Pre trip / post trip ?

This is mostly a "company policy" issue. It sucks, but the company I'm at now wants time shown both at the end of the day and the next morning ... WTF? So, now I do the right side at the end of the trip, and the left side at the beginning of the trip, I no longer bother with the stuff in the middle just on principal.

I feel like a post trip on duty, whatever time it takes, and a flagged pre-trip walk-around is perfectly reasonable.

 

That happened to me, too... At the T/A in Ogallala, Nebraska a few weeks ago. Even if the Post Trip isn't required, I would do one anyway for peace of mind (or worse).

 

What is a post-trip?

 

In theory, should be the same as a pre-trip ... an inspection of the truck and trailer looking for issues related to safety and reliability, and to certify the vehicle is safe to operate on public roads.

However, usually one is a "thorough" performance, while the other is a quick walk-around, checking lights and bumping tires and looking for other "obvious" issues visible from a walk around.

 

Canada requires DVIR at beginning of shift
USA requires DVIR at end of shift

 

Yeah I got it. I was being facetious.

 

Post trip is not required to be logged by law. I had a level 3 inspection, Driver logs, the other day and do not log a post trip. I log a 10-17 minute pre trip everyday and fuel stops. Sometimes I log a minute drop and hook but rarely. Passed with flying colors.

 

Neither is a pre-trip required to be logged 'by law.' DVIR must be completed by end of day and any work done for company must be logged on duty.

So what? I have had may level 3s with no pre-trip or post-trip on the log. Just because you didn't get a ticket doesn't mean that you did it the right way or another officer doesn't see it different. I always say any inspection point is like speeding. I speed every once in a while 5-7mph over posted. I have even passed cops while speeding. That doesn't mean I cannot get a ticket for going 5-7mph over. Just because you didn't get a ticket does not mean it is legal to do it that way.

 

This is how I look at pre/post trips. Depending on where you are a flat tire can take anywhere upward from 90 minutes to several hours to get fixed. I really rather not be put in that situation at the start of my day. Also when I get up behind that wheel I'm the one who's butt is on the line if there is any kind of a problem. I still think regardless of the regs or company policy a good walk around before and after makes good sense. I mean lets face it flipping those lights and 4 ways on and slowly walking around looking and listening is one of the smartest things you will ever do in regard to that rig.

 

The way I look at it, if im in an accident, its a lot harder to claim neglect and poor maintenance if I show a pre and post trip. Its one less avenue for a lawyer to make you at a higher percentage of at fault. I show and do both pre and post trips. Why not really inspect it twice a day? I would want to make sure its in top notch condition. It rolling pays my bills.