Conducting an inspection of your tractor-trailer combination is one of the most important tasks you must perform, as it allows you to identify defects that may affect road safety — both yours and that of other road users.
Vehicle inspection performed before starting a trip
Vehicle inspection performed after completing a trip
The inspections listed above must be performed every time, both before beginning a trip and after completing it, specifically:
Pre-Trip Inspection — after any break lasting 7 hours or more
Post-Trip Inspection — before any break lasting 7 hours or more
This means that when taking a regular 10-hour break, an inspection will always start and end your workday.
In the case of a split sleeper berth, inspections are required only before and after the longer break.
Time spent performing inspections must be recorded in the logbook as ON DUTY.
The Yard Move (YM) status may be used if all conditions for its use are met — for example, when starting work at your company’s terminal.
The recommended practice for performing a PTI is to systematically check individual components while walking around the vehicle.
Start with an overall visual inspection, paying close attention to whether all vehicle components are in place, undamaged, and secure, with nothing broken or hanging loose.
To do this, stand in front of the truck and check the following items:
Clearance lights – make sure they are properly mounted, lenses are not broken, and the lights are the correct color
Windshield – check for cracks, chips, or excessive dirt
Headlights (low beam, high beam) and fog lights – verify that lenses are intact and lights are properly mounted
Bumper – check for visible damage
Fenders – check for damage or looseness
License plate – confirm it is properly mounted in the correct location, i.e., on the front bumper
Vehicle level – check whether the truck is leaning to one side, which may indicate a suspension issue
Fluid leaks – look for fresh oil or other fluid spots under the truck
Fresh fluid spots may indicate not only leaking hoses or connections, but also more serious issues such as a cracked oil pan or damaged radiator.
Different makes and models may have components located in different places under the hood. Do not rely strictly on the order listed below. Make sure you are able to locate and inspect all components. Develop your own consistent inspection routine so the inspection is always performed in the same way.
Begin with a general condition check:
Verify that all components are present and properly mounted
Look for cracked, bent, dented, loose, or hanging parts
Ensure there are no dangling hoses or wires
Check for excessive rust or corrosion
Water pump:
Locate the pump by identifying hoses connected to the radiator
Check for proper mounting and mechanical damage
Ensure there are no leaks
If belt-driven, inspect the belt for wear, damage, or looseness
Radiator:
Check for mechanical damage and leaks
Ensure the radiator is secure
Verify the cap is tight
Confirm hoses are properly connected and clamps are secure
Coolant expansion tank:
Check for mechanical damage and proper mounting
Ensure there are no leaks
Verify the cap is tight
Confirm coolant level is between MIN and MAX
Inspect hoses and ensure clamps are properly secured
Fuel filter:
Check for leaks
Ensure it is properly tightened
Look for signs of contamination
Windshield washer fluid:
Check fluid level
Refill to full if necessary (reservoir may not be visible)
Air compressor:
Check for mechanical damage
Ensure proper mounting
Verify hoses are properly connected
Ensure clamps are secure
Check for air or fluid leaks
Power steering pump:
Check for mechanical damage and leaks
Ensure hoses are properly mounted
If belt-driven, inspect the belt
Power steering fluid reservoir:
Verify proper fluid level
Check for leaks or mechanical damage
Ensure the cap is tight
Confirm hoses are properly connected
Oil filler cap:
Ensure the cap is tight
Check for mechanical damage
Look for leaks around the cap
Engine oil level:
Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
Fully reinsert the dipstick and remove it again
Verify oil level is between MIN and MAX
Add oil if necessary
Always check oil on level ground
Alternator:
Ensure it is properly mounted
Verify it is belt-driven
Check for mechanical damage
Belts:
Check for proper tension
Look for fraying, cracks, or oil contamination
Frame:
Inspect for mechanical damage or illegal welds
Ensure all mounted components are secure
Check for looseness
Shock absorbers:
Ensure proper mounting
Check for leaks
Inspect mounting points for damage
Leaf springs and spring suspension:
Verify proper mounting
Check for mechanical damage
Look for unauthorized welds
Check for looseness
Front axle:
Inspect for mechanical damage
Look for signs of welding
Steering gear (steering box):
Check for mechanical damage and leaks
Ensure all mounting bolts are secure
Steering shaft:
Check for mechanical damage
Ensure proper mounting
Verify free play does not exceed 10 degrees
Steering linkage (three-piece):
Check for mechanical damage
Ensure proper mounting
Confirm it is securely fastened
Other steering components:
Check for mechanical damage
Ensure proper mounting
Verify all fasteners are secure
Brake linings:
Check for cracks or mechanical damage
Ensure friction material thickness exceeds 1/4 inch
Verify there are no foreign objects or oil contamination
Brake drums:
Inspect for cracks or mechanical damage
Check the inside of rims for bends or welds
Brake hoses and lines:
Ensure they are not worn, cracked, kinked, or damaged
Verify proper connection
Brake air tanks:
Check for mechanical damage
Ensure proper mounting and securement
Brake pushrod:
Inspect for mechanical damage
Ensure proper mounting
Slack adjuster:
With brakes released, verify free play does not exceed 1 inch
Confirms brake linings are not excessively worn
With the hood still open, inspect the inside of the front wheels, then begin a walk-around inspection along the outside of the truck.
Tires:
Check that tires are free of mechanical damage such as cuts, bulges, separations, or excessive wear
Ensure tires are properly seated on the rims
Check tread depth and wear patterns
Minimum tread depth requirements:
Steering (front) tires: at least 4/32 inch
All other tires: at least 2/32 inch
Measure tread depth not only in the center, but also across the tire to verify even wear
Check for nails or other foreign objects embedded in the tire
When inspecting dual tires, ensure there are no foreign objects lodged between them
Steering axle tires must not be recapped or retreaded
Tire size must be the same on the entire vehicle, and tires on the same axle must be of the same type
Maintain tire pressure at a minimum of 100 PSI, evenly across all tires
Check the valve stem for leaks and ensure it has a valve cap installed
The valve cap protects the valve from dirt, sand, and mud, which could cause air loss
Rims and hubs:
Check rims for mechanical damage, cracks, or unauthorized welds
Ensure all lug nuts are present and properly tightened
Look for signs of oil leaking from the wheel hub
Verify that the hub is properly sealed
If equipped with a sight glass, ensure the oil level is visible and within the proper range
This is what wheels look like when you don’t check whether the lug nuts are properly tightened.
But wait — where are the wheels???
An honest finder is kindly asked to return them… 😉
Proceed with the inspection along the driver’s side of the truck, checking all visible components.
Mirrors and mirror mounts:
Check that mounts are not cracked or broken
Ensure mirror housings are secure and undamaged
Verify mirrors are not cracked and are clean
Doors (entry/exit):
Check that doors open and close properly
Verify locks and handles operate correctly
Inspect hinges for looseness or damage
Ensure the window is intact and clean
Steps:
For fold-out steps (e.g., Volvo), ensure locking mechanisms are engaged
Check for mechanical damage
Confirm steps are safe to use
Remember: always exit the truck facing inward, like using a ladder, and maintain three points of contact
Side fairings and rear-of-cab fairings:
Check that fairings are properly mounted
Ensure they are not cracked or broken
Catwalk / platform:
Inspect for mechanical damage
Ensure steps, handrails, and platform flooring are properly mounted
Make sure there are no loose or unnecessary objects on the platform
Fuel tank and DEF tank:
Check for leaks
Inspect mounting straps for good condition
Ensure caps are properly tightened
Air lines and electrical line:
Inspect for abrasion, kinks, cracks, or damage
Ensure gladhands are not damaged and have smooth, intact rubber seals
Check that the electrical plug is in good condition and the pins are not clogged
Ensure lines will not rub against the catwalk while driving
Verify all connections are secure and airtight
Connect lines in the proper order:
Blue (service) air line
Electrical line
Red (emergency) air line
Cab air suspension (if equipped):
Check air bags for mechanical damage
Ensure rubber is not cracking or peeling
Verify air bags are properly mounted
Exhaust system:
Perform a visual inspection for mechanical damage
Start the engine and listen for excessive noise
Visible soot may indicate a leak or damage
Check exhaust mounts, straps, and rubber hangers
Frame – rear section:
Inspect as previously described for frame condition
Driveshaft:
Check for mechanical damage
Ensure mounting at the differential is intact
Verify proper lubrication
Suspension components:
Inspect air bags, control arms, and mounting points
Ensure all components are in good condition
Verify bolts are tight and properly secured
Fifth wheel:
Check that it is properly mounted and well lubricated
If equipped with a sliding fifth wheel, ensure locking pins are fully extended and seated in their holes
Ensure the kingpin release handle is in good condition and in the open position when no trailer is attached
Wheels and brakes:
Inspect wheels and brakes as previously described
On dual wheels, tire pressure may not be visually obvious
If no pressure gauge is available, use a hammer, bar, foot, or hand to tap each tire
Tires should rebound; if a tire does not spring back, there is a problem
Mud flaps and mounts:
Ensure mud flaps are positioned correctly behind the wheels and above the ground
Check that they are securely mounted and undamaged
Verify mounts are not bent and do not rub against the tires
Rear lights:
Inspect rear lights the same way as all other lights
You are halfway through the inspection. Move to the passenger side of the truck and continue inspecting everything you encounter as you walk back toward your starting point at the front hood. All typical components have already been described and will repeat here.
Close the hood and enter the cab. Perform a general interior check to ensure everything is in its proper place. Recheck the windshield for cracks.
If no issues are found, proceed with starting the vehicle.
Before starting the engine, turn the ignition key to the position where all warning lights illuminate and allow the truck to perform its self-check. Let the system complete all checks and indicators before starting the engine.
Gauges and warning lights:
Check all gauges, including fuel, DEF, air pressure in both systems, tachometer, and engine temperature
No red warning lights should remain illuminated
Red indicates the vehicle is not safe to drive
For amber/orange warning lights, consult your maintenance shop and Safety Department
Air pressure build-up:
Observe how long it takes for air pressure to build up to 60 PSI
Lights:
Turn on all available lights and verify indicator lights on the dashboard
Exit the cab and confirm all exterior lights are working
Ask for assistance to check brake lights and reverse lights (especially with manual transmission)
Do not forget the license plate light
Horn:
Test both the city horn and highway air horn
Both must be operational
Steering free play:
Check steering wheel free play and confirm it corresponds with movement at the steering linkage under the hood
Windshield washers and wipers:
Verify washers and wipers operate correctly
Ensure wipers clean the windshield properly
Avoid operating wipers on a dry windshield
Defrosters and air vents:
Check airflow, especially to the windshield
Seat and mirrors:
Adjust the driver’s seat and mirrors as needed
Emergency equipment:
Verify you have three reflective warning triangles
Check that the fire extinguisher is fully charged and not expired
Permit book:
Ensure all required documents are valid and up to date
Confirm with your Safety Department which documents must be kept in your permit book
Before hooking up to the trailer, perform a general visual inspection. Check that all required components are present, including the license plate and the annual inspection sticker (inspection is valid for one year).
If the trailer has a document storage box, verify that the registration and valid inspection documents are inside.
Check that the trailer tires have air. This can save you time if the trailer needs to be repaired or exchanged.
If you are picking up a preloaded trailer, verify that the cargo matches the paperwork and that it is properly secured.
Begin the trailer inspection. As with the tractor, do not strictly follow the order listed below. Develop your own routine and always inspect the trailer the same way.
Cargo:
Verify the correct cargo is loaded
Ensure the load is properly secured
Registration and inspection:
Check that registration and inspection are valid and present
DOT reflective tape:
Ensure DOT reflective tape is present and clearly visible
Underride guards and side protection:
Inspect rear underride guard
If traveling to California, ensure side skirts are installed if required
Wheels and brakes:
Inspect wheels and brakes the same way as the tractor’s rear wheels
Mud flaps:
Inspect mud flaps and mounting hardware as previously described
Trailer body and doors:
Inspect trailer walls and doors for damage
Ensure all door locks are fully engaged
Pay special attention to upper door locks, which may not seat properly on uneven ground
Inspect the interior and roof for holes or damage that could allow water intrusion
Tandem axle assembly:
Ensure locking pins are fully engaged in their holes
Verify tandems are properly slid based on load weight, load distribution, and route requirements
Follow applicable weight and kingpin-to-tandem distance limits
Air and electrical connections:
Inspect air and electrical sockets, similar to gladhand inspection
Air lines and wiring under the trailer:
Ensure lines are not hanging too low
Check that lines are not torn, chafed, or damaged
Verify lines are properly secured
Trailer lights:
After connecting the trailer, check that all trailer lights are operational
ABS indicator light:
Locate the amber ABS light on the left rear of the trailer
The light must not remain illuminated
Check its operation during the vehicle self-check
Trailer brakes and air leaks:
With tractor brakes applied, push in the red brake knob to release the trailer brakes
Exit the cab and listen for air leaks
Trailer suspension air bags:
Inspect air bags for damage
If the rubber is dry, cracked, or deteriorated, report it before failure occurs
Trailer air pressure indicator (if equipped):
Some trailers have a white indicator light on the front left corner
When connecting the trailer, verify the indicator operates correctly
If air pressure is correct, the indicator light will turn off
