A truck driver’s pre-trip inspection is critical to various things, including roadway and driver safety. 
That’s why all truck drivers (also known as commercial vehicle drivers) should perform some basic steps in a pre-trip, and post-trip, inspection to ensure several things.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provided a 7-point checklist to help truck drivers perform a thorough pre-trip inspection.
- Vehicle overview: Drivers must be able to check the general condition of their truck.
- Engine compartment: Drivers should check all fluid levels, especially coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid. Additionally, drivers should check batteries, hoses, belts, electrical connections and wires during this part of the inspection.
- In the cab: A quick check that all gauges and controls are in good operating order, is recommended.
- Lights: An all-around check of the commercial motor vehicle’s lights including low beams, high beams and four-way flashers is best not only for safety, but roadside inspectors list light-related violations as one of the most common. This can help you avoid risking safety and a violation.
- Walk-around inspection: It’s best to inspect the entire exterior of the vehicle, starting from the front left. From there, continue along the front to the right and work around the vehicle to the coupling system.
- Signals: Making sure taillights, headlamps and turn signs are operating well is important
- Brakes: It’s important to check all braking systems – braking and service brakes.
The inspecting doesn’t end there. Drivers should continue to inspect their vehicle and check check cargo and load-securing devices throughout their trip.
Post-trip inspections are also important, and any issues should be reported from inspecting the following:
- Service brakes
- Parking brake
- Steering machinery
- Lights & reflectors
- Tires & wheels
- Coupling devices
- Emergency equipment
Questions? Contact NHH Services
NHH Services is committed to driver support, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 713-633-2500.
