En-Route Tire & Cargo Inspection Checklist

Perform quick safety checks during rest stops to prevent tire failures and cargo shifts that could lead to accidents or violations.

⚠️ Why En-Route Inspections Matter

Studies show that 30% of truck breakdowns are tire-related, and cargo shifts cause numerous accidents annually. A 10-15 minute inspection at each stop can prevent costly breakdowns, CSA violations, and potential accidents.

⏱️ Recommended Inspection Frequency

Every 150 miles or 3 hours of driving

At minimum: Every fuel stop and rest break

Safety First - Before Inspection

  • Park in a safe location away from traffic flow.
  • Engage parking brake and turn off engine.
  • Turn on four-way flashers if parked on shoulder.
  • Put on high-visibility safety vest.
  • Allow hot tires and brakes to cool before touching (minimum 5 minutes).
  • Have tire gauge and flashlight ready if available.

Quick Visual Tire Walk-Around (5 minutes)

  • Walk completely around vehicle looking at each tire.
  • Check for obvious flat tires or severe under-inflation.
  • Look for bulges, cuts, or foreign objects in tires.
  • Verify dual tires have proper spacing (not touching).
  • Check for uneven wear patterns indicating problems.
  • Look for any missing tire chunks or tread separation.
  • Inspect sidewalls for cracks or weather checking.
  • Note any tire that looks different from others.

Tire Temperature Check (2 minutes)

  • Use back of hand to check tire temperature (be careful - may be hot).
  • All tires should feel similar in temperature.
  • Excessively hot tire indicates under-inflation or brake drag.
  • Check brake drums/hubs for excessive heat.
  • Hot hub may indicate bearing failure - critical issue.
  • If tire is too hot to touch briefly, investigate immediately.

Tire Pressure Check (If Gauge Available)

  • Check pressure when tires are cooled down if possible.
  • Compare all tires - should be within 5 psi of each other.
  • Steer tires typically 110-120 psi (check door jamb sticker).
  • Drive and trailer tires typically 100-110 psi.
  • Add air if pressure is 10+ psi below specification.
  • Document any tire requiring air addition.
  • Verify valve stems are not damaged and caps are on.

Wheel & Lug Nut Check (2 minutes)

  • Look for rust streaks from lug nuts (indicates looseness).
  • Check for shiny threads on studs (indicates movement).
  • Verify all lug nuts are present.
  • Look for cracks in wheels, especially around hand holes.
  • Check for bent or damaged rims.
  • Inspect for oil leaks at wheel hubs (bearing failure sign).
  • Verify hub oil level if sight glass present.

Cargo Securement Check (3 minutes)

  • Verify cargo doors/gates are still secure and locked.
  • Check door seals if present - should match paperwork.
  • Listen for unusual noises indicating load shift.
  • Look for trailer lean indicating unbalanced load.
  • Check all visible straps/chains for tightness.
  • Verify no straps have come loose or broken.
  • Inspect edge protectors still in proper position.
  • Re-tighten any loose tie-downs (cargo settles during transport).
  • Add additional securement if any concerns.

Special Cargo Considerations

  • Flatbed: Check all straps/chains every 50 miles first 500 miles.
  • Tanker: Check for leaks, ensure valves closed, placards secure.
  • Reefer: Verify unit running, temperature correct, fuel adequate.
  • Hazmat: Inspect for any leaks, verify placards still attached.
  • Auto Hauler: Check vehicle tie-downs and ramps secure.
  • Oversized: Verify flags/lights working, pilot car communication.

Quick Equipment Check (2 minutes)

  • Test turn signals and four-way flashers.
  • Verify air and electrical lines still connected.
  • Check for any new fluid leaks under vehicle.
  • Ensure mud flaps are still attached.
  • Quick brake test before leaving (tug test).
  • Listen for air leaks when releasing brakes.

If Problems Are Found

  • Flat or severely low tire: Do not drive - call for roadside assistance.
  • Hot tire/hub: Allow to cool, check pressure, inspect for problems.
  • Loose lug nuts: Re-torque if tools available, otherwise call for service.
  • Cargo shift: Re-secure if safe to do so, otherwise call for help.
  • Any unsafe condition: Contact dispatch immediately for guidance.
  • Document all issues found and actions taken.
  • Take photos of any damage or concerns for records.

Documentation

  • Note inspection time and location.
  • Record any issues found and corrective actions.
  • Document which tires required air and how much added.
  • Report any concerns to dispatch.
  • Keep inspection records with trip paperwork.
  • Use company app or form if provided.
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