Every driver · 5 minutes
A careful pre-trip catches the problems that cause breakdowns, out-of-service orders and crashes. On a work truck, the body and equipment need checking too.
Vocational Trucks of America · Free toolbox talk
Pre-trip inspection toolbox talk
Every driver · 5 minutes · About 5 minutes · vocationaltrucksofamerica.com/talks
Read this to your crew
Before you drive, the rules say you must be satisfied that these are in good working order: service brakes and trailer brake connections, the parking brake, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.
Then check the work end: the dump body and hoist, the PTO, hydraulic hoses and leaks, the tarp system, tailgate latches, the mixer drum, booms and outriggers, and the lights on any upfit equipment.
Check the backup alarm and camera.
Read the last vehicle inspection report. If a defect was written up, make sure it was repaired and signed off before you take the truck.
At the end of the day, write up anything wrong so it gets fixed before the next shift.
If something would make the truck unsafe, don’t drive it. Report it.
Drivers must be satisfied that key parts are in good working order before driving (49 CFR 392.7), review the last vehicle inspection report and sign off that listed defects were corrected (49 CFR 396.13), and in most cases prepare a written report at the end of each day (49 CFR 396.11).
General safety information for crew meetings, not legal advice. It doesn’t replace your company’s safety program, required training or site rules. Rules checked October 2026.
Prints on two pages: the talk, then a crew sign-in sheet. See the 52-week schedule.
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Keep the talks going
See all toolbox talks, the sign-in sheet and the 52-week schedule →