Pre and Post Trip Vehicle Inspections
No moving company can go any where with out wheels, so it is essential to maintain a consistent and daily upkeep of appearance and function. Pre Trip and Post Trip vehicle inspections can be done by your driver or crew foreman 10 to 15 minutes prior to departure.
The following is a check list of the important parts of inspection and how to go about it:
Check the oil level. To do this, open the hood of the truck and find the oil dip stick. Using a napkin, towel or cloth, wipe the stick clean, place it back in and pull it back out. Eye the reader down at the bottom of the dip stick. If it is below the recommended amount, put more oil in the truck, but make sure you mark on your paper work how many quarts of oil were used.
Is the inside of the cab clean and all the trash removed? If there is garbage in the truck it can hurt the overall appearance of your company. Most customers will not see the interior of the cab, however with the off chance that they do, you want to make sure the interior of the cab is presentable and professional. Plastic bottles or aluminum cans can roll around in the cab, sometimes they may roll underneath the break or gas pedal, this can be very dangerous, so always keep your truck clean.
Make sure the horn works properly, if it does not work properly, it is almost always an easy fix, such as simply replacing the fuse under the hood. If you need help with this, ask your truck maintenance worker for assistance. A properly working horn is required under ODOT regulations, so always make sure that it is working properly, especially in the event of long hauls or out of state jobs.
Make sure there is a fire extinguisher under the seat in the cab. Fire extinguishers have a gauge that shows you how much fluid is left inside. Make sure that the gauge is in the green. This too is apart of ODOT regulations.
At least 3 emergency reflectors should be in the cab at all times. The triangles are used in the cast that you need to block certain parts, or entire parts of a road. Having these on a job site not only makes you look more professional but is also a safety precaution.
Make sure that your wipers, wiper fluid and batter cover are all present before departure. The battery cover is typically near the outer gas tank, you will be able to see right off the bat if it is there.
Check your tires. If one seems flat, or the tread is bad, talk to your supervisor, manager or truck maintenance worker. Bad tires are a hazard, so if they seem like they are not fit for the road, then they must be replaced.
Your insurance packet, registration, camera, and first aide kit are all handy before you leave. All of which are required under ODOT regulations.
Using your crewmen or another employee, check all of your truck lights. Including headlights, front and back turn signals, brake lights, running lights, interior lights and hazard lights.
If you get caught with out these things covered and checked, you or your company can be tacked with some pretty nasty fines and/or be shut down. Pre and Post trip inspections are essential to you, your company and your trucks well being.
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