- Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
- Parking system (hand brake)
- Emergency stopping system (emergency brake)
- Tires
- Coupling devices
- Seat belts
- Horn
- Steering mechanism
- Operating controls
- Safety devices (e.g. reverse signal alarm, rollover protective structure (ROPS), etc.)
Additional items if necessary:
- Lights
- Reflectors
- Defrosters
- Windshield wipers and liquids
- Fire extinguishers
Source: www.fleetwatch.co.za
CDL Pre-trip Inspection Checklist
A CDL Pre-trip inspection checklist is essential for any driver or organization. Now as stated not every organization will need to adhere to the DOL example.
There are numerous templates and formats that can be used to create a CDL pre-trip inspection checklist. But the DOT does lay out the basic requirements.
Now as stated not every organization will need to adhere to that example. Here is the full text from the DOT link provided above.
396.11: Driver vehicle inspection report(s)
Equipment provided by motor carrier. (1) Report required. Every motor carrier shall require its drivers to report, and every driver shall prepare a report in writing at the completion of each day’s work on each vehicle operated, except for intermodal equipment tendered by an intermodal equipment provider. The report shall cover at least the following parts and accessories:
- Service brakes including trailer brakes connections;
- Parking brake;
- Steering mechanism;
- Lighting devices and reflectors;
- Tires;
- Horn;
- Windshield wipers;
- Rear vision mirrors;
- Coupling devices;
- Wheels and rims;
- Emergency equipment.
(2) Report content. The report must identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency discovered by or reported to the driver which would affect the safety of operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown.
