TMA Truck Pre-Deployment Inspection Checklist

Run this check before the truck leaves the yard or stages on a closure. It catches the faults that ground a unit or leave a crew exposed, and it takes only a few minutes.

A pre-deployment inspection is the cheapest insurance a fleet has. It takes a few minutes and catches the problems that would otherwise show up on the shoulder. Work through this before the truck leaves the yard and again when it stages on the closure.

Chassis and attenuator

• Walk the attenuator for prior impact damage, cracks, or loose panels
• Confirm the unit is in travel position and locked for transit
• Check mount hardware for corrosion or missing bolts
• Verify tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels on the chassis
• Confirm the FHWA eligibility letter and current re-certification are on file

Signaling and controls

• Power up the arrow board and cycle each pattern; check for dead lamps
• Test the message board display and confirm the intended message loads
• Cycle all warning lights and beacons
• Cycle deploy and stow; confirm smooth motion and the roughly 20-second deploy
• Test cab controls and confirm the operator can stage the unit alone

Documentation

• Record odometer, date, and operator on the shift log
• Note any defects found and whether they were cleared before deployment
• Confirm the traffic control plan and spacing table are in the cab