Why a pre-trip truck inspection checklist matters

Here’s a sobering statistic: In 2020, 4,014 people in the U.S. died in a trucking accident.

While proper truck maintenance is vital for a healthy bottom line, it’s also crucial for keeping truck drivers and passenger vehicle occupants safe while on the road. One way to ensure safety remains a top priority across the company chain of command is by instituting a mandatory pre-trip truck inspection checklist. 

Why do you need to have a pre-trip inspection?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all truck drivers to perform a pre-trip inspection. The DOT audits trucking companies, and your company may be fined if pre-trip checklists aren’t filled out properly. It can also hurt your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. 

But beyond the legal requirements, a pre-trip inspection is a matter of safety. A thorough, 30-minute inspection can unearth problems that could cause severe - or even fatal - injuries if not taken addressed immediately.

Pre-trip truck checklist: what to include

Below are the important inspection tasks that should be checked off before a trucker hits the road. 

The engine

When checking the engine, examine everything under the hood. Confirm all fluids are at appropriate levels and that no leaks are present. Fluids to check include the power steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer, coolant, and oil. 

Other parts of the engine to inspect: 

• Water pump
• Alternator
• Air compressor
• Radiator
• Steering gearbox
• Steering linkage
• Belts
• Hoses 
• Wiring
• Fuel tank
• Battery

The brakes

A full commercial truck requires 20 to 40% more distance to stop than a car, and that’s with good brakes. With unmaintained brakes, that distance increases. 

To ensure your trucks’ breaks are in peak condition, check:

• Air brakes
• Parking brake
• Hydraulic brakes
• Brake alignment
• Brake lining thickness
• All brake lines

The lights

Before hitting the road, drivers must inspect all interior and exterior lights for damage and cleanliness. Remove debris and wash any lights that don’t look as bright as they should. Replace any bulbs that have burnt out. 

Cab compartment

The driver must examine the cab space to ensure they can drive comfortably and safely. There should be enough room to reach the brakes and controls without having to stretch or scrunch. 

Drivers should also check: 

• The condition of the seatbelt
• The quality of the windshield wipers
• The mirrors
• The gauges

The emergency kit, which should be in the cab at all times, must include: 

• A working fire extinguisher
• Safety triangles
• Electrical fuses
• Red warning flags

Tires

When inspecting the tires, look for any cuts or embedded debris. Also, tighten all lug nuts.

Tire treads need to be deep to grip wet or snowy roads securely. Tires with low air pressure may cause a tire blowout. They can also lead to more frequent refueling. 

The trailer 

Trailers are important to inspect because of their large size and heavy loads, which can vary depending on the type of freight you’re transporting. The three areas to inspect are the load, the trailer, and the coupling system. 

The load

Confirm all freight is properly loaded into the trailer and is accurate to what’s been assigned.

Coupling system

Truckers must ensure the kingpin and fifth wheel locking pin are working properly and securely. If the kingpin and fifth wheel fail, your trailer may detach. 

Other connection parts to look at include:

• Skid plate
• Air line
• Electrical connections
• Locking jaws
• Mounting bolt
• Release arm
• Apron
• Glad hands
• Gap

Enhance proper truck driving with Driver Training Solutions' simulators

Requiring a pre-trip truck inspection checklist is a great start to keeping drivers safe, but what about when they’re on the road? How can you prepare drivers for any problems that may arise on the job?

A truck driving simulator that mimics the feel of driving a commercial truck, like TranSim, can help train both new and experienced drivers. You can create a variety of simulations to represent real-life scenarios that drivers may encounter.

Because while planning and checklists can help prevent accidents, sometimes one-off emergencies can occur. Your drivers will need to be prepared in case they do - and that preparation should start long before they get behind the wheel.