What happened
FreightWaves reported on Sept. 2 that recent commercial-vehicle enforcement operations in Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia and Indiana placed at least 99 drivers out of service. In Texas, 351 inspections produced 1,935 violations, 167 vehicle out-of-service orders and 34 driver out-of-service orders. Equipment issues accounted for 1,557 of the Texas violations. In Arizona, 309 inspections produced 1,042 violations, with 60 vehicles and 59 drivers placed out of service. These are results from separate targeted operations, not a nationwide inspection rate.
What drivers should do
Before entering a major freight corridor, complete and document a real pre-trip inspection. Check brakes, tires, lights, steering, coupling equipment, cargo securement and visible leaks; correct defects before dispatch. Organize the CDL, medical status, registration, insurance, permits, shipping papers and current hours-of-service record. Confirm gross and axle weights, route restrictions and any hazardous-material requirements instead of relying only on dispatch instructions.
Why this matters to our community
During a roadside stop, pull over safely, follow the officer’s directions, answer clearly and provide only the requested records. Record any inspection report and immediately notify the carrier or safety manager. An out-of-service order is not permission to drive to a preferred repair shop; the driver or vehicle must remain out of service until the stated condition is corrected and the order’s requirements are met. CDL students should practice these English terms: inspection report, equipment violation, weight violation, registration, cargo securement, citation and out of service.