Post-trip and pre-trip inspections are among the most important aspects of fleet operations.
Designed to ensure the safety and operability of fleet vehicles, these inspections are an inevitable part of daily business activities for drivers and fleet managers.
At the same time, it has only been in recent years that post-trip inspection checklists have made this examination easier, faster, and more reliable thanks to the digital evolution.
In the following sections, uncover the ins and outs of post-trip inspections. We offer a detailed explanation of what this term means and provide a post-trip inspection checklist that you can use to guarantee that your vehicles are in working condition at all times.
What is a post-trip inspection?
Let’s start from the basics.
What’s a post-trip inspection in the first place?
By definition, a post-trip inspection is a process that represents a thorough assessment of a fleet vehicle after it has been used for transportation. The post-trip inspection aims to detect any flaws, errors, or damages that the vehicle may have suffered during the driver’s shift.
Naturally, these types of inspections are the backbone of fleet safety and are crucial for any fleet business, no matter the size. Apart from the value they offer, they are also a legal requirement under The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
Under DOT, both a pre-trip and post-trip inspection is obligatory. At the same time, a lack of post-trip inspection ranks among the most common violations in the USA.
Unlike with DVIRs, post-trip inspections should always be conducted.
When is a post-trip inspection required?
One of the most common questions associated with post-trip inspections is when this examination is required.
As the name suggests, post-trip inspections should be conducted at the end of each day once the driver has completed their shift. They’re a must for every vehicle from your fleet that is in operation.
When is a post-trip inspection required?
One of the most common questions associated with post-trip inspections is when this examination is required.
As the name suggests, post-trip inspections should be conducted at the end of each day once the driver has completed their shift. They’re a must for every vehicle from your fleet that is in operation.
Why is a post-trip inspection important?
Apart from the compliance element linked to post-trip inspections, these vehicle examinations are fundamental for several reasons.
They can enable fleet managers to eliminate the risks of expensive repairs and costly delays. They can also help avoid life-threatening accidents on the road.
Monitor the Vehicles in Your Fleet
One of the most important reasons why post-trip inspections are a must is that they allow regular monitoring of the condition of each vehicle from your fleet.
Oftentimes, at the end of a shift, drivers are impatient to leave work and get back to their families. This inevitably creates risks of rushed activities, communication gaps, and potential challenges.
In many cases, vehicle concerns that were spotted during the day could be forgotten or not communicated with mechanics or fleet managers. Unreported problems can turn into serious situations on the next day, especially if the pre-drive check doesn’t detect the issue.
By conducting post-trip inspections on a regular basis for each and every one of your vehicles, you’re ultimately ensuring that you are well aware of the condition of your fleet. This allows you to tackle obstacles on time, repair vehicles on time, and avoid downtime and accidents.
Not to mention that dealing with vehicle problems on time can also help you reduce fuel consumption, positively influencing your bottom line.
Improves drivers’ safety
Another point we touched upon earlier is safety.
Post-trip inspections are of paramount importance for keeping your drivers safe and comfortable during their working hours.
They play a critical role in enhancing driver safety by identifying potential vehicle issues that could lead to accidents or breakdowns if left unaddressed.
When drivers conduct thorough inspections at the end of each trip, they can detect wear and tear on crucial vehicle components – like brakes, tires, lights, and steering mechanisms – that may have developed during the journey.
By catching these issues early, post-trip inspections prevent the likelihood of mechanical failures that could compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety on the road.
Additionally, these inspections contribute to a culture of accountability and safety awareness among drivers.
Knowing that any identified issues will be addressed promptly before the next trip, drivers can operate with greater confidence, reducing stress and the potential for distractions.
Remain compliant with regulations
Finally, post-trip inspections can help you enjoy peace of mind that you’re on the right side of the law.
Having your post-trip inspection reports ready at the end of each day means that you’re compliant with official regulations. This can mean preventing costly fines, a damaged brand reputation, and sometimes – business closure.
What items should a post-trip inspection include?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to move on to the most exciting part of this article – the components of your post-trip inspection checklist.
The good news is that there are plenty of pre-made post-trip inspection checklists. In fact, you can even take advantage of a checklist provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
However, it’s important to note that your post-trip inspection checklist should be organized based on your specific business requirements. Some of the factors to take into account include the type of fleet you’re running, your vehicle variations, and more.
Note that certain checklist components are obligatory and must be included in your reports.
The following elements are a must-have for any post-trip inspection checklist.
Driver ID And Vehicle ID
One of the key components of a post-trip inspection checklist is the driver ID and vehicle ID.
Depending on how you structure your pre- and post-trip inspections, you may already have access to this data by the end of the day. Oftentimes, pre-trip inspections and post-trip inspections are conducted using a combined file.
This has slowly turned into a popular best practice as a result of the digitization of vehicle inspections.
If this is the case, you’ll already have the driver’s ID and the vehicle ID filled in as part of the pre-trip inspection.
Odometer
Next, you should always include odometer readings in your post-trip inspection checklist. Although this component isn’t officially required by the FMCSA, it’s highly recommendable as it can provide valuable insights related to:
- Fuel consumption
- Unauthorized use
- Mileage
This information is especially important if you work with fuel cards, fleet tracking, and preventive maintenance schedules.
Brakes
On the other hand, brakes are a regulatory requirement when it comes to post-trip inspection checklists.
A thorough examination of the braking system of each vehicle should be conducted at the end of each shift. This not only relates to service brakes but hand brakes and parking brakes as well.
If your braking system is healthy and unharmed, the brakes should be activated and the brake lights on the vehicle’s rear should light up instantly after light pressure on the pedal. However, if you notice that the brake lights don’t activate, this may be a sign of an electrical issue of hydraulic fluid leakage.
It’s also key to note that if you operate with vehicles that tow trailers, you must also assess the connections between the two.
Mirrors
Another obligatory element to inspect is the mirrors.
Under FMCSA regulations, the majority of vehicles should possess a mirror on each side of the truck to ensure “blind spot” coverage.
Don’t forget to carefully analyze the condition of the mirrors and look for any signs of breaking, cracking, chipping, and more. Check if the mirrors can be adjusted easily and whether they remain in the assigned position while on the move.
Horns
Perhaps one of the most underestimated components of a post-trip inspection checklist is the horn.
However, a vehicle with a malfunctioning horn is an incredibly dangerous mobile asset.
Make sure to include a section on your post-trip inspection checklist dedicated to your vehicle horns. Check if they work properly by pressing the horn button and examine the horn fuse.
Emergency Equipment
By law, every operating vehicle must be equipped with emergency items, like a fire extinguisher, extra fuses, warning signals, and others.
In most cases, vehicle drivers don’t need to use these items unless an accident occurs on the road. However, there could be situations where the driver has used a component of the emergency equipment and it needs to be restored.
As part of your post-trip inspection checklist, make sure that the following items are ready for use in the vehicle:
- Jack
- Flares
- Reflective triangles
- Extra tire
- Lug wrench
- First aid kit
- Toolkit
- Flashlight
- Spare coolant and engine oil
- Fire extinguisher
- Personal protective equipment
Depending on the type of vehicles your drivers operate, you may also need additional items as part of your equipment.
Make sure they’re all properly stored and protected inside the vehicle.
Windshield Wipers
Another essential section of your post-trip inspection checklist is the one dedicated to your vehicles’ windshield wipers.
As part of the inspection, check if the windshield wipers turn on when the activation is intended and ensure they work properly and according to the desired speed.
When it comes to windshield wipers, it may also be a good idea to take the time to activate them on wet windshields to determine if they have good glass contact and successfully remove the water.
Tires
Next, don’t forget about the importance of your tires.
Make sure to thoroughly check the vehicle’s tires as part of your post-trip inspection checklist and search for any signs of excess wear, holes, tears, and other damages. You may also want to examine the tire pressure to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect condition for the next day’s operations.
Adequate tire maintenance can help you minimize fuel costs but can also ensure driver safety.
Lights
Another central part of a post-trip inspection checklist is your vehicle’s lights.
When examining your lights, ensure that all of the following function properly:
- Headlights
- Hazard lights
- Taillights
- Marker lights
- Turn signals
Properly functioning lights are a legal requirement for any vehicle. By assessing this component of your post-trip inspection checklist, you can reduce the chances of accidents and also guarantee compliance.
Wheels
Last but not least, make sure that you have a dedicated section on your post-trip inspection checklist for your vehicle’s wheels.
Alongside assessing your tire pressure, it’s also key to check if there are signs of damage on the wheels themselves. You can do this by carefully analyzing the:
- Rims
- Dents
- Bends
- Other damage
In case you notice a hubcap on the wheels, look closely into the cover to check for dust or other harmful debris. If possible, it’s also a good idea to check the wheels internally.
Conclusion
Overall, post-trip inspections are fundamental for any fleet, no matter the industry you operate in or the size of your fleet.
By working with a pre-made post-trip inspection checklist, you can rest assured that you’ve covered all of the crucial components that define how safe and efficient your vehicles are for daily business operations.
