PRE-TRIP
INSPECTION

Pre Trip.jpg
 


The Verbiage:
PMS: Properly Mounted and Secured
LIMINB: Loose or Missing Nuts or Bolts
BBC: Bent, Broken, or Cracked
OPND: Operates Properly; Not Damaged
SOLAR: Sate Operating Level Above the Refill mark
BCD: Bent, Cracked, or Dented
CDH: Cracks, Dents, or Holes
MP: Loose or Missing Parts
Fluid/Air: Not Leaking
Glass: Clean, Not Damaged

Standing in Front of the Vehicle:
"I am checking the general overall condition of the vehicle"

Lights/Reflectors (Front or Tractor)
All Lights/Reflectors: Are Clean, Functional, and Not Broken
Headlights: Are Clear
Turn Signals and Reflectors: Are Amber
Clearance Lights: Are Amber


Under the Vehicle: There are no puddles underneath the vehicle.

Passenger Side of the Vehicle:

  • There are no fluids dripping on the underside of the engine or transmission

  • Engine Hoses: Are in Good Condition. Not Damaged or Leaking.

  • Engine Oil: Is at a SOLAR, checked by Dipstick

    Driver's Side of the Vehicle:

  • Alternator: Is PMS, OPND, there are No Loose Wires and it is Belt Driven. The Belt is not Cracked or Frayed and
    can deflect no more than ½" -¾" when pushed by hand.

  • Water Pump: Is PMS, OPND, it is Not Leaking, and is Belt Driven. The Belt is not Cracked or Frayed and can
    deflect no more than ½" -¾" when pushed by hand. (if there is no belt, it is Gear Driven)

  • Water Coolant Reservoir: Coolant is at a SOLAR, and can be checked by Sight Glass or by removing the Radiator
    Cap.

  • Air Compressor and Governor: Is PMS, OPND, it is Not Leaking, and is Gear Driven.

  • Power Steering Reservoir: Oil is at a SOLAR, and can be checked by Sight Glass or Dipstick.

  • Power Steering Pump: Is PMS, OPND, it is Not Leaking and Is Gear Driven.

  • Steering Box and Hoses: Are PMS, there are No LMINB, and it is Not Damaged or Leaking.

  • Steering Linkage: There are No LMINB or Cotter Keys. All connecting Links, Arms, and Rods are not Worn or
    Cracked. The Joints and Sockets are not Worn or Loose.

    Suspension:

  • Mounts: Have No Missing or Damaged Bushings, and the Spring Hangers are not BBC.

  • Leaf Springs: Are Not BBC, and are Not Shifted or Missing.

  • U-Bolts and Other Axle Mounting Parts: Are Not Broken, Loose, or Missing.

  • Shock Absorber: PMS and Not Leaking.

Brakes:

  • Brake Hoses/Lines: Are No Worn, Cracked, Frayed, or Leaking and Can Supply Air. Hoses and Fittings are PMS
    and Not Leaking.

  • Brake Chamber: Is PIVS and Not Leaking. It is Not Cracked or Dented and there are No Loose or Missing Clamps.

  • Slack Adjusters and Pushrods: Are PMS, Not Broken, and have no LMP. The Pushrod is adjusted to move no
    more than 1" when pulled by hand with the brakes released.

  • Brake Linings and Drums: Have No CDH and No LMNB. The Linings are Not Worn dangerously thin and here is
    No Oil, Grease or Debris.
     

Tires/ Rims:

  • Tread Depth: Is at least 4/32 The Tries are Evenly Worn with No Cuts or Damage to the read or SidewallsIs Checked with an Air Gauge at the Valve Stem.

  • Tire Pressure: Valve Stem and Cap: Is Not Missing, Damaged or Broken Are Not BBC, Not Damage, and there are No Illegal Welds.

  • Rims Inside and Outside: Lug Nuts: Are Not Missing. There are no Shiny Spots or Rust Trails to indicate Loose Lug Nuts. There are No Cracks or Distortions around the Bolt Holes. 

  • Hub Oil/Grease Seal: Is Not Leaking. The Oll is at SOLAR checked by the sight glass or cap. (If the seal is solid, you don't have to check the level)
     

Driver Door: 

  • Mirror and Brackets: Are PMS, and have No Lose Fittings.

  • Door: Is Not Damaged and it Opens Smoothly. The Hinges are PMS, the Seal is Intact, the Windows are Clean and Not Damaged and it Closes Securely.

  • Fuel Tank: Is PMS and Not Leaking at the Tank. The Cap is light and Not Leaking.

Emergency Equipment:

  • Fire Extinguisher: Is PMS and Fully Charged

  • There are 3 Reflective Triangles and Spare Fuses.

​​

Turn Signals/ Marker Lights: Are Amber, Clean and Functional, and Not Broken.


Catwalk and Steps: Are Solid, PMS to the Frame, and has No Debris.
Tractor Frame and Cross Members: Have No CDH and is Not Broken or Damaged.


Drive Shaft: is Not BCD, and the Couplings are PMS and Free of Debris.

Air/Electrical Lines:

  • I would check the Air and Electrical Connectors and Lines the same for the Truck and Trailer.

  • Hoses, Lines and Electrical Instillation: Are Not Cut, Cracked, or Chaffed. They are Not Worn, Taped, or Spliced and are Not Leaking, Pinched, or Dragging against other parts.

  • Connectors: Are Firmly Sealed and Not Damaged or Leaking. 

  • Hose Fittings: Are Not Damaged or Leaking. 

  • Glad Hands: Are Locked in Place and Not Damaged. 

  • Electrical Plug and Cap: is Firmly Seated and Locked in Place.

Front of Trailer/ Bulkhead: Is Secure, Not Damaged, and Strong Enough to Contain Cargo. There are No Cracks, Bulges, or Holes, and No Missing Rivets.
Clearance Lights: Are Amber, Clean and Functional and Not Broken.


Fifth Wheel:

 

  • Trailer Apron: is Not BBC

  • Gap: There No Gap between the Filth Wheel and Trailer. 

  • Skid Plate: Is PMS, and Properly Lubricated 

  • Trailer Release Arm: Is in the Locked Position

  • Locking Pins: Have no Loose or Missing Pins and is in the Locked Position. 

  • Mounting Bolts: Have no LMNB and is Securely Fastened with Brackets. 

  • Platform Base: Is Not BBC. 

  • Slide Cylinder and Lines: Are Not Leaking. 

  • Fifth Wheel: Is Positioned so the Landing Gear Will Clear the MudFlaps in Turns.

  • King Pin: Is Not BBC. 

  • Locking Jaws: Are Holding the King Pin in Place.

 

Tall Lights: Are Red, Clean Functional, and Not Broken.

Rear of the Tractor: "I would check the Mounts, Leaf Springs, -Bolts, Shock Absorbers, Brake Hoses, Brake Chambers,
Slack Adjuster and Pushrods, Brake Linings and Drums, Tires, Rims, Lug Nuts, and Valve Stems exactly as I did on the
Front of the Tractor except I would also check:

  • Torque Arms: Is PMS and Not Damaged. 

  • Air Bags: Are Not Damaged and Not Leaking. 

  • Spring/Air Mounts: Brackets, Bolts, Bushings, and Hangers are PMS. There are No LMNB and they are Not Broken or Damaged. 

  • Disc Wheels: Are Evenly Spaced, Not Damaged and there is No Debris. 

  • Tires: Are at least 2/32" Tread Depth. 

  • Axle Seals: Are Not Leaking. 

  • Mud Flaps: Are PMS and Not Damaged.

 

Landing Gear and Pads: Are PMS, there are No MP and it is in the Fully Raised Position. The Handle is Secured and there is No Structural Damage.


Side of Trailer: There are No Cracks, Bulges, or Holes and No Missing Rivets.


Lights/Reflectors: Are Clean and Functional and Not Broken.
 

 

  • Marker and Clearance Lights: Are Amber. 

  • Reflective Tape: Is Clean and Affixed.

​​

Trailer Frame and Cross Members: "I would check the Frame and Cross Members exactly the same as I did on the tractor Except I would also check to make sure there are:

  • No Holes or Damage in the Floor or Box of the Trailer.

Rear of the Trailer: "I would check the Mounts, Leaf Springs, U-Bolts, Torque Arms, Brake Hoses, Brake Chambers, Slack Adjuster, and Pushrods, Brake Linings and Drums, Tires, Rims, Lug Nuts, Valve Stems, Disc Wheels, Hub Seals and Mud Flaps exactly as I did on the Tractor.


Back of Trailer:

  • Door and Hinges: Are Not Damaged, They Open and Close and Are Securely Latched. (Demonstrate) 

 

Lights/Reflectors: Are Clean and Functional and Not Broken.

  • Tail Lights and Clearance Lights: Are Red.

  • ABS Light (If equipped): Is Amber.

  • Reflectors: Are Red, Clean, and Affixed. 

  • Reflective Tape: Is Clean and Affixed.

 

Passenger Side of the Tractor and Trailer: "I would check everything on this side exactly as I did on the other side Except

I would also check:"

  • Muffler, Heat Shield and Stack: Is PMS and Tightly Connected. There are No LMNB or Clamps and it is NotBCD. There are No Holes and No Signs of Carbon Buildup to indicate any Cracks or Leaks.