What does 392.2C mean on an inspection?

What Is The Severity Score For A 392.2C Violation?

The 392.2C violation is quantified by assigning it a severity score as part of the Unsafe Driving BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category) assessment. On a scale of 1 to 10, this violation is given a score of 5, where 10 represents the most severe infractions. This score reflects its impact on both the carrier’s and driver’s Unsafe Driving BASIC scores, helping to gauge and address unsafe driving behaviors effectively.

Key Considerations for Rehiring Drivers: Compliance Essentials

When bringing drivers back into your fleet—whether they hold a CDL or not—there are several crucial compliance factors to consider. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth rehiring process.

General Considerations for All Drivers

1. Define Rehire Status Clearly:

   • A driver who is still on your roster after a leave of absence or furlough is not considered a rehire. There's no need for a new driver qualification (DQ) file or pre-employment checks.
   • If a driver was removed from your roster, they are treated as a new hire. In this case, you must create a new DQ file.

2. Understand Departure Details:

   • Gather accurate information on why the driver left. Contact their previous supervisor if necessary.
   • Beware of "No rehire" flags; ensure any such status is justified and not based on personal conflicts.

Specific Considerations for CDL Drivers

1. Conduct Full Clearinghouse Queries:

   • Always perform a pre-employment full query in the Clearinghouse if there was any employment break, ensuring the driver hasn’t violated drug and alcohol policies elsewhere.

2. Comply with Pre-Employment Testing Rules:

   • Unless you qualify for exceptions under FMCSA regulations, conduct a pre-employment drug test.
   • If eligible for an exception (i.e., recent participation in a testing program), gather and verify required documentation before the driver resumes work.

3. Double-Check for Overlooked Compliance Items:

   • Confirm past drug test violations within two years, even if the driver wasn't hired elsewhere during that time.
   • Provide and get acknowledgment for updated DOT drug and alcohol policies.

Critical Steps to Remember

Ensure thorough compliance by double-checking all qualifications and employment records before rehiring. Rushing the process may lead to oversights, which can have significant regulatory repercussions. Always prioritize due diligence to maintain safety and legal standards.

Understanding the Alphabet Soup: Codes on Roadside Inspection Reports

If you've ever looked closely at a roadside inspection report, you might have come across a series of codes following the numbers "392.2." These codes can seem like an alphabet soup to many, but they carry crucial information concerning compliance with specific regulations.

Decoding the Numbers and Letters

1. What is 392.2?
The number 392.2 itself references a specific requirement under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). This section addresses various issues related to driving operations, including obeying traffic laws.

2. The Importance of the Codes:
Following 392.2, you’ll typically see a combination of letters and numbers. These additional codes pinpoint specific violations or issues identified during the inspection.

• ALIQ: Stands for "Alert, Inspection, Qualified." This could refer to the status of the inspection.
• TRNL: Might indicate "Traffic Regulations Not Loaded," pointing to issues in understanding traffic regulations.

Common Violations and Their Meanings

• SPEED: Indicates violations related to speed limits.
• LOAD: Refers to issues with cargo, such as improper loading or unsecured freight.
• LOG: Highlights discrepancies or issues with logbooks, often noting hours of service violations.

Each code correlates to specific regulations and helps authorities systematically record and classify violations.

Why It Matters

Understanding these codes is important for both drivers and fleet managers. They provide insights into compliance issues that can lead to fines or operational downtimes. By demystifying these codes, companies can more effectively address and rectify any concerns, ensuring both safety and compliance.

Staying informed about these codes not only avoids penalties but also boosts overall safety and efficiency on the road. Familiarizing yourself with these details is a step towards more proactive fleet management.

Always prioritize training and staying informed about the latest regulations and their coded counterparts on inspection reports. This knowledge is not just for compliance—it's for fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in transportation.