Fillable checklist

Trailer Inspection Checklist: Commercial Semi, Pup, or Full Trailer (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable commercial trailer form: coupling, landing gear, lamps, ABS, brakes, tires, body, underride, cargo points. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Commercial & Fleet Fillable form · 10 sections · 86 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against 49 CFR 393.11, 393.70 and 393.75 · Last verified Aug 31, 2026

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Form details

Trailer and inspector

Identify the trailer before you walk it. This header is a trailer ID block, not a 49 CFR 396.11 end-of-day DVIR and not the 396.17 periodic inspection.

16 fields
Trailer and inspector

Inspection station

Coupling hardware (trailer)

This station is the trailer side of the hook: kingpin, apron, gladhands, and 7-way on the trailer. Mark pintle and chain rows N/A on a fifth-wheel semi. Do not walk the tractor fifth-wheel mount here.

11 items
Coupling hardware (trailer)

Kingpin

Kingpin in place, not bent, cracked, or excessively worn. This is the trailer upper-coupler pin (49 CFR 393.70(b); 392.7 coupling devices).

Kingpin: OK, Defect, N/A

Apron / upper coupler plate

Visible apron or upper coupler not bent, cracked, or broken. Trailer must be able to lie flat on a fifth wheel with no gap when coupled (393.70(b)).

Apron / upper coupler plate: OK, Defect, N/A

Upper coupler fasteners

Upper half of the fifth-wheel assembly fastened to the trailer with at least the same security required for a lower fifth wheel (393.70(b)(1)(ii)). No cracked welds or missing bolts you can see.

Upper coupler fasteners: OK, Defect, N/A

Coupled lock (if hooked)

If coupled: kingpin seated, no gap between apron and fifth wheel, locking jaws or lever closed around the kingpin. Mark N/A if this trailer is uncoupled in the yard. Do not use this row as a tractor fifth-wheel mount inspection.

Coupled lock (if hooked): OK, Defect, N/A

Gladhands on the trailer

Supply (emergency) and control (service) gladhands on the trailer present, sealed, not cracked. Caps on if uncoupled. Trailer brake connections are a 392.7 item.

Gladhands on the trailer: OK, Defect, N/A

7-way receptacle on the trailer

Trailer 7-way (or equivalent) receptacle not cracked, pins not heavily corroded, lid closes. Cable not the tractor pigtail you already walked on a power-unit form.

7-way receptacle on the trailer: OK, Defect, N/A

Trailer air and electric lines

Hoses and cable on the trailer not cut, cracked, chafed, spliced with tape, or dragging. Steel braid must not show. Coiled air tubing may be used between towed and towing vehicles if it has the 393.45(c) pigtail and spring guard.

Trailer air and electric lines: OK, Defect, N/A

Tow-bar / drawbar (full trailer or pup)

On a full trailer: tow-bar structurally adequate, securely mounted, locking device that prevents accidental separation, articulation without excessive slack (393.70(c)). Mark N/A on a fifth-wheel semi.

Tow-bar / drawbar (full trailer or pup): OK, Defect, N/A

Safety chains or cables (full trailer)

Attached to the towing-vehicle frame, not to the pintle hook. Slack only enough to turn. Two chains or a bridle as 393.70(d) requires. Mark N/A on a fifth-wheel semi.

Safety chains or cables (full trailer): OK, Defect, N/A

Converter dolly (if pup or double)

Dolly fifth wheel, air, and 7-way on the dolly in good order. Safety device on a converter dolly per 393.70(d)(6). Mark N/A if this unit is not a dolly or pup set.

Converter dolly (if pup or double): OK, Defect, N/A

Intermodal chassis coupling (if IME)

Kingpin upper coupling, rails or support frames, tie-down bolsters, locking pins or hooks, sliders or sliding-frame lock (392.7(b)). Mark N/A if this is not intermodal equipment.

Intermodal chassis coupling (if IME): OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Landing gear

Landing gear is not a listed 392.7 part. Still look at it before you move the trailer. Mark power-gear N/A if the crank is manual only.

6 items
Landing gear

Landing-gear position

If coupled and ready to roll: legs fully raised. If parked uncoupled: legs down and supporting the trailer. Landing gear is not a listed 392.7 part; it is a trailer-support look before you move the unit.

Landing-gear position: OK, Defect, N/A

Crank handle

Crank present, not bent through, stowed and secured so it cannot swing into traffic.

Crank handle: OK, Defect, N/A

Legs, braces, and pads

Support frame, braces, and sand shoes or pads not cracked, bent, or missing. Trailer not leaning on a collapsed leg.

Legs, braces, and pads: OK, Defect, N/A

Landing-gear parts complete

No missing pins, bolts, or cross-shaft hardware you can see from the side. Do not crawl under the trailer to invent a hidden-fastener Pass/Fail.

Landing-gear parts complete: OK, Defect, N/A

Power landing gear (if equipped)

If air or hydraulic powered: no audible leak at the motor or lines. Mark N/A if the gear is manual only.

Power landing gear (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

Landing-gear clearance (if coupled)

If coupled: fifth-wheel position leaves clearance so the tractor frame will not strike the landing gear in a turn. Mark N/A if uncoupled.

Landing-gear clearance (if coupled): OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Lights, conspicuity, and ABS lamp

Use 393.11 Table 1 for trailer types D (80 inches or wider) and F (narrower). Conspicuity is 393.11(b). The ABS lamp is 393.55(e). Mark ID and clearance N/A under 80 inches.

16 items
Lights, conspicuity, and ABS lamp

Tail lamps

Two red tail lamps operate. Proper color, clean, not broken or missing (49 CFR 393.9; 393.11 Table 1, trailer types D and F).

Tail lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Stop lamps

Two red stop lamps come on when the service brake is applied. Not amber (393.11(c)). Need a helper, a pedal, or a coupled tractor to apply trailer brakes.

Stop lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Rear turn signals

Amber or red rear turns flash left and right (393.11 Table 1). Visible around the load.

Rear turn signals: OK, Defect, N/A

Rear 4-way flashers

Rear hazard lamps flash with the 4-way switch. Table 1 requires vehicular hazard warning lamps on trailers.

Rear 4-way flashers: OK, Defect, N/A

Rear identification lamps

On trailers 80 inches or wider: three red ID lamps across the top of the rear (Table 1 type D). Mark N/A on a trailer less than 80 inches wide (type F).

Rear identification lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Rear clearance lamps

Red rear clearance lamps mark overall width on trailers 80 inches or wider (Table 1 type D). Mark N/A if under 80 inches.

Rear clearance lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Front clearance lamps

Amber front clearance lamps on trailers 80 inches or wider. On a trailer they may be mounted below extreme height if height would fail to mark overall width (footnote 15).

Front clearance lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Front side markers and reflectors

Amber front side-marker lamps and amber front side reflex reflectors. A trailer less than 6 feet long including the tongue need not have front side markers or front side reflectors (footnote 16).

Front side markers and reflectors: OK, Defect, N/A

Rear side markers and reflectors

Red rear side-marker lamps and red rear side reflex reflectors. On trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 1979, rear side markers between 15 and 60 inches high (footnote 4).

Rear side markers and reflectors: OK, Defect, N/A

Intermediate side markers (if over 30 ft)

If the trailer is more than 30 feet long: amber intermediate side-marker lamps and amber intermediate side reflex reflectors (Table 1). Mark N/A on a short pup or van under that length.

Intermediate side markers (if over 30 ft): OK, Defect, N/A

License plate lamp

White lamp illuminates a displayed rear plate (393.11 footnote 11). Mark N/A if no plate is displayed.

License plate lamp: OK, Defect, N/A

Reflex reflectors (mount and condition)

Required reflex reflectors securely mounted on a rigid part of the trailer (393.26). Conspicuity material that meets 393.11(b) may replace Table 1 reflex reflectors if it sits at those locations and meets visibility rules (393.11(a)(2)).

Reflex reflectors (mount and condition): OK, Defect, N/A

Conspicuity tape (sides)

Trailers 80 inches or wider with GVWR over 10,000 lb, manufactured on or after Dec 1, 1993 (except pole trailers and living/office trailers): retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflectors along the sides per 393.11(b) and FMVSS No. 108. Present, affixed, not peeled off in long gaps.

Conspicuity tape (sides): OK, Defect, N/A

Conspicuity tape (rear)

Rear sheeting or reflectors present and secure where 393.11(b) applies (typically a red-and-white rear pattern plus upper rear corner marks on a qualifying trailer). Mark N/A only if the trailer is outside 393.11(b).

Conspicuity tape (rear): OK, Defect, N/A

Lamps and tape not obscured

Required lamps and reflective devices not obscured by the tailboard, load, dirt, or added equipment (393.9(b)). Exception: conspicuity on front-end protection may be obscured by part of the load.

Lamps and tape not obscured: OK, Defect, N/A

Trailer ABS malfunction lamp

Trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 that must have ABS: exterior ABS malfunction indicator lamp present (393.55(e)). Lamp must not remain on as a malfunction. Typically at the rear left. Mark N/A if the trailer is not required to have the lamp.

Trailer ABS malfunction lamp: OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Brakes

Pushrod stroke uses the 393.47(e) table for that chamber. Do not invent one stroke limit for every trailer. Lining numbers in 393.47(d)(2) apply when you can see the lining.

12 items
Brakes

Trailer brake connections

Gladhand connections leak-free when coupled. Caps on when uncoupled. Trailer brake connections are listed in 392.7 and 396.11.

Trailer brake connections: OK, Defect, N/A

Brake tubing and hoses

Long and flexible enough, secured against chafing and kinking, not contacting a heat source. Connections free of leaks or constrictions (393.45).

Brake tubing and hoses: OK, Defect, N/A

Brake chambers

Service and spring chambers on each end of an axle the same size (393.47(b)). No severe damage or missing parts. Mark N/A if you cannot see them without going under the trailer.

Brake chambers: OK, Defect, N/A

Slack adjusters (same length)

Effective length of the slack adjuster on each end of an axle must be the same (393.47(c)). Mark N/A if not visible.

Slack adjusters (same length): OK, Defect, N/A

Pushrod stroke (if visible)

Stroke must not exceed the 393.47(e) table for that chamber type and size (example: Type 30 standard-stroke clamp chamber, 2 inches). Unlisted actuators: not more than 80 percent of rated stroke, or the manufacturer mark. Do not invent one inch limit for every chamber. Mark N/A if not visible.

Pushrod stroke (if visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Linings or pads (if visible)

Trailer axles are non-steering. If you can see them: air drum not less than 1/4 inch at the shoe center or to the wear indicator; air disc not less than 1/8 inch (393.47(d)(2)). Mark N/A if not visible. Do not crawl under the trailer to measure hidden lining.

Linings or pads (if visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Drums or rotors (if visible)

Thickness not less than the drum or rotor manufacturer's limit (393.47(g)). No grease or oil on friction surfaces you can see. Mark N/A if not visible.

Drums or rotors (if visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Brakes operative

All brakes with which the trailer is equipped capable of operating (393.48). Lift-axle brakes need not operate while the axle is raised, but must apply when the axle is down (393.48(c)(6)).

Brakes operative: OK, Defect, N/A

Spring / parking brakes

Trailer parking or spring brakes hold when set. Chambers not caged for road use unless the trailer is being towed with disabling damage under the 393.48 exception. Mark N/A only if the trailer truly has no spring brakes.

Spring / parking brakes: OK, Defect, N/A

Lift-axle brakes (if equipped)

If a lift axle is down, its brakes must apply. Mark N/A if there is no lift axle.

Lift-axle brakes (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

Grease or oil on brakes

If accessible without going under the trailer, no grease or oil on linings, pads, drums, or rotors.

Grease or oil on brakes: OK, Defect, N/A

ABS modulator and wiring (if visible)

Air-braked trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 must have ABS (393.55(c)(2)). Visible ECU, modulator, and wheel-speed wiring not hanging or cut. Mark N/A if not required or not visible.

ABS modulator and wiring (if visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Suspension and axles

Air-suspension leakage 3 psi in 5 minutes and the 55 psi bag-fill rule are 393.207(f). Slider pins are 393.207(b).

10 items
Suspension and axles

Axle positioning parts

No axle positioning part cracked, broken, loose, or missing. Axles in proper alignment (393.207(a)).

Axle positioning parts: OK, Defect, N/A

Adjustable axle / slider pins

Locking pins fully engaged, not missing or disengaged (393.207(b)). Release handle seated.

Adjustable axle / slider pins: OK, Defect, N/A

Leaf springs

No leaf spring cracked, broken, missing, or shifted out of position (393.207(c)). Mark N/A if this trailer is air-ride only with no leaves.

Leaf springs: OK, Defect, N/A

Air springs (if equipped)

Air bags secure, not cut, not leaking. Trailer sitting level, not tilting left or right (393.207(f)). Mark N/A on spring-only suspension.

Air springs (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

Air-suspension leakage

Air leakage not greater than 3 psi in 5 minutes when the gauge shows normal operating pressure (393.207(f)). Mark N/A if no air ride.

Air-suspension leakage: OK, Defect, N/A

Air-suspension regulator

The air pressure regulator must not allow air into the suspension until at least 55 psi is in the braking system (393.207(f)). Mark N/A if no air ride.

Air-suspension regulator: OK, Defect, N/A

Shock absorbers (if equipped)

Shocks secure, not damaged, not leaking. Mark N/A if this axle has no shocks.

Shock absorbers (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

U-bolts and mounts

Visible U-bolts and spring mounts present and tight. Mounts not cracked, broken, or missing parts.

U-bolts and mounts: OK, Defect, N/A

Trailer sitting level

Trailer not listing to one side. Uneven ride can be a spring, air bag, or slider-pin problem under 393.207.

Trailer sitting level: OK, Defect, N/A

Air-suspension exhaust controls

Controls must not exhaust air from only one axle of a two-axle air-suspension trailer unless the control is on the trailer or the combo cannot travel over 10 mph with that axle dumped (393.207(g)). Mark N/A if not equipped.

Air-suspension exhaust controls: OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Tires and wheels

Trailer tread minimum is 2/32 inch (393.75(c)). Gauge inflation for the load (393.75(i)). Wheels are 393.205.

11 items
Tires and wheels

Inflation (gauge)

Check with a tire gauge, not a mallet. Cold inflation at least the pressure specified for the load (393.75(i)). Valve stems accessible, caps present, stems not broken.

Inflation (gauge): OK, Defect, N/A

Tire condition

No body ply or belt material exposed, no tread or sidewall separation, not flat, no audible leak, no cut that exposes ply (393.75(a)). No bulges.

Tire condition: OK, Defect, N/A

Tread depth

At least 2/32 inch in a major tread groove. Do not measure on tie bars, humps, or fillets (393.75(c)). Trailer tires are not the 4/32 inch steer-axle rule in 393.75(b); that rule is for front wheels of a bus, truck, or truck tractor.

Tread depth: OK, Defect, N/A

Dual match

Duals not mismatched so one tire carries the pair. 393.75 does not state a half-inch overall-diameter limit. Do not invent that number as an FMCSA tick. Mark N/A on a super-single axle.

Dual match: OK, Defect, N/A

Load rating

Tires not carrying more weight than marked on the sidewall, unless a state special permit and reduced speed apply (393.75(g)).

Load rating: OK, Defect, N/A

Speed-restricted tires (if labeled)

Tires labeled with a maximum speed of 55 mph or less must not be run faster than that rating (393.75(f)). Mark N/A if no such label.

Speed-restricted tires (if labeled): OK, Defect, N/A

Valve stems and caps

Stems accessible on inner and outer duals. Caps present. No broken stems. If ATIS or TPMS hoses are fitted, that system is working.

Valve stems and caps: OK, Defect, N/A

Wheels and rims

Wheels and rims not cracked or broken. No welding repairs on rims (393.205(a)).

Wheels and rims: OK, Defect, N/A

Wheel fasteners

Nuts or bolts not missing or loose (393.205(c)). No rust trails or shiny threads that show a loose nut. No broken studs.

Wheel fasteners: OK, Defect, N/A

Bolt holes

Stud or bolt holes not elongated (out of round) (393.205(b)).

Bolt holes: OK, Defect, N/A

Inner dual (as visible)

Look between duals for a flat, debris, or a mismatched inner tire. Mark N/A on a single-tire axle.

Inner dual (as visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Body, doors, floor, and underride

Frame is 393.201. Rear impact guards on qualifying trailers built on or after January 26, 1998 are 393.86(a). Older body-to-ground guards are 393.86(b). Mark exceptions N/A.

12 items
Body, doors, floor, and underride

Frame and crossmembers

Frame or chassis not cracked, loose, sagging, or broken (393.201(a)). Rail flanges between the axles not bent, cut, or notched except as the manufacturer specifies.

Frame and crossmembers: OK, Defect, N/A

Floor

No holes, breaks, or collapsed boards that could lose cargo or injure a loader. Look from the rear door or side if you can do so safely.

Floor: OK, Defect, N/A

Walls and roof

No cracks, tears, or holes in the body that would lose cargo or fail to keep weather off a van or reefer load. Mark N/A on an open flat if there is no van body.

Walls and roof: OK, Defect, N/A

Doors, hinges, and locks

Swing or roll-up doors close and latch. Hinges, locking bars, and cams secure (392.9(a)(2) equipment used in operation must be secured).

Doors, hinges, and locks: OK, Defect, N/A

Door seals (van or reefer)

Seals intact enough to keep the door closed on the road. Mark N/A on a flat or tanker with no cargo doors of this type.

Door seals (van or reefer): OK, Defect, N/A

Rear impact guard present

Trailers and semitrailers with GVWR of 10,000 lb or more, manufactured on or after January 26, 1998, must have a rear impact guard meeting FMVSS No. 223/224 as installed (393.86(a)), with listed exceptions (pole, pulpwood, low chassis, special purpose, wheels back, road-construction discharge, driveaway-towaway). Mark N/A if an exception applies.

Rear impact guard present: OK, Defect, N/A

Rear impact guard geometry (1998+)

If 393.86(a) applies: outermost surfaces of the horizontal member within 4 inches (100 mm) of the side extremities and not beyond them; bottom edge not more than 22 inches (560 mm) above the ground; rearmost surface of that member within 12 inches (305 mm) of the rear extremity at 22 inches or more above the ground; cross-section at least 3.94 inches (100 mm). Mark N/A if the trailer uses 393.86(b) or an exception.

Rear impact guard geometry (1998+): OK, Defect, N/A

Rear-end protection (pre-1998 body rule)

Older trailers (not under 393.86(a)): if empty rear body-to-ground is more than 30 inches, a guard meeting 393.86(b) (30 inch ground clearance, 18 inches from each side, 24 inches forward of the rear). Mark N/A if 393.86(a) applies or an exception covers the trailer.

Rear-end protection (pre-1998 body rule): OK, Defect, N/A

VIN, plate, and registration (if visible)

VIN plate or stamp readable. License plate displayed if the state requires one on this trailer. This is identification, not a 393 lamp defect by itself.

VIN, plate, and registration (if visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Markings (if required and visible)

Any required intermodal or carrier marking you can see is readable. Do not treat a missing USDOT number on a typical van or flat as an automatic 393 equipment defect. IEP chassis follow intermodal marking rules, not the same as trailer lamp rows.

Markings (if required and visible): OK, Defect, N/A

Mud flaps / splash guards

Present and secure if this trailer is equipped. Not a universal 392.7 list item. Mark N/A if not equipped.

Mud flaps / splash guards: OK, Defect, N/A

Reefer unit and fuel tank (if equipped)

Nose-mount or undermount unit secured, no obvious fuel leak at the tank or lines, exhaust not dumped onto the trailer in a way that would burn cargo. Mark N/A if this is not a reefer.

Reefer unit and fuel tank (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Cargo securement points

This station is points and devices on the trailer, plus 392.9 cargo duty. It is not a full 393.100 through 393.136 commodity-by-commodity securement log.

8 items
Cargo securement points

Winches, tracks, and D-rings

Cargo securement points on the trailer (winches, sliding tracks, D-rings, rope hooks) present, not torn out of the rail, usable. Mark N/A on a sealed van with no exterior winches if that is the body.

Winches, tracks, and D-rings: OK, Defect, N/A

Straps, chains, and binders on the trailer

Devices stored on this trailer are serviceable if you will use them. 392.9 requires cargo properly distributed and secured per 393.100 through 393.136 before you drive.

Straps, chains, and binders on the trailer: OK, Defect, N/A

Cargo distribution (if loaded)

Cargo properly distributed and adequately secured (392.9(a)(1); 393.100). Mark N/A if empty, or if a sealed-load exception applies.

Cargo distribution (if loaded): OK, Defect, N/A

Doors, tarps, tailgate, spare

Tailgate, tailboard, tarpaulins, spare tire, and other equipment used in operation are secured (392.9(a)(2)).

Doors, tarps, tailgate, spare: OK, Defect, N/A

Header board / bulkhead

If equipped, secure and not cracked through in a way that would fail to protect the cab. Mark N/A on a van with no separate bulkhead, or if not equipped.

Header board / bulkhead: OK, Defect, N/A

Sealed or impracticable cargo

If the trailer is sealed and you were ordered not to open it, or loading makes cargo inspection impracticable, you are not required to inspect the cargo itself (392.9(b)(4)). Still inspect the vehicle and the securement you can see. Mark N/A if you did inspect the cargo.

Sealed or impracticable cargo: OK, Defect, N/A

Intermodal locks and bolsters (if IME)

Tie-down bolsters, locking pins, clevises, clamps, or hooks; sliders or sliding-frame lock engaged (392.7(b)). Mark N/A if not intermodal equipment.

Intermodal locks and bolsters (if IME): OK, Defect, N/A

Cargo recheck duty (driver)

Drivers of trucks and truck tractors must recheck cargo and securement within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first, unless 392.9(b)(4) applies. This row records that you know the duty. It is not a second cargo walk on this sheet.

Cargo recheck duty (driver): OK, Defect, N/A

Form details

Defects and sign-off

List defects found on this trailer. Sign when you are satisfied it is safe to operate, or do not dispatch it. This is not a substitute 49 CFR 396.11 DVIR.

8 fields
Defects and sign-off

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

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References

  1. 49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use - eCFR
  2. 49 CFR 392.9 Cargo and securement inspection - eCFR
  3. 49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection - eCFR
  4. 49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report - eCFR
  5. 49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden - eCFR
  6. 49 CFR 393.11 Lamps and reflective devices, Table 1 - eCFR
  7. 49 CFR 393.9 Lamps operable, no obstructions - eCFR
  8. 49 CFR 393.26 Requirements for reflectors - eCFR
  9. 49 CFR 393.70 Coupling devices and towing methods - eCFR
  10. 49 CFR 393.75 Tires - eCFR
  11. 49 CFR 393.86 Rear impact guards - eCFR
  12. 49 CFR 393.207 Suspension systems - eCFR
  13. 49 CFR 393.45 Brake tubing and hoses - eCFR
  14. 49 CFR 393.47 Brake actuators, slacks, linings - eCFR
  15. 49 CFR 393.48 Brakes to be operative - eCFR
  16. 49 CFR 393.55 Antilock brake systems - eCFR
  17. 49 CFR 393.201 Frames - eCFR
  18. 49 CFR 393.205 Wheels - eCFR
  19. 49 CFR 393.100 Cargo securement general requirements - eCFR
  20. 49 CFR 571.108 FMVSS No. 108 lamps and conspicuity - eCFR
  21. FMCSA interpretation 396.11 Q2 power unit and trailer - FMCSA
  22. FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Planner 5.2.2 vehicle inspections - FMCSA

Printable checklist PDF and image

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Trailer Inspection Checklist: Commercial Semi, Pup, or Full Trailer blank checklist
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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against the vehicle manufacturer's service information, your shop's procedures or a qualified technician before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.

What this trailer form is for

Walk the trailer (shop or fleet), fill out the form on screen, and download to CSV or PDF. Shows which trailer you walked, each mark OK/Defect/N/A for each station along with the defect(s) and signature line to signoff. This is for walking your daily or shift's trailers - this works great for semis, pups, or any other full trailer used comercialy

Federal rules behind this look: 49 CFR 392.7 (be satisfied specified parts work, including trailer brake connections, lighting, tires, coupling, wheels, and rims), 49 CFR 396.13 (safe condition, review the last DVIR), and the trailer parts rules in 393.11, 393.70, and 393.75. The FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Planner separates this driver look from the end-of-day DVIR and from the 12-month periodic inspection. FMCSA 396.11 Q2 reads the combination as both power unit and trailer.

What it is not

  • It is not a tractor or straight-truck power-unit inspection. Name the truck inspection checklist in plain text if you need the cab, engine, steer axle, or fifth-wheel mount. Do not paste that list onto this trailer sheet.
  • It is not the published Class A tractor-and-trailer walkaround. For a combination that includes the tractor in-cab air tests and engine bay, use the CMV pre-trip inspection checklist.
  • It is not a 49 CFR 396.11 end-of-day driver vehicle inspection report. File that on the CMV post-trip DVIR at the completion of the day's work.
  • It is not the CDL vehicle inspection skills test, and it is not a 396.17 periodic (annual) inspection. Do not score this sheet as an examiner Pass/Fail.

How to fill each block

Trailer and inspector. Date, name, trailer number, VIN, type, and coupled yes/no come first. Type tells you which reefer, tanker, pup, or van rows to mark N/A. Coupled tells you whether landing gear should be up and whether the kingpin lock row is live. Check that you reviewed the last DVIR (396.13) and that listed defects were certified repaired or certified unnecessary.

Coupling hardware on the trailer. Kingpin, apron, and upper-coupler fasteners (393.70(b)). Gladhands and the 7-way receptacle on the trailer, not the tractor pigtail. Full trailers and pups add the tow-bar and safety chains. Chains attach to the frame, not to the pintle hook (393.70(d)(1)). Intermodal chassis add the 392.7(b) list. Mark pintle rows N/A on a fifth-wheel semi.

Is the landing gear in place? If you plan to pull the trailer, put the legs up. If it's parked uncoupled then put the legs down and supporting. Collapsed bracing and pads. Crank stowed. Landing gear isn’t listed as part of 392.7. Yet you check it before moving the unit.

Lights, conspicuity, and ABS lamp. Operate every required lamp from outside (393.9; 393.11 Table 1 types D and F). Trailers 80 inches or wider need rear ID and clearance lamps. Stop lamps must not be amber (393.11(c)). Reflex reflectors mount per 393.26. Conspicuity on qualifying trailers built on or after December 1, 1993 is 393.11(b), which points to FMVSS No. 108. The exterior ABS lamp on trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 is 393.55(e).

Brakes. Lines and fittings leak-free (393.45). Brakes operative (393.48). If chambers and slacks are visible, same size and same effective length per axle, and pushrod stroke not beyond the 393.47(e) table for that chamber (Type 30 standard-stroke clamp is 2 inches; other types differ). Trailer lining numbers in 393.47(d)(2) apply when you can see the lining. Do not invent one stroke limit for every chamber.

Suspension and axles. Springs, axle positioning parts, and air ride from 393.207. Slider pins fully engaged (393.207(b)). Air-suspension leakage not greater than 3 psi in 5 minutes at normal brake pressure, and no bag fill until at least 55 psi is in the braking system (393.207(f)).

Tires and wheels. Gauge inflation for the load (393.75(i)). Trailer tread at least 2/32 inch in a major groove (393.75(c)). The 4/32 inch rule in 393.75(b) is for front wheels of a bus, truck, or truck tractor, not for trailer axles. Wheels not cracked, bolt holes not elongated, nuts not missing or loose (393.205).

Body, doors, floor, and underride. Frame not cracked, sagging, or broken (393.201). Doors, tarps, and equipment secured (392.9). Rear impact guards on many trailers built on or after January 26, 1998 are 393.86(a) (within 4 inches of the sides, not more than 22 inches off the ground, within 12 inches of the rear extremity). Older empty-body guards are 393.86(b). Pole, pulpwood, low-chassis, special-purpose, and wheels-back trailers are listed exceptions.

Cargo securement points. Winches, tracks, D-rings, and the load you can see. 392.9(a)(1) points to 393.100 through 393.136. Sealed or impracticable cargo is 392.9(b)(4). Drivers of trucks and truck tractors still recheck within 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first, unless that exception applies.

Defects and sign-off. List what you found. Choose repaired, still safe to dispatch, or not dispatched. 396.7 forbids operating a vehicle likely to cause an accident or breakdown. Sign when you are satisfied the trailer is safe, or keep it in the yard.

What varies

What row of doors do I activate? Does a reefer have a different trailer type than a dry van? Is it a dolly? Which body on that reefer do I need?

Do I need a pup? A tanker? A flat? Or a van? Is the width over or under 80 inches? That will affect whether you run the clearance lamps and ID lamps at 393.11 Table 1.

Is the trailer coupled or parked uncoupled? If so the kingpin lock row is changed. Are you operating post December 1, 1993 for build year to change conspicuity? Does the build year fall after March 1, 1998, for ABS lamps? Does the 393.86 underride rule apply after January 26, 1998?

There’s no single number for each type of trailer; it’s tables in 393.47 (pushrod stroke) and lining thickness. Just use the table in front of you based off your chamber type. There’s no number in 393.75 for “dual overall diameter.” So this doesn't regards a half inch dual match as a ticket-limit item for the FMCSA.

Each state may adopt an equivalent of 396.17 or choose to add stickers. Your fleet policy might also include reefer hours, tank valve positions, and IEP marks on intermodal containers. None of these appear in 392.7.

After you finish

For power unit stations, just follow the pre-trip form (plain text) that was published or your truck's own inspection checklist if you also walk the tractor. Don't repeat what is already on that tab here.

Click download to get a copy of the filled-in PDF or CSV version from this tab. It stays in this browser only. Next time a different person visits it, they see a blank form.

Turn in the defect’s list to carrier prior to dispatch. If you are required by 396.11 to have a written report at the end of the day do that on a separate sheet. It is not filed with FMCSA and is not intended to replace your OEM’s procedure for the trailer.

The form is above this paragraph. Below the form is the preview image as well as a printable PDF.

Not a substitute for the OEM or a licensed inspection

It’s a record keeping template. It’s not a substitute for a 396.17 periodic inspection, an OEM procedure for the specific trailer being inspected, or a licensed state or roadside inspection. Do not invent a Pass/Fail limit if there is no corresponding tread, stroke, or guard number within the 49 CFR sections cited below.