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Before hitting the road, drivers must ensure that their vehicles are safe and ready for travel. A Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form serves as a crucial tool in this process. It guides drivers through a systematic examination of their vehicle, covering essential components such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels. By checking these areas, drivers can identify potential issues that could lead to accidents or breakdowns. The form also emphasizes the importance of safety equipment, including reflective triangles and fire extinguishers. Completing this checklist not only promotes safety but also helps maintain the vehicle’s longevity. Ultimately, a thorough pre-trip inspection protects both the driver and others on the road, making it a vital step in any journey.
Common mistakes
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Incomplete Information: Failing to fill out all required fields can lead to delays and confusion. Ensure every section is completed before submission.
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Missing Signatures: Neglecting to sign the form can result in it being considered invalid. Always check for necessary signatures at the end of the checklist.
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Ignoring Details: Overlooking minor issues during the inspection can lead to major problems later. Pay attention to every detail, no matter how small.
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Using Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong date can create confusion regarding the inspection timeline. Double-check the date before finalizing the form.
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Not Reporting Defects: Failing to note any defects or issues discovered during the inspection can compromise safety. Always document any concerns thoroughly.
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Rushing the Process: Completing the checklist too quickly can lead to mistakes. Take your time to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.
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Overlooking Required Attachments: Not including necessary supporting documents can hinder the review process. Check that all attachments are included before submission.
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Using Unclear Language: Writing vague descriptions can lead to misunderstandings. Use clear and concise language when noting any issues.
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Failure to Review: Not reviewing the completed checklist can result in overlooked errors. Always take a moment to review the form before it is submitted.
Find Common Documents
Writing Progress Notes - Detail any sudden changes in behavior or health status.
When engaging in the sale or purchase of a vehicle in California, it's crucial to utilize the appropriate documentation to avoid any misunderstandings. The California Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale form serves as a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle from one party to another. This form is essential for both buyers and sellers, as it provides proof of the transaction and outlines key details such as the vehicle's identification number, sale price, and the parties involved. For easy access to the necessary paperwork, visit California Templates and consider filling out the form to ensure a smooth transfer process.
Florida 4 Point Inspection Form - Agents must review the form for compliance before submitting applications.
Release of Lien Texas Property - Taking the time to fill out this form can prevent future legal issues.
Key takeaways
Filling out and using the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is essential for ensuring safety and compliance. Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Thoroughness is Crucial: Every section of the checklist should be completed in detail. This includes checking the vehicle's lights, brakes, tires, and fluid levels.
- Document Everything: Accurate documentation is important. Record any issues you find, as this information can be vital for maintenance and legal purposes.
- Regular Use is Necessary: Make the checklist a routine part of your pre-trip process. Consistent inspections help catch potential problems before they become serious.
- Signature Requirement: Ensure that the checklist is signed by the driver. This confirms that the inspection was completed and acknowledges responsibility.
- Training is Important: Ensure all drivers are trained on how to properly fill out the checklist. Understanding its importance will promote a culture of safety.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance safety and maintain compliance on the road.
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 |
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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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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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Understanding Pre Trip Inspection Checklist
What is the purpose of the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe and roadworthy before they begin their journey. This checklist helps drivers identify any potential issues with the vehicle, such as mechanical problems or safety equipment malfunctions. By completing this checklist, drivers can prevent accidents and breakdowns, ensuring their safety and that of others on the road.
Who is required to complete the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
All commercial drivers operating vehicles that fall under federal regulations are required to complete the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. This includes truck drivers, bus drivers, and anyone else who operates a commercial vehicle. Completing the checklist is not only a best practice for safety but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.
What items are typically included in the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
The checklist generally includes a variety of items that need to be inspected before departure. Common categories include:
- Exterior Inspection: Tires, lights, and mirrors.
- Engine Compartment: Oil levels, coolant levels, and belts.
- Brakes: Functionality and fluid levels.
- Interior Checks: Seat belts, emergency equipment, and dashboard indicators.
Each item on the checklist is crucial for ensuring that the vehicle operates safely and efficiently.
How often should the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist be completed?
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist should be completed every time a driver prepares to operate a vehicle. This means that before each trip, regardless of the distance or duration, the checklist should be thoroughly reviewed and completed. Consistency in this practice helps maintain vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
What should a driver do if they find an issue during the inspection?
If a driver discovers any issues during the Pre Trip Inspection, they should take immediate action. Depending on the severity of the problem, this may involve:
- Documenting the issue on the checklist.
- Reporting the problem to a supervisor or maintenance team.
- Not operating the vehicle until the issue has been resolved.
Addressing issues promptly is essential for ensuring safety on the road and complying with legal requirements.
How to Use Pre Trip Inspection Checklist
Completing the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is an essential step for ensuring safety and compliance before hitting the road. This checklist helps drivers systematically evaluate their vehicles, promoting safety for both the driver and others on the road. Follow these steps to fill out the form accurately and efficiently.
- Begin by clearly writing your name and the date at the top of the form.
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and ensure it matches the vehicle you are inspecting.
- Review the checklist sections, which typically include categories such as exterior inspection, interior inspection, and under-the-hood checks.
- For the exterior inspection, examine the tires for proper inflation and tread depth. Note any issues.
- Inspect the lights and signals, ensuring they are functioning correctly. Record any malfunctions.
- Check the windshield and mirrors for cracks or obstructions, and document your findings.
- Move to the interior inspection. Ensure seat belts are operational and that the horn works.
- Examine the brakes, ensuring they respond appropriately. If any concerns arise, make a note.
- Check the fluid levels under the hood, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Record the levels.
- After completing all inspections, review your notes and ensure all sections are filled out completely.
- Sign and date the form at the bottom to confirm that the inspection was completed.