Daily Truck Inspection Checklist and Report Template

There are 15.5 million commercial trucks on our roads across the US. These essential vehicles are responsible for transporting goods and services across the country, and their safety and reliability are crucial to the flow of our economy. If your business uses trucks or vans to get products to your customers, you know how debilitating it can be when one of your trucks breaks down.

The best way to prevent a breakdown is through preventive maintenance. To help ensure your trucks are being looked over carefully and maintained properly, use this daily truck inspection report template and tailor to fit your specific needs.

What Is A Daily Truck Inspection Checklist?

A daily truck inspection report is a detailed document that helps drivers inspect specific aspects of their vehicles to ensure safety and avoid damages. There are some aspects of an inspection report that can be done every few months or when you reach a certain mileage, but there are other things that should be checked every day. Many businesses that rely on trucks to transport their products use daily truck inspection reports to keep their vehicles in peak condition.

What To Include in Your Truck Inspection Sheet

Every fleet is different. This means that your truck inspection sheet may look a little different than the inspection report for a commercial vehicle working in a completely different industry. This is why having the ability to create custom reports tailored to your fleet is so crucial in properly maintaining your trucks. As a starting point, your report should cover these major areas:

Engine & Fuel System

Even if you’re not overly familiar with the inner workings of truck mechanics, you can do your part to keep an eye out for issues with the major systems of the truck, including the engine and fuel system.

• Listen for any strange noises coming from the engine, such as rattles, knocks, or tics.
• Inspect belts and hoses, looking for evidence of leaks, cracks, splits or abrasions
• Check engine oil levels
• Check fuel levels
• Check exterior gas caps

Trailer

To keep your truck in peak condition, it is important to check the trailer portion of the vehicle for any signs of damage as well. Take a walk around the truck and inspect the body of the truck for:

• Dings and scrapes in the doors
• Signs of vandalism
• Dents or scratches along the side of the vehicle
• Loose hubcaps or body stripping

Light Check

If your truck does a lot of night driving, the lights around the entire vehicle must be working properly. Take the time to check that:

• High beams, low beams, and fog lights work
• All tail lights illuminate properly
• Turn signals are working
• Emergency flashers are operational
• There aren’t any warning lights lit up on the in-cab instrument panel.

In-Cab Inspection

There are many features and controls located in the cab of the truck. Reviewing these during a daily inspection can help keep your driver and other drivers safe on the road. Check that:

• The windshield is clean, clear of debris, and not cracked
• Windshield wipers work correctly and wiper fluid is topped off
• The AC system, heater, and defroster are all working correctly
• The horn works
• Seatbelts and all related mechanisms are working and up to standard
• Seat position, steering column, and headrest can all be easily adjusted and stay in place during a drive
• Check all mirrors for cracks or damage. Make sure they can all be easily adjusted and are secure.

Brake Systems

The brakes are arguably one of the most important systems of your truck and help to keep your drivers and other drivers safe while out on the road. Your brakes should be checked before you get out onto the road.

• Gently apply the brakes when you leave the garage or driveway to ensure they are working properly
• Firmly apply pressure to the brakes to test the ABS
• Test the parking brake
• Check brake fluid level

Driver/Vehicle Documents

Every time you go out onto the road, it is critical that you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation on hand for legal and liability reasons. Some of these documents include:

• A valid driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• License plate attached and clearly visible
• Proof of insurance;
• An up-to-date accident report and maintenance checklist

Wheels & Tires

Before you hit the road, take a walk around the truck and perform a visual inspection of the wheels and tires. Things to look for include:

• Tires are properly inflated
• There is no tire damage
• No sign of unusual wear
• Spare tire(s) are available and in good condition

Create Custom Truck Inspection Sheets with Device Magic

If your business relies on a fleet of trucks to transport goods and services, safety should be your top concern. The best way to ensure your trucks and drivers stay safe is by giving your team the documentation they need to perform daily inspection reports.

Device Magic is a mobile form software that allows you to create custom truck inspection reports tailored to your fleet. The drag and drop interface makes it easy to create a report that has everything you need for a thorough inspection. Your team can access, modify, save, and send these documents—and your reports can easily be integrated into the platforms you’re already using.