Trailer/dolly coupling: Pre and post-trip inspections
To prevent unsafe vehicles from operating on public roadways, the FMCSA requires U.S. CMV drivers to:
- Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections. (FMCSR section 392.7 and FMCSR section 396.11)
- Record vehicle defects on the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (M-DVIR)
- Any vehicle defect discovered must be reported on the M-DVIR, even if it’s corrected en route.
- Ensure defects are repaired before operating the vehicle.
Trailer/dolly coupling: Pintle hooks and dolly fifth wheel
The operator should always check for:
- Worn parts
- Damaged parts
- Missing parts
Trailer/dolly coupling: For every fifth wheel model
To ensure a fifth wheel is locked, manufacturers recommend that operators perform a tug test — then exit the tractor and confirm:
