Trailer Inspection Template
A trailer inspection checklist helps drivers, fleet managers, maintenance teams, and yard supervisors check trailer condition before use, after a trip, after repair, or during routine yard inspections. It covers trailer body, frame, kingpin, landing gear, brakes, tires, wheels, suspension, lights, doors, interior, cargo securement, markings, and special trailer systems.
This checklist is useful for identifying defects that may affect road safety, DOT compliance, cargo protection, or equipment reliability. It helps document damaged tires, faulty lights, air leaks, brake issues, loose fasteners, structural damage, leaking doors, unsafe cargo securement, reefer problems, and other trailer defects before dispatch.
With TARGPatrol, trailer inspections can be completed in a mobile app with photos, comments, defect locations, repair priorities, work orders, temporary controls, and final sign-off. This creates a clear digital record of trailer condition, reported defects, corrective actions, and inspection history.
Trailer number / unit ID
License plate number
Trailer type
Inspection type
Odometer / hubometer reading, if applicable
Photo of full trailer exterior
Trailer is safe for use
Trailer must be removed from service
Previous defects were reviewed
Annual DOT inspection sticker / documentation is current
General inspection notes
Trailer body has no holes, cracks, or punctures
Walls, roof, and rear frame show no major damage
No sharp edges, loose panels, or major corrosion observed
Body damage location
Photo of body condition
Trailer frame is free from cracks or visible damage
Crossmembers are not bent, cracked, or missing
Rear impact guard / ICC bumper is secure
Structural issue notes
Photo of frame / undercarriage
Kingpin and upper coupler area are not damaged
Gladhand connections are clean and not damaged
Electrical connector is clean and not damaged
Photo of kingpin / coupling area
Landing gear operates properly
Landing gear legs, pads, and crank handle are secure
Landing gear issue notes
Photo of landing gear
Air lines and brake hoses are not leaking or damaged
Brake chambers and components show no visible damage
Service brakes operate properly
Parking brakes hold properly
No audible air leak observed
ABS warning light functions as expected
Air pressure reading, psi
Brake issue notes
Photo of brake components
All tires are in acceptable condition
All tires have adequate tread depth
No flat, underinflated, or visibly damaged tires
Lowest tread depth, 32nds of an inch
Lowest tire pressure, psi
Tire issue location
Photo of tire condition
Wheels / rims are not cracked or bent
No missing, loose, or damaged lug nuts
No oil or grease leakage at wheel ends
Wheel issue notes
Photo of wheel / hub condition
Suspension components are secure
Springs / air suspension components are not damaged
No broken, shifted, or missing suspension parts
Suspension issue location
Photo of suspension condition
Tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals are working
Hazard, clearance, marker, and license plate lights are working
Reflectors and conspicuity tape are visible
Number of lights not working
Lighting issue location
Photo of lighting issue
Rear doors open, close, and latch properly
Door hinges, seals, rods, and handles are acceptable
Trailer seal can be applied correctly
Door / seal issue notes
Photo of rear doors
Interior floor, walls, and roof are not damaged
No moisture, mold, contamination, or strong odor observed
Trailer is clean and ready for loading
Interior issue notes
Photo of trailer interior
Load securement points are present and usable
Straps, chains, binders, or bars are available if required
No missing or damaged cargo securement equipment
Securement issue notes
Photo of securement equipment
Cargo is properly distributed and secured, if loaded
Load weight appears within trailer capacity
No damaged, leaking, or unstable cargo observed
Seal number
Estimated cargo weight, lb
Cargo issue notes
Photo of loaded cargo
Trailer capacity plate / rating label is present
GVWR / GAWR labels are readable
Load rating is not exceeded
GVWR, lb
Photo of rating label / markings
Mud flaps, license plate, and rear guard are secure
No loose, hanging, or dragging exterior components
No visible fluid leaks under trailer
Photo of rear / side exterior
Reefer unit runs properly, if applicable
Actual temperature is within required range, if applicable
Reefer alarm panel shows no active fault, if applicable
Set temperature, °F
Actual temperature, °F
Reefer issue notes
Photo of reefer display
Flatbed deck and tie-down points are acceptable, if applicable
Flatbed securement equipment is acceptable, if applicable
Flatbed issue notes
Photo of flatbed condition
Tanker shell, valves, and fittings are acceptable, if applicable
Tanker hoses, placards, and emergency equipment are acceptable, if applicable
Tanker issue notes
Photo of tanker components
Intermodal chassis and twist locks are acceptable, if applicable
Container is properly locked to chassis, if applicable
Intermodal issue notes
Photo of chassis / twist locks
No leaks, smoke, burning smell, overheating, or loose parts observed
No vandalism, theft, or tampering observed
Security seal is intact, if required
Tampering / leak issue notes
Photo of leak or tampering concern
Trailer is properly coupled to tractor, if connected
Air and electrical lines are connected and supported, if connected
Landing gear is fully raised before departure, if connected
Tug test completed, if connected
Coupling verification notes
Photo of coupled connection
No defect found
Minor defect found
Major defect found
Out-of-service condition suspected
Supervisor / maintenance notified
Work order created
Defect location
Defect description
Number of defects found
Repair priority
Responsible person
Target repair date
Work order number
Photo of defect
Temporary control applied
Trailer tagged out
Follow-up inspection required
Temporary control description
Photo after temporary control
Inspection completed
Trailer passed inspection
Final inspection result
Final comments
Final status
Confirmation photo
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