Before You Rent: A Chassis Inspection Checklist for Drivers and Dispatchers
Check tires, brakes, lights and locking pins before the chassis leaves the yard. Use the inspection records on each listing to decide whether a chassis is ready to roll.
By DrayageChassis Editorial Team
Why inspection comes first
A chassis that fails on the road causes delays for the driver, the container and everyone waiting at the terminal. Federal rules require drivers to complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for the vehicles they operate, and to note any defects that affect safety.
Before you rent, look at the inspection history on the listing. Records show when a chassis was inspected, the result, and any items that needed repair.
Items to check at pickup
Tires: check tread depth, sidewall damage and inflation. Look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear across the axles.
Brakes and air lines: confirm the brakes respond and that the air lines and glad hands are sealed and not cracked.
Lights and reflectors: test marker, stop, turn and tail lights, and confirm the reflective tape is intact and visible.
Locking pins and twist locks: make sure the locking pins engage fully and the twist locks move freely. Check the slider and the kingpin area for damage.
Record what you find
Write every defect on the DVIR before you drive, even minor ones. If a defect affects safe operation, the chassis should not leave the yard until it is repaired and the repair is recorded.
If a chassis has a problem that was not on the listing, report it to the carrier that owns it, and note it on your DVIR. Reviews on the platform are a good place to share what you found after the rental.
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