A driver may start without a trailer and connect one later. The workflow should not treat that as an exception—it should require a separate trailer check before the combination continues.
Record the combination
Capture the truck, trailer, driver and coupling time. This creates an asset-use history and prevents the same trailer being allocated elsewhere.
Use a trailer-specific checklist
Include coupling security, electrical and air connections, lights, tyres and wheels, body security, landing legs, spray suppression and number plate visibility as relevant.
- Front, rear, left and right photographs
- Close photograph for every reported defect
- Description and safety decision
- Driver declaration before use
Handle drops cleanly
When the trailer is dropped, record the time and location and release it only if its status permits. Any unresolved Not safe report must continue to block allocation.