Being a truck driver can be a stressful and demanding job, with long hours spent behind the wheel, strict regulations to follow, and the responsibility of transporting goods from one location to another. By regularly conducting thorough truck inspections, you can ensure safe and compliant travels.
In this article, we’ll go over what truck drivers must include on their truck inspection checklist to avoid penalties, fines, and accidents. We’ll also discuss the importance of proper truck maintenance and how to remain compliant with the DOT.
The Ultimate Truck Driver Inspection Checklist
- Brakes: The brakes are an essential component and play a large role in many truck crashes. Therefore, it’s important to make sure they’re functioning properly. Examine for any leaks or worn brake pads.
- Tires: Tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, so they must be in good shape. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and show no signs of wear or damage.
- Lights: Your truck’s headlights, taillights, marker lights, and turn signals all need to be in working condition. Examine their performance and replace any bulbs that have burned out.
- Engine: Regular maintenance of your truck’s engine is essential to both performance and durability. Examine the hoses, belts, air filters, and oil levels.
- Mirrors: Examine all mirrors to verify that they’re clean, clear of cracks, and properly adjusted.
- Steering and Suspension: To guarantee a smooth journey and proper handling, the steering and suspension system need to be in excellent shape. Look for any signs of wear and check for leaks.
- ELDs: As required by the DOT, trucking companies must maintain accurate driver logs and obey hours of service rules.
- Loading and Securing: To avoid accidents and violations, you must ensure your load is securely fastened. Also, you mustn’t cut corners during the loading and securing process as doing so can be detrimental.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Be sure that you have personal protective equipment and an emergency kit in your truck at all times. This can consist of gloves, reflective vests, warning triangles, extra clothes, water, food, and so forth.
Bottom Line
If you wish to have a successful career as a truck driver you must perform routine truck inspections. By creating a maintenance checklist and implementing it, you can avoid violations, costly fines, and accidents. This measure is implemented not just for your protection but also that of those around you.
Additional Compliance Resources:
- How to get the best authority packages
- Help on how to get DOT numbers
- Breakdown on DOT audit fines
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