DRIVER/VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE & SECUREMENT
When a driver enters a DOT inspection point, many different things can happen. If a driver is found to have log violations or if the vehicle has defects, the driver and / or the vehicle could possibly be placed Out of Service (OOS). This out of service time can last the time it takes to throw on a new strap, up to 10 hours, whatever is needed to bring the driver back into compliance, or until the equipment is corrected or repaired.

The roadside inspection form will have an OOS column, if there is a “Y” or “Yes” then the driver and / or the vehicle is being placed out of service. A driver who is placed out of service may not operate that vehicle until the out of service period is over. If he /she leaves in the vehicle from the out of service location, it is known as a “jump.” A jump will result in the suspension of an ATS driver’s safety clearance. It is important to be completely sure of when the OOS ends or what equipment needs to be corrected or repaired before leaving.

“Jumping” has an exponential effect on the carrier’s 30-month score with the Department of Transportation. One jump equals a 20% increase in the score, 2 = 50%, 3 = 75%, and 4 = doubling of the carriers DOT score. Each jump and out of service stays on the carriers record for 30 months. The more OOS’s ATS drivers receive, the more often the DOT will be asking our drivers questions.

All roadside inspections, even if there were no violations, must be returned to ATS as soon as possible following the inspection. The inspection will be reviewed by the Safety Department and then returned to the state of inspection within 15 days. The length of the inspection must be logged by the driver as on duty (not driving) exactly as it occurred.

Out of Services can result from many different areas, some of the most common being; improper securement, false logs, log not being current, medical card not in possession, and violating the hours of service rules. A small amount of time taken now to avoid these situations can possibly save many hours out on the road. When an ATS driver receives an out of service it increases ATS’s score with the DOT. As that number increases so does the chance of receiving an inspection for the drivers of ATS.

The top 4 securement reasons that driver are being put out of service for are:

1. Insufficient tie downs without header board or blocking
2. Improper restraint or securement of item - Usually on equipment loads
3. Item not properly prepared for transport
4. Damaged securement or tie downs

These are all easy to avoid if you take your time and secure your load properly. If you do not have a header board on the trailer then put an extra strap or chain on the load that is in front of the trailer. Over 5 ft. or over 1,100 pounds will require 2 straps or chains, after that 1 strap or chain for every 10 ft.

There are commodity specific items that have to be secured accordingly. Items like heavy equipment, concrete pipe, containers, crushed cars, logs, coils, and paper rolls have special securement requirements. For information on how to secure commodity specific items look to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations pocketbook under 393.106. If you have questions about load securement call Fred Kovall in Safety or Ken Held in Flatbeds.

Scott Anderson, Director of Safety, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.

REMEMBER WHAT'S IMPORTANT!
Soon all ATS drivers will receive a small picture frame to mount on the dash of your truck. What we hope you will do with this frame is put a picture of someone or something that is important to you. What or who are you out there working for? Your wife/husband and kids? The new bike? A house? A new truck? It doesn't matter what you put in the frame, just look at it often. This is what you are working for; this is what you are going home to; this is what matters to you.

When you are going down the road and start thinking about how hard you should push look at that picture and ask yourself is it worth it? Is the extra $100 or $200 worth never seeing what is important to you again? Is it? Are you sure? Is it worth it to those back home? Who will ride that new bike or play with the kids or live in the new house? Just ask yourself, is it worth it?