Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements
Complete these inspection items before beginning each day's operation.
Documentation Verification
- Valid Commercial Driver's License with appropriate endorsements
- Medical Examiner's Certificate (if applicable)
- Record of Duty Status (paper logs or ELD)
- Vehicle registration and insurance documents
- Permit documentation for specialized loads
- Previous day's DVIR with noted defects and repairs
- Fuel tax documentation (IFTA credentials)
Fluid Level Checks
- Engine oil level between min/max marks
- Coolant level in reservoir at proper fill line
- Windshield washer fluid filled adequately
- Power steering fluid at proper level
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) level sufficient for trip
- Fuel level adequate for planned route
- Transmission fluid at proper level (if applicable)
External Light Inspection
- Headlights (high and low beam) operational
- Turn signals functioning front and rear
- Brake lights illuminate when pedal pressed
- Four-way hazard lights operational
- Clearance and marker lights functional
- License plate light operational
- Reflectors and reflective tape intact and visible
Brake System Verification
- Air pressure builds to governor cut-out (~125 psi)
- Air pressure loss rate less than 3 psi/minute with brakes applied
- Low air warning activates by 60 psi
- Spring brakes activate by 20-40 psi
- Brake pedal firm, not spongy
- Check for audible air leaks
- ABS indicator light cycles properly at startup
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Compliance
Ensure proper ELD operation and compliance with Hours of Service regulations.
ELD System Check
- Verify ELD is powered and operational
- Confirm proper connection to ECM/diagnostic port
- Login with correct driver credentials
- Verify data transfer capability
- Check malfunction indicator status
- Ensure GPS functionality is working
- Confirm current software version is installed
Hours of Service Verification
- Verify available driving hours for the day
- Check 70/80-hour rule compliance
- Confirm proper duty status is selected
- Verify all previous logs are certified
- Review any pending edits or annotations
- Check for unassigned driving time
- Verify team driver settings (if applicable)
Required ELD Documentation
- ELD user manual accessible
- Instruction sheet for data transfer to safety officials
- Instruction sheet for reporting ELD malfunctions
- Supply of blank paper logs (at least 8 days)
- Malfunction reporting procedures documented
- Data transfer procedures understood
- Supporting documents collected as required
Special Driving Categories
- Personal Conveyance usage understood
- Yard Moves properly documented
- Adverse Driving Conditions exception understood
- Short-Haul Exception requirements verified
- Emergency conditions procedures known
- Agriculture exemption compliance (if applicable)
- Team driver changeover procedures verified
Common Hours of Service Violations to Avoid
- Form and Manner Violations: Incomplete log entries, missing required information
- 11-Hour Rule: Exceeding 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour Rule: Operating beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty
- 30-Minute Break: Failure to take required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-Hour Rule: Exceeding 60/70 hours of on-duty time in a 7/8-day period
- False Logs: Deliberately falsifying records of duty status
- ELD Violations: Tampering with or disconnecting ELD, failing to transfer data when requested
Daily Operation Safety Checks
Verify these critical safety items throughout the day's operation.
Cargo Securement
- Load properly distributed and secured
- Tie-downs in good condition and adequate number
- Cargo weight within legal limits
- Securement devices properly tensioned
- No risk of cargo shifting or falling
- Hazardous materials properly placarded (if applicable)
- Verify securement at each stop
Tire and Wheel Inspection
- Check tire pressure visually
- Inspect tires for cuts, bulges, or damage
- Verify minimum tread depth (4/32" steer, 2/32" drive)
- Check for signs of rubbing or irregular wear
- Ensure all lug nuts are present and tight
- Check for signs of wheel cracking or damage
- Verify valve stem caps are present
En-Route Inspection Stops
- Check brakes and tires within first 50 miles
- Verify cargo securement after first hour
- Recheck cargo securement every 150 miles or 3 hours
- Monitor engine temperature and oil pressure
- Listen for unusual noises during operation
- Monitor fuel consumption for abnormalities
- Verify lights during darkness or reduced visibility
Fatigue Management
- Take mandated 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
- Schedule 10-minute breaks every 2-3 hours
- Monitor for signs of drowsiness
- Maintain proper cab temperature
- Stay hydrated throughout driving shift
- Use proper posture to reduce fatigue
- Record all breaks in electronic logging device
Post-Trip Procedures
Complete these tasks at the end of each driving day.
Vehicle Condition Report
- Complete required DVIR documentation
- Note any defects discovered during operation
- Indicate if vehicle is safe to operate
- Report safety-critical defects immediately
- Sign and date the inspection report
- Submit report through appropriate channels
- Retain copy as required by regulations
Hours of Service Finalization
- Ensure all duty status changes are recorded
- Certify daily log as accurate and complete
- Verify supporting documents are collected
- Review hours available for next driving period
- Upload/transfer logs as required by carrier
- Annotate any edits or special circumstances
- Log out of ELD system properly
Secure Parking Procedures
- Park in well-lit, authorized location
- Set parking brake and chock wheels if needed
- Secure all doors and windows
- Remove valuables from plain sight
- Activate any security systems
- Verify trailer is properly coupled
- Protect load from theft or tampering
End-of-Day Documentation
- Update trip documentation
- Record fuel purchases and mileage
- Organize toll receipts and scale tickets
- Complete expense documentation
- Note any route changes or deviations
- Plan next day's route and schedule
- Report trip status to dispatch as required
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