Our safety director is worried about compliance with FMCSR 396, particularly with the paperwork requirements. I have read the JJ Keller Inspection and Maintenance Special Report (June 2009, vol 35, No. 6) and don't feel any smarter than before. In 396.11, the driver is supposed to turn in a report daily for each vehicle operated (Daily Vehicle Inspection Report). They show two examples in the book, one of which is a pretty detailed list with boxes for pre-trip, post-trip, and items needing repair. The other example is a form I have seen on the back of log book pages, where the driver either checks that the vehicle is OK or that there are defects requiring attention, which the driver must then list.

To further complicate the issue, I rarely get over 150 miles from home so I am exempt from using a log book. We do annual inspections on all our trucks and trailers and keep these on file.

What forms do you guys use (or intend to use) to comply with this rule?