The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that all the components of a commercial vehicle undergo inspection at least every 12 months. These truck inspections can occur at any point, and many of your drivers may undergo the inspection process unexpectedly.
Part of passing these truck inspections performed by the DOT successfully involves training your drivers to not only know what to expect, but also know how they can make the process go more smoothly. First, encourage your drivers to keep their trucks tidy and organized. If your drivers have no idea where anything is in their cab, the inspector may be more likely to waive them in for a comprehensive truck inspection. Conversely, train your drivers to know how to locate their fire extinguisher and triangles, and help them understand how to keep their documents/logs in order.
Second, remind your drivers that passing DOT truck inspections is contingent on more than just the condition of the vehicle. Drivers who maintain a positive attitude and comply with the inspector’s requests are more likely to get back on the road faster.
Third and finally, make sure your drivers know what to look for when they experience problems with their trucks, so they can rectify these issues quickly. Have all components of the trucks in your fleet inspected regularly, so in the event of an unexpected inspection, your trucks pass on a mechanical level.
For help with truck inspections and making sure the trucks in your fleet meet federal regulation standards, contact us at Mid Carolina Diesel. We look forward to hearing from you!