Creating Truck Pre Trip Inspection Forms for Canada-wide Compliance

A pre-trip inspection is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of drivers and others on the road. It involves checking various components of a truck to make sure it is in good working condition and free from defects that may cause accidents. In this blog post, we will provide tips for creating pre-trip inspection forms that comply with CCOHS, NSC, and CCOHS guidelines.

We also cover modern tips for making forms easier and the consequences of not filling out pre trip inspection forms in Canada.

Tip 1: Follow CCMTA, NSC, and CCOHS Guidelines

To stay Canada-wide compliant it’s best to include guidelines from CCMTA, NSC, and even the CCOHS. This requires reviewing the following:

• Engine Compartment: This section should include items such as checking oil levels, checking hoses and belts, inspecting the air filter, and checking for any leaks.
• Cab Inspection: This section should include checking for any damage to the windshield, mirrors, lights, and windshield wipers. It should also include checking the horn, emergency brakes, and seat belts.
• Front End: This section should include checking the steering system, brakes, tires, and wheels.
• Trailer Inspection: This section should include checking the trailer’s brakes, tires, wheels, and lighting system.
• Rear End: This section should include checking the rear lights, brakes, tires, and wheels.
• Specialized Equipment: If the truck has any specialized equipment, such as a liftgate or refrigeration unit, it should be included in the inspection form.
• Documentation: The inspection form should also include a section for documenting any defects found during the inspection and the actions taken to address them.

It’s important to note that the specific details and items on the pre-trip inspection form may vary depending on the type of truck and the industry in which it operates. However, the items listed above are generally included in most pre-trip inspection forms for trucks in Canada.

For more info on a Canada-wide compliant truck pre-trip inspection form, see the National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 13 pre-trip inspection form. This form is designed to meet the requirements of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and the National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 13 for pre-trip inspections.

The NSC Standard 13 pre-trip inspection form includes sections for both the driver and the vehicle. The driver section includes a checklist of items that the driver needs to inspect, such as the seat belts, mirrors, and brakes. The vehicle section includes a checklist of items that the driver needs to check on the truck, such as the tires, lights, and engine.

The NSC Standard 13 pre-trip inspection form is designed to be easy to use and understand, with clear instructions and visual aids to help drivers conduct a thorough inspection. The form also includes spaces for drivers to document any defects or issues they find during the inspection, along with instructions for reporting these issues to their fleet managers.

Overall, the NSC Standard 13 pre-trip inspection form is an example of a Canada-wide compliant truck pre-trip inspection form that meets the guidelines and requirements set out by the CCMTA and the NSC. Using a compliant pre-trip inspection form like this can help to ensure the safety of drivers and others on the road by identifying and addressing any issues with the truck before it is driven.

Tip 2: Make Your Truck Pre trip Inspection Form Easy to Complete

Truck pre-trip inspections are an essential part of ensuring the safety of drivers and others on the road. However, they can be time-consuming and often require a significant amount of effort from drivers. Here are some tips for making pre-trip inspections easier for truck drivers:

• Provide clear and concise instructions: Drivers need clear instructions on how to conduct pre-trip inspections. The instructions should be easy to understand and concise, providing drivers with a step-by-step guide on what to check and how to document any issues they find.

• Offer training and support: Some drivers may be new to the pre-trip inspection process or may not be familiar with the specific components of their truck. Offering training and support can help to ensure that drivers are confident and knowledgeable about conducting pre-trip inspections. This can also help to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of the inspection process.

• Make the inspection checklist visible: Drivers should have easy access to the pre-trip inspection checklist. Making the checklist visible in the cab of the truck can help to remind drivers of what they need to check and ensure that they do not miss anything.

• Encourage communication: Drivers should feel comfortable communicating any issues they find during the pre-trip inspection process. Fleet managers should encourage open communication and make it easy for drivers to report any issues or concerns they have. This can help to address issues quickly and prevent them from becoming significant problems.

Tip 3: Use Software to Organize all your Pre Trip Inspection Forms

Digital forms are the most common piece of software used to simplify pre trip inspection forms. These digital pre trip inspection forms are easy to use and allow for data collection and analysis. With digital forms, the information collected can be stored and analyzed to identify trends and potential issues. This information can then be used to make improvements to the pre-trip inspection process and the overall safety of the fleet.

There are several software solutions available that can help with the data collection and analysis of pre-trip inspection forms. Some popular solutions include Fleetio, Whip Around, and KeepTruckin. These solutions allow for digital data collection, analysis, and reporting, making it easier for fleet managers to identify issues and make improvements.

Furthermore, digital forms can also provide real-time feedback to drivers, allowing them to address any issues before they become significant problems. With digital forms, drivers can easily document any issues they find during the inspection, and fleet managers can receive alerts and notifications about these issues. This allows for prompt action to be taken, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing the overall safety of the fleet.

In addition, using digital forms can also reduce paperwork and administrative tasks. Traditional paper forms require significant time and effort to create, distribute, and process. Digital forms, on the other hand, can be created quickly and easily, and the information collected can be automatically processed and analyzed. This saves time and resources, allowing fleet managers to focus on other critical tasks.

Another advantage of using software solutions for pre-trip inspections is that they can be customized to meet the specific needs of each fleet. Fleet managers can modify the inspection form to include additional items that are relevant to their fleet, such as specialized equipment or safety features. This flexibility allows for a more comprehensive inspection, ensuring that all critical components of the truck are checked before each trip.

Consequences for not Performing Pre Trip Inspection Forms

In Canada, the fines that truckers can receive for not performing pre-trip inspections can vary depending on the province or territory. However, generally, the fines can range from $250 to $1,000 for a first offense, and can increase for subsequent offenses.

For example, in Ontario, under the Highway Traffic Act, a commercial vehicle driver can be fined $250 for failing to perform a pre-trip inspection or failing to carry out a required safety inspection. The fine increases to $500 for a second offense within a year and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within a year.

It’s important to note that pre-trip inspections are not only required by law but also crucial for ensuring the safety of the driver, the vehicle, and other road users. Therefore, it’s essential for truckers to perform pre-trip inspections thoroughly and regularly to avoid fines and ensure safety on the roads.