Driver Safety Checklist

With engine off and key on, fan the brake pedal until pressure drops. The low-air warning (light and buzzer) must activate by 60 psi. Continue fanning until the spring brakes pop out between 20 and 45 psi. Failure of either point is an out-of-service condition under CVSA criteria.

Glove-box accident packet should include witness cards, post-accident drug-test info card with collection-site directions, dashcam SD-card retrieval instructions, and the carrier's emergency dispatch number. Replace any missing items before departure.

Steer tires require minimum 4/32" tread depth across all major grooves; drives and trailer require 2/32". Check for cuts, bulges, sidewall separation, and exposed cord. Verify cold pressure against the carrier spec (typically 105-110 psi steers).

With brakes released, measure pushrod travel on each chamber. Anything beyond the readjustment limit for the chamber type (typically 1.75" for Type 30) is a defect. Look for cracked chambers, missing clamps, and audible air leaks at the chamber or hose.

Tug-test forward in low gear against trailer brakes. Crawl under and confirm the jaws are closed around the kingpin with no gap between the trailer plate and the fifth wheel. Release handle should be fully seated; safety latch engaged.

Set trailer parking brake, release tractor brake, and tug forward gently. Trailer must hold. Then reverse: set tractor parking brake, release trailer, tug. Both tests must pass before leaving the yard.

Count straps, chains, or load bars against the working load limit needed for the cargo weight. For flatbed, edge protection on sharp corners; for van, load braced against forward shift. Verify seal number matches the BOL for sealed loads.

For refrigerated loads only. Verify set point matches the rate confirmation, return-air temp is within tolerance of set point, and reefer fuel is sufficient for the run plus a 2-hour buffer. Pre-cool an empty trailer at least 30 minutes before live load.

Mark any defect that affects safe operation. If a defect is found, the next step routes you to shop coordination before departure. "No defects" is acceptable only when the walk-around actually found none — copy-paste "no defects" certifications destroy litigation defense.

Photograph each defect from two angles, write a plain-language description on the DVIR, and open a shop ticket in Fleetio (or the carrier's maintenance system). Do not depart on a defect that affects safe operation until the shop signs off.

Sign the DVIR in Motive, Samsara, or the carrier's ELD platform. Defects flagged "affects safe operation" lock the unit until the shop certifies repair. Driver retains a copy on the unit per Part 396.11(c).

Dispatcher reviews BOL, pickup and delivery numbers, appointment windows, and any hazmat or oversize permits. Driver acknowledges rate confirmation and any special instructions before rolling.

Upload Comdata, EFS, or Pilot/Loves receipts to the TMS so jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction gallons are captured for the next IFTA quarterly filing. Receipts missing the state of purchase are rejected at IFTA audit.

Upload signed BOL/POD with consignee signature, count, and any exceptions noted. Record arrival and departure times at each stop — detention beyond the customer's free time is uninvoiceable without driver-recorded timestamps.

Required by Part 396.11 at the end of each driving day on each vehicle operated. Note any defect that developed during the run; the next driver cannot dispatch the unit until the shop or driver certifies it safe to operate.

Top off diesel exhaust fluid; low DEF triggers engine derate. Review parked-regen history in the dash or telematics; frequent regens may indicate DPF, EGR, or sensor issues that the shop should investigate before the next OOS-level fault.

Part 396.17 requires an annual inspection on every CMV; the sticker on the unit shows expiration month/year. A unit operated past expiration is OOS at any roadside inspection. Schedule the re-inspection 30 days before the sticker expires.