Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection Checklist
This checklist standardizes post-trip vehicle inspection checklist to improve safety, compliance, and on-time performance across fleet operations. Use it to document checks, capture defects, and assign corrective actions with sign-off.
- Industry: Transport & Fleet
- Frequency: As Needed
- Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
- Role: Operations Lead
- Total Items: 45
- Compliance: FMCSA 49 CFR (DOT Regulations), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) (as applicable)
Planning & Documentation
Confirm dispatch info, load details, and required documents.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
Pre-Trip Safety Checks
Verify vehicle, trailer, and safety equipment readiness.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Odometer reading
- Photo evidence
Operations & Driving Practices
Verify safe driving behaviors, communication, and route compliance.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Breaks taken (count)
- Notes
Cargo Handling & Securement
Verify loading, securement, and handling procedures.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Load weight
- Photo evidence
Regulatory Compliance
Verify HOS, permits, inspections, and required compliance records.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
Equipment & Maintenance
Verify defects tagging, repairs, and preventive maintenance controls.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
Incidents, Near Misses & CAPA
Document incidents, assign corrective actions, and follow-up.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
Security & Theft Prevention
Verify seals, access control, and high-value cargo protections.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require escalation?
- Corrective action assigned and tracked?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
QA, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off
Confirm completion, prioritize issues, and capture signatures for accountability.
- QA review completed?
- Any critical issues still open?
- Overall risk level
- Manager Signature
- Driver Signature
Related Transport Fleet Checklists
- Daily Driver Check-In Checklist
- Hours of Service (HOS) Log Checklist
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) Checklist
- Cargo Securement Pre-Trip Checklist
- Trailer Coupling & Fifth Wheel Check Checklist
- Brake System Check Checklist
- Tire Pressure & Tread Check Checklist
- Lights & Signals Check Checklist
Related Pretrip Daily Checklists
- DOT Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Daily Driver Check-In Checklist - FREE Download
- Hours of Service (HOS) Log Checklist - FREE Download
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) Checklist - FREE Download
- Cargo Securement Pre-Trip Checklist - FREE Download
- Trailer Coupling & Fifth Wheel Check Checklist - FREE Download
- Brake System Check Checklist - FREE Download
- Tire Pressure & Tread Check Checklist - FREE Download
- Lights & Signals Check Checklist - FREE Download
- Fluids & Leak Check Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection Checklist?
This post-trip vehicle inspection checklist helps transport & fleet teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for operations lead professionals, this checklist covers 45 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: as needed.
Ensures compliance with FMCSA 49 CFR (DOT Regulations), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) (as applicable). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 45 inspection items across 9 sections: Planning & Documentation, Pre-Trip Safety Checks, Operations & Driving Practices, Cargo Handling & Securement, Regulatory Compliance, Equipment & Maintenance, Incidents, Near Misses & CAPA, Security & Theft Prevention, QA, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off. It is designed for transport & fleet operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed as needed. Each completion takes approximately 25-40 minutes.
Who should use this Post-Trip Vehicle Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Operations Lead professionals in the transport & fleet industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.