Free Truck and Lorry Inspection Checklist Templates
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Enhance Safety and Operational Efficiency with Truck Inspection Checklists
A company truck inspection checklist form helps ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of your lorries by identifying potential issues early and maintaining adherence to industry standards. By using a proactive inspection approach, you can reduce the risk of accidents, costly repairs, and unexpected delays, keeping your operations running smoothly.
With our heavy vehicle inspection checklists, you can:
- Identify issues early to avoid expensive repairs and ensure road safety.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and inspection standards.
- Optimize truck performance and extend the lifespan of your trucks.
- Minimize downtime and improve operational productivity.
With the GoAudits Vehicle Inspection App, you can:
- Conduct paperless, efficient audits
- Customize this template or create your own
- Save time with instant reports & assign corrective actions
Engine & Fuel System
Trailer
Light Check
In-Cab Inspection
Brake Systems
Driver/Vehicle Documents
Engine & Fuel System
Trailer
Light Check
In-Cab Inspection
Brake Systems
Driver/Vehicle Documents
Save Time with Digital Inspections
- Easily capture & attach photos, directly on your mobile device.
- Instantly generate and share detailed reports after the inspection.
- Track corrective actions, view historical trends, improve standards.
What is a Truck Inspection Checklist Template?
A truck inspection template is a predefined document that helps drivers, fleet managers, and inspectors systematically check the condition and compliance of trucks. In the US, they are also known as DOT truck inspection checklists.
These templates streamline the inspection process, ensuring that no critical component or regulation is overlooked. They are essential for maintaining road safety, preventing breakdowns, and adhering to regulatory standards.
Who Should Use Lorry Inspection Checklists?
The following stakeholders use DOT truck inspection checklist forms at different stages of operations:
- Truck Drivers use lorry inspection checklists to perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections to make sure the trucks are roadworthy, minimizing the risk of accidents or breakdowns.
- Fleet Managers use these checklists to maintain the safety and efficiency of their fleets. By regularly reviewing heavy vehicle inspection reports, they can identify recurring issues, schedule repairs, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Mechanics and Maintenance Teams rely on lorry inspection checklists to document vehicle conditions during servicing and identify areas requiring immediate attention, such as wear and tear, brake systems, or tire conditions.
- Regulatory Inspectors use lorry inspection checklists during audits to assess whether trucks meet safety and compliance standards, including emission regulations, brake efficiency, and load security.
Logistics and Transportation Companies use these DOT truck inspection forms to ensure their trucks meet operational and legal standards, reducing downtime and avoiding penalties.
Types of Truck Checklist Form Templates
The following are the types of truck check sheets based on how frequently they are used:
- Daily Truck Inspection Checklist/Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist is used by drivers to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections. It focuses on critical components such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels to ensure the truck is roadworthy for the day.
- The Weekly Heavy Vehicle Inspection Checklist covers more in-depth inspections than the daily one. It includes additional checks like tire wear, battery health, and fluid leaks.
- The 6-Week Truck Vehicle Inspection Checklist is commonly used in the UK to comply with transport safety standards. It involves a thorough examination of major components, such as the suspension, braking systems, and load security.
- Monthly Truck Inspection Form Template goes beyond routine checks, focusing on components that may not need daily or weekly attention. This includes the condition of the engine, fuel system, and electrical connections.
Annual Truck Inspection Forms are comprehensive and often required by law in many jurisdictions. They cover all critical systems, including brakes, steering, emissions, and safety features. These truck inspection checklists are typically conducted by certified professionals or inspectors.
👉 Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Checklists: Explore our library of free vehicle inspection templates.
What are Truck Inspections?
Truck inspections systematically evaluate commercial vehicles to ensure they comply with safety, mechanical, and regulatory standards. These inspections identify potential defects or issues that could compromise road safety, performance, or legal compliance.
Regular truck inspections help reduce accidents, extend the truck’s lifespan, and ensure operational efficiency. Truck inspections can be conducted by drivers, fleet managers, mechanics, or regulatory authorities, depending on the type and purpose of the inspection.
Levels of Truck Inspections
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) defines six levels of truck inspections, each with a different focus and level of detail:
Level 1: North American Standard (NAS) Inspection
This is the most comprehensive inspection involving both the driver and the truck. It covers:
- Components like brakes, tires, suspension, and lights.
- Driver-related aspects such as hours-of-service records, licenses, and certifications.
Level 2: Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection
This inspection is similar to Level 1 but less detailed. The inspector examines the vehicle and driver documentation without getting underneath the truck.
Level 3: Driver-Only Inspection
Focused entirely on the driver, this inspection reviews:
- Licensing and certifications.
- Hours-of-service records.
- Logbooks and any driver-related compliance issues.
Level 4: Special Inspection
This is a one-time inspection conducted to investigate specific issues or trends. In response to a regulatory concern or reported issue, it may focus on emissions, brake systems, or load security.
Level 5: Vehicle-Only Inspection
This inspection examines the truck without the driver present. It is typically conducted at a maintenance facility or during fleet audits and includes checks of brakes, lights, and other mechanical components.
Level 6: Enhanced NAS Inspection
This is a specialized inspection designed for trucks transporting radioactive or hazardous materials. It involves stringent checks on the truck and driver to ensure safety and compliance with strict transportation guidelines.
👉 Truck Inspection Software: streamline truck and lorry inspections using inspection software and mobile app.
What Should Be Included in a Truck Inspection Sheet?
A DOT truck inspection sheet template should comprehensively cover all critical components of the vehicle. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key areas to include in a DOT truck inspection form:
Engine & Fuel System
- Engine Performance: Check for unusual noises, leaks, and overheating.
- Oil Levels: Ensure the engine oil is at the proper level and free of contamination.
- Fuel Lines & Tank: Inspect for leaks, damage, or corrosion in the fuel system.
- Coolant Levels: Verify that coolant is at the recommended level and free from contamination.
- Belts & Hoses: Look for cracks, fraying, or wear.
Trailer
- Trailer Body: Inspect for dents, cracks, or damage.
- Coupling System: Ensure secure attachment of the trailer to the truck.
- Doors & Hinges: Check for proper operation and ensure doors lock securely.
- Load Security: Verify that the cargo is properly secured to prevent shifting during transport.
Light Check
- Headlights: Ensure both low and high beams are functioning.
- Indicators & Hazard Lights: Test turn signals and emergency flashers.
- Brake Lights: Confirm that brake lights are operational.
- Reflectors: Inspect for damaged or missing reflectors.
In-Cab Inspection
- Dashboard Indicators: Verify all warning lights (oil pressure, engine temperature, etc.) are functioning correctly.
- Horn: Ensure the horn is loud and operational.
- Seatbelts: Inspect for proper operation and wear.
- Windshield & Wipers: Check for cracks in the windshield and ensure wipers and washer fluid are functional.
- Mirrors: Confirm that mirrors are properly aligned and free of cracks.
Brake Systems
- Service Brakes: Test responsiveness and functionality.
- Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake holds the truck securely.
- Air Brake System: Inspect for leaks, pressure levels, and warning signals.
Driver/Vehicle Documents
- Licenses & Permits: Confirm the driver has a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and necessary endorsements.
- Registration & Insurance: Verify the vehicle has current registration and proof of insurance.
- Logbook: Check that the driver’s hours of service (HOS) are up-to-date and compliant.
- Heavy Vehicle Inspection Reports: Ensure the previous inspection reports are available and complete.
Wheels & Tires
- Tire Pressure: Check for correct inflation levels.
- Tread Depth: Ensure the tires meet minimum tread depth requirements.
- Wheel Condition: Inspect for cracks, bends, or rust.
- Lug Nuts: Verify that all lug nuts are present and properly tightened.
👉 Truck Maintenance Checklists: Explore our library of free truck and commercial vehicle maintenance templates.
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How to Use Commercial Truck Inspection Forms?
Start by reviewing the heavy-duty truck inspection checklist categories, such as engine, brakes, tires, and lights. Perform a thorough inspection of each item, noting any issues or defects. Drivers should complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily, while fleet managers or mechanics use detailed forms for periodic checks like weekly, monthly, or annual inspections.
Always document findings clearly, and address any identified problems promptly to maintain safety and compliance.
Digital Commercial Truck Inspection Checklists
Digital heavy vehicle inspection checklists offer several advantages over traditional paper forms. They streamline the process by allowing users to record inspections on mobile devices, ensuring that data is stored securely and can be accessed in real time.
Automated features like reminders, photo attachments, and instant reporting improve accuracy and reduce human error. Unlike paper-based forms that can be lost or damaged, digital solutions provide a more efficient, eco-friendly, and reliable way to manage inspection records.
👉 Free Logistics Audit Checklist Templates: Get free checklists to manage all aspects of your fleet and logistics business.
Other Popular Truck Inspection Checklists:
Digitize your Vehicle inspections
- Tool for commercial vehicle drivers, fleet managers, and maintenance crews to efficiently manage vehicle safety and maintenance.
- Easily attach photos, comments, and e-signatures.
- Track inspection history and maintain a complete record for regulatory audits.
- Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, all within a single app.