SAFETY GAZETTE - IN THIS ISSUE FIRST QUARTER 2021 - IAT Insurance Group
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SAFETY GAZETTE
FIRST QUARTER 2021 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
IN THIS ISSUE
2 The Roadside Inspection:
What, Why and How to be
Prepared
4 Cargo and Equipment
Theft Prevention Tips
5 Your Role in CMV Driver
Retention and Safety
FIRST QUARTER 2021 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
The Roadside Inspection: What,
Why and How to be Prepared
by Nick Martin, Loss Control Specialist
Roadside Inspections are examinations of commercial warranted
motor vehicles and/or drivers by Motor Carrier Safety ᴏ 75-100 = Inspect – An inspection is warranted
Assistance Program (MCSAP) Inspectors. 3. A driving infraction is observed by an officer – An
officer may observe a commercial motor vehicle and
MCSAP Inspectors conduct roadside inspections on its driver speeding, following too close, making erratic
commercial motor vehicles and drivers to check that lane changes or failing to obey traffic signs. When this
they are in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier occurs, it can trigger the vehicle/driver to be pulled
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and/or Hazardous Materials over and inspected
Regulations (HMRs). If an inspection results in serious 4. Following an accident – Most jurisdictions will inspect
violations, the driver will be issued a driver or vehicle a commercial motor vehicle and its driver following a
Out-of-Service Order. These violations must be corrected DOT reportable accident
before the driver or vehicle can return to service.
WHAT ARE THE VIOLATION LEADERS AS A RESULT OF
During the fiscal year 2020, Roadside Inspection ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS FY2020?
Activity from both the federal and state inspectors
totaled 2,719,292 inspections. The most seen level of Top 5 driver violations during roadside inspections:
an inspection was Level – II, Walk-Around. That was 1. 392.2SLLS2 – State/local laws – Speeding 6-10 miles
followed by Level III, Driver Only Inspections. per hour over the speed limit
WHAT TRIGGERS AN INSPECTION? 2. 392.2C – Failure to obey traffic control device
3. 392.16 – Failing to use seatbelt while operation a
Some of the most common reasons for a roadside CMV
inspection include: 4. 395.8 – Record of Duty status violation (general form
1. A visible violation – The inspector spots a violation and manner)
just by looking at the vehicle. These types of violations 5. 391.41AF – Operating a property-carrying vehicle
often include lights not working properly, improper/ without possessing a valid medical certificate
inadequate load securement and defective/flat/bald
tires Top 5 vehicle violations during roadside inspections:
2. Having a high Inspection Selection System (ISS) 1. 393.9 – Inoperable required lamp
score – The ISS number is based on a carrier’s BASIC 2. 396.17C – Operating a CMV without proof of a
scores. Carriers with higher scores are subject to more periodic inspection
inspections and those with lower scores are subject to 3. 393.47E – Clamp or roto-type brake out-of-
less inspections. adjustment
ᴏ 1-49 = Pass – No inspection warranted 4. 393.95A – No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher
ᴏ 50-74 = Optional – An inspection may be 5. 393.9TS – Inoperative turn signal
P.O. Box 10800 2
Raleigh, NC 27605
www.iatinsurancegroup.com
FIRST QUARTER 2021 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
Top 5 vehicle hazardous material violations during ᴏ Make sure you have proper number of paper logs
roadside inspections: if you are not using ELDs
1. 177.834A – Package not secure in vehicle ᴏ Keep a supply of paper logs in case the EDL
2. 107.620B – No copy of US DOT Hazardous Materials malfunctions so you can still log your time
Registration Number ᴏ Keep a clean and tidy equipment – Dirty and
3. 177.817E – Shipping paper accessibility unkempt equipment can be a red flag for
4. 177.817A – No or improper shipping papers (carrier) inspectors
5. 172.504A – Vehicle not placarded as required
TIPS THAT CAN HELP TO HAVE A SMOOTH
WHAT PREPARATION CAN BE DONE FOR A ROADSIDE INSPECTION:
INSPECTION?
• Prior to officer approaching unit:
• From a Company Perspective: ᴏ Ensure vehicle is properly positioned and secured
ᴏ Continual communication, training, oversight of with your flashers activated
the following: ᴏ Keep your seatbelt secured and only remove it if
– Track your efforts via the CSA website for an officer tells you to do so
results and trends. Follow the monthly ᴏ It is against federal law to use a handheld device
updates at https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and in a commercial vehicle. Always stay off your
provide information to not just the drivers, cell phone while driving and during a roadside
but all members of the team regarding the inspection
results – both positive and areas in need of ᴏ Long before there is a roadside inspection, a
improvement professional driver should always make sure the
– Make sure all drivers understand the cargo is secured properly
importance of a quality pre-trip inspection • Communication with Officer:
and how it can impact them as well as the ᴏ Be respectful and answer questions when asked
company during a roadside inspection ᴏ Do not argue or antagonize with the officer
– Make sure Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports ᴏ Have applicable documents ready and available
(DVIRs) are completed in a timely fashion, when an officer requests them
exceptions are followed up on and properly – Such documents could include: your driver’s
handled license, DVIRs, permits, shipping documents,
– Having a maintenance program that includes vehicle registration, annual inspection, ELD or
ongoing tractor and trailer inspections could paper logs
help to limit violations during roadside
inspections
ᴏ Management oversight to ensure expiring The information in this article was sourced from the FMCSA (Federal Motor
documents are current such as each drivers Carrier Safety Administration) website.
CDL with applicable endorsements, medical
certificates are current, permits are valid and
equipment inspections have been performed
according to or more frequent that regulations
require
• From a Driver Perspective:
ᴏ Perform a pre-trip Inspection and any exceptions
should be dealt with prior to leaving the yard,
customer location, truck stop or rest area.
ᴏ As part of your daily routine make sure expiring
documents are current and in your possession.
Such documents include your CDL, physical
certification card and any endorsements you may
have/need
ᴏ Make sure all shipping papers, periodic equipment
inspections and permits are accounted for and
available in case you are inspected while on the
road
ᴏ Make sure your logbook is always current from
your last change of duty status
ᴏ Make sure you have an instruction booklet for
your ELDs
P.O. Box 10800 3
Raleigh, NC 27605
www.iatinsurancegroup.com
FIRST QUARTER 2021 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
Cargo and Equipment Theft
Prevention Tips
by Jared Fritts, Loss Control Specialist
Equipment and cargo theft continue to remain a risk value freight. Remember the adage, “Cargo at rest is
that all transportation companies must be vigilant in cargo at risk”
preventing. Through best practices and continued • Never dropping loaded trailers in unsecured lots,
awareness with drivers and employees, you can help to including truck stops
minimize the risk of cargo theft. In 2018, there were 592 • Creating dispatch checklist procedures for high value/
cargo thefts in the United States with an average loss high risk freight that are relayed to the driver on
of $142,342. Full truckload thefts accounted for 74% of dispatch
these losses. • Ensuring drivers understand the importance of NOT
stopping for at least 200 miles after leaving the
What steps can you take to prevent theft? Ensuring shipper. This will lessen the risk of theft if thieves are
everyone understands the products you haul and the trailing the load
routes you travel will help you better determine the ᴏ Drivers having adequate fuel in the tank(s) before
dangers along the way. This conversation begins in the picking up the load and having the available hours
new hire orientation process. Talk about theft with your to drive is vital in this step
new drivers. Develop talking points and have a plan in • Reminding drivers to NEVER to speak to anyone
place to ensure drivers, dispatchers, and everyone in your about their load or their destination
organization understands their responsibilities to prevent • LOCKING IT OR LOSE IT! Always use padlocks on
cargo and equipment theft. trailer doors and consider using kingpin and air cuff
locks to lower the risk of cargo and equipment theft.
Does your company have these best practices in place? One thing thieves don’t have on their side when
Consider: stealing cargo is time
• Developing effective hiring standards that include • Using technology to your advantage
complete background checks, including criminal ᴏ Satellite tracking of tractors and trailers,
background checks for all employees embedded tracking in cargo, and geofencing
• Identifying cargo theft high crime areas in transit and technologies that can alert drivers and dispatch
looking for alternative travel when the tractor and trailer leave a preset
• Planning routes to minimize stops and delays location, are all tools that can prevent cargo
• Working with your customers to eliminate excessive theft and help in the recovery if one occurs
layover time, especially when hauling high risk/high
P.O. Box 10800 4
Raleigh, NC 27605
www.iatinsurancegroup.com
FIRST QUARTER 2021 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
Your Role in CMV Driver
Retention and Safety
by Chris Parker, Loss Control Specialist
In a study contracted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety trainers, managers, ombudsmen, and even counselors.
Administration, it was concluded that “a significant The goal is to provide immediate support and
relationship exists between job change rate and crash response to driver issues and concerns.
involvement”. (1) One key component of the study was an
examination of the motor carrier’s role in reducing driver Fleet owners and safety directors would be well advised
turnover. to consider how their safety and driver appreciation
programs support employee satisfaction and contribute
The role of motor carrier management in both driver to reduced turnover. IAT Loss Control can help you
retention and overall safety can be described as one of assess your program and work with you to enhance its
facilitation. While highway safety ultimately comes down effectiveness.
to situations and actions on the road, trucking companies
play essential roles in providing drivers with the physical
and psychological tools needed to deal with the many (1) FMCSA-RT-03-004
safety situations that arise while driving.
In the study, motor carrier management personnel (i.e.,
executives, senior managers, and safety directors) were
asked a series of questions about driver retention and
safety and the design and effect of formal and informal
safety programs. The responses received were
summarized to present a management perspective
on the trucking company’s role in promoting driver
retention and safety, with the following broad categories
of responses ultimately defined:
• Preemptive Programs – focus on safety training
and education, with the objective being to provide
preventative measures. In most cases, these are
designed as group-based programs. They also
encompass remedial training for drivers involved in
crashes. Vehicle maintenance programs may also be
classified in this category as they are often viewed by
drivers as safety and satisfaction programs.
• Outcome-Based Programs – typically described as
proactive incentive and/or reward programs.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that the larger the
company, the more organized and sophisticated these
programs become. Formal programs include safety
recognition dinners and exclusive “million mile” clubs.
More informal programs include driver meetings that
highlight new company safety data or recognize an
individual driver’s efforts.
• Personal Support Programs – trucking companies
recognize that employee satisfaction is closely tied
to initiatives that focus on the driver as an individual.
Examples include trucking companies with targeted
driver outreach programs that pair drivers with
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception
to good practice. IAT Insurance Group and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("IAT") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any
premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as
establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with IAT. By providing this information to you, IAT does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The
decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
P.O. Box 10800 5
Raleigh, NC 27605
www.iatinsurancegroup.com
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