Free SOP template — copy it, adapt it, or generate a custom version for your business in 5 minutes

Transportation & Logistics · Free Template · ~7 steps

Truck Driver Pre-Trip Inspection Procedure

Trucking company owners and safety managers who want a written pre-trip procedure that meets FMCSA requirements.

Who it's for

CDL driver completing a federally required pre-trip inspection

When to run it

Before every trip departure — FMCSA 49 CFR 396.13 requirement

Before you start

  • DVIR from prior driver certified repaired or not requiring repair

The procedure

Step-by-step, in order. Each step has the action and the reason it matters.

  1. 1

    Engine compartment

    Check oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, belt condition (no cracking or fraying), battery terminals, air compressor. Document any leaks.

  2. 2

    Cab interior

    Mirrors adjusted, horn works, wipers work both speeds. All dash warning lights extinguish within 2 minutes of startup. Emergency brake test: set trailer brake, pull against it to confirm it holds. Seat belt functional.

  3. 3

    Front of cab — lights and steering

    Headlights (low/high), turn signals, hazards. Check steering free play — over 10 degrees on a power steering truck is an out-of-service defect. Check lug nuts visually.

  4. 4

    Tires — tread depth and pressure

    Walk all tires. Steer tires: minimum 4/32" tread. Drive/trailer: 2/32" minimum. Check for sidewall damage, bulges, and objects in tread. A blown steer tire at highway speed is a fatality risk.

  5. 5

    Brakes and air system

    Air pressure must build to 90 PSI before moving. Pump brakes 5 times with engine off — pressure should not drop more than 3 PSI. Governor cut-in and cut-out within spec (typically 100-125 PSI).

  6. 6

    Coupling and landing gear

    Kingpin locked — tug test with tractor (pull forward with trailer brakes set). Glad hand connections secure. Landing gear up and locked. No gap between tractor and trailer apron plate.

  7. 7

    Complete and sign the DVIR

    DVIR: date, unit number, defects found or 'no defects.' Sign it. FMCSA requires DVIRs retained for 3 months. Keep in cab.

Verify when done

  • Air pressure at 90+ PSI before departure
  • Steer tire tread depth ≥ 4/32"
  • Coupling tug test performed
  • DVIR completed and signed

Common mistakes

  • Not checking tire tread depth beyond visual
  • Skipping the brake pressure drop test
  • Not performing the tug test on the kingpin

Trainer notes

An unsigned DVIR is the same as no inspection in a DOT audit. Drivers who sign 'no defects' without inspecting face personal fines.

Common questions

Who should run the truck driver pre-trip inspection procedure?

CDL driver completing a federally required pre-trip inspection

When should this transportation & logistics procedure be run?

Before every trip departure — FMCSA 49 CFR 396.13 requirement

How many steps does the truck driver pre-trip inspection procedure have?

7 steps. The procedure starts with "Engine compartment" and ends with "Complete and sign the DVIR". Each step in between has the action and the reason it matters.

What's the most common mistake when running this procedure?

Not checking tire tread depth beyond visual. An unsigned DVIR is the same as no inspection in a DOT audit. Drivers who sign 'no defects' without inspecting face personal fines.

Can I get a custom version written for my transportation & logistics business?

Yes. TalkNDone generates a custom SOP from your voice or text description in about 5 minutes — written using your team's words, your equipment, and your specific procedure. $49 one-time, free preview before you pay, no subscription. Start at talkndone.com.

Tool comparison

Trainual is $300/month. TalkNDone is $49 per SOP, no subscription.

See the side-by-side breakdown of when each tool is the right call.

TalkNDone vs. Trainual →
SOPs generated this weekrestaurant owners, HVAC shops, gym managers, landscapers

One-time · $49 · PDF in your inbox within minutes

Want a custom version of this SOP written for your business?

This template is a starting point. Generate a personalized version that uses your team's words, your equipment, and your specific procedure — delivered as a formatted PDF in 5 minutes. $49 one-time.

Works for any physical or operational process. Talk through it or type it out — we turn it into a professional PDF.

Example output

SOP · PDF · Transportation & Logistics

Truck Driver Pre-Trip Inspection Procedure

  1. 1.Check oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, belt condition (no cracking or fraying), battery terminals, air compressor. Document any leaks.
  2. 2.Mirrors adjusted, horn works, wipers work both speeds. All dash warning lights extinguish within 2 minutes of startup. Emergency brake test: set trailer brake, pull against it to confirm it holds. Seat belt functional.
  3. 3.Headlights (low/high), turn signals, hazards. Check steering free play — over 10 degrees on a power steering truck is an out-of-service defect. Check lug nuts visually.
  4. 4.Walk all tires. Steer tires: minimum 4/32" tread. Drive/trailer: 2/32" minimum. Check for sidewall damage, bulges, and objects in tread. A blown steer tire at highway speed is a fatality risk.
  5. 5.Air pressure must build to 90 PSI before moving. Pump brakes 5 times with engine off — pressure should not drop more than 3 PSI. Governor cut-in and cut-out within spec (typically 100-125 PSI).
  6. 6.Kingpin locked — tug test with tractor (pull forward with trailer brakes set). Glad hand connections secure. Landing gear up and locked. No gap between tractor and trailer apron plate.

Your SOP will be formatted like this — written in your words, specific to your business.

Operator Plan

$99 / month

New hire every quarter. Seasonal staff each spring. Stop re-explaining from scratch every time someone leaves.

  • Unlimited SOP generation
  • Opening, closing, onboarding, service calls, equipment operation
  • PDF emailed immediately — ready to print and post by the station
  • Break even at 3 SOPs — everything after is free

More industries

RestaurantsHVACCleaningGymsLandscapingConstruction