What type of inspection must be completed according to FMCSA part 396.11?

The requirement according to FMCSA part 396.11 focuses on the post-trip inspection, which mandates that drivers must conduct an examination of their commercial motor vehicle after completing a trip. This inspection is crucial for identifying any safety and maintenance issues that may have arisen during the journey, ensuring that the vehicle remains safe for continued operation.

Post-trip inspections play an integral role in the overall safety strategy for trucking operations. They serve not only to comply with regulations, but also enhance vehicle reliability, as they enable drivers to address minor issues before they escalate into more significant problems that could lead to breakdowns or accidents.

While pre-trip inspections are also critically important and required for identifying potential issues before a trip begins, the specific focus of part 396.11 is on the post-trip inspections, which help maintain ongoing vehicle safety after driver use. Periodic and random inspections are also part of regulatory practices, but they involve broader oversight by regulatory bodies and do not focus on the specific responsibility of the driver following their completed trip.