off the mat
Get Fleets Back on Track F
Fleet managers are ready to get back to work. But what does that look like in a world where trucks may have been idle for 90 days or more due to COVID-19 stay-athome orders? A trucking fleet is designed to be used, and the fleet management software systems that have been installed to ensure efficiency, compliance, maintenance and safety are built to mainly monitor a fleet that is in motion—not one that’s been grounded. As we break out of our forced economic slowdown, fleets need to move forward with a fresh outlook and new set of compliance standards. This re-deployment of a stale fleet cannot be figured out “on the fly.” Too much can go wrong on the road—that is, if the trucks even get that far. If vehicles are down for even a little longer than usual, mechanical issues can seep in. Just like having wear and tear from the road, trucks can have wear and tear from sitting in a lot. With that in mind, here are three key strategies to getting your fleet back on track.
FIRST: HOW TO BRING YOUR FLEET ONLINE After sitting dormant for an extended period, each truck will be prone to a host of mechanical problems. Before deployment, schedule a mobile or in-house mechanic to approve the vehicles, leaving enough time to properly inspect for road readiness. If you are unable to have a technician do so, plan to have vehicles scheduled for inspection by your regular shop to review the following: • Tires: Gauge the pressure of all tires before deployment. Air can leak out while trucks sit because the pressure builds at fixed points on the tire. Keep portable air compressors handy in the vehicle yard. • Batteries: Test the condition of each one and their respective charge capacities. Make sure to have readily available jump-starters on hand. • Fuel: Check fuel levels and, if possible, the condition of the fuel. After several months, it’s easy to lose track of who topped off and who didn’t. • Brakes: Make sure all brakes are fully functional before going back on the road. Even if they haven’t been used, brake pads can deteriorate over time and brake calipers can freeze up from non use. • Suspension: Closely inspect all steering components to ensure the vehicle is handling properly. Short test drives are recommended for evaluation prior to heading out on a long haul. • Fluids: Check all fluid levels, including radiator, brake, steering and washer fluids. Excessive leaks should be apparent from vehicle-sitting and may be a leading indicator of more serious troubles.
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• Third-party devices: If equipped with aftermarket mechanical (PTO, cranes, lifts, etc.) or electronic devices (cameras, GPS, etc.) these need to be checked for proper operation as well. It is critical to conduct a thorough evaluation on every truck. This way, the failures can be addressed before it’s too late. Unfortunately, trucks can break down or cause a serious accident if they are not proactively maintained, and many of these mechanical issues are avoidable if detected ahead of time.
SECOND: HOW TO REMAIN COMPLIANT TODAY Once you determine your fleet is ready to go from a mechanical perspective, managers need to understand regulations—including many that have been updated on account of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. Being well-informed of the latest rules, as well as their exemptions and exceptions, is crucial to operating safely and efficiently, as well as to avoid compliance-related violations. Lawmakers, government agencies and industry associations have issued guidance about everything from where to find food in a quarantine zone and how to remain socially distant with roadside assistance to sanitizing the cab and wearing protective gear. Here are 10 key resources for understanding the compliance landscape in our new era. 1. North American emergency declarations (exemptions and exceptions) broken down by federal and state governing bodies: https://www.cvsaemergencydeclarations. org/?country=USA&state=ALL&agency=ALL 2. Hours of service waivers and extensions as issued by the FMCSA: https://www.trucking.org/COVID19/federal-declarations#HOS 3. If licensing has been disrupted by COVID-19, drivers may secure waivers for their CDL and medical cards: https://www.trucking.org/COVID19/federal-declarations#CDL
