Vehicle Use Recommendations?
Vehicle Use Recommendations – Now that we have discussed some external recommendations
when it comes to safety, we are now going to look at these recommendations when
it comes in terms of vehicle use. The first use is driver qualifications.
A very important question, asked by many commercial or truck drivers.
Driver Qualifications?
A written driver safety program is our recommendation.
This safety program will help to reduce the chance of loss caused by driver error.
And, you know how human error happens? It normally happens when you least expect it, right?
Therefore, you need protection and a game plan to secure your future.
Such a game plan or program will vary case to case, however.
This is because it depends on the scope of the operations. Keep in mind that it could involve many steps.
These steps are designed to ensure that you have performed well in certain areas.
Some of these areas of the program are:
- adequate driver selection,
- training,
- and ongoing supervision, if needed.
This means that it should be provided at the time of your interest.
Program Types?
These types of programs might include the following:
- Mandatory license checks,
- along with the written test,
- and road test, for all new drivers,
Program checks exist. These programs, for example, Motor vehicle records,
checks on an annual basis for all existing drivers. It also includes the
implementation of the point system. The incorporation of the “point system” was a
great safety measure. This is because this tool is to prohibit unsafe drivers from
operating company vehicles, is a great safety measure.
A policy with the personal use of a company vehicle.
Routine Compliance Checks
Routine compliance checks for applicable vehicles can be conducted.
Usually, those D.O.T, I.C.C. and state agency regulations have the inclusion of certain documents or procedures.
These procedures include
- physical exams,
- personnel files,
- driver logs,
- accident reporting,
- drug testing,
- hours of service,
- or other mandated government regulations.
Lot Security and Policy Protection
Another way to reduce the possibility of auto vandalism or theft is to
equip your vehicle parking storage area with a standard security feature.
This security system would include adequate overhead lighting, drive away barricades
or fencing to prevent vehicles from being driven off lots without authorization.
This would allow control of this access point. Also, the use of burglar alarm system and or
a private security company are all methods to reduce the possibility of any unauthorized entry
during nighttime hours.
This is normally the time of day that most security protection is needed.
Parked Vehicle Loss Reduction Plan
Another way to reduce a probability of a catastrophic loss in a vehicle storage area is to maintain
adequate clearance. This clearance should be between each parked unit.
It should also be on all biding structures. Visibly marked firefighting equipment
should also be located near the parking area.
This will help to reduce any severe potential for fire loss.
Vehicle Maintenance Procedure
Yes, here goes that word again, maintenance. There is a good reason that
maintenance is the centerfold in this whole article conversation.
However, this time it applies to your vehicle. This is a written vehicle maintenance program.
It should be established and include writing services and reprint records.
Some of these are,
- out of service standards,
- regular vehicle inspections.
They include driver checks prior to and after each trip. They also mandate
replacement schedules for both equipment and vehicle’s
Cargo Theft Prevention
To reduce the probability of cargo theft, specific loss prevention procedures should
be considered in an action plan. They would include the use of truck or
warehouse alarms for immediate threats. Using these tools to signal any future
fire loss can be instrumental. Also, hiring a watchman or guard services is another
way to reduce theft activity. Using accompany vehicles for high target cargo. Also,
elimination of the sue of open pick up trucks for local delivers. Installation
of a fence or lighting system at all terminals with loading areas would be advisable.
Certificate of Insurance
This is what we all want, the certificate of insurance. You buy and pay for your
insurance and now you’re ready for proof or evidence of insurance.
Understandably, because, you might have purchased the insurance now to use now.
Meaning, you may need the certificate of coverage now, to fulfill an
outside agency’s order or request.
Cargo Theft Prevention
There are some tactics to into consideration when it comes to securing your cargo.
For example, to reduce the probability of theft of it, the use of specific procedures
in the field of prevention should be implemented or at least considered.
These procedures would include the use of truck or warehouse alarms, the hiring of
watchman or guard services. Also, have a drilling procedure where the use
of convoys or accompany vehicles for high target cargo is used. There are
other procedures that would also help in theft reduction or avoidance.
The use of pickup trucks for local delivers, and the use of fencing and a lighting system
at all the terminal loading areas would help reduce the likelihood of theft from occurring.
Certificates of Insurance – Documentation of Proof
If you have subcontractors, a driver coverage check list should be implemented.
This would eliminate any exposure or liability issues. This checklist for the
drivers would secure in place all owner operators being used in long term
lease situations and proper procedures that follow with this job description.
Evidence of vehicle liability insurance and workers compensation insurance
should be held prior to any haul. Makes sense.
You want to make sure all parties, not just the driver, are protected.
This ensures the safety of all, indirectly and directly.
Vehicle Equipment Overview
There are certain features that all vehicles should be equipped with.
These help in situations involving the safety of course.
They include the following:
- appropriate hoists,
- tie downs,
- snow chains,
- ramps,
- traffic markers,
- and safety fuses.