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DOT is still placing extra emphasis on security plan audits. Many of
our members have been visited. If you do not have a security plan and
all four elements (Risk Assessment, Written Plan, In-Depth Training on
the Plan, and Security Awareness training), then please contact me for
help. I can help you with a sample plan and simple instructions on how
to get this program in place as soon as possible.
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Audit Tips |
- Get a current MCS-90.
- Do an annual driver safety review.
- Check drivers' previous employers.
- Keep a driver's current license on file.
- Keep three years of Medical Examination Certificates
on file.
- Keep track of important dates.
- Contact your GAWDA Consultants.
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Several common items that I find during my mock DOT audits bring to mind
the following questions:
- Do you have a current MCS-90 from your insurance carrier? Most
people need to show $1 million on the form. However, if you transport
cargo tanks with more than 3,500 gallons of water capacity or transport
Hazard Zone A inhalation hazard gases, you will need $5 million.
- Are you doing the annual driver safety review? Remember that
this is a three-step process. You have the drivers certify their violations
for the past 12 months, you pull a state MVR, and then you certify the
driver is OK. This must be done on or before the date from the previous
year.
- Are you doing the previous employer checks when hiring a new
driver? This requires three checks:
1) Verification of employment dates,
2) DOT accidents for the past three
years, and
3) Asking about drug and alcohol
testing results for CDL drivers for the past three years.
You must ask
at least twice if you do not get answers from the previous employer.
- Are you making sure that you keep a current driver license
in the driver file? This is not required by DOT, but it is an excellent
way for you to make sure the license is current and has the proper endorsements.
- Are you keeping three years' worth of Medical Examination Certificates
in the driver file? This is from the date the doctor does the exam.
- Do you have a method of keeping track of important dates such
as driver's license, the med card, hazmat training, the annual driver
safety review and the annual DOT inspection for your vehicles? Having
a system is one thing, but DOT will check the actual records to see
if you are ever going past any of the dates.
Have you ever contacted your GAWDA consultants? I'm always amazed at
the number of members who have never contacted me with questions or looking
for help with their DOT program. I get an average of about 275 e-mails
or calls a month from members. I love answering questions and helping
people. If you have never or seldom contacted your consultants, please
do. This is an extremely valuable service that comes as a part of your
GAWDA membership. Take advantage of it.
Hopefully, you have made plans to attend the convention in Orlando this
October. If you attend, please look me up or stop by the contact booth
and say hello and bring your questions. See you there.
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