Truck Drivers: 5 Ways to Avoid Inspection
Posted on Mon, Mar 08, 2010 @ 02:21 PM
As a former motor carrier safety investigator, I’m going to come clean and reveal the secrets that need to know to avoid enforcement problems. This code of slience breach will forever ban me from enforcement industry activities, but my loss can be your gain.
- Control your speed. The #1 reason for getting stopped and inspected is speeding. (Not surprisingly the #1 cause of accidents is also speeding- thus the focus.) Lane violations, tailgating, and other aggressive behaviors are also guaranteed to get the attention of law enforcement. CMV enforcement personnel don’t need a reason (probable cause) to stop and inspect a truck, but you don’t need to give them one. Simply put, drive safely and professionally and you’ll virtually eliminate your odds of being targeted for inspection. [By the way, there is no law requiring law enforcement to “give 10 MPH” or even 1 MPH over a posted speed limit. Even driving the speed limit when road, weather, or traffic conditions dictate a slower speed is a violation (speed too fast for conditions) in many jurisdictions.]
- Inspect and maintain your equipment. A light out, tire with cord/belt exposed, or other easily-spotted equipment defect will get you pulled over (or pulled behind a scale) every time. Do your pre-trip inspection. Report defects and/or get them repaired before hitting the road. A truck with a headlight out pulling into a scale is almost certain to get a red light. Don’t make yourself an easy target.
- Work for a reputable company. Who you drive for will greatly affect how often you get selected for random inspections. All motor carriers in the United States have an ISS-2 score. The score is based on previous inspections of that motor carrier's trucks. Companies with a history of poor performance on previous inspections will be rated “Inspect” or “Optional,” which increases the likelihood that more of its trucks will be selected for inspection. You’re only as good as the last driver or truck from your company who was inspected. Work for a reputable trucking company like Area Transportation and you’ll get more respect from law enforcement. It’s not a free pass but it will make your life easier. Additionally, most trucking companies travel the same routes or lanes and become known to law enforcement in the areas they run. Companies known for maintaining their equipment and running compliant operations receive far less scrutiny from law enforcement. CMV enforcement personnel concentrate their efforts on those carriers who don’t comply. After all, that’s the purpose of enforcement… to get the “bad guys” to comply.
- If you’re hauling a permit load… stay on the permit route. CMV enforcement personnel are very familiar with permit routes. A multi-axle truck running off a permit route is just asking to be stopped and inspected.
- HazMat haulers and flatbed carriers take extra caution! HazMat haulers and flatbed carriers can expect extra attention from law enforcement due to the extra hazards these types of loads represent to the motoring public. Proper transport of HazMat and proper securement of flatbed loads is a high priority for law enforcement. If you fall into either of these categories you need to be on your game. You need to be sure your HazMat paperwork, load, placarding, etc. and your chains, straps, binders and winches are in order. [Any violation (including logs, equipment, etc.) while hauling placarded HazMat becomes a “HazMat violation” subject to increased fines and penalties.]
Follow these five tips and you can virtually eliminate your chances of being inspected. If however, you are inspected, you can rest assured knowing you’ll pass with flying colors. How important is that to you? How important is it for you to maintain your driving privileges? With CSA 2010 here [see other blogs on this site] violations on roadside inspections result in points assessed to drivers. Clear inspections ensure your continued employability.
Article submitted by Kevin Mullen, Director-Safety