Most truckers lament the pre-trip inspection but completing your daily inspection could mean saving downtime from a mechanical failure or a DOT inspection, or preventing accidents caused by equipment failure.
Before starting each day, drivers are required to complete a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) which indicates the driver has made an assessment of the vehicle’s suitability for the road. By now, most drivers complete the inspection forms using their electronic logs, however, in the event you forget to complete the form you will soon be prompted to stop and complete a paper form. Part of the DOT inspection requires that drivers have adequate paper copies on hand, so be sure to stay stocked up.
Drivers develop a routine as they move through their inspection which allows them to take notice when something is problematic. I generally start under the hood and work around from the driver’s side to the back, into the trailer if there isn’t a seal, then down the passenger side. More than once I have found something amiss, like a nail in a tire, an empty trailer because of a paper mix-up, or a light out – all problems that were easily fixed on the yard but could have caused greater delay down the road.
The DOT lays out a comprehensive list of items to observe and assess during the inspection but today we will take a look at a high-level overview of the pre-trip inspection.
Under the Hood
● With the hood up you will check all fluid levels to ensure they are at suitable levels. If needed, top-up any fluids, including windshield washer fluid. Look at the ground where the truck has been parked to observe any recent leaks that may have come from your engine.
● Look at all hoses, wiring, and lines to monitor their conditions. You will be looking for any cracks or breaks, even excessive rubbing that may cause problems.
● Grasp your steering linage and give it a shake to assess loose connections, missing or worn parts, and determine if there is any excessive play.
● Assess your brakes, shocks, and springs. Look for any damage or wear, any welds that are separating, and excessive play in your brakes.
● It’s also easier to check your front tires with the hood up so check for wear and consistent pressure. Also, check on your lug nuts.
Tractor
● Lighting – check your high and low beams, all indicator lights, and all other lighting to ensure each is functioning properly.
● Ensure your state, fuel, registration, and any other sticker is attached and current, including your license plates.
● Ensure all your steps and cat-walk are secure and safe for use. Loose parts cause extreme danger to driver safety, as well as other drivers while on the roads.
● Be sure that your mirrors are secure and functioning without damage, and that your windshield is in good condition without cracks or visual impairment.
● Check that your fuel tanks and caps are securely in place and there are no leaks.
● As under the hood, assess all hoses, wiring, and lines, but also your driveshaft, all u-joints, and frame from all angles of your truck’s undercarriage. Road debris, weather, and natural wear cause decay over time so be aware of the condition of the components that may be hidden by covers and shields.
● Check all drive tires for wear, pressure and check your lug nuts. While you’re checking your tires, ensure mudflaps are securely fastened.
● Check on your fifth wheel plate to make sure it has adequate play and is well greased or uses a lube plate that is in good condition. If connected to a trailer, ensure the coupling mechanism is securely fastened.
Trailer
The particulars of the trailer inspection vary somewhat based on the type of trailer, but for the sake of the most common, the dry van trailer is summarized as follows:
● Your landing gear needs to be easily raised and lowered with the footings securely attached. The landing plates should have play allowing them to pivot according to the ground they are placed on and the
landing gear handle should be secured when not in use.
● Ensure that there is no damage to the walls on the trailer that would cause the integrity of the trailer to become compromised.
● Assess undercarriage for damage, excessive wear, and split welds.
● Observe brake chambers for damage and brake shoes for wear.
● Ensure tandem pins are securely in place and that all mechanisms – manual or otherwise – are functioning and secure.
● Ensure that all air lines are sealed from the connecting gladhands to the rear of the trailer. Lines must not drag on the ground.
● As with the tractor, ensure all lighting is functional including marker lights, running lights and license plate lights. While checking your license plate light, ensure your plate is registered to the trailer number and that any stickers are current.
● Check that your trailer doors are functioning properly, that the securing mechanisms are in good working order, and that the doors are sealed if required.
● If possible, check to ensure that the load is secured prior to departing.
The pre-trip inspection is comprehensive and there is plenty of debate about the anticipated duration. Many companies allow a minimum of 15 minutes, while safety proponents advocate for a 45–60-minute inspection. Regardless of your perspective, be sure to complete your pre-trip inspection on a daily basis to help stay safe on the road and keep others safe as well. As you learn more about your truck and what is familiar to you, you will easily notice when something is out of place and requires attention.
