CDL pre-trip inspection checklist

I read the most recent driver vehicle inspection report for this vehicle *

Each defect on that report shows the carrier's certification that it was repaired or that repair is unnecessary *

I signed that report to acknowledge my review *

Engine oil, coolant and power steering fluid are within the marks on the dipsticks or reservoirs *

Fresh oil, coolant, fuel or hydraulic fluid is dripping or pooling under the vehicle *

Drive belts are not cracked, frayed or loose, and coolant hoses are not cracked or leaking *

After starting, gauges read normal and no warning lights stay on *

The horn gives an adequate and reliable warning signal *

Windshield wipers work and clear the windshield *

Windshield washer sprays fluid onto the windshield *

Two outside rear-vision mirrors, one on each side, are firmly attached and show the highway to the rear along both sides of the vehicle *

Parking (hand) brake is in good working order and holds the vehicle *

Service brakes are in good working order and stop the vehicle *

Nothing blocks the view ahead or to the sides, the driver's arms and legs, reach to emergency equipment, or the way out of the cab *

Lamps on the power unit and every towed unit light up, for example headlamps on high and low beam, turn signals, four-way flashers, and stop, tail and clearance lamps *

Reflectors and reflective tape are present, clean and not broken *

Steering mechanism is in good working order: nothing interferes with free movement, and no nuts are loose or missing on the tie rods, pitman arm, drag link or steering arms *

No broken or missing spring leaves and no deflated air suspension bags *

Brake chambers, hoses and slack adjusters that can be seen without going under the vehicle show no damage, loose parts or air leaks *

Front tires have at least 4/32 in of tread and every other tire at least 2/32 in, measured in a major groove *

No tire is flat or leaking audibly, and none shows exposed ply or belt, tread or sidewall separation, or a cut down to the ply *

Cold tire pressures meet the pressure specified for the load being carried *

Wheels and rims are not cracked or broken, and no wheel fasteners are loose, missing, broken or stripped *

Fifth wheel locking mechanism holds the kingpin securely and the operating handle is in the closed or locked position *

No light shows through from side to side between the trailer upper coupler and the fifth wheel

Trailer brake air connections are properly made and secured, with no audible air leaks *

Pintle hook latch is closed and safety chains or cables are attached *

Low air pressure warning device will activate in an emergency *

With the engine running, the air system maintains an adequate supply of compressed air *

Air pressure build-up time is within acceptable limits, and required alarms and emergency devices deactivate automatically at the proper pressure *

An operational check shows the brake system performs properly *

Fire extinguisher shows it is fully charged, is securely mounted and is readily accessible *

Fire extinguisher's UL rating suits the load: 10 B:C or more with placarded hazardous materials, otherwise 5 B:C or more (or two rated 4 B:C) *

Three bidirectional reflective warning triangles are on board, or another warning device option the rules allow *

Cargo is properly distributed and adequately secured *

Tailgate, doors, tarps, spare tire and cargo tiedowns are fastened *

Recheck of cargo and tiedowns planned within the first 50 miles, then at each change of duty status, or after 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, whichever comes first *

Intermodal chassis checked: visible brake parts, lamps and conspicuity marking, wheels, lugs and tires, air lines and couplers, kingpin, rails, bolsters, locking pins and slider lock *

I am satisfied this vehicle is in safe operating condition *

What happens next *

Problems found and who they were reported to

Driver's signature