Roadside Inspections | Fleet D.O.T. & Safety Compliance

and other variations on a carrier’s “its-not-my-fault” explanations will not fly now that ‘driver coercion” was added by the D.O.T. in its effort to go beyond roadside inspections and gain more FMCSA compliance from Carriers. (Read More: DOT roadside Inspections enforcement status and 10 Hours of Duty Rule)

FMCSA backs drivers with coercion rule : FleetOwner.com Kevin Jones

A new rule to protect drivers from being compelled to violate federal safety regulations is set to publish today in the Federal Register. Known as the “driver coercion” rule, it provides FMCSA with the authority to go after not only carriers, but also shippers, receivers, and transportation intermediaries. ( read more )

Vocabulary:

What is Coercion?

Such actions are used as leverage, to force or leverage the victim to act in a way contrary to their own interests.

Example:

A driver is given a route which he points out is impossible to complete without going over the 11 hrs driving and or 14 hrs on-duty DOT rule. If the driver reluctantly accepts the task because they fear the loss of their position or their job it could be considered coercion. Accidents and road side inspections with a citation will go hard on the carrier, especially if the driver challenges their citation because of coercion.

CSA Changes Due December 2012

November 15, 2012

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An example of a truck driver log book in the United States. “PTI” is short for “pre-trip inspection”, as the driver is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is fit to be driven (i.e., no flat tires, loose bolts, or broken parts). “On duty” time includes fueling, repairs, loading and unloading. “Off duty” time incudes meals and rest stops. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

FMCSA Sharpens Focus with Improvements to Compliance Safety Accountability Program

“For complete details on the new CSA improvements, go to http://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

The final CSA changes will provide FMCSA with more precise information when assessing a company’s over-the-road safety performance. The changes will be implemented in December 2012 and include:

Changing the Fatigued Driving BASIC to the more specific Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance BASIC to more accurately reflect violations in this area; and weighting HOS paper and electronic logbook violations equally.
Strengthening the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC by including cargo/load securement violations from today’s Cargo-Related BASIC.
Removing 1 to 5 mph speeding violations to ensure citations are consistent with current speedometer regulations.
Ensuring all recorded violations accurately reflect the inspection type (i.e., only driver violations will be recorded under driver inspections).

“Good data plays a key role in keeping our nation’s roads safe,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These improvements will enable us to better identify and address unsafe truck and bus companies before tragedies occur.”

Are You A Target For DOT Audit – Intervention?

November 14, 2011

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It depends on how you have responded to inspection citations like this.

Find our how you are doing with your DOT inspections by going to this site. http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/ or click on pic below.

If your report looks like this . . . you’ve got some serious training and DOT safety system training to do. (3 years of reports)

and your status report will probably look like this . . . and expect intervention

http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/

Cracks in Windshield?

November 11, 2011

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You are driving along and suddenly you hear a whack. Later you notice a little fuzzy circle on you windshield. It won’t rub off, because it is a crack. Report it to your fleet supervisor before it becomes a long haired crack which could implode upon the driver under various circumstances. Don’t make make me tell you . . . you can figure it out. Repairs of a little dime crack is under $100. Replacing the window can cost up to $400. Even if the insurance pays . . . you will still be paying in the end. Nothing is free.

DOT – CSA 2010 Compliance

March 31, 2011

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If you are NON-COMPLIANT WITH DOT REGULATIONS, having accidents and lawsuits already . . . it is a matter of time for DOT to audit and perhaps fine you into recognition of the value of DOT – CSA 2010 COMPLIANCE.

Drivers are required to fill out records of duty status (logs); the motor carrier is required to keep them plus supporting documentation for six months.

These tires are out of compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations because they have less than the required amount of tread; the truck should not be driven until maintenance has been performed.

Compliance

The commercial motor vehicle industry is highly regulated; many of the regulations are quite specific and they are frequently updated.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
Qualifications of Drivers
Driver Training
Driver Files
Company Management Processes
Equipment, Inspection and Use
Loading and Load Securement
Hours of Service
Logs/Record of Duty

Services · Ruhl Forensic

Overloaded Trucks

March 31, 2011

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Image by ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. via Flickr

This is from a Lawyer Firm’s site. They know overloaded trucks can create an opportunity for them because overloaded trucks eventually are involved in an accident because over weighted trucks’ suspensions fail, tires burst and driver looses control.

Best practice is to utilize CSA 2010 to your advantage and the safety of your driver, truck and load and most importantly . . . the people who count on your company to care about their safety as you carry out your business practice.

When Overloaded Trucks and Unsecured Loads Cause Serious Injury Accidents

A perfectly loaded and secured truck is hazardous enough in the event of an accident. If the truck is overloaded or the cargo is not properly secured, the risks of catastrophe multiply.

Highway authority records, driver log books and company records can also provide evidence of overloading and improper loading.

HOW TO PREVENT OVERLOADING

Drivers and carriers need to know the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the truck being used. Example: 25,950 lbs.
More importantly the Cargo Capacity should be known so the Driver can determine that his load is within safe operating limits.
When the driver becomes aware of an overloading situation; either by observation of the truck springs, tires, suspension or handling . . . take action . . . call the manager and make arrangements to bring the load into compliance with the safe operating limits of the truck.

Unsecure Loads or Overloaded Trucks – Truck Accident Attorney Blog

Fleet D.O.T. & Safety Compliance

Florida Department of Transportation FDOT Contact Sheet

Useful DOT contact information for carriers, drivers and citizen of Florida

Central Office

District Offices

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Carriers 101 on Coercion

When a D.O.T. auditor shows up to investigate about a driver you had or currently employee, and they discover you scheduling requires him to break FMCSA regulations . . . the driver may not be the one on the hot seat. When the auditor asks for your explanation . . .

What is Coercion?

Example:

CSA Changes Due December 2012

Are You A Target For DOT Audit – Intervention?

Cracks in Windshield?

DOT – CSA 2010 Compliance

Overloaded Trucks

When Overloaded Trucks and Unsecured Loads Cause Serious Injury Accidents

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Central Office

District Offices

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

When a D.O.T. auditor shows up to investigate about a driver you had or currently employee, and they discover you scheduling requires him to break FMCSA regulations . . . the driver may not be the one on the hot seat. When the auditor asks for your explanation . . .

What is Coercion?

Example:

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When Overloaded Trucks and Unsecured Loads Cause Serious Injury Accidents

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