How can you avoid roadside inspection violations and make
sure your vehicle makes the grade? In 2018, more than half of roadside
inspections led to infractions. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be you. With
a little bit of forethought and organization, including regular pre and
post-trip inspections and fleet trailer
maintenance, you can minimize violation risks.
Safe Vehicles are
Compliant Vehicles
If the vehicle you operate is mechanically sound and
reliable, they’re going to be compliant. Vehicles that are not are quickly
cited and fined during inspections. These vehicles are also likely to suffer
unexpected issues down the road, resulting in interruptions in delivery and
service and the need for emergency mobile trailer
repair.
Avoid these Common
Roadside Inspection Violations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Statistics from
2018 indicate the top roadside inspection violations include:
●
Record-of-duty status
violations
●
Speeding
●
Failure to wear a
seatbelt
●
Condition of the
vehicle
●
Brake systems issues
●
Lights
●
Operation without
proof of periodic inspection
Know What to Expect
During an Inspection
Having your materials prepared for roadside inspections can
significantly streamline the process and get you back on the road again faster.
Roadside inspectors typically begin with collecting documents, including your
commercial driver’s license, registration, medical certificate, record-of-duty
status, bill of lading, and trip receipts.
Have a dedicated place for these documents, keeping
everything in order. Make sure to toss expired insurance cards and registration
documents, so inspectors don’t have to search through a slew of unnecessary and
outdated paperwork to find what they need.
Focus on the
Importance of Vehicle Inspections & Timely Maintenance
Both drivers and fleet managers must be involved in meeting
fleet maintenance needs. Drivers should be trained on how to properly inspect
key vehicle components so they can quickly report issues for timely maintenance
attention by the fleet manager. The typical Level I inspection looks at these
critical and non-critical areas:
●
Lights
●
Brakes, particularly
brake stroke
●
Fuel system
●
Exhaust system
●
Steering, including
steering gearbox leaks and mounting hardware security
●
Suspension,
particularly ball joint and tie rod connections, airbags and mounting, springs,
U-bolts, and suspension mounting hardware
●
Tires & rims
●
Coupling devices
●
Frames in vans/open
top trailers
●
Securing of cargo
Familiarize Yourself
with Electronic Logging Device Technology
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) significantly speed the
inspection process, reducing most violations down to driver error, though they
do bring some challenges. You could be held up if you don't know how to operate
your ELD. Get to know your ELD, and how to work it. Always keep your user
manual on hand. Because there are hundreds of models, it's impossible for
inspectors to know how to operate them all, making the process of transferring
data more time-consuming.
Empower your fleet drivers with
knowledge and safe, well-performing vehicles so they can navigate roadside
inspections without concern. Sign up for a proactive monthly maintenance
program from Ainsworth Trailer Repair, or drop in for a fast FHWA inspection today at
our Denver location..
This
article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/tips-passing-roadside-inspections/
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