Overview
Every commercial motor vehicle and trailer in interstate service needs a periodic inspection at least once a year, and you need to keep the record. We do that inspection on tractors, straight trucks and trailers, following the federal checklist from brakes to lighting to the frame.
If a unit passes, you get the signed report and a decal before it leaves. If something fails, we show you exactly what and why, give you a written price to fix it, and re-inspect that item once it is repaired. You decide whether we fix it or you do.
Our inspectors are trained and qualified for this work, and the inspection is the same whether the truck is yours or part of a 40-unit fleet. A roadside inspection by enforcement officers is a separate thing; we can't stand in for that, but a clean annual inspection is the best preparation for it.
Call us about
- A unit's annual inspection date is coming up or already passed
- You bought a used truck or trailer with no inspection paperwork
- You want inspections lined up with PMs to save a trip
- A roadside inspection flagged items and you want them fixed and documented
- You want every unit's inspection record in one place
Every job includes
- Full periodic inspection on the federal checklist
- Signed inspection report, on paper and as a PDF for your file
- Decal applied when the unit passes
- Written price for any failed item before we touch it
- Re-inspection of repaired items at no extra charge within 30 days
What the inspection looks at
A general overview of the periodic inspection checklist. The signed report lists every item, not just the ones that fail.
- Brake system Adjustment, linings, drums and rotors, hoses, chambers, air compressor, low-air warning
- Steering Steering wheel free play, gear box, linkage, pitman arm, tie rods
- Suspension and frame Springs, U-bolts, air bags, torque rods, frame rails and cross members
- Tires and wheels Tread depth, sidewalls, inflation, rims, lug nuts and studs
- Lighting and electrical Headlamps, turn signals, brake lamps, clearance lamps, reflectors
- Coupling devices Fifth wheel, kingpin, safety chains, pintle hooks
- Fuel and exhaust Fuel tanks and lines for leaks, exhaust for leaks near the cab
- Cab and body Windshield, wipers, mirrors, horn, doors and body mounts
Typical prices
- Tractor or straight truck Brakes, steering, suspension, frame, tires, lights and more $135
- Trailer Dry van, reefer box, flatbed or tanker trailer $95
- Tractor and trailer together Same visit, one report each $215
- Added to a PM While the truck is already on the lift $110
Inspection prices cover the inspection and paperwork. Repairs for failed items are quoted in writing at the posted labour rate plus parts. Example figures for this demo.
Typical turnaround
- Tractor or straight truck, no defects 60 to 90 minutes
- Trailer, no defects 45 to 75 minutes
- Common fixes (lights, air lines, brake adjustment) Often the same visit
Ranges, not promises. You get an update at every checkpoint, and straight away if anything changes.
Questions we hear
Can you inspect at our yard?
Yes, when the yard has room to work safely and the units can be chocked and aired up. The mobile trip charge applies once per visit, so it pays when several units are due.
Is your inspection the same as a roadside inspection?
No. A roadside inspection is done by enforcement officers. The annual inspection is the yearly check every unit needs on file. A unit that passes its annual can still get flagged at the roadside, which is why we report what is close to failing, not just what fails today.