Pre-trip

The Smart Way to Inspect Your Truck

Pre-Trip is a mobile app that helps semi-truck operators quickly complete accurate, DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections

Why choose us?

At Pre-Trip, we’re more than just another inspection app—we’re a trusted partner built to keep drivers safe, fleets compliant, and trucks on the road

Compliance and Peace of Mind

DOT compliance is non-negotiable—and with Pre-Trip, it’s easier than ever. The app ensures every inspection is properly documented and stored, protecting drivers and fleets from fines, violations, and liability while promoting a stronger safety culture.

Powerful Tools

From real-time photo capture to instant report generation, the app provides the tools drivers and managers need to document, share, and track inspections with confidence. Reports can be sent directly to fleet managers, mechanics, or DOT officers in seconds.

No-Cheating System

Unlike other inspection tools, our app does not allow back-dated or edited inspections. Photos are captured live, time-stamped, and locked to ensure authenticity. This creates a reliable record that drivers, fleets, and DOT officers can trust.

Reduce Service Call Expenses

By catching issues early, Pre-Trip helps prevent costly roadside breakdowns. Regular inspections save time, money, and stress—helping you avoid service call fees and downtime that cut into profits.

Built for Truckers

Designed by truck mechanics and truck drivers, the Pre-Trip app fits into your daily routine. Whether you’re an owner-operator or part of a large fleet, the app helps you stay compliant without slowing you down.

Inspections Made Easy

Our app simplifies the entire inspection process. With step-by-step guidance, drivers can quickly complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, capture photos, and record notes—all from one easy-to-use platform.

Importance

Stay Compliant. Stay Safe. Stay on the Road.

Key Steps to Enforce Compliance

How to Properly and Legally Enforce Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections

Ensuring that pre-trip and post-trip inspections are performed consistently is not only a legal requirement under DOT regulations—it’s also a vital step in keeping trucks safe, compliant, and on the road. At Pre-Trip Trucking, we provide the technology and tools to help carriers and drivers streamline inspections while building a culture of safety and accountability.

Establish Clear Policies - Set written policies with defined expectations and consequences for non-compliance. Drivers should fully understand their legal responsibility to complete inspections.

Standardize the Inspection Process - Use digital tools such as the Pre-Trip Trucking app or physical checklists to create a uniform inspection method. Consistency reduces errors and ensures all critical components are checked.

Train and Support Drivers - Provide comprehensive training on what to look for during inspections and foster a culture where reporting issues is encouraged—not penalized.

Federal law

Compliance Note

According to FMCSA regulations (49 CFR §396.11–13), commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to complete daily vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) and carriers must retain these records. Enforcing inspections through standardized processes and digital tools not only improves safety—it also ensures your operation remains compliant with federal law.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in costly fines, out-of-service orders, and increased liability in the event of an accident.

By digitizing the inspection process, fleets not only meet FMCSA requirements but also gain real-time visibility into vehicle health and driver accountability.

Consistent compliance protects your drivers, your equipment, and ultimately, your business reputation in the trucking industry.

How it works

Getting started with Pre-Trip is simple and designed to keep drivers and fleets compliant while making inspections fast, accurate, and shareable. Follow these four easy steps:

Download the app

Download the Pre-Trip app from the Apple Store® or Google Play. With just a few taps, you’ll have everything you need to stay compliant and simplify your inspection process.

Create an account

Sign up using your email, verify your account, and create a secure password. Choose a subscription plan to unlock full features. If someone else—like your fleet manager—is paying for your subscription, they can add your email to their approved user list.

Add Trucks & Trailers

Easily enter your truck and trailer details so they’re ready to select whenever you start an inspection. This keeps your reports organized and ensures accuracy when logging inspections.

Complete Inspections & Share Reports

Follow the guided steps in the app to complete your inspection. Capture photos, add comments, and note any issues. Once finished, share your report instantly with fleet managers, mechanics, or DOT officers—or simply save it for your own records.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions about pre and post trip inspections

Yes, federal law mandates both pre-trip and post-trip inspections for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). According to 49 CFR § 396.13, drivers are required to review the last driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) and perform a pre-trip inspection to ensure the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving. Additionally, under 49 CFR § 396.11, post-trip inspections are required at the end of each workday. The driver must report any defects or deficiencies that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle or result in a mechanical breakdown. These inspections are critical for ensuring compliance, safety, and avoiding costly violations or accidents.
A pre-trip inspection must be completed before each driving shift or trip begins, as mandated by 49 CFR § 396.13. This ensures that any safety-related issues are identified and addressed before operating the vehicle.

A post-trip inspection must be conducted at the end of each workday, as stated in 49 CFR § 396.11. Any defects noted must be documented and reported immediately to the motor carrier.

These inspections must be thorough and documented properly to remain compliant with the FMCSA regulations.
If any defect or deficiency is discovered during the inspection that could affect the vehicle’s safe operation, you are legally prohibited from operating the vehicle until those issues are corrected. This is outlined in 49 CFR § 396.7, which states that no commercial motor vehicle shall be operated in a condition likely to cause an accident or a breakdown.

You should:

Immediately report the issue to your fleet manager or motor carrier.

Have a qualified mechanic inspect and repair the problem.

Ensure a certified repair is documented before operating the vehicle again.

Operating a CMV with known safety defects can lead to serious violations, fines, and out-of-service orders during roadside inspections.
When in doubt, err on the side of safety and compliance. If you're unsure whether a component is defective or safe for operation, the best course of action is to have it evaluated by a qualified diesel mechanic or technician. Under 49 CFR § 396.3(a)(1), carriers are required to ensure that all parts and accessories are in safe and proper condition at all times. Failing to address uncertain or borderline issues could result in a DOT violation, civil penalties, or worse, a preventable accident.
There are six levels of DOT inspections, as defined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and enforced under FMCSA regulations:

Level I – North American Standard Inspection: Full inspection of driver and vehicle.

Level II – Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection: Partial inspection without under-vehicle check.

Level III – Driver-Only Inspection: Driver credentials and documentation.

Level IV – Special Inspections: One-time checks for specific items or studies.

Level V – Vehicle-Only Inspection: Vehicle inspection without the driver present.

Level VI – Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments: For carriers transporting radioactive materials under HRCQ (highway route controlled quantity).

Each level serves a different purpose and may occur at weigh stations, roadside checks, or during company audits.
DOT violations refer to infractions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), including issues related to:

Vehicle condition and maintenance (Parts 393 and 396)

Driver qualifications and licensing (Part 391)

Hours of service (Part 395)

Recordkeeping and logbook errors

Unsafe driving behavior (Part 392)

Violations are recorded during inspections and may result in fines, CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score penalties, and increased scrutiny by the DOT.
Out-of-service orders are issued for serious violations that compromise safety and are enforced under the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. Examples include:

Defective brakes (49 CFR § 393.40 and § 396.3)

Steering system issues

Tire violations, such as exposed cords or flat tires (49 CFR § 393.75)

Inoperable lights

Logbook falsification or missing logs (49 CFR § 395.8)

Driver without a valid CDL (49 CFR § 383.23)

Drug or alcohol violations (49 CFR Part 382)

When placed out of service, the truck cannot be operated until all violations are corrected and properly documented. Operating an OOS vehicle is a serious offense and may result in federal penalties, license suspension, or company audits.

Download

Download Pre-Trip on Apple Store® and Google Play Store.

Get Pre-Trip on the Apple Store® and Google Play Store to perform inspections anytime, anywhere – quick, reliable, and made for professional drivers.