I got my package from the Alabama DOT, and have a few questions:

1. In the papers there was a post trip sheet? I have always done my Pre-Trips prior to starting my driving day, but never did a post-trip? I do check everything out on my truck/trailer every weekend very well, and annotate anything that is wrong.

The letter states that this is one of the first forms that will be asked for in an audit or if you have an accident.

Does anyone do a Pre-Trip and Post Trip every day, and if so how do you annotate it on your inspection sheet?

I have the inspection sheet, but it does not say pre-trip or post trip on it?


2. The letter states I must be involved in a drug program for drug testing, and that I need to join a consortium that does this type testing. I thought that when I got my Health Card that this would be ok for my drug testing, but the letter clearly points out this has nothing to do with a drug program.

How would you suggest that I find a company that does this, just start calling up Trucking Companies to try and find one that does this or what?

Per FMCSA regulations Part 396 Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance you are required to do a Post Trip Inspection and recorded the results of that test. If you look at (d) of this rule there is a exceptionI would not recommend using this exception however.

Pre Trip Section 396.13 requirement
As you can see the Post Trip is required with a report. The Pre Trip while not requireing a report you must be inspect the previous report and be satisfied the motor vehicle is safe to operate.

While reading the interpretations on section 396.13 I find something I would call a little odd
So you do not have to retain the previous copy of the DVIR. You only have to have the last inspection report.

I wouldn't recommend NOT keeping it in the file however.

As far as using a consortium for drug testing I would recommend OOIDA.


kc0iv

When I read over the letter ADOT sent me, it said that the pre-trip was prior to starting my driving, and the posttrip was to be done at the end of the day?

It also states that any type of maintenance done on the truck must be annotated on the post trip inspection sheet.

I could not find in the letter if I am to do a inspection sheet on both my:

Pre-Trip Inspection and Post-Trip Inspection.

The letter states that the Pre-Trip should take 5 minutes, just a quick walk around to check: Tires, etc......, and the reason for the 5 minutes is that at the end of the previous day, it should have taken 30 minutes to 1 hour to do the post-trip, which is very detailed.

I don't have to keep a log book due to the fact that I stay within 100 air mile radius so I don't have to log it, but just want to be sure to be legal.

Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought it was the other way around.
Per-trip 15 to 30 minutes to make sure it's safe to drive, post trips during stops and at the end of the day.

The paperwork sheet gets done on the post trip inspection.

Good luck doing a pre trip inspection in 5 minutes. :lol:

Here's what a pre-trip consists of:

Here's what a post-trip consists of, besides the paperwork:

Thanks Everyone this is what I thought also, that the Pre-Trip would be the longest one, and post trip shorter.

I have ordered the FMSCA Book, as could not find one at the Truck Stops where I travel. I am looking forward to getting this book and getting a better understanding of everything.

Thank You Everyone for the great advice that you have gave me. I really appreciate it very much.

Does anyone know where I could find the FMSCA on line, as well as a on line place that explains this book?

Hey Rev, forgot a question for you, does this mean that I don't have to do paperwork on the Pre-Trip in the morning, but to wait until I get through in the evening and do the Post Trip and annotate it?

Sorry Rev, just got through reading your 1st reply to me and saw what I just asked you. I have to read things sometimes 3 or 4 times before I get it in my thinking.

Thanks Rev for the great information.

Just a couple of notes on your questions. You should allow at least 15 minutes for your pre-trip on your log book. All you really need to do on the post trip is to note that it was done on the log at the end of the day. There are several companies who will help you with the drug consortium. OOIDA has a source that runs about $125/year, I believe. You can call them and ask. Most of them seem to run around $100/year per driver. There is a new log book which might help you keep your mileage, logs and inspections together. I found them at Pilot. Everything you need is on one sheet with perforations. The size is about letter size. I don't know exactly were you live in North Alabama, but I have also seen them at the Petro II at the Rainbow City exit, just South of Gadsden.

Thanks GMAN, I don't use a log book, but time sheet as I never go over 100 air mile radius. I found a website JJ Keller, and plan on ordering some inspection reports from them.

Thanks again.