Roadcheck 2012 is Coming. Are You Ready?

Roadcheck 2012 is scheduled for June 5-7.  Are you ready?

According to the CSA website: Roadcheck 2012 is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico during a 72-hour period in early June.

Each year, approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors at 1,500 locations across North America perform the truck and bus inspections.

Why should you take Roadcheck 2012 seriously?

Consider this¦ during Roadcheck 2011:

• 70,712 inspections were conducted (over 5,000 more than 2010)
• Of the vehicles inspected, 18.3% were placed out of service for mechanical problems
• The driver out-of-service rate was 4%
• That means, nearly 13,000 vehicles and 3,000 drivers were placed out of service

During last month’s Mid-America Trucking Show, an FMCSA roadside inspector demonstrated key problem areas for drivers, fleets, and truck owners.For drivers, the FMCSA inspector said the top five roadside violations are:

1. Logbook issues “ either not current, not signed, or otherwise incomplete
2. Driver’s record of duty status isn’t current
3. Driver isn’t in possession of a medical certificate
4. Driver doesn’t speak English
5. Fleet requires or permits driver to drive after 14 hours on duty

The inspector indicated that the top five Out-of-Service violations include:

1. Fleet requires or permits driver to drive after 14 hours on duty
2. False reports of driver record of duty status
3. No record of duty status
4. Driver fails to retain logs for previous seven days
5. Carriers requiring or allowing drivers to drive more than 11 hours

The top five vehicle violations were also identified:

1. No, or defective, lighting devices or reflective material, as required
2. Required lamps are inoperative
3. Tire tread depth of less than 2/32-inch
4. Inspection or repair and maintenance of parts and accessories
5. Oil or grease leaks

The inspector indicated that the top five vehicle Out-of-Service violations are:

1. Inoperative turn signals
2. Flat tire or exposed fabric
3. Inspection or repair and maintenance of parts and accessories
4. Inadequate brake tubing and hoses
5. Stop lamp violations

The inspector gave a list of pointers to help drivers pass a roadside inspection:

• Be prepared
• Have a valid CDL
• Keep current logs
• Drive within allowed hours-of-service
• Wear your seatbelt
• Know the critical vehicle inspection items
• Have a professional attitude
• Keep in mind BLT – brakes, lighting and tires
• Know the three P’s of hauling hazmat “ papers, placards and packaging

The inspector referenced the following critical vehicle inspection items:

• Fuel system
• Brakes
• Coupling devices (fifth wheel)
• Lighting devices
• Steer mechanism
• Suspension
• Frame and body components
• Tires and wheels
• Windshield wipers
• Load securement
• Rear view mirrors
• Horn
• Exhaust
• Emergency equipment

After an inspection, the FMCSA inspector said that drivers or fleets should repair out-of-service defects before operating the truck again.  If that’s not possible, get the truck towed, satisfy any driver out-of-service requirements before driving again, repair non-out-of-service vehicle defects and turn in the inspection report within 15 days.

Article Posted by Jeremy Reymer on Tue, Apr 17, 2012— The Dispatch