Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s for Motor Carrier Compliance.
In this second installment of the Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s for Motor Carrier Compliance series, let’s get you started on a sustainable and manageable path to compliance. Ok, so the obvious first question, where do I start!? It really is a great question. And one that will ask you to take a reflective look in a very revealing mirror at yourself, your company, and your motor carrier compliance.
You may or may not like what you see. You may not know or understand what you’re looking at or seeing. It can be difficult to reflect on something when you don’t have the knowledge to really know where you’re at. In the true independent and resourceful nature of northern construction companies, I would guess your first inclination is that you can handle this and tackle it in house. For some, that may be achievable. For others, this can become an ever-looming task that causes your compliance improvement plan to stall or drag on and languish with mediocre results.
In this reflective process, be open enough to understand that if this was in your wheelhouse would it be an issue today? Likely not. Know and focus on your strengths, which is construction. Consider seeking outside assistance to move this forward. Ask yourself and your team if you really have the time and expertise to see this through to completion and then ongoing management and maintenance to stay compliant. It may require a dedicated team member that will require training on the topic to be successful.
This process will gather relevant documentation, including permits, licenses, and records of previous inspections. It will identify any areas of non-compliance or potential risks. A review of your company's practices, policies, and procedures related to motor carrier compliance and determine if they are in line with current regulations. This process will Identify gaps or weaknesses and prioritize them.
This is the revealing part mentioned above. Keep your eye on the goal when doing this self-assessment. You want to get compliant, mitigate risk, and reduce any incidences related to motor carrier safety and compliance. In addition, you want your transportation assets to work for you and help achieve the completion of construction projects.
Whether you tackle this in house or utilize an outside provider, the overarching goal here is to get an initial assessment completed of your current compliance situation. Once that step is achieved it will be time to make decisions and a plan to move in the right direction.
Vendors such as PRO Fleet LLC from East Barre, VT who provide motor carriers with compliance support can provide these services. From being a resource to answer questions to full-service management of your compliance processes and procedures. Seeking assistance from external experts or consultants who specialize in motor carrier compliance can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance. They can also develop a customized plan for your company. More importantly, they can assist you with the heavy lifting allowing you to focus on your projects.
The road to compliance starts here. Take a look under the hood and see how everything is working. This crucial first step will be the foundation of your new motor carrier compliance program. Simply performing this task will undoubtedly open some eyes to the complexity of effective motor carrier compliance. Elevating it to the same level of importance as we all treat OSHA and MSHA compliance will produce marked improvement in short order.
Gaining control and understanding of your motor carrier compliance is key to a successful and safe operation. It is no further away than identifying it, evaluating it, making a plan, and acting on it. It’s very simply project management, which is second nature for all of you. Identify the goal and implement steps to get there in a preset timeline. Once you’ve accomplished this, maintaining that compliance is very manageable.
Check in next issue to learn more about how to dot your i’s and cross your t’s for motor carrier compliance.
Terry Reil
Terry.reil@profleetvt.com
