Hand in hand with defensive driving techniques and other safe driving strategies are proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Every day, Pinnacle drivers must complete either a pre-trip or a post-trip inspection on a Driver’s Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR).
The FMCSA requires most drivers to conduct a post-trip inspection and complete a DVIR at that time. Drive-away and towaway operations are exempt from the post-trip requirement but are required to do one or the other. Our operation qualifies under the exemption and Pinnacle policy mandates drivers complete a DVIR during the pre-trip inspection. This should be a minimum of 15 minutes on your logs. The policy also asks that you flag a post trip inspection at the end of your day.
Here is what this means. The post trip is a walkaround ensuring nothing is loose and that nothing is obviously wrong. Since this likely won’t take 15 minutes, just flag this on your logs. If it does take longer than 15 minutes, go ahead and log it under On Duty Not Driving.
The pre-trip inspection needs to be completed on a DVIR. Below is a list of the minimum parts and accessories that must be inspected. The report must cite “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.”
- Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
- Parking brake
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear-vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency Equipment
The report must be submitted to the motor carrier if a defect affecting the safe operation of the vehicle has been found or reported to the driver. The defect must be repaired prior to dispatching the vehicle again.
Happy trails!
Brian M.
