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CDL Pre-Trip Inspection – A Guide for New Truck Drivers with Record360

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Trucks are held to much higher standards than ordinary vehicles because of safety concerns, the potential for considerable expenses in accidents, and other reasons.

As such, it is no surprise that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires tests and inspections specially designed for commercial vehicles.

One of these is the CDL pre-trip inspection. This article will examine what drivers need to know when planning for it and how Record360 can help.

What to Expect

If your company is preparing for a CDL pre-trip inspection, there is nothing to worry about. The benefits of having all your paperwork in order will far outweigh the effort you need to put in.

In most cases, inspecting your truck before driving will take about 15 minutes. The inspection must be logged for review and audit purposes.

Common Issues/Key Areas to Focus On

While every vehicle has its areas that need a closer look based on the area, the nature of the load, and the weather conditions, the following are some of the common issues you need to look at:

  • Front of the truck
  • Engine compartment
  • Front of the truck/tractor
  • Brakes
  • Wheels/tires
  • Rear of truck
  • Coupling area
  • Trailer
  • Truck exterior
  • Cab check

Each of these areas has specifications that you need to consider. However, from a safety point of view, every part of the CDL pre-trip inspection is equally important.

Record360 Can Help

Do you find meeting all the FMCSA pre-trip checklist requirements daunting? You are not alone. Many customers feel the same, so they come to Record360 for help.

Record360 digitizes checklists for inspections to help save you time and reduce human error.

Record360 offers the following:

Customer Satisfaction

You can enjoy 100% customer satisfaction. You pay for what you get, and in a world full of unreliable service providers, that is a rare quality all truck drivers must exploit.

Professional Service

Record360 provides tailored solutions for each business’s compliance, safety, and performance needs.

When you decide to regain control of your company’s growth direction, visit the Record360 website and request a demo.

Keep Trucking: Essential Tips for Long-Haul Drivers with Record360

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Long-haul trucking isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle filled with unique challenges. Truck drivers need the right strategies and tools to keep everything running smoothly, from endless hours on the road to maintaining strict schedules.

With Record360, you can turn these challenges into manageable tasks. Here, you’ll find essential tips to help you document vehicle conditions, manage time efficiently, and stay safe on the road.

Documenting Vehicle Conditions

It is crucial to keep accurate records of your vehicle’s condition. Moreover, with Record360’s photo and video documentation tools, truck drivers can easily capture the state of their trucks before and after each trip.

This high-quality documentation serves as solid evidence in case of disputes over vehicle conditions. It helps reduce vehicle downtime by ensuring that any damage is quickly identified and addressed.

Efficient Time Management

Time is money in the trucking industry. Fleet managers and drivers must optimize their fleet performance by maximizing every minute. Plan your routes efficiently to reduce fuel consumption and minimize delays.

Every Truck Driver Should Stay Safe on the Road

Safety is paramount for any truck driver, especially those handling heavy equipment. Long hours can lead to driver fatigue, which is a significant risk factor. Using Record360 can help ensure compliance with safety regulations by keeping track of driving hours and rest periods.

The platform assists in thorough vehicle maintenance documentation, ensuring that any safety feature issues are promptly reported and addressed. By doing so, trucking companies can protect their drivers and reduce costs associated with preventable accidents.

This attention to detail, supported by car manufacturers’ guidelines, enhances the overall driving experience and safety on the road.

Leveraging Technology

Maintaining vehicle performance is crucial for every commercial driver and trucking company. Record360 provides robust documentation and inspection tools that help protect drivers by ensuring thorough vehicle checks. It plays a vital role in documenting the condition of safety features such as rear-view cameras and night vision equipment.

By using Record360, you can easily identify and report any maintenance issues before they escalate, helping to reduce maintenance costs and vehicle downtime.

Record360 supports maintaining accurate records, giving you peace of mind that your vehicles are in top shape.

Fleet Management Made Easy

Fleet managers may find tracking multiple vehicles daunting. Record360 simplifies fleet management by providing detailed reports and analytics on each vehicle’s performance.

This data is invaluable for making informed decisions that optimize fleet performance. Whether scheduling routine maintenance, tracking fuel consumption, or managing rental vehicles, Record360 ensures that your fleet is always in top condition.

Closing Thoughts

Long-haul trucking doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Truck drivers can enjoy a more efficient and safer journey with the right tools and strategies. Record360 offers everything you need to manage your vehicle conditions, optimize your time, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Are you ready to take your trucking journey to the next level? Try Record360 today and see how it can impact your daily operations.

Streamlining 90-point Truck Inspections with Record360 – Everything You Should Know

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Your trucks will likely run hundreds of thousands of miles for each customer, so it’s important to perform detailed assessments periodically. Ultimately, 90-point inspections are a great solution because they ensure an accurate and thorough evaluation each time.

Did you know that Record360 can help you with your 90-point inspection process? You can enhance reliability and efficiency with one checklist for all vehicle evaluations.

Learn about common inspection points, why detailed assessments are important within the trucking industry, and how our platform can be cost-effective.

Why Detailed Assessments Are Essential for Your Rental Business

A large fleet of vehicles can help you improve your bottom line, but you must perform routine maintenance to ensure they are in excellent condition.

Typically, detailed assessments will ensure that the equipment is running smoothly. Each system will be updated, which means customers may have fewer issues on the road. Here are just a few reasons to inspect vehicles after every rental:

  • Safeguard Your Assets – Your vehicles are valuable assets, and you must always protect them. Any damage done by a customer could affect your profitability. When you conduct inspections before and after they return, you can identify issues and hold the user accountable for any new damages you find.
  • Protect Your Customers – Customers are your top priority; without them, you don’t have a business. Therefore, when a vehicle is returned, you should thoroughly inspect it to ensure it’s safe for the next person.

Common Inspection Points Used for Complete Visibility

Most rental companies want to protect their investment, so it’s important to check all systems and equipment before the trucks are used and returned to the shop’s location. This makes it much easier to address concerns.

A multi-point inspection consists of many things. In most cases, you will check the vehicle’s:

  • Suspension system
  • Windshield and windows
  • Front/rear wipers
  • Battery
  • Filters
  • Fluids
  • Headlights and taillights
  • Turn signals
  • Tires
  • Brakes
  • Everything under the hood

Streamline the Collection of Damages and Reduce Disputes

You must protect your fleet at all times. With Record360, you can address concerns with specific units as needed. In most cases, you can use video or photo evidence to show the customer they caused damage, streamlining damage collections.

Create Excellent Support Services Through Text Messages and More

Keeping your fleet running smoothly is impossible if the company’s technicians don’t know anything is wrong. Record360 offers various integration options, allowing you to stay in touch with everyone. Whether you send a text message or a notification, they understand which vehicles need maintenance or repairs. You can also schedule internal tasks to follow up on service requests! 

Final Thoughts on Streamlining 90-point Truck Inspections with Record360

Vehicles have many systems and components to check, and it’s important to streamline your 90-point truck inspections. Record360 can assist. You can service them more quickly. Check out the many new features that make it easier to handle business operations.

Whether you’re hoping to add certain vehicles to the sales floor or want access to information quickly, Record360 makes it easy. Request your free demo today.

 

How Record360 Ensures DOT Forms Meet Industry Standards – An Inside Look

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Learning how to create DOT forms that match the industry’s requirements can be easy when you use Record360. In fact, our advanced tools ensure compliance because they are professional and tailored to meet your needs.

As a rental company, you probably focus on multiple locations and have various contracts. They must all be in tip-top shape, and our tool will help you achieve your goals based on specific industry standards.

Today, you’ll discover how Record360 can help you create DOT forms that match industry requirements perfectly. Our advanced tools ensure everything is compliant, professional, and designed to meet your needs. Learn more about our seamless, tailored solutions and how they can benefit your business.

Less Paper for Your Vehicle/Equipment Rental Business

Being allowed to get inspection reports directly on your mobile device will help you capture photos and videos, create data, and securely access them online.

With so many rental contracts, it’s difficult to keep things straight. However, our tool enables users to ensure that everything is compliant. You’ll develop professional forms with ease.

Fewer Damage Disputes for Your Rental Company

If your rental business requires heavy machinery or semi-trucks to transport things, you will need Record360. It offers photo and video evidence, ensuring there won’t be as many damage disputes.

Using Record360 to create inspection forms ensures fleet managers know what’s happening and can pinpoint any issue within the rental process.

Can Take Immediate Action from Anywhere (Multiple Locations)

Your goal is to make informed decisions about your fleet. Avoid failed inspections by having a list of required checks. Likewise, you can schedule emails, include internal comments, and assign tasks to prevent issues.

Focus on Inventory Management

During the rental inspection process, you will likely determine which parts you may need or are running out of. Using components for maintenance or repairs, you can reorder them to service future equipment.

Stay Compliant

One of the business benefits of using Record360 to ensure that DOT forms meet industry standards is to stay compliant. In most cases, the Department of Transportation will require you to use a driver’s license scanner and perform an OFAC check.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) must put out the Federal Annual DOT, which includes various data about jobs created, vehicle inspection reports, and more.

Ultimately, the type of annual vehicle inspection report you choose depends on various things. For example, what equipment do you rent? How often must you perform maintenance or service on the trucks and cars?

How Inspection Apps Streamline the Process of Filling out DOT Forms

While you may use accounting software to keep track of payments to vendors, suppliers, and others, you also have to service your fleet and ensure the vehicles are ready to go.

Record360 offers a crucial app with all the new features you crave. In fact, you can create and complete your DOT forms with ease. This tool is cost-efficient and gives you peace of mind because you know you’re following the rules and processes required by the federal government.

Are you ready to test out the Record360 app? It could be a great asset to your team. Request your demo of the software today; you’ll be surprised that it meets your specific needs.

Behind the Wheel: Navigating Hours of Service Regulations for Truck Drivers

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Your hours of service are crucial to remember as a truck driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established regulations determining how much time a driver can spend behind the wheel.

Driving a commercial vehicle for too many consecutive hours can lead to accidents, driver fatigue, and more. The Hours of Service (HOS) rules are straightforward when it comes to off-duty time, so they’re crucial for any commercial driver.

Keep reading to learn more about HOS rules and how to ensure you’re always following them.

Understanding Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Simply put, the “Hours of Service” regulation establishes how many hours a driver can be on duty and specifies their rest periods to ensure they’re always alert.

The Department of Transportation often requires truck drivers to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their duty status and driving hours. This makes everything much easier for trucking companies.

Generally speaking, any commercial motor vehicle that meets one (or more) of the following conditions must follow Hours of Service rules:

  • A weight of 10,000 pounds or more
  • A design meant to transport 16 or more people (counting the driver)
  • A purpose of transporting nine or more people for pay (counting the driver)
  • The need to transport a considerable quantity of hazardous materials that require a placard

Here’s an overview of how a person must manage their driving hours and implement rest breaks whenever necessary:

Property-Carrying Drivers

11-Hour Limit

You can drive a maximum of 11 hours after being 10 consecutive hours off duty.

14-Hour Limit

Drivers can’t operate beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty.

30-Minute Driving Break

Any driver must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours without a 30-minute interruption at a minimum.

60/70-Hour Limit

You can’t drive after 60/70 hours in seven/eight consecutive days. You must take 34 (or more) hours off to get back on duty.

Sleeper Berth Provisions

Drivers can split their 10-hour off-duty period if one is at least two hours long and the other involves a minimum of seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.

The pairings must add up to 10 hours at a minimum.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

You can extend your 11-hour and 14-hour limits by up to two hours if adverse driving conditions are expected.

Passenger-Carrying Drivers

10-Hour Limit

You may only drive a maximum of 10 hours after eight consecutive hours off duty.

15-Hour Limit

You can’t operate the vehicle if you’ve been on duty for 15 hours after your eight consecutive hours off.

60/70-Hour Limit

You can’t drive after being 60/70 hours on duty in seven/eight consecutive days.

Sleeper Berth Provisions

If you take a sleeper berth, you must take at least eight hours. You may also split your time into two periods if neither period is less than two hours.

These periods must add up to eight hours.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

Drivers in this category can extend their maximum driving time by up to two hours if they encounter adverse driving conditions.

Both types of drivers can use a “Short-Haul Exception” if they operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location and as long as they don’t exceed their 14-hour maximum duty period. The exception exempts drivers from the regulations of §395.8 and §395.11.

How Complying with HOS Rules Promotes Safety

Tracking your HOS is essential if you want everyone to stay safe. There are many tips you can follow to stay compliant, including:

  • Log your driving status in your ELD.
  • Plan your trips accordingly.
  • Track your on-duty/off-duty time.
  • Combine stops.
  • Consider unexpected issues that may prevent you from arriving early to your destination.
  • Determine when you can log your wait times as “off-duty.”

You can also use tracking and inspection software like Record360. It allows you to keep a record of everything surrounding your fleet and drivers, ensuring there aren’t any mistakes with their HOS.

Must Read: Truck Inspection Checklists and Apps for Compliance and Efficiency

Bottom Line – Take Care of Your Truck Drivers and Commercial Motor Vehicles

Understanding on-duty and off-duty statuses is crucial to ensuring the safety of the driver and everyone around them. These rules are designed to make the road safer and are also an important part of any heavy-duty equipment business.

When you ensure compliance, you can organize your driving time accordingly and prevent potential issues. Software like Record360 allows you to keep a record of everyone on your driving team, the state of your equipment, and more.

Work toward promoting a safer environment for your drivers (and yourself), and discover how to get your productivity rates much higher than before with these measures.

Contact Record360 today.

Mastering Safety: The Importance of Motor Carrier Compliance

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A motor carrier is responsible for operating CMVs that transport hazardous materials, property, or passengers and is also involved in transportation commerce projects.

The trucking industry is generally regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Thanks to its regulations, it can promote a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.

If you’re a motor carrier, you must prioritize safety compliance to ensure you meet passenger, property, and hazardous materials regulations. This not only promotes a safer experience for the drivers but also protects the integrity of your trucking company as a whole.

Learn how to ensure compliance as a motor carrier through proper vehicle maintenance and inspections below!

About the Regulations Set by the FMCSA and the CVSA

You must consider two main resources if you want to maintain compliance: Regulations set by the FMCSA and the CVSA. The FMCSA compliance manual, for example, gives you enough resources to ensure the improvement of your fleet at any time.

On the other hand, we have the CVSA, which gave us the “Compliance, Safety, Accountability” (CSA) program.

Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to the suspension of your operating authority.

Some of the common motor carrier compliance safety issues include:

  • Hours of Service (HOS)
  • Driver Files
  • Audits of Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
  • Audits of Driver HOS
  • Maintenance Records
  • Compliance with Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs
  • Compliance with Other FMCSA Regulations
  • Training

Why Ensuring Compliance Is Crucial for Your Business

Whether you’re responsible for transporting passengers, goods, or hazardous materials across the country, you must ensure the safety of the entire operation.

Considering the long driving times and types of cargo you may have to transport, many things can go wrong. If you were to get a surprise inspection, and the law enforcement agent found any non-compliance problems, your business would be at risk.

However, that’s only one problem. When you don’t properly inspect your vehicles, you’re exposing yourself to potential accidents on the road.

The slightest problem with your truck can lead to a serious problem that can affect others. Not only is that fatal for your business, but it will also cause many financial losses.

You must address all your compliance needs as soon as possible. To make things easier, consider getting inspection software. It’ll promote the well-being of your drivers, your trucks, and everyone else on the road.

Must Read: Truck Inspection Checklists and Apps for Compliance and Efficiency

Bottom Line – Ensure Proper Safety When Operating Commercial Vehicles

Compliance can be a tough topic to cover, especially for commercial motor vehicles. Maintaining compliance requires accurate record-keeping, thorough inspections, and proactive measures.

Not only is compliance essential to meet legal requirements, but it’s also the best measure you can take to ensure all your vehicles are safe to drive and that you’re working with trained drivers.

Record360 can help you demonstrate compliance through its accurate reporting features. You can easily keep your vehicle maintenance records in a safe and easy-to-navigate platform, allowing you to keep track of pending issues, driver qualifications, and more.

Ensure DOT compliance with the right tools, and discover the peace of mind that comes with it. Contact Record360 today.