Why Are Pre- and Post-Trip Rental Inspections Important?

Whether you’re renting a dump truck, a semi-truck or a trailer, you want to manage your rental just as you would your owned equipment. In other words, staying on top of maintenance and repairs is crucial, and that effort starts with comprehensive daily inspections. As a result, you can maximize your rental truck usage and maintain compliance with important truck regulations.

When is a pre-trip inspection required? When is it appropriate to conduct a post-trip inspection? Learn about the importance of inspections to make the most of your rental, including crucial compliance considerations, below.

4 Reasons to Conduct Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections

Why are pre- and post-trip rental inspections important? Keeping tabs on your rental truck’s condition is important for many reasons, from maintenance purposes to regulatory compliance. Explore the top four reasons for daily inspections below:

1. Maintain Safe Daily Operations

More than anything, you want to create and maintain a safe work environment for you and your team. Part of meeting that goal is ensuring all equipment is fully operational before anyone gets behind the wheel.

Taking the time to check your rental truck at the start of the day allows you to find and address any issues that could lead to unsafe operations. When the truck comes back post-trip, a similar review can make sure nothing went wrong with the truck during the workday.

2. Meet DOT Compliance

Depending on the type of truck you’re renting, you may need to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) pre- and post-trip inspection regulations. DOT requires inspections for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), which generally include trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, as well as certain passenger and hazardous material transportation requirements.

If your rental truck qualifies as a CMV, you must conduct inspections before and after each use according to DOT regulations 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13. These reviews involve preparing a written report on each vehicle operated that day, among other specific tasks.

The ultimate goal of DOT inspections is to keep CMVs in safe, operational condition. Failing to meet DOT inspection and other regulations can lead to fines and suspensions.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Costs

Even though you don’t own your rental truck, you want to stay on top of issues before they turn into costly hazards. In many cases, the rental company is responsible for maintenance and repairs. However, you can only have them fix problems you know exist. If an issue goes unchecked and ignored, it could lead to a significant replacement that your company is liable for financially.

As a fleet manager, you know that maintenance and operational costs are some of your team’s biggest expenses. Avoid being charged for costly breakdowns and similar problems by conducting pre- and post-trip inspections. If you or a team member spots a concern, it should be escalated promptly so you can take the proper next steps to remedy it.

4. Stay on Schedule

When your team identifies equipment issues early, you can address them quickly to keep your truck in top condition. Without inspections, small problems can gradually turn into considerable damage, leaving you to handle unplanned downtime as you wait for the truck to be fixed. Even a day or two without your rental truck can be costly, especially in cases where you’re renting for short-term projects.

For most businesses, remaining on schedule is a top priority — keep things moving as intended by thoroughly examining your rental truck before and after each trip.

Things to Look for During Rental Inspections

The best way to make sure your rental truck remains in safe condition is to develop inspection checklists. Together with your team, you can create an action plan that works for everyone’s schedule and helps you stay ahead of problems.

A pre-trip inspection should take around 10-15 minutes. These items are an effective starting point for any pre-trip inspection checklist:

• Cab interior: All seat belts in the cab should function properly. Check the windshield wipers and wiper fluid levels, as well. The horn should work as expected for safety purposes, and you should look at the mirrors to ensure they’re not dirty or damaged and can be positioned as needed.
• Coupling devices: Check the fifth wheel or other coupling mechanism for damage and proper locking, if present. Be sure to examine safety chains and electrical connections, too.
• Brakes: Confirm that the parking brake works. Review the air brake system for any leaks, if present. It’s also smart to check the brake pads for wear.
• Emergency equipment: Make sure warning devices, such as reflective triangles, are stocked. Other applicable safety equipment should also be checked.
• Engine: Review fluid levels, hoses, and belts to confirm everything is topped off properly and isn’t worn or damaged. Listen for any strange noises that could indicate a problem.
• Lighting devices and reflectors: All headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals should work properly. Assess clearance lights, emergency flashers, and marker lights, too.
• Rims and tires: Are the rims clean and free of damage? Check each tire’s pressure and tread depth. Confirm all lug nuts are present and you don’t see any cuts, tears, or uneven wear.
• Steering mechanism: Examine steering wheel play to ensure it moves properly and isn’t loose or damaged.

When the rental truck returns after the workday, you’ll generally want to follow most of the same steps as you did during the pre-trip inspection. In particular, your post-trip inspection checklist should involve a visual inspection to assess the truck for any new damage or leaks that occurred during the trip. In cases where you’re hauling cargo, make sure it’s properly secured.

If any issues pop up during inspections, it’s essential to have a clear documenting and reporting process in place for your team. All variations in truck condition should be noted for documentation purposes, both for your team and the rental company. Designate a staff member to manage rental truck maintenance issues — your team can report directly to them with their concerns.

Browse Rental Options From Thompson Truck Source

Keeping up with truck maintenance through daily inspections can help you maximize your rental experience. By identifying and addressing issues early, you can stay on top of projects, boosting profit and meeting client expectations.

At Thompson Truck Source, we provide a reliable, high-quality range of commercial trucks for rent — and we prioritize meticulous maintenance to ensure they stay up and running. No matter your reason for renting or the type of truck you need, we’re here to help. Let our expert team guide you through the rental process with dedicated, personal customer service.

Browse our truck rental options, and find a location near you in Alabama and northwest Florida today!