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The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form serves as a critical tool for ensuring the safety and operational readiness of vehicles prior to their use. This comprehensive checklist encompasses various essential components, including the evaluation of the vehicle’s exterior and interior, assessment of fluid levels, and verification of essential equipment functionality. Each section prompts the inspector to examine crucial elements such as tire pressure, brake systems, lights, and mirrors, thereby promoting a thorough understanding of the vehicle's condition. Additionally, the checklist often includes spaces for documenting findings and any necessary repairs, which fosters accountability and encourages timely maintenance. By adhering to this checklist, drivers and operators can mitigate risks associated with vehicle malfunctions, thereby enhancing safety for themselves and others on the road. Ultimately, the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is not merely a formality; it embodies a proactive approach to vehicle management that underscores the importance of diligence in transportation safety practices.
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Steps to Using Pre Trip Inspection Checklist
Completing the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is an essential step before hitting the road. This process ensures that your vehicle is safe and ready for travel, helping to prevent accidents and breakdowns. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form accurately and efficiently.
- Begin by gathering your materials. Ensure you have a pen and the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form readily available.
- At the top of the form, write the date of the inspection. This helps keep track of when the inspection was completed.
- Next, enter your vehicle's identification details, including the make, model, and license plate number.
- Move on to the first section of the checklist. Here, you will assess the exterior of the vehicle. Check for any visible damages, tire conditions, and fluid leaks.
- As you inspect each item, mark the corresponding box on the checklist to indicate whether it is in good condition or requires attention.
- Proceed to the interior inspection section. Look at the dashboard indicators, seatbelts, and mirrors. Again, mark the checklist as you go.
- Don’t forget to check the emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Ensure they are present and in good condition.
- After completing all sections, review your entries for accuracy. This ensures you haven’t missed anything important.
- Finally, sign and date the form at the bottom. This confirms that you have completed the inspection and that the information provided is accurate.
Key takeaways
When preparing for a trip, especially in a vehicle, a Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is essential. This checklist helps ensure safety and compliance. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Thoroughness is Key: Every item on the checklist should be inspected carefully. Skipping steps can lead to serious issues on the road.
- Documentation Matters: Keep a copy of the completed checklist. This serves as proof that you conducted the inspection and can be useful in case of any disputes.
- Know the Checklist: Familiarize yourself with each item on the checklist before your trip. Understanding what to look for can make the process smoother.
- Regular Updates: Ensure the checklist is up to date with current regulations and safety standards. This may change over time, so stay informed.
- Involve Others: If you’re traveling with a team, encourage everyone to participate in the inspection. This promotes accountability and thoroughness.
- Check for Hazards: Look for any visible signs of damage or wear. Addressing potential hazards before hitting the road can prevent accidents.
- Follow a Systematic Approach: Inspect items in a consistent order. This helps ensure that nothing is overlooked during the inspection.
- Be Mindful of Weather Conditions: Weather can impact vehicle performance. Make sure to check items that may be affected by rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
- Practice Safety First: If something seems off during the inspection, don’t ignore it. Take the necessary steps to resolve any issues before proceeding.
By following these key takeaways, you can enhance your safety and preparedness on the road. A thorough Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is not just a formality; it’s a critical part of responsible vehicle operation.
Misconceptions
Understanding the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is essential for ensuring vehicle safety and compliance. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are seven common misconceptions:
-
The checklist is optional.
Many believe that completing the checklist is not mandatory. In reality, it is a crucial requirement for commercial drivers to ensure vehicle safety before hitting the road.
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Only the driver needs to complete the checklist.
Some think that only the driver is responsible for the inspection. However, team members or maintenance personnel may also play a role in ensuring the vehicle is in good condition.
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All vehicles require the same checklist.
It is a misconception that one standard checklist applies to all vehicles. Different types of vehicles may have specific requirements that need to be addressed.
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It is sufficient to perform the inspection once a week.
Many assume that weekly inspections are enough. In fact, a pre-trip inspection should be conducted before each trip to identify any potential issues.
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Digital checklists are not as valid as paper ones.
Some people believe that digital checklists lack legitimacy. However, electronic forms are just as valid as paper forms, provided they meet regulatory standards.
-
Only visible issues need to be reported.
There is a misconception that only visible problems should be noted. Drivers should report any concerns, even if they are not immediately apparent, to ensure thorough safety checks.
-
Completing the checklist guarantees vehicle safety.
Some drivers think that simply filling out the checklist ensures their vehicle is safe. While it is a critical step, ongoing maintenance and vigilance are also necessary for overall safety.
Preview - Pre Trip Inspection Checklist Form
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 |
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Windsheild |
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Washer Fluid |
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Reservoir |
Engine Air Duct |
|
Work |
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Power Steering |
|
Reservoir |
Radiator Brace |
|
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Steering Gear |
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Box |
|
Pitman Arm |
|
Reference Items |
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR |
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE CON’T |
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o Mounted properly |
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o Hoses attached and not leaking |
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o Check for level and condition |
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AIR COMPRESSOR |
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o Mounted Securely |
Power Steering |
|
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o No missing bolts or parts |
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Reservoir |
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o No air leaks at lines |
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o Check if gear or belt driven |
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o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play |
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o Belts not cracked or frayed |
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STEERING GEAR BOX |
Steering Gear |
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Box |
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o Mounted properly |
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o No missing parts, nuts or bolts |
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o Lines and hoses not leaking or |
Pitman Arm |
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broken |
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STEERING LINKAGE |
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o Pitman arm, Drag link, Steering |
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knuckle, Tie rods and tie rod ends |
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o Not cracked, bent or broken |
Spring Mount |
Drag Link |
Leaf Spring |
o Castle nuts and cotter pins |
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o Not missing and in place |
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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 |
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||
o Mounted securely |
Service Brake |
|
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o |
Not leaking |
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o |
Not cracked or frayed |
Chamber |
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Tire |
||
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CHAMBER |
Push Rod |
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o Mounted securely |
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o Not dented or damaged |
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Wheel |
|
o |
Not leaking |
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SLACK ADJUSTER |
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Slack Adjuster |
|
o |
No more than 1 inch of free play at |
Castle Nut |
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the push rod with the brakes released. |
Cotter Pin |
Adjustment Nut |
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o |
Not bent, broken, loose, or missing |
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||
parts |
Steering |
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Knuckle |
Brake Drum |
DRUMS |
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||
o |
Not cracked, broken or dented |
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o |
No oil leaking from inner oil seal, |
Snap Ring |
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free of debris |
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Brake Lining |
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LININGS |
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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 |
||
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||
Outer Hub |
Valve Cap |
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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 |
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Electrical Line |
Exhaust |
Glad Hand |
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Service & |
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Emergency |
|
Airlines |
Drive Shaft |
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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 |
|
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Spring Brake |
|
Chamber |
Air Bag |
|
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|
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 |
|
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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 |
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Document Specs
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe and roadworthy before departure. |
| Legal Requirement | Federal law requires commercial drivers to perform a pre-trip inspection as part of their duties. |
| State Regulations | Each state may have specific regulations governing pre-trip inspections, which should be reviewed by drivers. |
| Inspection Areas | The checklist covers critical areas such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels. |
| Documentation | Drivers must document their findings on the checklist to maintain compliance and accountability. |
| Consequences of Non-Compliance | Failure to complete the pre-trip inspection can result in penalties, including fines and vehicle out-of-service orders. |
| Frequency | The checklist should be completed before each trip to ensure ongoing vehicle safety. |
| Training | Drivers should receive training on how to properly conduct a pre-trip inspection using the checklist. |
| Record Keeping | It is important to keep the completed checklists for a specified period as required by law. |
| Liability | Completing the checklist can help mitigate liability in the event of an accident involving the vehicle. |