Conducting a pre/post trip inspection is not only highly recommended but also required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A proper inspection of your vehicle before and after a shift will help identify any potential damages or maintenance that needs to be done. This can save you from vehicle malfunction related accidents and costly repairs.
We teach drivers all over the country how to properly complete these inspections and complete the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). Pre/Post Trip Inspections are crucial to your vehicle maintenance programs and overall health of your fleet.
When training drivers in how to properly conduct the inspection we teach them to walk their vehicle counterclockwise, this way they can ensure everything is looked at on the vehicle on both sides. Find the steps and a graphic for the counterclockwise method below!
Avoid potential vehicle malfunctions with a Pre/Post Trip Inspection!
Pre/Post Trip Inspection Training online for your drivers will teach them how to properly implement the counterclockwise method and fill out the DVIR. Use code FRCS10 for $10 off the purchase of the course!
STATION 1 & 2 - INSPECT INSIDE/FRONT OF CAB & ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Steering mechanism for excessive movement
Horn
Defroster
Dash warning lights and signal lamp functions
Windshield wipers and washer fluid
Windshield (cracks or rock chips)
Emergency Equipment (fire extinguisher, triangles, spare fuses)
Parking brake and service brakes
Lights and signals (lights must been clean and operating)
Frame and body components
Master cylinder for damage or leaks
Belts for wear or damage
Fluid levels in the engine compartment
Battery for exposed wires, missing insulation, or improper mounting
STATION 3 & 11 - INSPECT SIDES OF TRUCK
Tires. Ensure they are not damaged, cut, or bulging
Tire valve stem and tire inflation
Wheels/rims for any bend, cracks, or missing & loose fasteners
Hubs for any leaks or fluid level - DO NOT OPEN HUB*
Hydraulic brake lines for any kinks or other damage
Suspension for any broken, cracked, looseness or missing components
Insure the fuel cap securement and seal
Fuel tank leaks
Body and frame for any damaged, loose, or missing components
Frame and body components
Lamps & reflex reflectors - side marker, clearance operation
STATION 4 & 10 - INSPECT REAR OF TRUCK
Lamp function (turn/4 way signals, clearance, brake, reverse, identification, & license plate)
Make sure any cargo in the bed is secured for travel
Frame and body components
Exhaust system for leaks or charring
Hitch receiver mounting for any cracks, damage, or warped components
Safety chain connection for wear, deformity, or cracked welds
The 4 or 7 pin plug for any damage or debris that could interfere with the trailer receiving power
STATION 5 & 9 - INSPECT FRONT OF TRAILER
Hitch(ball, eye, gooseneck, etc.) for any damage or cracked welds
Tongue frame for any cracks or damage
Safety chains for any damaged, sheered, twisted, or elongated links
Power (pig tail) cable for any exposed wires, cuts or damage
Breakaway Brake
Battery box securement and element protection
Test the battery for charge (test button)
Breakaway brake pin. Remove from the housing and inspect for any damage.
Breakaway brake pin housing box. Ensure it is mounted securely and capable of having the pin removed and reinserted.
Breakaway brake cable for connection and broken wires
Spare tire mounting and securement
Landing gearing ensure it is raised and ready for transport
Frame for any cracks, holes, missing or loose components
STATION 6 & 8 - INSPECT TRAILER SIDES
Frame of the trailer for any damage
Cross members for any damage
Tires and ensure they are not damaged, cut, or bulging
Tire valve stem and tire inflation
Wheels/rims for any bent, cracked, or missing & loose fasteners
Hubs for any leaks or fluid level*
Lamps & Reflex Reflectors - side marker, clearance operation
Conspicuity Treatment
Red and white reflective tape 50% side coverage
Rear facing frame treatment 12 inch x 12 inch white upper body marking
Anchor points for any damage. Ensure there is no broken or cracked side rails, supports, or welds
Ensure railing anchor points are not bent, warped, or distorted
Trailer decking for any holes or broken components
Trailer decking for any loose cargo or debris that could be lost on the roadway
Suspension systems for broken or missing components
STATION 7 - INSPECT REAR OF TRAILER
Lamp function - turn/4 way signals, clearance, brake, reverse, identification & license plate
Conspicuity Treatment
Red and white reflective tape bumper bar & rear impact guard
Rear facing white upper body marking
Inspect any cross members for broken components or cracks
Tail board or loading ramps are up and secure
Rear impact guards securement and welds
Mud flaps if applicable
* Wheel Hub Assemblies - DO NOT OPEN the hub assembly without a maintenance technician present. Exposing contaminants to the bearing hub assembly will greatly affect the bearing and could result in serious injury or death.
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Make sure to check also out our online DOT Training platform, DOT University! We are currently offering Reasonable Suspicion for Supervisors, Cargo Securement, Defensive Driving, and Pre/Post Trip Inspection. In the coming months, we plan on releasing DOT Compliance Essentials and Periodic Annual Inspection Qualification Training (Appendix A).
Stay off the radar!!