Why Do I need to Perform Inspections on my equipment?

According to the California Code of Regulations Title 13 Section 1234 states and specify the requirement that all vehicles in your fleet must be regularly and systematically inspected.

*California Code of Regulations Directory Link
http://government.westlaw.com/linkedslice/search/default.asp?RS=GVT1.0&VR=2.0&SP=CCR-1000

What are the Benefits of having inspections performed?

There are many benefits when a carrier performs inspections on their fleet. One benefit achieved is a carrier does not have to worry about being non-compliant with the guidelines set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) regarding inspection requirements. In addition, a carrier benefits from having inspections performed on their fleet by decreasing down time on the road and allowing you to save money by performing repairs at your local shop.

What is the BIT Program?

The California Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1988, commonly referred to as the Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Program, was enacted by the California Legislature in an effort to alleviate the growing number of truck related collisions on California’s highways. Primarily, the intent is to ensure every truck terminal throughout the state is inspected by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on a regular basis, thereby creating a level field for all motor carriers statewide. Terminal inspections have been conducted by the CHP since 1965 as a tool to determine if motor carriers are complying with Motor Carrier Safety regulations on an on-going basis, particularly with regard to the legal requirement to maintain commercial motor vehicles according to a scheduled maintenance (preventive maintenance) program. Each motor carrier is permitted to establish his or her own maintenance program. The CHP’s role is to determine whether carriers’ selected maintenance schedules are adequate to prevent collisions or mechanical breakdowns involving the vehicles, and all required maintenance and driver records are prepared and retained as required by law. These same basic requirements are applied to all carriers, large and small. Section 34501.12 of the California Vehicle Code (VC) requires any person or organization directing the operation of certain trucks and/or trailers to participate in the BIT Program. The law requires the CHP to inspect California truck terminals every 25 months.

What is an Opacity Test and Do I need to have it done?

The ARB's Heavy- Duty Vehicle Inspection Program and Periodic Smoke Inspection Program were adopted into Law in 1988 (Senate Bill 1997) and 1990 (Senate Bill  2330), respectively to control excessive smoke emissions and tampering from heavy duty diesel trucks and buses. The regulations, title 13 CCR, sections 2180-2189 for HDVIP, and title 13 CCR, sections 2190-2194 for PSIP, governing these programs were last amended in 2013. 

The HDVIP program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering, and engine certificate label compliance. Any heavy duty vehicle traveling in California , including vehicles registered in other states and foreign countries, may be tested. 

The PSIP Program requires that diesel and bus fleet owners conduct annual smoke opacity inspections of their vehicles and repair those with excessive smoke emissions to endure compliance. The ARB randomly audits fleets, maintenance and inspections records and tests a representative sample of vehicles. All vehicles that do not pass the test must be repaired and retested. A fleet owner that neglects to perform the annual smoke opacity inspection on applicable vehickes is subject to a penalty of $500.00 per vehicle, per year. 

*California - BIT Program Link
http://www.chp.ca.gov/publications/pdf/chp800h.pdf

Are your Inspectors qualified Inspectors?

Yes, our inspectors meet the federal requirements and understand the inspection criteria in part 393 and appendix G of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and can identify defective components, are knowledgeable of how to go about performing the inspection by reason of experience or both. In addition our inspectors are also knowledgeable and understand the requirements set forth in part 396.25 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration concerning Brakes.

*Inspector Qualifications Link
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=396.19

*Brake Inspector Link
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=396.25

What types of payments are accepted?

VISA, Mastercard, Company Check and Cash are all forms of payment accepted.