Pre- and Post-Trip Inspection Dos and Don’ts
Minimizing over-the-road breakdowns and preventing out-of-service violations are two of the many benefits of pre- and post-trip inspections. Use this list of dos and don'ts to complete your inspections the right way.
Don't: Think they're optional.
They're the law. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulation 392.7 requires pre-trip inspections, while regulation 396.11 mandates post-trip inspections.
Do: Know what to check.
For a pre-trip inspection, check:
- parking brakes
- service brakes
- tires and rims
- suspension
- steering system
- fluid levels
- belts and hoses
- electrical and air lines
- coupling devices
- wipers
- mirrors
- horn
- seatbelts
- gauges
- air brake warning system
- emergency kit
- lights, reflectors and signals
- all applicable paperwork
Check the same items for post-trip inspections minus the fluid checks — don't touch anything that might be hot!
Don't: Kick-check the tires.
Thump checks don't work, because a tire sounds empty only if it's nearly 100% out of air. Use a calibrated tire gauge instead. Also, make sure all tires have the proper tread depth and that all lug nuts are tight.
Do: Double-check the brakes.
More than 1 out of every 4 vehicle out-of-service violations in the U.S. during the 2023 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA's) International Roadcheck were due to brake system violations.
Don't: Do an inspection differently each time.
Instead, develop a routine, and go in the same order with each pre- and post-trip check. Consider starting at the cab, then inside the cab, the front of the vehicle, then around the truck starting at the driver's side.
Do: Take your time.
There's no rush. Budget 10-15 minutes for a proper pre-trip inspection.
Don't: Forget the interior.
A clean cab tells an inspector that the rest of the vehicle is in good shape. A dirty cab says the opposite.
Do: Check your wheels.
It's the best way to make sure your truck doesn't accidentally move when you're doing a pre- or post-trip check. Forgetting to do so could cause a serious injury — or worse.
Do: Keep accurate logs.
Whether you use electronic or paper logs, keep them updated regularly, and make sure all other paperwork (driver's license, inspection, insurance) is current.
Don't: Ignore potential problems.
If you spot something out of the ordinary during your post-trip inspection, report it to dispatch immediately.