The thing to always keep in mind about compliance, safety, and accountability (CSA) points is that they lead to more roadside inspections for you and your fleet. Keep CSA points to a minimum to make your fleet more profitable by applying these tips and suggestions. 3 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR FLEET AS PROFITABLE AS POSSIBLE NO. 1: ALWAYS PERFORM YOUR DAILY VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT (DVIR). The DVIR is the driver’s daily inspection report, and it is a mandatory inspectable item at roadside inspection stops. The driver should conduct a systematic inspection of their vehicle before each trip or after each rest period during a trip. Every inspection shortcoming noted during a weigh station vehicle inspection is subject to citations, warnings, and CSA points. Using the DVIR will minimize the number of issues. Although the inspection should include the entire vehicle, the primary areas to inspect are lights and reflectors, tires, brakes, and glass. Be sure to check all running lights, high and low beam lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Ensure that reflectors are clean and free of debris. Check tire air pressure (with a digital tire gauge) and tread depths. Make sure you know the minimum tread depth limits (change tires before they get close to the limits) and what the states you will travel through require for mud flaps and splash guards. Tires kept at the manufacturer’s suggested air pressure last longer and save you money. Check the windshield and windows for cracks or “stars” that might widen. NO. 2: DON’T FORGET ABOUT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. Preventive maintenance is a system of scheduled maintenance that ensures minor issues are caught before they become major “unexpected” repairs that are typically expensive. When tires are rotated and tuneups are completed during regular maintenance, it boosts fuel efficiency and saves you money.
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The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. DEUTERONOMY 31:8
NO. 3: AVOID TRAFFIC TICKETS AND KEEP CSA POINTS TO A MINIMUM.
Another serious problem for drivers and fleets alike is traffic ticket convictions and CSA severity points. These cost the driver and fleet because both affect the fleet’s SMS percentile. Fleets with a percentile above 50 are flagged for more roadside inspections. When your fleet’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number is above 75, your trucks are identified for inspection at every open weigh station. Therefore, you should challenge every traffic ticket or roadside inspection violation that leads to more CSA severity points. If you use the DVIR, schedule regular preventive maintenance, avoid overweight trucks, and dispute traffic tickets and CSA points, you can make your fleet or owner- operated trucks more profitable.
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