Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist for Truck Drivers

A pre-trip inspection should always be your first step before hitting the road. It ensures your truck is safe, compliant, and ready for work. Complete the inspection before your shift, whenever you pick up a new trailer, and/or after a 10+ hours of downtime

Print the checklist or save this page for your next pre-trip inspection to stay safe and road-ready!

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

This checklist ensures FMCSA compliance and keeps your truck running safely and smoothly. Feel free to customize it for your specific truck and industry needs!

Post-Trip Inspections

You can also use this checklist for a post-trip inspection! Primarily focus on checking for issues that may have developed during your trip. When using this checklist for a post-trip inspection, remember to:

Skip hot components: Avoid checking any parts that might be hot after driving, such as the engine and exhaust system.
Focus on potential wear and tear: Pay extra attention to high-stress components, including tires, brakes, suspension, lights, and the coupling system. These areas may have experienced significant strain during the trip.
Report new issues: If you notice any new damage, leaks, loose components, or mechanical failures that weren’t present during your pre-trip inspection, document and report them to ensure necessary repairs are made before you get back on the road.
Fluid checks may be limited: While you can check some fluid levels — such as windshield washer fluid, engine oil, coolant, or power steering fluid — it might not be necessary unless you suspect a leak, overheating, or performance issues.

Essentially, your post-trip inspection will cover the same key areas as your pre-trip inspection, but with a greater emphasis on wear and tear from the road. Conducting a thorough post-trip check helps prevent breakdowns and ensures your Kenworth is ready for your next haul.