A pre-trip inspection is a safety walkaround a driver must perform before starting a shift. Federal law requires this check to ensure the truck and trailer are safe to drive. The driver goes through a checklist, looking at the engine bay, steering, tires, brakes, coupling devices, and lights. Doing this helps catch minor mechanical issues before they cause highway breakdowns.
The inspection usually takes about 15 minutes. The driver must log this time as "on duty, not driving" in their logbook. If they spot a safety issue, like a cut tire or a bad brake chamber, they must report it to the carrier's shop immediately. Running without doing a pre-trip is a common violation that leads to failed roadside DOT inspections and safety fines.