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The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles before they hit the road. This checklist serves as a systematic guide for drivers to evaluate the condition of their vehicles, focusing on key components such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels. By methodically assessing these elements, drivers can identify potential issues that may compromise safety. The form typically includes sections for both exterior and interior inspections, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of documenting any findings, which can serve as a record for maintenance and compliance purposes. Regular use of this checklist not only enhances vehicle performance but also contributes to the overall safety of drivers and passengers alike.
Document Data
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is designed to ensure that commercial vehicles are safe and roadworthy before they begin their journey. |
| Components | This checklist typically includes items such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels that need to be inspected. |
| Legal Requirement | In many states, including California, federal law mandates that drivers conduct a pre-trip inspection to comply with safety regulations. |
| Documentation | Drivers are often required to document the results of their inspections, which may be reviewed during roadside checks or audits. |
| Frequency | The pre-trip inspection should be performed every time a commercial vehicle is used, ensuring ongoing compliance and safety. |
How to Write Pre Trip Inspection Checklist
When preparing for a trip, it’s essential to ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. This process begins with filling out the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form. Following these steps will help you complete the form accurately, ensuring that you cover all necessary aspects of your vehicle’s readiness for the journey ahead.
- Start by entering the date of the inspection at the top of the form.
- Write down the vehicle identification number (VIN) for easy reference.
- List the make and model of the vehicle you are inspecting.
- Check each component of the vehicle as outlined in the checklist. This may include lights, brakes, tires, and fluid levels.
- For each item inspected, mark whether it is in good condition or requires attention.
- If any issues are found, provide a brief description of the problem next to the corresponding item.
- Once all items have been checked, review the form for completeness and accuracy.
- Sign and date the form to confirm that the inspection has been completed.
After filling out the checklist, keep a copy for your records and ensure that any noted issues are addressed before hitting the road. A thorough inspection can prevent unexpected problems and enhance safety during your trip.
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
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Accessory Drive |
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Belts |
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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
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Engine Coolant |
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Reservoir |
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Windsheild |
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Washer Fluid |
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Reservoir |
Engine Air Duct |
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Work |
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Power Steering |
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Reservoir |
Radiator Brace |
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Steering Gear |
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Box |
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Pitman Arm |
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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 |
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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 |
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o |
Not leaking |
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SLACK ADJUSTER |
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Slack Adjuster |
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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 |
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Hub Oil |
Lug Nut |
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Reservior |
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Outer Hub |
Valve Cap |
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Oil Seal |
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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 & |
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Reflectors |
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Electrical Line |
Exhaust |
Glad Hand |
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Service & |
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Emergency |
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Airlines |
Drive Shaft |
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Battery Box & |
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Batteries |
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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 |
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Chamber |
Control Arm |
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Spring Brake |
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Chamber |
Air Bag |
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Control Arm |
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Mount |
Control Arm |
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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 |
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Shock Absorber |
Mounting |
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Bolts |
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Locking |
Spring |
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Pins |
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Control Arm |
Air Bag |
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Mount |
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Tire |
Control Arm |
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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 |
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Reflectors |
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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 |
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o Check that the locking jaws are fully |
|
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closed around the shank of the king pin |
10 |
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