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Tips To Ace a Level One, Roadside Inspection
July 22, 2015
As a professional driver, have you ever had an officer of the Motor Carrier Compliance Division share with you firsthand what to expect during a level one, roadside inspection? On July 10, Joseph Teet, an officer with the Motor Carrier Compliance Division, paid a visit to Bennett International Group’s corporate office in McDonough, Georgia and did just that.
Teet said the goal of visiting with companies is to brief the drivers on safety issues and common violations as part of stressing driver professionalism and safety and to emphasize the importance of pre-trip inspections.
Should you be selected for a level one, roadside inspection, here are just a few things to keep in mind:
One of the most common violations found during level one inspections is oil leaks.
Teet’s Tip: Before every trip you will want to check the wheel wells for excess oil, and if you notice any residue, you’ll want to clean your engine exhaust. If the area is unclean, an officer will assume you have an oil leak.
Brakes are measured and then the vehicle is checked for cracked frames, leaky airlines, or cross members.
Teet’s Tip: Check all wells underneath your brakes for cracks, leaks, and anything else that looks out of place.
Level one inspections can be time consuming taking up an hour to complete.
Teet’s Tip: Be polite and courteous to the inspecting officer. Drivers who are rude and display a continuous attitude problem can be reported to their carriers immediately, often before the inspection is complete.
“The best thing I can tell the drivers is to have your hat in your hand because this is what I get paid to do and I understand you get paid to shift (those) gears,” he said. “Politeness and professionalism go a long way. You’ve got to remember you’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing the trucking company you work for. And if you’re not professional with me, how are you going to be with the customer expecting their shipment.”
If you are selected for a roadside level one inspection, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Be conscientious of your actions.
Wear your seatbelt at all times.
Avoid following too closely.
Maintain discipline with your cell phone use while driving.
Be careful and don’t speed.
Be polite during inspections.
“If we just kind of work together, we’ll be a happy couple and go our separate ways when we’re done,” Teet said.
Be sure to watch the video in its entirety for more details.
Bennett’s Heavy Haul and Specialized Division consistently ranks as one of the top specialized carriers in the country. One reason owner-operators continue to stay with Bennett is because of the diversity of our freight portfolio. With everything from military hauling to wind and energy hauling, this is not your cookie cutter freight and it’s certainly no easy job. We talked to some of the folks here at Bennett to gain insight into how drivers can be successful in the heavy haul division. Here’s what they had to say.
In today’s increasingly regulated transportation environment, carriers moving specialized and heavy haul loads across state lines face challenges from multiple fronts. They must comply with varying sets of requirements in each state, ensure safety for their drivers and the motoring public, and contend with opportunistic local, state and federal agencies seeking to cash in on permit violations.
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The week of September 14 -20 is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and drivers at Bennett will celebrate all week long at various Bennett locations.
As Bennett International Group celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company wanted to have something big, something significant and lasting to mark the occasion. After 40 years in the transportation industry, perhaps there is nothing bigger and more fitting than a new Kenworth truck!
What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s a question youngsters are often asked, but seldom do they ponder it for long. Usually by an early age many already have an idea what they want to be, and the sky is the limit. Perhaps some of the more popular answers include an astronaut, zooming into the darkness of space or a superhero with a special, super power used to help save the world.
As a professional, rarely do you see yourself walking into your office in a suit and tie only to walk out a few hours later covered in sweat, dirt, and grime. But that’s exactly what former NFL running back and now motivational speaker, Derrick Moore, implied during a recent training session for agents of Bennett International Group.
Bennett Motor Express
In conjunction with the 2014 Symposium held March 7 – 9 at Château Élan Winery and Resort, several advisory boards kicked off the event with Friday morning meetings to discuss topics that are crucial to each division.
Former Bennett Drive Away driver, Dan Rodgers drove for Bennett up until a year ago, but while he enjoyed delivering trucks and RVs, he harbored a strong passion for writing. In between his 11 hour breaks of service, Dan would write feverishly until he was called to go back on the road. When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, he stopped driving for Bennett in order to care for her.
At Bennett, we know your challenges, from payment delays to adapting to evolving technologies and ELD regulations. We provide all the essential tools and services for you to grow and remain competitive.
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