Pre-Trip Inspection Tool
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What Is A Pre-Trip Inspection?
A pre-trip inspection checklist helps truck drivers remember all the major systems and parts to inspect before heading out to pick up or drop off a load. Knowing how to complete a pre-trip vehicle inspection is an important part of trucking.
Drivers who have a class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) usually have to complete a pre-trip inspection on their trucks and trailers.
When getting a CDL, drivers need to pass a pre-trip inspection test. It’s more intensive than the inspection drivers perform daily. This pre-trip inspection tool for a Class A CDL gives drivers an overview of performing an inspection.
Check your state’s CDL manual for a complete list of inspection requirements.
How Long Should a Pre-Trip Inspection Take?
There are no statutes that require a specific pre-trip inspection take a specific length of time. In practice, an inspection should take as long as needed to ensure vehicles are safe to drive and have been properly maintained. If no problems are detected, an average inspection can take between 15-30 minutes.
Do not rush your inspections. It’s easy to miss things that can put drivers and others at risk.
Why Truckers Should Always Perform a Pre-Trip Inspection
A pre-trip inspection helps keep drivers safe. Your inspection is important to ensure safety, maintenance, and that procedures are followed to help mitigate liability.
Safety Purposes
A CLD pre-trip inspection checklist can help uncover dangerous and unfit driving conditions. If you are an experienced driver, you might be tempted to skip or shortcut a pre-trip vehicle inspection, but that is never a good idea.
Truck and Trailer Maintenance
A pre-trip inspection can find issues with your truck or trailer before they become hazardous. This could also save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run by solving problems before your trucks get on the road.
Staying DOT Compliant
Your pre-trip inspection helps you stay in compliance with USDOT regulations. IF you were to be audited, the USDOT may review your pre-trip inspection checklist to make sure its been filled out properly. If the audit shows that issues have been ignored or uncovers a violation, it can lead to fines and hurt your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score.
Your Liability
Large trucks account for more than 4,000 fatal accidents involving drivers, passengers, and pedestrians each year. Even if you are not at fault as the driver, your liability can increase if you can’t show proof that a pre-trip inspection report was completed, or if known issues were not addressed.