Post Trip Inspections

The stupidity of post #30 in this thread reminds me of why I should have stuck to my self imposed rule about these inspections threads. I am kicking myself for getting in this one.. You new drivers if you have a question you want answered without all the hype and hyperbole please send me a private message.

 

Thanks buddy. Are you trying to start an argument over nothing like last time we engaged?

Lets keep these discussions to the facts, so people can learn from them.

 

And if you had followed the bouncing ball, you would know that the trucks are getting a mechanical inspection after arriving at their facility. So, as is posted correctly, there is no requirement for the drivers to do or note a post-trip inspection.

 

The thing is I can remember all the way back to the 1960s listening to drivers debate pre & post trip inspections and logging them. No matter what when or where you go somebody is going to argue. This is why I am kicking myself for getting in this one.

 

And if you had followed the bouncing ball:

Section § 396.11: Driver vehicle inspection report(s)

It is in the title. The title is not mechanic's vehicle inspection report.

 

Wow, @Moose1958 is right.

396.11 is not applicable due to (a)(5)

396.15 is applicable, but the word "driver" is nowhere in the regulation.

Want to try again?

 

Correct, at least in a sense; These laws were actually originally written in the 1970's not 1960's.

One one has to understand there are two competing interests going on here with different motivations.

The FSMCA, labor unions, lawyers, DOT auditors, and the smart worker would like to emphasize the written Post-trip, because the post trip obligates the repair and the condition of the truck to the trucking company. A written record establishes what was inspected, by whom, and who did or didn't repair and safety violation found.

The trucking company executives, and the safety slackers they hire often try to enforce a pre-trip because that puts the liability of the truck's safety in the drivers hands. By neglecting the post-trip the company appears less liable and responsible for the mechanical safety of the truck.

As such, in recent years the ATA (mega trucking) have lobbied to make the clean post-trip report no required. Not realizing the consequences of that, the political hacks at the FMSCA toke the step to not require the submission of a clean post-trip report. This did not eliminate the post-trip report or inspection. However, it made it infinitely easier for a company to cheat, (or lose) the post-trip by claiming one was not submitted.

A driver can now submit a post-trip report with violations, and when those violations are not corrected by the company leading to an accident, the company can now 'lose' that post-trip report with the violations, and claim non-was submitted, or a clean report was given. Unwittingly, the FSMCA has given trucking companies a way out in legal liability, should they fail to repair something noted on a post-trip.

 

Yes, lets.

 

if the body is dead, why even use clean sheets? give'em last months sheets.

all the green book says is "bedding material" no mention of white sheets. in fact, when i first started out nearly 40 years ago now, i always had either a sleeping bag or dark colored sheets. i cannot recall ever having white ones.

 

The rules in part 396.15 are addressing trucks that are decked. All of us have seen these deck sets. These rules apply to the carriers because the drivers in most situations only un deck. If you look at 396.15 in that regard it makes perfect sense. However I still maintain professional drivers inspect because they are professionals, not because some rule says they have to.