Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist for Trucking Fleets + How to Simplify the Process

A checklist with a picture of a semi truck in the background

For CDL Class A truck drivers, ensuring that their semi-truck is in top condition before each trip is not just a regulatory requirement but a crucial step for safety and efficiency. A thorough pre-trip inspection can help prevent breakdowns, avoid accidents, and ensure compliance with DOT regulations.

We’ve prepared a detailed pre-trip inspection checklist for your semi-truck drivers and explained why each step is important:

1. General overview

Walk around the truck: Begin with a complete walk-around to observe any visible issues such as leaks, body damage, or tire problems. This step gives you a general sense of the vehicle's condition.

2. Engine compartment

Check fluids: Inspect oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels. Ensure there are no leaks.
Belts and hoses: Examine for cracks, fraying, or wear and tear.
Battery: Check connections for corrosion and make sure the battery is secure.

Importance: Ensuring proper fluid levels and intact components prevents engine overheating, and mechanical failures, and ensures the semi truck runs smoothly.

3. Brakes

Brake lines and hoses: Look for wear, leaks, and make sure they are properly connected.
Brake pads and discs: Check for thickness, wear, and damage.
Air brake system (if applicable): Test for proper air pressure and listen for air leaks.

Importance: Faulty brakes can lead to catastrophic accidents. Ensuring the braking system is in good working order is critical for your safety and that of others on the road.

4. Tires and wheels

Tire pressure: Use a gauge to check that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Tread depth: Inspect for even wear and sufficient tread depth (minimum 4/32 inch for steer tires and 2/32 inch for other tires).
Lug nuts: Ensure all lug nuts are present and tightly secured.
Rims: Check for cracks, dents, or rust.

Importance: Properly maintained tires and wheels are essential for vehicle control, fuel efficiency, and preventing blowouts.

5. Lights and reflectors

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals: Test all lights to confirm they are operational and not obscured.
Reflectors and reflective tape: Ensure they are clean and visible.

Importance: Functioning lights and reflectors are critical for visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and are a legal requirement.

6. Coupling devices

Fifth wheel: Check for secure mounting and make sure it is properly lubricated.
Kingpin: Inspect for wear or damage.
Locking jaws: Confirm they lock around the kingpin.

Importance: Properly functioning coupling devices are vital for safely towing trailers and preventing detachments.

7. Cargo area

Securement: Verify that all cargo is properly secured and distributed according to weight regulations.
Doors and latches: Ensure they close and latch securely.

Importance: Properly secured cargo prevents shifting that can cause accidents and ensures compliance with weight regulations.

8. In-Cab inspection

Mirrors: Adjust for optimal visibility and check for damage.
Gauges: Verify that all gauges (oil pressure, temperature, air pressure, etc.) are working correctly.
Emergency equipment: Make sure that fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, and spare fuses are present and in good condition.
Horn: Test for functionality.

Importance: A well-prepared cab enhances your ability to monitor the vehicle’s condition and respond to emergencies.

Make Pre-Trip Inspections Simple with Get Your ELD

For trucking company owners and fleet managers looking to simplify the pre-trip inspection process, Get Your ELD offers the best solutions. Our electronic logging devices (ELDs) come with a pre-trip inspection feature that allows drivers to upload photos of completed inspections. This feature enables fleet owners to easily verify the condition of each semi truck before it hits the road.

With our ELD solutions, you can:

Organize documentation: Easily document inspections with photos.
Simplify the verification process: Fleet owners can verify inspections remotely.
Improve compliance: Confirm all inspections are completed and logged properly.

Ensure your fleet's safety and compliance with Get Your ELD – making pre-trip inspections easier and more efficient than ever. Get in touch with us today to find the perfect ELD solution for your needs!