{"id":2646,"date":"2021-03-20T20:49:14","date_gmt":"2021-03-20T20:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=2646"},"modified":"2021-03-20T20:49:17","modified_gmt":"2021-03-20T20:49:17","slug":"compliance-basic-scores-and-the-importance-of-inspections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/compliance-basic-scores-and-the-importance-of-inspections\/","title":{"rendered":"Compliance, BASIC Scores, and the Importance of Inspections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to trucking and the transportation sector, there are almost too many topics to broach. Here at the QuickTSI blog, we talk about all of them. Yet, this is one plays a critical role in trucking companies being able to function in the first place: Compliance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Compliance is a tricky word, mainly because it is always\nchanging. As the political environment shifts and regulations come and go,\nsuccessful trucking companies adopt policies that keep them in compliance. And\nlately, staying in compliance has become an ever more difficult balancing act. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just look at the numerous governing bodies a fleet manager\nmust keep up with. From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to OSHA\non the federal level to the numerous state and local enforcement agencies,\ntrucking companies serve many masters. That\u2019s why in today\u2019s blog, we want to\narm you with the information you need to walk away with a basic understanding\nof the regulations that govern your professional life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is It Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you dig in, it is important that you have a basic\nunderstanding of the methodology the FMCSA uses to ensure motor carriers across\nthe country stay in compliance. What we are referring to, of course, are your\nBASIC categories. BASIC categories are that which trucking companies are judged\nby. Each company is assigned a percentage from 0 to 100. It is how you manage\nthat score that helps you prioritize interventions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, all the BASIC categories are important, but we\nwant to focus on a few that are especially important for new owner-operators or\ntrucking companies. Because when it comes to starting a trucking company, it is\neasy to be put out of business or catch yourself at the receiving end of an\naudit over a minor infraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also want to stress one thing. This blog post is intended\nto help new trucking companies wrap their heads around compliance and ensure\ntheir operation stays above board. But it is still no substitute for a\ncomprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local enforcement laws, regulations,\ncodes, and statutes. Every company\u2019s situation is different, so just remember\nthere is no one size fits all solution when it comes to staying in compliance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s start at one of the most important, and most\nvexing things, that a new trucking company must deal with: Inspections. Because\nas a trucking company, you are under federal (and highly likely, state)\nguidelines to ensure the vehicles you run are safe. Failure to comply can be\ncatastrophic, especially for new or small operators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspections Are Key<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to performing systematic and thorough\ninspections, everyone involved in the process must be properly trained. And it\ncomes down to more than just doing the inspection in the right manner; it must\nalso be properly documented. And you must know who is responsible for what\ninspection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider that certain inspections must be completed by your\ntruck drivers and other inspections will be completed by qualified inspectors.\nTruck drivers should be completing a vehicle inspection whenever they operate\ntheir rig. For more information regarding who does what inspection and how,\nclick here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing to remember is that trucking\ncompanies must undergo periodic inspections completed by a qualified inspector.\nThese inspections must happen in accordance with state or federally mandated\nguidelines. Yet not everything is written in stone. New fleets who want\neverything spelled out in black and white may be a little disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, while the FMCSA mandates the type of\ninspections trucking companies must complete, but it does not require a\nspecific interval. The intervals between which you complete your inspections\nare instead decided upon by you and your staff. While there are some exceptions\nto this rule, for the most part it is up to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do You Need Them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may seem like a stupid thing to ask, but it is a relevant question. What is the purpose of an inspection? And furthermore, do I really need to do them? Do not feel ashamed if the questions come across your lips before. And do not worry, because we have a good answer for you: You need inspections because they are mandated and because they are the right thing to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sure, the government, whether federal or local, tells you\nthat you need to inspect your vehicles, but really, you need to do it for the\nsake of your truck drivers and others on the road with them. You need to make\nsure all the moving parts on your vehicles are in good working order, whether\nit be a windshield wiper or a bumper. And when you find problems, you must be\nexpeditious in repairing them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And consider that properly inspecting your vehicle also\nhelps you reduce overall costs. Inspections give you the opportunity to perform\nroutine checks, such as doing an oil check, topping off fluids, and ensuring\nyour belts and chains are in good working order. Plus, if you are completing an\ninspection and necessary maintenance at the same time, documenting it all\nbecomes much easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of documentation, if you aren\u2019t doing it right, it could wind up being more than just an inconvenience. Consider that DVIRs (driver\/vehicle inspection reports) <\/a>are mandatory, per the rules found in FMCSR Section 396.13. Once a truck driver has completed an inspection, they must fill out a vehicle inspection report. Don\u2019t let yourself or your truck driver lapse on conducting inspections or properly documenting them. They are an easy way to stay in compliance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Fill Out a DVIR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not very trucking company on the block has been around for a\nlong time. Many operated back when the rules and regulations were a little\nlooser and governed by pencil and paper. And even though we have transitioned\ninto digital, keeping a regular maintenance schedule and record for your\nvehicles will help you ensure the FMCSA never barks up your tree for a failure\nto provide adequate documentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an inspector stops one of the trucks in your fleet, are\nyou 100% sure it will have the necessary documentation aboard. Inspection\nofficials examining a DVIR need specific pieces of information. Consider the\nfollowing when setting your DVIR policy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n