This Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives drivers a formal pre-trip inspection and defect-recording process for heavy and commercial vehicles, including trucks, prime movers, rigid vehicles and coupled trailers. It covers safe parking and chocking, the walk-around check of tyres, brakes, couplings, load restraint, lights and steering, confirming the load and mass limits, recording the result in the defect register and keeping defective vehicles off the road. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Transport and freight operators
Warehousing and distribution businesses
Owner-drivers and subcontract carriers
Construction and civil businesses running trucks
Waste and recycling collection fleets
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Brake failure from worn linings, low air pressure or air leaks
Tyre blowouts or loss of control from worn, damaged or mismatched tyres
Coupling or fifth wheel failure and trailer detachment
Load shift or loss from faulty tie-down points, chains or straps
Collisions from faulty lights, indicators or reflectors
Undetected steering or suspension damage
Being struck, crushed or trapped while inspecting around the vehicle
Chain of Responsibility exposure from unrecorded or unrepaired defects
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from licence class and accreditation to parking and chocking, the defect register, tools, trailer inspection status and PPE
A 12-step operating procedure covering the walk-around, tyres, brakes, couplings, load restraint, lights, mirrors, steering, fluids, mass limits and recording defects
Isolation and energy control for engine off, park brake, chocking, air brakes and tipper hydraulics, and supporting raised bodies
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for safety-critical defects found before departure or on the road
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Transport & Warehousing SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Is this for light vehicles?
No. It's for heavy and commercial vehicles with a formal written defect record. Light vehicles are covered by the Vehicle Pre-Start & Daily Check SOP.
Does it support Chain of Responsibility?
Yes. It sets out the walk-around inspection and written defect record as part of Chain of Responsibility due diligence, and notes that you should confirm which heavy vehicle law applies where you operate.
Can the vehicle be driven with a defect?
No. If a safety-critical defect such as a brake, steering, coupling or load restraint fault is found, the vehicle is tagged out of service and the supervisor notified.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
