Vehicle Inspection Training

Training for Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicle Equipment for Premium
Transportation Logistics LLC

Prepared by John M. Mueller, CDS, COSS, POSHP

© 2014 Premium Transportation Logistics LLC
 Reasons to continually perform
good vehicle inspections:
• We have an obligation to protect the general public, which includes my family
and yours.
• Doing good, basic pre-trip inspections will greatly reduce vehicle maintenance
CSA scores and violations and prevent crashes.
• Over 70% of CSA violations are truck (maintenance) related. A simple
properly performed Pre-trip inspection could eliminate these
violations!
• Reducing violations improves your driver’s PSP report.
• Reduces the possibility of a mechanical failure related crash.
• Eliminates potential fines.
• Reduces our ISS scores which reduce the time you will spend in roadside
inspections.
• Once you are proficient it becomes easy to perform your pre-trip
inspection.
• It is the company policy of Premium Transportation Logistics LLC.
• It is part of your job description and contract (Lease Agreement).
• It is the LAW!
Top 15 Vehicle Violations
1- Required lights not working
2 - Tire tread depth less than 2/32”
3– Missing or defective lights or reflectors
4 – Brakes out of adjustment
5 – General defect (396.3(a))
6 – Oil or grease leak
7 – Fire extinguisher not compliant
8 – Damaged or chafing brake
hose 9 – No annual inspection
10– Brake violation (general)
11– Automatic brake adjuster violation
12 – Broken turn signal
13 – Defective windshield wipers
14 – Defective stop lamp
And
15 – Missing warning triangles or flares
Types of Vehicle Inspections
• Pre-trip Inspections
• En-route Inspections
• Cargo Inspections
• Post-trip Inspections
• Roadside Inspections
• Periodic Inspections
396.13 Driver Inspection
Before driving a motor vehicle, the driver shall:
a). Be satisfied that the motor vehicle is in safe
operating condition;
b). Review the last driver vehicle inspection report; and
c). Sign the report, only if defects or deficiencies were noted
by the driver that prepared the report, to acknowledge that
the driver has reviewed it and that there is a certification that
the required repairs have been performed. The signature
requirement does not apply to the listed defects on a towed
unit which is no longer part of the vehicle combination.
 The Pre-trip Inspection
First, check out the front of the Tractor
(Truck)

Any visible Leaks? Is license plate securely attached?

Lights working?

Is the truck leaning?

While at the front of the vehicle, check the windshield
for cracks or excessive tinting. Ensure mirrors are
securely mounted.
 Now check items in the engine compartment
on the passenger side
Coolant Reservoir
Alternator

Water pump

Check Oil Level

Springs &/or Airbags

Spring/Air Mounts
and U-Bolts

Shock Absorber
Leaks and hoses
Any wear or chafing of parts?
Belts in good
condition?
 Drivers Side Engine Compartment

Air compressor Master Cylinder

Belt(s)

Automatic transmission
fluid if applicable

Steering Box
Springs &/or Airbags

Steering Linkage Spring/Air

Mounts and U-
Bolts

Leaks and hoses Shock Absorber

Power steering fluid
Air conditioning compressor
Exploded view of steering linkage, hoses and springs
Front Brakes

Brake Hose or lines

Brake Chamber

Slack Adjuster & Push-

rod

Drum & linings or

Rotor and disk
 Front wheels

Tires

Rims

Lug Nuts

Hub oil seals

(Under center cap)
 Driver/Fuel area – Driver’s side of truck/tractor

Door & Mirror

Fuel tank, caps and

leaks

Side lights working? Reflectors attached?

 Drive Axle, Rear Suspension and Drive Wheels

Check all tires, rims, lug

nuts, hub oil seals and
U-bolts
budd spacings

Springs, shocks &

airbags
Spring/air mounts
 Rear Wheels, Suspension, Drive Axle
and Brakes

Springs, shocks and

Brake Hoses or Lines airbags

Brake Chamber
U-bolts

Slack Adjustor and

Push-rod Spring/air mounts

Drum & linings or Rotor Torque Arm/Radius

and disk Rod
 Rear of Tractor or Truck
Check frame
Fifth Wheel skid plate
and Locking Jaws

Exhaust System

License plate and light if

Straight Truck
Reflectors and Lights

Mud flaps/Splash Guards

 Drive Shaft
Differential

Drive shaft

U-Joint
 Coupling System – Fifth Wheel Type

Platform
5th Wheel Skid Plate
 Coupling System (Fifth Wheel)

Mounting Bolts Release Arm

Kingpin

Apron
Sliding 5th Wheel Locking
Pins
 Rear of Tractor (Continued) and Behind the Cab

Air Connectors and Lines Catwalk

Electric Connectors and Lines Headerboard or

bulkhead - trailer

Check lights/Reflectors – tractor and

trailer
 Side of Trailer

Frame and
Tandem Release

Lights and Reflectors

Doors & Ties & Lifts

Trailer Wheels –
check tires, rims, lug
nuts, hub oil seals and
spacers or budd
spacing
Side of Trailer (Continued)

Landing Gear
 Trailer Suspension and Trailer Brakes

U-Bolts

Torque Arm/Radius
Rod

Springs & Shocks & Airbags

Brake hoses and lines

Brake Chamber
Spring/Air Mounts
Slack Adjustor and
Push-rod

Drum & linings or

Rotor & disk
 Rear of Trailer

Doors and lift

Lights and Reflectors

Splash guards
Fire Extinguisher – SECURELY MOUNTED
Emergency Equipment
Now enter the cab and check the following:

• Lighting Indicators
• Oil Pressure
• Temperature Gauge
• Air Pressure Gauge
• Ammeter/Voltmeter
• Mirrors
• Wipers and Washers
• Windshield
• Horn(s)
• Heater/Defroster
• Safety/Emergency Equipment
• Hydraulic Brake Check
• Breakaway Module
• Air Brake Checks
• Parking Brake
• Service Brakes
• Safety belt (Seat belt)
Now check your logbook – Is it current and updated?
En-route Inspections
Before leaving any shipper,
contractors/drivers shall make a thorough
visual observation (inspection) of their
immediate surroundings and report any
unusual or suspicious activity to their
supervisor or operations personnel
immediately.
Contractors/drivers are required
to inspect their vehicle and trailer
(if applicable) for evidence of
tampering after each stop.
 Cargo Inspections
Cargo inspection when being loaded.

Check the identity, condition, and count of every load.

Secure every load using load lock bars, straps, nailing a 2x4, or whatever it
takes to protect the cargo from damage. It is your job to secure each and
every load you haul. NO LOAD SHOULD EVER BE TRANSPORTED WITHOUT
BEING PROPERLY SECURED.

Complete load securement by applying approved padlock

to cargo box.
 Cargo Inspections – The Regulations
392.9: Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems.

Drivers of a truck or truck tractor must—

(1) Assure himself/herself that the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section
have been complied with before he/she drives that commercial motor
vehicle;

(2) (2) Inspect the cargo and the devices used to secure the cargo within the
first 50 miles after beginning a trip and cause any adjustments to be made
to the cargo or load securement devices as necessary, including adding
more securement devices, to ensure that cargo cannot shift on or within,
or fall from the commercial motor vehicle; and
(3)Reexamine the commercial motor vehicle's cargo and its load securement devices
during the course of transportation and make any necessary adjustment to the cargo
or load securement devices, including adding more securement devices, to ensure
that cargo cannot shift on or within, or fall from, the commercial motor vehicle.
Reexamination and any necessary adjustments must be made whenever—
(i) The driver makes a change of his/her duty status; or
(ii) The commercial motor vehicle has been driven for 3 hours; or
(iii)The commercial motor vehicle has been driven for 150 miles,
whichever occurs first.

(4)The rules in this paragraph (b) do not apply to the driver of a sealed commercial
motor vehicle who has been ordered not to open it to inspect its cargo or to the
driver of a commercial motor vehicle that has been loaded in a manner that makes
inspection of its cargo impracticable.
Don’t let this turn into… this !

this !
Post-trip Inspections
396.11 "Report required. Every motor carrier
shall require its drivers to report, and every
driver shall prepare a report in writing at the
completion of each day's work on each vehicle
operated and the report shall cover at least
the following parts and accessories:“
(Please see 396.11 for list of parts and
accessories)

This report does not require a separate

inspection - just a written report. So it would
appear (and this is general practice) that the
PreTrip inspection is required, but does not
require a report before you operate the
vehicle (or whatever method you use to satisfy
yourself that the equipment is in safe
operating condition). Then at the end of the
day a Post Trip report is required - but that
does not require another inspection.
The Post-trip inspection is documented on
the reverse side of your paper log sheet. Be
sure to fully complete the inspection each
day and submit the report with your logs.

Remember to sign the inspection

document. Remember to log your post-trip
inspection as on-duty time.
Roadside Inspections
Tip’s to make roadside inspections less
painful:

1.Make sure you keep your truck and

equipment clean.

2. Carry yourself in a professional

manner.

3.Ensure all the vehicle/trailer lighting

operates correctly.

4. Use proper load securement

methods for
the type of commodity you are
transporting.
5.Keep vehicle and driver paperwork neat and
in organized manner. Ensure all documents
are current – discard expired documents. This
includes all permits, driver physical (medical
card), insurance, registration and Annual
Vehicle Inspection(s).

6.Inspect the vehicle(s) everyday prior to

moving the vehicle. DO A GOOD PRE-TRIP
INSPECTION!

7. KEEP YOUR LOGBOOK CURRENT!

And the best tip to staying legal is – Read and

understand your PTL Drivers Manual and mail
you receive from the company. It can only
help you if you open it and read it!
 Send all Roadside Inspections to
the company immediately!
Roadside Inspection Reporting Requirements

You are required to submit to PTL, LLC the original copy of all driver or vehicle
inspections you are subjected to by any governmental agency while under dispatch
from PTL, LLC within 24 hours. These reports must be reviewed by a PTL, LLC
company official, signed, and returned to the issuing agency within 7 to 15 days.
All noted defects must be repaired immediately. You must also be sure to log any
roadside inspections as “On-Duty” time – exactly when the inspection began and
exactly when the inspection ended.

You earn Gold Driver Rewards points redeemable for quality merchandise for
every violation-free roadside inspection. Visit www.driveforgold.com to log
in and more information.
 Periodic Inspections 396.17

“Every commercial motor vehicle must be inspected as required by this

section. The inspection must include, at a minimum, the parts and
accessories set forth in appendix G of this subchapter. The term
commercial motor vehicle includes each vehicle in a combination vehicle. “

This means that every CMV (including trailers in a combination vehicle) must
have an Annual Vehicle inspection.

“…motor carriers must inspect, or cause to be inspected all motor

vehicles subject to their control.”

Be sure to have your equipment inspected at minimum once very 12 months

per these regulations. Carry a copy of the inspection for each piece of
equipment with your vehicles and immediately submit a copy of the
inspection(s) to Premium Transportation Logistics LLC.
Example of an Annual Vehicle
Inspection Form
 Think of DOT Regulated Annual Vehicle Inspections as being like your
driver physical exam.

If your driver physical expires you are “medically unqualified to operate

a Commercial Motor Vehicle”.

If any of your required DOT Regulated Annual Vehicle Inspections expire

then that vehicle is “medically unqualified to be operated”.
 PTL LLC QUARTERLY VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT

Premium Transportation Logistics requires all drivers to submit quarterly

vehicle inspections. At least once, every three months, you are required to
perform a “written inspection report” on your vehicle using the form below.
 Still have questions or concerns regarding inspections?
Looking for an answer?
Solutions:
• Call the company at 1-800-661-3166 and ask for Safety. (Please dial 6)

• Read the Safety Regulations pocketbook you received from the company
at orientation – it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the
FMCSR’s. You agreed and stated so on the receipt for the book.

• Log on to the company website WWW.PTLLLC.COM Visit the driver

portal
where you will find multiple training presentations to assist you learn.

• Attend Premium Transportation Logistics driver’s meetings

• Read the company newsletter

• Read the informational materials the company mails to you

• Read and review your Premium Transportation Logistics Driver’s Manual