Complete post-trip inspection checklist for CDL drivers

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes 

Performing a post-trip inspection is one of the most important daily tasks a professional truck driver does. Post-trips allow drivers to ensure their tractor and trailer are in good, safe condition after completing a trip.  

Keep reading to learn more about post-trip inspections and see what needs to be on your post-trip inspection checklist.  

What is a post-trip inspection? 

A post-trip inspection is a mandatory inspection performed after driving to ensure nothing went wrong with the equipment while operating it. These inspections must be performed on every piece of equipment a driver operates throughout the day. 

A thorough inspection could take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour and should be logged as on-duty, not driving (line 4). 

Post-trip inspection requirements 

A driver is required to complete a post-trip inspection: 

• Whenever a trailer is dropped.
• At the end of each day.

Post-trip inspections are required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) regulation 396.11. If any faults or defects are found during the inspection, drivers are required to submit a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR).

Complete post-trip inspection checklist 

1. Passenger-side engine: 

• Air filter housing: Secure mounting, cover in place.
• Windshield washer fluid reservoir: No leaks, proper fluid level.
• Turbo charger: No oil or exhaust leaks.
• Engine air duct work: No cuts, clamps secured.
• Alternator: Mounting secured, no broken or loose wire.
• Accessory drive belt: Not cracked or frayed.
• Air conditioner compressor: Mounting secure.

2. Front brakes (covers all five brake components): 

• Brake drum: No cracks.
• Brake lining: No cracks or damage.
• Inner oil seal (not visible): Check for leaks (look for oil running down brake drum or tire).
• Slack adjuster: Proper angle to the brake chamber, clevis and cotter pin intact.
• Brake air line: No bulges or cuts, fitting tight.
• Brake chamber: Mounting bolts secured, band clamp secured.

3. Front wheel: 

• Tire: ABCs (abrasions, bulges, cuts), pressure = 120 PSI, tread depth = 5/32 mins, 4/32 DOT.
• Wheel: Not cracked or bent.
• Hub oil: Not leaking, at proper level – if sealed unit, can’t check level.
• Oil seal (outer): Not leaking.
• Valve cap: Not missing.
• Lug nuts: None missing, no streaks or shiny areas, none loose.

4. Driver side of engine: 

• Radiator brace: No cracks, no missing bolts.
• Radiator: Not leaking, secure mounting.
• Water pump: No cracks, not loose or leaking.
• Fuel water separator/filter: Not leaking, secure mounting.
• Pitman arm/drag link: Not cracked, castle nut secured with cotter pin.
• Steering gear box: Secure to frame, not leaking.
• Power steering reservoir: Secured mounting, no leaks, proper level.
• Dipstick: Right level, secured after check.
• Steering shaft: Secure, not loose or damaged.
• Fuel pump: No cracks, not loose or damaged.
• Engine air duct work: No cuts, clamps secured.
• Brake master cylinder: Correct fluid level, no leaks.
• Oil filler cap: Secure, no cracks.
• Engine coolant reservoir: No leaks, proper fluid level.

5. Steer axle suspension: 

• U-bolts: No cracks, no loose or missing nuts.
• Leak spring: No cracks, not loose or shifting.
• Tie rod: Secured with castle nuts and cotter pins.
• Shock absorber: Secure mounting, not leaking oil.
• Axle: Not cracked

6. Rear suspension: 

• Spring mount: No cracks, secure mounting.
• Tire: ABCs (abrasions, bulges, cuts), pressure = 110 PSI, tread depth = 3/32 min, 2/32 DOT.
• Air bag (bellows): Fully inflated, secure mounting, not ruptured.
• Shock absorber: Secure mounting, not leaking oil.

7. Side of cab: 

• Mirrors: Mounting secure, no broken glass.
• Doors: No damage, glass not broken, hinges secured, opens and closes well.
• Lights and turn signals: Working, not cracked.
• Steps: Mounted, secured to skirting.
• Battery box: Mounting secured, cover latched.
• DEF cap: Cap secured.
• Fuel cap/tank: Gasket in place, vent in place, chain secures cap to the tank secure.
• Side skirting: No damage, panels secure.
• Side box: Secured, safety triangles present.
• Side of sleeper berth: No body damage.
• Sleeper berth window: No cracks.

8. Rear of cab: 

• Electrical cord: No bare wire, no corrosion, check plug at end of cord.
• Air line: Not tangled or worn, rubber grommets not worn, fittings tight.
• Cab shock absorber: Secure mounting, not leaking oil.
• Cab air bag (bellows): Not ruptured, securely mounted.

9. Drive shaft/rear frame: 

• Drive shaft: Not cracked.
• Universal joint: Not cracked, not missing bolts, no shiny areas.
• Differential: Not leaking oil.
• Frame: Straight, no non-factory welds.

10. Fifth wheel area: 

• Pivot pin: Keeper pin and cotter key intact.
• Slider lock pins: Fully engaged.
• Release arm: Not bent.
• Slider rail: No broken welds, no missing bolts.
• Slider stop blocks: Welds not broken, not missing bolts.
• 5th wheel platform: Well-greased, tilted down.

11. Front of trailer: 

• Top rail: No cracks or collision damage.
• Clearance lights: Not broken, working properly.
• Registration: Not missing, readable.
• Document box: Not missing or loose.
• Air line/glad hands: No bulges or cuts in air lines, rubber grommets not damaged on glad hands.
• Electric hook up: No broken pins, cover intact.
• PM sticker: Current, legible.
• Height sticker: Legible, legal for route.
• Placard holder: Not broken or missing rivets.
• Tracking device: No cracks or collision damage.

12. Side of trailer: 

• Top rail: Not cracked, no collision damage.
• Clearance light: Not broken, operational.
• Bottom light: Not cracked, no collision damage, no missing bolts.
• Landing gear: Legs straight, no broken welds in bracing, sand pads secured and clean handle in cradle.
• Reflector tape: Clean.
• Placard holder: Not broken, all rivets intact.
• Side panels: No holes or cuts, no missing rivets.

13. Rear of trailer: 

• Latches: Secured, not damaged.
• Placard holders: Not broken, no missing rivets.
• Reflector tape: Clean.
• Lights: Not broken or missing, operational.
• Splash guard: Brackets and guard secured.
• License plate: Secure and clean, light working.
• Bumper: Not damaged, no broken welds.
• Door hooks: Not loose, no missing bolts.
• Hinges: Not cracked, no missing bolts on both sides.
• Door seals: No separation, no rubber tubing sticking out.

14. Trailer suspension: 

• Air line: No bulges or cuts, fittings are tight and not rubbing.
• Axle: Not bent or broken.
• Clevis pin/cotter key: Not missing.
• Slack adjuster: Proper angle, clevis pin and cotter pin intact.
• Brake linings: Minimum of ¼ thick, not cracked.
• Brake drum: Not cracked.
• Tire: (ABCs), tread depth = 3/32, air pressure = 110 PSI.
• Spring: Not broken, not shifted.
• Spring mount: No broken welds.
• U bolts: Not loose, not cracked.
• Torque rod: Secure mounting, bushings intact.
• Spring brake chamber: Mounting secure, band clamp secure.

15. Gauges/inside the truck: 

• Tachometer: 1000-1500.
• Water temp: 180-205 degrees.
• Fuel: Matches visual when looking in tank.
• Def level: Maintain a minimum of one light bar.
• Oil pressure: 25-50 PSI.
• Speedometer: 0-60 MPH.
• Air pressure: 90-120 PSI.