications. B. Trailer(s) number(s): Starting mileage (from hub): C. Aerial device - inspection of vehicle component is accomplished in the "Tractor/Truck" section: Use the Cross or Check marks in the top toolbar to select your answers in the list boxes. The check is to ensure that everything is in correct working order, prior to the truck and driver, departing on a trip. Tires with flat spots should be replaced. The brake hose should be secure at both ends with no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leaks. When the brakes are released and pulled by hand, the push rod does not move more than one inch. Make sure the brake linings are the proper thickness and that the air bags and properly inflated. Printable Pre Trip Inspection Checklist (PDF) This includes the engine, brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, and more. This inspection is meant to be a thorough check of the truck, trailer and load. Also look for cracks, bends and breaks. Move to the Driver's Side Here, you have a bit more things to check. The engine oil pressure gauge should rise to normal operating range. Lighting Indicators - Left Turn, Right Turn, Four Way Flashers, and High Beams. Any deficiencies must be acknowledged and certified that appropriate repairs have been made before a trip begins. Parking Brake Check. Check the for Pre-Trip, and the for Post Trip inspection. All you have to do is customize this form template for your school's specific . Gently pull against the brake by releasing the clutch, and it should hold the vehicle. Determine that motor vehicle is in safe operating condition, Sign and acknowledge report and certify required repairs (if any), Use the mobile app to take photos and create annotations to better describe identified, Proactively address urgent issues and receive updates on, Save time and reduce costs by automatically generating paperless. Seriously! You will start inspecting the trailer at the head board, which is the front wall of the trailer. But these may vary by state, trucking company, truck type, and trailer type. Store your pre trip records online or download, print or . Check that lights, warning lights, and turn signals are working properly, and lenses are clean for maximum visibility. Driving a truck is one of the most dangerous occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our study guide is broken down into the following sections: The Pre-Trip Inspection is a thorough inspection of the vehicle and all of its major systems. Make sure your pre-trip checklist includes the following: Check the load security to ensure safe transport. 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. Your pre-trip inspection should include a visual check of your fuel tank and battery area to make sure nothing is cracked or leaking. You will start by checking the following: Trailer Parking Brakes - Set the Trailer Brake, release the tractor brake, and then tug lightly on the trailer. Find the highest paying loads with the Truckstop Load Board. Complete the audit by rating the overall performance Safe or At Risk and affix a digital signature to validate. Common courtesy goes a long way in trucking, between drivers. Check the locking pin if you having a sliding fifth wheel to make sure it's properly locked into place. Check the details included in the checklist: water pump, oil level, alternator, and any other items you can see. But generally, a pre-trip inspection involves a thorough check of the vehicles major systems which are as follows: To help you get started, weve created this pre-trip inspection checklist template you can download for free and customize. 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. Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted. The pin must be in the fully locked position. 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. Checking that all lights are operating. Know how long pre-trip inspections are conducted using time stamps. With the SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) mobile app, you can: Pre-trip Inspection Checklist | Free PDF Download. The first is the entire pre-trip inspection and the second is an abbreviated checklist for the inspection. (Not good!). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the Department of Labor requires a pre-trip inspection by the driver. Release handle and locking pins should be in the fully locked position. Your DOT pre-trip inspection helps you stay in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. Tread depth should have a depth no less than 4/32 of an inch. A School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist is used by school bus drivers to ensure their school bus is fit to transport children. Any damage or issues found during the pre-trip inspection which needs attention, must be addressed before departure. Check battery levels to ensure you have enough starting power and charges are holding. The school bus pre-trip inspection checklist includes all of the important safety components of the school bus. Make sure the door seals are not worn, torn, or dry rotted. It must be logged in your logbook as "on duty not driving.". What Should a Pre-trip Inspection Include? Make sure your trucks reflectors are free of any dirt or debris. The platform is properly mounted and secure, without cracks, bends and breaks. Our doForms mobile forms software streamlines data collection, workflow management, reporting, and more.. Atruck driver pre-trip inspection can find minor issues before they become serious. All components of these systems must be properly mounted and secured without anything being cracked, bent, or broken. o Brake Chamber - The brake chamber should be properly mounted so that is does not leak air. Pre-trip inspections, conducted with a well-made vehicle inspection checklist, can be a great tool for helping fleet managers identify issues quickly and schedule them for maintenance without overburdening technicians or leaving drivers stranded with a roadside breakdown. Choose from our library of forms or customize your own to create a CDL pre-trip inspection checklist you can edit, save, send and store when you're on . Tires under 50 psi should be replaced, as they cant retain enough air pressure. Truck drivers should check the brake adjustment with the slack adjuster for proper alignment. There should be at least of an inch of friction material. You want to check the oil and coolant levels first. The electric lines are secure at both ends. Inspecting the vehicle before driving each day is a Federal requirement and normally takes about 15 minutes. Step 1- Introduction. Announce the gauges have stabilized and the Primary and Secondary PSI. Check the suspension system and brakes on the drive axles, making sure nothing is cracked, bent, or broken. Most likely you will have to do the coupling system, light check and in-cab inspections plus one of the remaining three sections. The voltmeter is charging between 13 and 14 volts. Fluids in the engine, engine hoses and wires, brakes and suspension, mudflaps, trailer registration and inspection paperwork, and license plates. Capture photo evidence to better describe. You are required to check the items listed below that relate to the operation of your vehicle. The airbag has no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leaks, not missing any mounting bolts. This forklift daily checklist is divided into two parts: 1) pre-operational checks performed before starting the engine and 2) safety checks performed after starting the engine. The hub seal (or axle seal) is leaking and is filled to the manufacturers specifications. Thank you for subscribing to the Truckstop newsletter. The brake chamber is properly mounted and does not leak air. Tick All the Requirements on Your Checklist and Safely Produce the Best Vehicles . Find out how our platform gives you the visibility you need to get more done. Each of the 20 questions is based on the official 2023 CDL manual. 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. They should both pop out between 40 and 20 PSI. Make sure the apron is properly mounted and secure. The tread and sidewalls should have no abrasions, bulges or cuts. We use cookies to provide necessary website functionality and improve your experience. You will need to point out the No oil or debris on the brake lining and at least of an inch of friction material. Some states will allow for a "cheat sheet" for the CDL . Please use the form below to contact our customer service or sales team. Make sure transmission is in neutral and then fully depress the clutch. Release both the tractor and trailer brakes. Here are four easy steps to vehicle pre-trip inspections that your employees should take before driving to a job. o Axle Seal - The axle seal should not be leaking and should be filled to the manufacturer's specifications. Our normal business hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). Windshield Wipers and Washers - Demonstrate that the washers work by spraying the windshield. The doors open, close, and latch properly. It will also contain questions about inspecting the coupling devices and the fifth wheel skid plate. Tires are properly filled to the manufacturers specifications. Perform thorough visual checks on vehicle parts and systems. Put the truck in the lowest gear, turn the engine off and immediately turn it back on. Air lines should be secure at both ends with no abrasions, bulges or cuts. We have included two print versions of the pre-trip inspection process from Daniel. There should be at least of an inch of friction material. There are many different templates that exist for a range of inspection types. Also look for cracks, bends and breaks. The truck driver in this photo (hopefully) learned how critical a pre-trip is. 1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE. 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. Make sure the torque arm is secured properly. From inside the engine compartment you will also find the steering system, the front suspension system, and the front brake system. The seat belt should not be ripped or frayed and should adjust and latch properly. Not leaking air. 5 Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: Trailer o Airbag - Again make sure the airbag has no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leakings. Make your school's bus rides safe and comfortable for all students with this free School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist! There should be no abrasions, bulges or cuts. Tractor Parking Brakes Set the tractor brake, release the trailer brake, and tug lightly on the trailer. The air brake test will consist of a leakdown test to make sure your air brakes aren't leaking air and losing pressure. Check all cargo is properly secured with undamaged, unworn load covering and securement devices. Look for cracks, bends, and breaks. Tractor Parking Brakes- Then set the Tractor Brake, release the trailer brake, and then tug lightly on the tractor. The shock absorber should be checked at both ends for leaks. Some articles may contain affiliate links. Wheels and cords Each question is worth two points for a total of 100 possible points. Mirrors should be clean for best visibility. Check the landing gear to make sure it is properly mounted and secure. Find the 9 highest paying truck driver jobs in 2022. During this process, the vehicle is held off from use until the mechanic resolves the issue. Check for oil or debris on the brake lining. There cannot be any missing cross members. About. Your process will look different from mine, but as long as you are consistent, you will be less likely to miss anything. Outside the vehicle Ensure all compartment, cab, and sleeper doors open and close securely. The rim cannot have any unauthorized welds. Check the reflectors and reflective tape to make sure they are properly mounted and secure, not cracked, bent, or broken, and clean and illuminated. By clicking on "Sign Up", you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Tighten any loose wheel fasteners. Download Free Template. This inspection is meant to be a thorough check of the truck, trailer and load. The mirrors are in proper adjustment. Printable Pre Trip Inspection Checklist (PDF). Inspect power steering fluid level. Look over engine oil . The best way to memorize a thorough pre trip is to do it the same way each time. The engine oil pressure gauge should rise to normal operating range. Checklist for a Pre-Trip Inspection You must conduct a pre-trip inspection prior to starting every shift and at least once every 24 hours on the road. Learn your pre-trip procedure and do it when required. The actual airbag is rubber, so it is important to check for abrasions, bulges, cuts and leaks, in addition to any missing mounting bolts. Bundle up the cross members to ensure none are missing. The rims cannot have any unauthorized welds. There should be at least of an inch of friction material. There are no unauthorized holes or welds. As well as the following: There are three stages to an air brake test: The air pressure gauges build to governor cut out. Check to make sure there is no fuel leaking and that the fuel cap is secured and the gasket is not missing. Warning Light and Buzzer Pump down on the brake pedal until the warning light and buzzer comes on. You will also be checking to see if all components are properly mounted and secured. Ensure the steering pump is not leaking. What to expect on the actual NY CDL exam. Make sure that there is the proper clearance space between the tractor mudflap and the trailer landing gear so that they dont hit each other when making a turn. Make sure the shock absorber is not leaking. Your pre-trip truck inspection includes checking for adequate fluid levels and the condition of hoses, belts, and wires for safe operation. There is at least of an inch of friction material. Your trucking companys DVIR might be more thorough. 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. Seat Belt- Properly Mounted and Secure. Check the frame and crossmembers under the trailer to make sure they're not cracked, bent, or broken. When the gauges have stabilized, announce the Primary and Secondary PSI. A. Tractor/Truck number: Bold items are red tag offenses recognized by FMCSR; repair before using vehicle. Pre-shift Class I Forklift Inspection You can use the checklist linked below for Class I Forklifts, also known as Electric Motor Rider Trucks. Pay particular attention to the oil pressure gauge to make sure its working properly. Inspect hoses for "good" condition and leaks. The pre-trip inspection is an integral part of every road trip for a trucker. Check for oil or debris on the lining. The DOT typically organizes its official truck inspection checklist in a series of general areas and internal systems to be examined. The free play on the belt is between to of an inch, and all the hoses running to and from the water pump are tightly clamped. To find out more, read our updated Privacy Policy. 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 brake drum should be properly mounted and secure. In the case of an audit, the DOT may review your pre-trip inspection checklist to ensure they have been filled out properly. Next, I check the back of my truck because its easier to check this before hooking to a trailer. Check for oil or debris on the lining. The brake hose is rubber; it is not cracked and is not leaking air. Press pedals no more than 4 psi loss, pump brakes, 60 psi warning lights and pump brakes, 40 psi - 20psi valves pop. Make sure there are no missing bolts and that everything is secured properly. Use this digitized pre-trip inspection checklist before operating trucks to lower the risk of road incidents and conform with regulations. The pre-trip inspection is a pretty important thing to do. Announce that you are listening for air leaks during that minute. Repairs can be addressed before they become costly, major repairs. This is especially if you are slip seating. 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. Make sure the fifth wheel is properly greased. The reservoir should not leaking and must be filled to the manufacturers specifications. The Lights And Brakes Section will include questions about dashboard indicator lights, inspecting the parking brakes, and doing a leakdown test on the air brakes. If you are equipped with duals, check to see there is proper spacing between the tires and there is nothing stuck. There are five locations where you must check your lights. Demonstrate the wipers and washers are working properly by spraying the windshield. Check the gladhands to make sure the seals are in good condition, no cracks or signs of dry rotting. The cat walk and steps are clear of any loose objects. Steer tires should be inflated to 110-120 psi and have a minimum tread of 4/32in. The following information is a brief summary of Daniel's Complete Pre-Trip Inspection taken from our oustanding free PDF download: You will be checking the engine compartment for any sort of leaks. Before getting your Class-A CDL and finding an entry level truck driving job, most states will require students to pass a DOT (department of transportation) pre-trip inspection test and a general knowledge test. The hoses should be secure at both ends. Make sure none of the leaf springs have shifted. The rear door opens, closes, and latches properly. The seat belt is not ripped or frayed and adjusts and latches properly. If you use a tire thumper, still check with a tire gauge from time to time. This can be checked with an air gauge. Push and hold the brake pedal, allowing the gauges to stabilize. The Pretrip Inspection Self-Test By CDL College is really unique. Physically demonstrate that the doors open, close and latch properly. Make sure the electrical line has no wires exposed. Reflectors tend to fade over time from exposure to the elements. Check the brake hose at both ends to make sure it is not leaking air. The exhaust system shows no signs of leaks. Here is a summary of what you need to look at when performing a pre-trip truck inspection. Check fluid levels including windshield washer fluid, coolant, and oil. The seals are in good condition with no cracks, signs of rotting, or leaking air. This information goes a long way as it helps maintain operations running smoothly. Warning Light and Buzzer Test: Pump down on the Brake pedal until the warning light and buzzer comes on, at or before 60 PSI. The rim does not have any unauthorized welds. Tread depth should have a depth no less than 4/32 of an inch. Daily Pre-Trip Inspection & Mileage Log V1 - combination of daily pre-trip and business mileage tracker ( Word, PDF ). Should I Be A Truck Driver? Phone Fax Inspection location E-Mail Sender / Shipper Fire Truck Inspection Checklist. As a content specialist, he is interested in learning and sharing how technology can improve work processes and workplace safety. Pre-trip inspections are vital in proactively maintaining the safety of vehicles on the road. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation to prove the pre-trip inspection was done properly and retain copies for your records. Make sure there are no holes or missing rivets. Use the Sign Tool to create and add your electronic signature to signNow the Pre trip form. Listen for air leaks while doing this. Make sure doors open and close properly. Door seals should not be worn, torn, or rotten. The rims do not have any unauthorized welds. Rust trails could indicate loose bolts, while powder residue and racks around the bolts could mean the bolts have been over-tightened. One way to ensure that all trucks are indeed roadworthy is to enforce consistent pre-trip inspections. Make sure the brake drum is secured properly. The oil level is filled to the manufacturers specifications. The goal of mandatory inspections is to prevent accidents by catching small problems before they can become dangerous and costly. Not cracked, bent, or broken. Demonstrate both the heater and defroster are working properly. Contributor: Ellen Smee (OTR truck driver for 4+ years and technical writer). With the brakes released and pulled by hand, the push rod does not move more than one inch. Tires are properly filled to the manufacturers specifications. When Im done for the day, and every time I swap trailers, I do a post-trip inspection. The spring mount should be secure at both ends. Fully charged, Three Red Reflective Triangles- My three red reflective triangles are GIVE LOCATION, Spare Electrical Fuses- My spare electrical fuses are GIVE LOCATION, Volmeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Water Temperature Gauge, and Air Pressure Gauge all show proper operation, City horn and air horn functioning properly. 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. Tire thumpers arent very accurate. If you have questions, ask your safety team at your company. Please be courteous and write up any problems or issues found, so the next driver of the vehicle doesnt have to deal with it. Sep 9, 2018 - Explore Tonja McWhorter's board "pretrip" on Pinterest. For each part you will be inspecting there will also be a list of items you will be checking for. They should not be leaking, dragging or tangled. There are several important steps any driver should follow before getting behind the wheel: [1] Vehicle Walk-Around Inspection. 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. Make sure to mention the brake chamber is not leaking air. Not everyone does, but I do. Its easy to miss things that can put drivers and others at risk. When checking the engine compartment, you always want to make sure the following components are properly mounted and secured. A pre-trip inspection is a federally mandated inspection of a vehicle done daily within a 24-hour driving period to ensure its roadworthiness. Finally, I jump in my truck and double check my paperwork and destination. This can be checked with an air gauge. Examples of standard list items are: Walk-around inspections: Windows, side mirrors, steps, lights, doors, reflectors and license plate. Make sure the drag link is properly mounted and secure, and not cracked, bent or broken. Also called the Vehicle Inspection Test, the pre-trip is one of the tests that trucking students fail the most. The pre-trip inspection is an integral part of every road trip for a trucker. Now walk around the entire truck and trailer and point out the lights. There is no obligation whatsoever. Ensure your trucks air lines arent damaged, dont leak, and are properly sealed. The release arm is in the fully locked position. Demonstrate the wipers and washers are working properly by spraying the windshield. Its probably the most disliked and most often overlooked part of the job of the professional truck driver in the trucking industry. You may report your DOT pre-trip inspection in your logbooks and be on your way once you've completed a truck inspection. Also make sure there is no gap in between the fifth wheel and the trailer apron once the tractor and trailer are coupled. 80% passing score. Applied Pressure Test: Build the air pressure to governor cut out. Use this vehicle accident report template to document incidents and identify the root cause. Door seals are not worn, torn, or dry rotten. The Suspension And Steering Section will include questions about the tractor protection valve, inspecting the steering box, and inspecting many suspension system parts. Unlimited reports and storage for premium accounts. The spring hanger should be properly mounted and secure. 1. Give the function of the light and the location. 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.