| Who loves a roadside inspection? That sure sounds like a silly question. I don’t think there is a driver in the world that would say yes to that. The last thing anyone wants in any industry is someone stopping them during a productive day just to ask them a bunch of questions about what they are doing and then analyze the equipment with a fine-tooth comb. Of course, every industry has its system of checks and balances, but it feels like trucking has more than most.
It’s easy to get frustrated with the DOT, but if we take a second to really think about their job and why they do it, maybe we can have some appreciation. After all, their main duty is ensuring the safety of the motoring public, and everyone wants to get home safely. On the interstate, about 1 in 4 vehicles is a tractor trailer. They are traveling about as fast as anyone else on the road, but we are immensely bigger, heavier, and much harder to brake and maneuver.
McLeod Express is lucky to have a team of drivers that take pride in being a safe fleet. Even if you don’t appreciate what the DOT is trying to do, you are playing by their rules and that’s the important thing. There are not a lot of companies out there that are under the threshold in all CSA categories like we are. Good work, team! According to the DOT, the safety of a trucking company is measured by six categories. Unsafe driving, Hours of Service, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substance, Vehicle Maintenance, and Crash.
Our worst scoring category is vehicle maintenance. The most common infractions that contribute to this score are lights, tires, brakes, and airlines. Sometimes, it’s just not your lucky day and a light goes out the same day you get pulled into a scale house. It’s bound to happen. However, a thorough pre-trip or post-trip inspection every day will help catch some of those little things. Remember, you get $100 for a clean inspection. We want to pay that bonus as often as possible!
Thank you again for being on our team. We have one of the best in the game! Have a great week. |
