Questions about driving an owner's truck

**TXCarGuy** · 05.23.2012

I am driving a truck that belongs to a motor carrier, albeit a very small one. The truck is a much older model (1996 Freightliner). I asked the owner if I could see the maintenance records and he said he does not allow drivers access to that information. Should I be concerned?

**CondoCruiser** · 05.24.2012

You should be able to find any dangerous problem with a thorough pretrip inspection. The PM inspection sticker should be on the truck and up to date. Those should be your only concerns. It's not normal for a company to show a driver internal records. DOT yes, a driver no.

I haven't heard the word "albeit" in a long time!

You can search out the company here and see if he has any out of services.

http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx

**chompi** · 05.24.2012

I wouldn't say there is any real good reason to see them. If its safety you are concerned about then do a really good thorough pre-trip with special attention to structure, frame, wheels and tires, brakes and steering. This will pretty much cover anything that could potentially kill you. I really wouldn't sweat it though. Not sure why you want to see the records nor why he won't show you.

**G/MAN** · 05.24.2012

I don't see any reason why you would need to see the maintenance records unless you plan on buying the truck. As long as the truck drives out well and you do a proper pretrip there should be no reason for concern. If you do a good pretrip you should be able to spot any safety related problems that need attention.

**windsmith** · 05.26.2012

I'm in the same situation as you are, the difference being that the owner's only been involved in trucking for about 6 months, and his CDL training was taking the DMV written and road tests last year. When I got the keys, I went over the truck thoroughly, noted the deficiencies and had him fix the major issues that affected safety and items that would put the truck OOS. He had the shop replace a broken clearance light and inop license plate light on the trailer, put retroreflective tape on the upper corners of the trailer doors and tractor mud flaps, since it was missing, and replaced brake shoes and drum on one of the trailer axles (shoes under 1/4").