Road Transport
Tips
At the end of the day
It's suggested that drivers conduct a post-trip inspection, taking notice of any defects or problems which could affect safe operation. This ensures that repairs are made before the vehicle is used again. Making the repairs now will save you time and money -- and non-compliance fines -- in the long run.
At a minimum, drivers should inspect:
- Service brakes, including brake couplings
- Parking brakes
- Steering mechanism
- Lights and reflectors
- Tires, wheels and rims
- Horn
- Windshield washer fluid and wipers
- Mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Emergency equipment
CVSA
The above guidelines represent a good basic set of items to check. However, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Association (CVSA) has prepared a complete and specific list of items for their own inspectors. By following this list exactly, you can anticipate what to expect from CVSA -- and be sure you're adhering to professional standards.
North American Standard Truck Inspection Procedure
- Choose the inspection site.
- Inspection preparation.
- Greet and prepare the driver.
- Interview driver.
- Collect the driver's documents.
- Check for presence of hazardous materials.
- Identify the carrier.
- Examine driver's license.
- Check Medical Examiner's certificate and waiver.
- Check record of duty status.
- Review driver's daily vehicle inspection report.
- Review periodic inspection report.
- Prepare driver for vehicle inspection.
- Inspect front of tractor.
- Inspect left front side of tractor.
- Inspect left saddle tank area.
- Inspect trailer front.
- Inspect left rear tractor area.
- Inspect left side of trailer.
- Inspect left rear trailer wheels.
- Inspect rear of trailer.
- Inspect double and tripple trailers.
- Inspect right rear trailer wheels.
- Inspect right side of trailer.
- Inspect right rear tractor area.
- Inspect right saddle tank area.
- Inspect right front side of tractor.
- Inspect steering axle.
- Inspect axle(s) 2 and/or 3.
- Inspect axle(s) 4 and/or 5.
- Check brake adjustment.
- Test air loss rate.
- Test low air pressure warning device.
- Inspect tractor protection system (This procedure tests both the tractor protection valve and the emergency brakes.)
- Check steering wheel lash.
- Check fifth wheel movement.
- Complete the inspection.
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