“No Violations” NO PROBLEM
How to Pass an Inspection With Flying Colors?
We’ve all failed a roadside inspection in the past, but that’s not going to stop us from driving. So let’s wipe away those tears, pull up our big girl pants, and keep on trucking.
A Few Things That You Really Need to Know About Passing a Roadside Inspection
I know what you’re thinking: “Everyone has an article on this.” We are going to let you in on some of our secrets that not everyone knows.
First off, attitude is everything! If you get pulled into a weigh station or roadside inspection area, don’t get stressed. Go ahead and put on your “Yes, sir or yes, ma’am” hat and get that inspection started. Officers are just like everyone else, trying to make a living and support their families.
Let’s quickly shed the “they don’t like my attitude” and show them some respect. In turn, they will respect you. It sounds crazy, but she starts the inspection off by seeming somewhat excited about the opportunity to get inspected.
When the officer finds an issue, Don’t argue or banter with them. Simply say “Yes, sir or ma’am,” fix the issue, and move on. Don’t forget to take pictures of all violations. There are a few things that this does to help both the driver and the company.
First off, if the violations are bogus, you now have picture proof. There’s not much better evidence than a picture. Then we can fight the bogus violations from the back end.
Level 3 inspection paperwork. A lot of enforcement officers will ask the driver for their credentials and the paperwork for the unit. If there are no issues, be sure to ask them. This not only helps the company but also helps the officers with any MCSAP funding their department might be receiving.
Before you ever get to the inspection, Take the time to invite the surrounding law enforcement agencies to your yard and have a conference with your employees. I know there are a couple of guys out there right now reading this saying, “No way, this guy’s crazy for even suggesting that I invite the cops into my yard!” Again, we are going to say that law enforcement officers are just people trying to do their job. As soon as we change that mindset, we will be so much better off as drivers and company leaders.
Inviting them into your yard shows. Your hand (or at least the cards you want them to see). While they are there, ask them to provide some feedback on what they’ve seen in the field lately. Listen to everything they have to say. You’ll probably see a trend in violations. As a company, you should start targeting those violation trends in your own fleet. Also, provide the officers with the vital information that you offer incentives for no-violation inspections. They will ask the drivers about this at the roadside inspection, so don’t lie. One of the most important things this does is start the relationship between your company or drivers and local law enforcement. Who knows, you might even be on a first-name basis in the very near future.
Encourage your drivers to make smart choices every day.The last action item we’d like to mention is encouraging them to be a step above the rest of the drivers in the industry. Make every employee of your company feel as though they play a vital role in the company’s wellbeing. Because, let’s face it, without all of our employees, we would be nothing more than a one-person show working our butts into the ground for a dollar.
If you start following these few short objectives, your drivers might start looking forward to going through the port of entry and maybe even be a little disappointed when it’s closed. Your DOT scores will rapidly improve, and you’ve built a relationship with people who enforce the regulations and added to the foundation of your company.
Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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