Federal Pre Trip Inspection Question?? Help Me Please

Airlingus,I can't say I like your safety directors attitude.If it's company policy that you pre trip the tractor before moving it then that's what should have been stated to you.A little enlightenment on company policy was all that's needed,not a suspension.I worked for a company that had a similar policy.You pre trip the tractor then hook to the trailer and finish the write up.At the end of the day I was required to do a post trip and sign off.I didn't always get the same tractor or trailer everyday so I had to rely on the previous drivers write up to be sure there weren't any issues with the equipment.Problem was, some of these drivers just signed off on the write up with out ever doing a post trip.I know you have an assigned truck but while you were not using it someone else may have.Did they run it out of oil?Did they not notice it had no anti-freeze?A flat tire?Body damage that you didn't incur?It's just covering your butt.You asked for some info on the federal regulations.I'll list it for you.

49 cfr 392.7 equipment,inspection and use
49 cfr 396.11 driver vehicle inspection report


Are you confused yet?You will be.392.7 states no CMV shall be driven without a pre-trip.But 396.11 states that the the pre-trip and post-trip report needs to be turned in at the end of your workday.As a driver you are required to sign off on the previous days equipment status and state that your equipment ,when you take control of the tractor,is in safe operating condition.However,since you don't sign off until the end of the workday for your pre-trip and post trip and submit your paperwork, how is your safety supervisor going to hold you liable without a signature since it's the beginning of your shift.Maybe someone else has some answers,I don't.

 

You moved the truck 100 yards just to go inside?

Why did you not just walk inside from were the truck was parked?

That is why so many truck drivers are so fat now days they drive instead of walking a little.


I use to walk more than 100 yards all time it was nice and refreshing and made me feel better not sitting in the truck all the time.

 

I was kinda wondering that myself?

 

Sounds totally bogus. the comp I work for requires us to do a pretrip right away first thing before we even start the engine in winter. If anyone gives me crap about that from safety or whom ever can stick it up there butt. Its cold and takes long enough to warm the engine up in the first place.

How effective is a true pretrip in complete darkness, I do all of my "pretrips" when I fill up at a truck stop under "bright lights" where you can actually see something.

 

I have a flashlight. It is bad enough waiting in the fuel line for the shower takers, buffet browsers, 34 hour resets. I fuel in the fuel line. Clean my windshield as I fuel, then get out of the way so the next guy can get fuel.

 

it takes me no longer to fuel if I pop the hood drain my f/w seperator check all fluids and look over the chassis. Normally theres a putts in front of me that I have to wait for anyway.

 

[quote. .... theres a putts in front of me that I have to wait for anyway.[/quote]

And there's someone waiting in line behind you thinking the same thing.
It's called a PRE-TRIP inspection, not AT THE FUEL ISLAND inspection.

 

I'm sorry but you're completely wrong. And it's not the point of anyone liking what you do it's the fact that you do not know the regulations and if you have an accident it's you that will pay the price. I suggest you buy a flashlight and read the FMCSR §392.7.

 

Read the pre-trip rule (392.7). It clearly states you are to ensure the vehicle is in safe operating condition before being used.

 

I really believe that these CDL schools should add a class on court room cases with trucks. Then maybe some would get a better idea to CYA.