Brake techs and DOT

[layoutshooter]

Moose wanted to answer a question I posted in a thread in the FedEx forum so I am posting it in here.

When you get a "roadside" DOT level one inspection the inspector does NOT sign the "brake inspector" certification that is required. Is it just assumed that they are certified to do that job? I know that FedEx accepts that inspection as legal, do all carriers?

 

[greg334]

I'm told that a level one always includes a brake inspection, and FedEx along with others accepts it as a thorough truck inspection.

I would assume all carriers accept it.

 

[layoutshooter]

I'm told that a level one always includes a brake inspection, and FedEx along with others accepts it as a thorough truck inspection.

I would assume all carriers accept it.

That is what I was told. I guess that the carriers just assume that all those roadside inspectors are certified to inspect brakes. This entire thing was prompted by FedEx not allowing SpeedCo DOT inspections because they would not or could not sign the brake inspection part of the DOT form.

Next question, I am sure someone knows this. DOT requires an inspection once per year. Do these inspections count for that? I know FedEx requires them twice each year and these count for that requirement. If they count, in theory at least, if you got a DOT at the roadside a couple of times a year you would never have to pay for one.

 

[greg334]

Do these inspections count for that?

Yep... because the state authority is doing the inspection.

I would think it would be foolish for a carrier to say "ok seeing you had a level one, we are going to make you go through another inspection just in case" if you passed. If you didn't pass, then that's another issue.

Now even if they didn't sign the brake section, I looked at mine and not one of them were signed, that apparently doesn't mean a thing because they put their signature as the inspector and indicated the level of inspection on the form.

 

[layoutshooter]

Ok, they count, I thought that they did. Now then, what about that fancy sticker that shops put on the inside of your door? Is that required? I have been told yes by some, no by others. The roadside people don't put them on, so one would assume that they are not required yet this latest roadside guy said I needed one.

 

[greg334]

This is what I was told.

If I get a level one I get a sticker on my windshield.

I don't need an inspection sticker from a level one but that windshield sticker.

The inspection sticker is an annual thing (not bi-annual that's carrier policy) so chances are you will still be within that annual cycle.

 

[layoutshooter]

This was my SECOND level one this year already. One in California and this one in North Carolina. This second one they had me cut the seal on my load to inspect how I had my freight secured. It was a hazmat load, going to Canada. I got many kudos for my work. Good to know that I do that right. Now, if Canada had checked it, who knows, I still get different ideas on what is legal or not up there.

 

[TeamCaffee]

Layout FCC requires one inspection a year to be done at a qualified shop at this time.

The reason is we have been told is that Canada will not accept an inspection done by a DOT officer.

 

[layoutshooter]

Layout FCC requires one inspection a year to be done at a qualified shop at this time.

The reason is we have been told is that Canada will not accept an inspection done by a DOT officer.

Ok, thanks, I did not know that.

 

[greg334]

The reason is we have been told is that Canada will not accept an inspection done by a DOT officer.

Linda, maybe FedEx CC is telling you that so they can cover their a** but it seems that is a line of BS.

Canada and the US along with Mexico and the states are members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). That sticker on the windshield is a result of their work and this is the accepted inspection for all who are CVSA members - including Canada. There is an agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding that has been established among the members to ensure that there are standards that are followed, "qualified shops" do not seem to follow this at all.

I would think with FedEx and their track record of safety, they would not call on "qualified shops" to trump DOT road side inspectors ever because of one simple thing - even if you pass the inspection from a "qualified shop", and then you get a DOT inspection, the inspector can put you OOS for something they find regardless what the "qualified shop" says. You as a owner have zero recourse with the DOT.

Now what is a qualified shop?

Someone who has a licensed mechanic on duty?

 

[nightcreacher]

Over the years, FDCC has found owners that were stopped, and red tagged at DOT inspections, cause they had their inspections that were not done by qualified inspectors.Yes they were mechanics at qualified shops,but not all the mechanics at these shops have been to clinics for all aspects of expertese

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Funny you should mention that, Greg. I notice a little Canadian flag on the sticker. Maybe FXCC is handing them a line of crap.

 

[TeamCaffee]

Did I mention anywhere that FedEx told us about Canada?

Hard to imagine but we talk to and listen to other drivers who are not leased to FCC.

 

[greg334]

Layout FCC requires one inspection a year to be done at a qualified shop at this time.

The reason is we have been told is that Canada will not accept an inspection done by a DOT officer.

Did I mention anywhere that FedEx told us about Canada?

Well it looked like it