When operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV), your main priority should be safety. In fact, safety is the main focus of the industry which is why there are strict rules and regulations motor carriers are required to adhere to.
Drivers, and companies, also operate their vehicles with the looming threat of Roadside Inspections. However, this threat can easily be combated with a proper vehicle maintenance program ensuring your vehicles are in compliance. The goal should be ZERO violations during a roadside inspection.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Roadside inspections are examinations of commercial motor vehicles and/or drivers by Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) Inspectors. MCSAP Inspectors conduct roadside inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers to check that they are in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and/or Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs).” Failing to comply with FMCSA rules and regulations during an audit or a roadside inspection can result in serious violations, such as a driver being placed out-of-service or fined.
Here are ten steps to help you in your efforts to stop getting violations during Roadside Inspections:
Update or create a written vehicle maintenance program for all of the types of power unites and trailers used in your fleet.
Work with your maintenance technicians to create an effective work flow for shop projects and preventative maintenance programs.
Create Preventative Maintenance workflow checklists to help ensure the vehicle is being properly inspected and repaired.
Create a brake inspection policy to address the challenges with airbrake systems and ensure all maintenance technicians are properly trained in the brake service standards for the type of equipment you’re utilizing.
Ensure your maintenance technicians are trained in the Minimum Inspection Procedures and Regulations to complete the Periodic Inspection.
Review the documented repairs completed by your maintenance technicians during their normal day to day activities and after each unit has had a completed a Period Inspection.
Develop a program to ensure each driver is completing proper Pre/Post Trip Inspections for each vehicle they operating in a shift.
Review all DVIR’s completed by drivers with reported defects and follow through by reviewing the documented repairs completed by the maintenance technician.
Develop and implement a rewards program or disciplinary policy for team member who violate the maintenance program policy while rewarding those drivers or maintenance technicians who demonstrate exceptional service.
Complete random Mock Vehicle Inspections of your regulated fleet Power Units, Trailers, and Drivers.
If you need any assistance with your maintenance program, mock vehicle inspections, or annual inspections call us at Front Range Compliance Services and we would be happy to assist you. Our number one goal is to keep you OFF the radar!!
Enjoy this post? Check out our other blog posts or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to be the first hear about updates, trucking industry tips and tricks, compliance advice and new online classes. You can also opt-in to our newsletter for exclusive offers, regulation changes, and industry news!
Make sure to check also out our online DOT Training platform, DOT University! We are currently offering Reasonable Suspicion for Supervisors, Cargo Securement, Defensive Driving, and Pre/Post Trip Inspection. In the coming months, we plan on releasing DOT Compliance Essentials and Periodic Annual Inspection Qualification Training (Appendix A).
Stay off the radar!!