Logging Pre/Post Trip Insp.

There's no requirement to "show" a pretrip as such. You ARE required to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive. You ARE required to log all time involved in the use of a CMV in commerce.

Its round-about, but that's how it works. No, you don't HAVE to show that pretrip, but the other provisions of the FMCSRs force you to show SOMETHING. Its also CYA... if you are involved in an accident where there is some sort of mechanical defect, you can point out that you did inspect the vehicle - that'll lessen your liability.

 

That's correct. Nowhere in the regs is it required to show any reason for your on duty time (Or off duty for that matter), not a PTI, not fuel, not loading or unloading. Many if not most do show these items anyhow.

As a side note (Since someone previously mentioned it), nowhere in the regs does it state that a "post trip" or "daily" inspection should be performed. The regs basically state that

§396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s).
(a) Report required—(1) Motor Carriers. Every motor carrier shall require its drivers to report, and every driver shall prepare a report in writing at the completion of each day’s work on each vehicle operated, except for intermodal equipment tendered by an intermodal equipment provider. The report shall cover at least the following parts and accessories:
—Service brakes including trailer brake connections
—Parking brake
—Steering mechanism
—Lighting devices and reflectors
—Tires
—Horn
—Windshield wipers
—Rear vision mirrors
—Coupling devices
—Wheels and rims
—Emergency equipment

It doesn't state that the driver should inspect the vehicle, just prepare a written report.

How very government of them!

Actually if any of your time involves CMV's and HOS regs, you are required to log all of your time, not just time involved in the use of a CMV in commerce.

Best regards

 

As I understand it, a stop of less than 15 minutes does not have to be logged, but can just be flagged.

 

Generally what is "suggested" is that if a duty status change is less then 7 1/2 minutes leave it alone and if over 7 1/2 minutes then log it (In other words log to the nearest 15 minute mark). In either case it is "suggested" (And no one in their right mind would do this willingly) that one should note the actual time(s) in the remarks section.

Best regards

 

A class-8 tractor can be used for private purposes without logging a dang thing... just needs to be marked "Not For Hire" on the side.

Again that depends. If your carrier requires a log entry for some action that takes less than half of a 15-minute interval, then it is "suggested" that you follow the guidance provided by your employer and flag whatever it is. Especially if you want to keep that paycheck coming.

 

I'd suggest that you put in as much detail as you like. Your logbook is a legal document and can be admitted in court proceedings to give you some legal CYA. Flagging an action gives your word some credible backup. It also provides enough detail to get a nosey DOT cop out of your life without putting your logbook through the third degree in an inspection.

 

Besides the pre/post trip, we log a VI (visual inspection) for each time that we stop and walk around our truck on the way into the rest area or truck stop.

 

All good answers, as mentioned our safety dept. tells us to flag our pre-trip and log 15 min. on line 4 for post-trip (company policy). I always try to do what is right along with what I am told to do by the company as long as they coincide, but I've always felt that the pre-trip is most important, I want to make sure I'm driving a safe unit before I leave,not after I breakdown or worse yet, have an accident. I know we do both with the same diligence I just think we should log the pre and flag the post.

 

I think I understand,

the government wrote the rules.

Right ????

 

WORSE! A gubberment LAWYER wrote the rules - who has never been within more than 4-wheeler passin' distance of a big truck!