logbook pretrip question.

This i agree with and is the best answer possible.

The statute enumerates several equipment items that must be inspected and signed off on on the post trip. Just read the post trip and the signature statement for the detail.

As a pratical matter, the post trip is enforced as the OP's company says. That is however not how it is written and may be enforced otherwise at some latter date. Furthermore, may be used as justification to provide false log if needed.

 

^^^ This is a big time saver -- just make sure you allow extra time if you are hauling hazmat or are in a state/province that requires you physically man the fuel nozzle.

Again, the statute does not state that a driver must perform an inspection. GPSman posted the link above, but here is the relevant quote:

From a practical standpoint you should perform a post trip inspection. I do one every day. Most DOT assume it is required. But technically it isn't -- only the report is.

 

The only time need to do a pretrip or a post trip is if there is something wrong with the tractor or trailer. And you should really find that just as soon as something does break. No reason to do a pretrip and then hit a pot hole and break something and then drive another 11 hours with it broken. Get it fix right away.

Your question was when and how to log it. Your company policy will determine that. The law talks about writing down anything that has gone wrong so it can be fixed. They do not want another driver to get into the truck without the knowledge that something went wrong when someone else was behind the wheel. It is not an excuse to fire you, it is something to protect you and the public. Do a pretrip and make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Make sure the brakes work. Make sure you have oil and water. Make sure you have snacks in arms reach. Make sure you know where you are going. Make sure the wheels are on the bottom of the trailer and will stay there. And finally make sure your last pay check didn't bounce. When you are done, make sure you write down anything that went wrong.

 

This is why most DOT officers consider a 'post-trip' inspection required.

The statute defines what is to be 'inspected' on the report.

The guidance defines "an inspection." I find it best, as a truck driver, not to spit hairs over verbage with the DOT man but I see your point.

 

Thought that one only had to do a post trip if it's a slip seat, where someone will be driving the truck after you. If you are the only driver, then a pre-trip every day on duty is required.

But to add, it has been 3 years since I got my CDL and just started driving 3 months ago. I didn't even know that the HOS rules changed last July until 3 weeks ago.

 

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/396.11
[h=3]§ 396.11: Driver vehicle inspection report(s).[/h] (a) Equipment provided by motor carrier. (1) Report required. 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:
(i) Service brakes including trailer brake connections;
(ii) Parking brake;
(iii) Steering mechanism;
(iv) Lighting devices and reflectors;
(v) Tires;
(vi) Horn;
(vii) Windshield wipers;
(viii) Rear vision mirrors;
(ix) Coupling devices;
(x) Wheels and rims;
(xi) Emergency equipment.
(2) Report content. The report shall identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency discovered by or reported to the driver which would affect the safety of operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown. If no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver, the report shall so indicate. In all instances, the driver shall sign the report. On two-driver operations, only one driver needs to sign the driver vehicle inspection report, provided both drivers agree as to the defects or deficiencies identified. If a driver operates more than one vehicle during the day, a report shall be prepared for each vehicle operated.
(3) Corrective action. (i) Prior to requiring or permitting a driver to operate a vehicle, every motor carrier or its agent shall repair any defect or deficiency listed on the driver vehicle inspection report which would be likely to affect the safety of operation of the vehicle.
(ii) Every motor carrier or its agent shall certify on the original driver vehicle inspection report which lists any defect or deficiency that the defect or deficiency has been repaired or that repair is unnecessary before the vehicle is operated again.

 

Some of the drivers here are really splitting hairs here. You do not need a report for your pre-trip, only the post trip. But lets use a little common sense here. Doesn't it make sense to catch a problem before it becomes a major problem? And then pass the information if needed to the next driver or yourself. You're leaving a paper trail. You never know what can happen to you out on the road. You might have an emergency at home and your company has sent another driver. I inspected all day long for items I knew could go bad any time. When I went to sleep at night the truck was ready to go. You catch the problem to save money and time. If 15 minutes to 30 minutes is a big deal wait until you're in the shop for a couple of days.

 

Every level one inspection I have ever had had one question asked of me, " did you do a pre-trip inspection?" I have never been asked if I did a post trip.

for what it's worth, a friend got cited for not doing a pre-trip, it is what the officer interprets as being proper, not the driver.

 

Would love to know how and what code section.

 

A pretrip means you inspect your trk and trailer before you start your day.Would'nt make any since to start your day without a pretrip would it?If you don't,either the DOT your company or both will put you in violation.Start doing your pretrips.Post you don't have to because youll be doing a pretrip anyway.