If you've never been through a DOT type inspection here is their check list for conducting a level 1 inspection. It will give you a heads up on what the inspector will be doing during this inspection and it might help you get by if you check these items daily. It may also help you relax when you know what's coming. This list is what they will be using at the border to inspect incoming trucks.


37-Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
1. Choose the Inspection Site

Select a safe location, paved, level, away from traffic, visible to traffic and able to support the weight of the vehicle.
Avoid hills, curves, soft shoulders and construction sites.
You must be visible to oncoming traffic.
2. Approach the Vehicle

Observe the driver.
Adhere to officer/inspector safety policies.
Be alert for leaks, unsecured cargo.
3. Greet and Prepare Driver

Identify yourself.
Place chock blocks on the driver’s side.
Explain this inspection procedure.
Ensure engine is off.
Check seat belt usage and condition.
Observe the driver’s overall condition for illness, fatigue or other signs of impairment.
Check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons or other contraband.
4. Interview Driver

Ask for the following from the driver: starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled, most recent stop, fueling location(s).
Talk to the driver about the trip.
5. Collect the Driver’s Documents

Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable).
Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable).
Driver’s license, CDL, record of duty status.
Shipping papers.
Periodic inspection certificates, CVIP.
Supporting documents: bills of lading, receipts, other documents used to verify record of duty status.
6. Check for the Presence of Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Check shipping papers, placards, any leaks or spills, unsecured cargo, markings and labels.
7. Identify the Carrier

Identify carrier using the following: vehicle identification, vehicle registration, insurance, driver interview.
8. Examine Driver’s License

Expiration date
Class
Endorsements
Restrictions
Status
9. Check Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate

Check certificate date (valid for 24 months).
Check corrective lens requirement.
Check hearing aid requirement.
Check physical limitations.
10. Check Record of Duty Status

Hours of Service verification.
100 Air-Mile radius or 160 KM radius exemption.
Accuracy of record.
11. Review Driver’s Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (If Applicable)

Ensure the inspection report describes the identity of the vehicle and the presence of deficiencies/defects.
Check for driver signature on previous inspection reports.
12. Review Periodic Inspection Report

Ensure vehicle has passed the required inspection and has the required documents and decals.
13. Prepare Driver for Vehicle Inspection

Explain the vehicle inspection procedure.
Advise the driver in the use of hand signals.
Check chock blocks.
Prepared the vehicle, vehicle transmission in neutral. Engine off, key must be in the “on” position and release all brakes.
Instruct diver to remain at the controls.
14. Inspect Front of Tractor

Check headlamps and turn signals (do not use four way flashers to check turn signals) for improper color, operation, mounting and visibility.
Check windshield wipers for improper operation (two wipers are required unless one can clean the driver’s field of vision).
15. Inspect Left Front Side of Tractor

Check left front wheel, rim, hub and tire.
16. Inspect Left Saddle Tank Area

Check left fuel tank area.
Check exhaust system.
17. Inspect Trailer Front

Check air and electrical lines.
18. Check Left Rear Tractor Area

Check wheels, rims, hubs and tires.
Check lower fifth wheel.
Check upper fifth wheel.
Check sliding fifth wheel.
Check lamps.
Caution: Never place yourself in between tires of tandem axles.

19. Inspect Left Side of Trailer

Check frame and body.
Check condition of hoses.
Check van and open-top trailer bodies.
Check cargo securement.
20. Left Rear Trailer Wheels

Check wheels, rims, hubs and tires.
Check sliding tandem.
21. Rear of Trailer

Check tail, stop, turn signals and lamps on projecting loads.
Check cargo securement.
22. Inspect Double and Triple Trailers

Check safety devices: full trailers/converter dollies.
Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for sufficient number, missing components, improper repairs and devices that are incapable of secure attachments. Inspect pintle hook, eye and drawbar for cracks, excessive movement and improper repairs.
23. Inspect Right Rear Trailer Wheels

Check as in step 20.
24. Inspect Right Side of Trailer

Check as in step 19.
25. Inspect Right Rear Tractor Area

Check as in step 18.
26. Inspect Right Saddle Tank Area

Check as in step 16.
27. Inspect Right Front Side of Tractor

Check as in step 15.
28. Inspect Steering Axle

Check steering system (both sides).
Check front suspension (both sides).
Check front axle.
Check frame and frame assembly.
Check front brakes (both sides).
Check and mark push rods (both sides).
Note: Inform the driver that you are going under the vehicle. Enter the under carriage in view of the driver. (At front of power unit, rear of power unit and in front of trailer axle(s).

29. Inspect Axles 2 and/or 3 (Under Carriage of CMV)

Suspension (both sides).
Brake components (both sides).
Mark all pushrods “S” cam brakes (both sides).
Exit under carriage in view of driver.
30. Inspect Axles 4 and/or 5

Same as step 29.
31. Check Brake Adjustment

Ensure air pressure is 90-100 p.s.i.
Have driver fully apply brakes and hold.
Measure and record all push rod travel.
Identify size and type of brake chambers.
Ensure brake lining to drum contact.
32. Test Air Loss Rate

Apply brakes while the engine is idling, the governor has cut in and pressure is 80-90 p.s.i.

33. Test Low Air Pressure Warning Device

Observe dash gauges while ignition is “on” and the driver is pumping the foot valve to approximately 55 p.s.i.
34. Inspect Tractor Protection System (This procedure tests both the tractor protection valve and the emergency brakes.)

Have driver release brakes and disconnect both brake lines.
Full brake application.
35. Check Steering Wheel Lash

Measure steering wheel lash while wheels are straight and the engine is running.
36. Check Fifth Wheel Movement

Prepare the driver and vehicle.
Check for excessive movement.
Caution: If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth-wheel movement can result in serious damage to the vehicle. Use caution and instruct the driver carefully.

37. Complete the Inspection

Complete documentation.
Conclude with driver.
Follow correct and current OOS procedures (if applicable).
Issue CVSA decal (if applicable).