Follow this pre-trip truck inspection check list

Truck drivers must follow some pre-road trip safety protocols to ensure the trip runs as safely and smoothly as possible. Although this is not the most exciting part of the job for truck drivers, it’s necessary to make our roads safe and to keep companies operating properly. It’s easier to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection consistently if you have a checklist to follow.

That’s why we’ve compiled a pre-trip inspection checklist for most truck driving trips. While going through this checklist, be sure that any potential issues that arise are addressed before departure.

1. Submit Daily Vehicle Inspection Report

Under federal law, each driver must submit a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for each power unit he or she operates. These reports are submitted either paper or electronic, but not every trucking company enforces this policy. Check with your trucking company to plan how often you must submit a DVIR.

At a minimum, each DVIR must include any defects found around service brakes, parking brakes, steering system, lights and reflectors, wheels, rims, horns, windshield wipers, rearview mirrors and more. To learn more about DVIRs and what needs to be included, visit ECFR.

2. Inspect under the hood of the truck

Be sure to pull up the hood of your truck to inspect all fluid levels like coolant, power steering fluid, oil and windshield washer fluid. Cap off fluids that need a refill and seal the caps tightly to ensure they don’t budge on the road.

Also, ensure that the alternator, water pump, hoses, wiring and steering pump are working. From there, make your way over to the engine blog to double-check that no leaks or fluids are running down the side of the engine. To top it all off, give your brakes, tires, and suspension a final look before heading out on the road.

3. Inspect the back of the truck

After you’re finished with the front of the truck, make your way to the back to examine the drives and tandems. They should be inflated to 100-110 psi and have a minimum tread of 2/32. Tires under 50 psi are unfit for the road and should be replaced because they can’t retain enough air pressure to operate efficiently on the road. Don’t forget to replace any tires with flat spots from dragging tandems.

To learn more about our premier asphalt truck driving services, visit our website or call (801) 364-6565. We look forward to working with you.