Team Building
Today marks the first significant rainfall in over a month here in Grass Valley. As with most places, the rain almost immediately makes the roads slick. But as the oil and dirt washes away, traction improves.
Something similar happens to trails for mountain bikers. As the rain sinks into the dirt it allows tires to grip the dirt more easily. This increases traction causing a wonderful phenomenon known as “hero dirt.” Hero dirt allows people to lean into the corners at a much greater angle than would be possible, had it not been for the rain.
Organizations all experience their version of cleansing rain. Organizational rains almost always start off as mistakes or failures. That in itself is not cleansing. It can actually be downright maddening. The cleansing happens when the organization realizes that the mistake or failure is a sign of a specific weakness. The addressing of this weakness is where the cleansing takes place.
The process requires a certain type of attitude, however. An attitude of blaming others only increases the slippery nature of the challenge, much like roads when it first begins to rain.
There is no way to learn when blame keeps shifting. There is also no way to learn when someone accepts the responsibility but refuses to acknowledge what is being taught.
When responsibility is taken and changes are made to avoid such failures in the future, the learning can sink into the organization, just like a good rain. When the lesson is accepted, the organization can gain traction in that area in ways they never would have imagined before facing failure: Hero Dirt.
What failures have you faced recently that have helped you learn?
Are there any challenges you have faced several times over? What do you think this means?
What resources do you have at your disposal that can help you learn in the face of challenges?
Have a great week!
Chuck Ross
John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and DISC consultant
chuckross.net
Author: Change? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?
530-277-6161
“They themselves are makers of themselves.” James Allen
Team Building
The other day, Patrice (our IRP specialist) was asked a question while headed to the printer. Her response: Baby steps. It definitely struck me and reminded me of a movie…
In 1991, Bill Murray starred as a character named Bob in a movie called “What about Bob?” In the movie, Bob was afraid of everything. So much so, that he would hardly ever leave his apartment. In the movie his new psychotherapist, Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dryfuss), had published a book called Baby Steps which is seemingly based on taking several small steps on the way to attaining a large goal.
This is not a new concept. We constantly take large projects or goals and break them down into workable chunks. But I believe this process has greater meaning (and difficulty) than people realize.
Consider the first baby step. Taking that first step requires a lot of clarification and a bit of planning if you are to successfully travel anywhere!
- What are you stepping toward?
- What are the obstacles currently in your way?
- How fast will you step?
- Are there others that need to step with you?
- What challenges might trip you up along the way?
All of these things don’t all need solutions before you step, otherwise you may not ever step at all (which was Bob’s problem). But you at least need to have a clear direction or objective.
What does that look like for us? Ask questions of the customer until their needs are crystal clear. Take a minute and see the big picture of a project, before you dive into the specifics…before you take that first baby step.
In essence, baby steps may be small, but their meaning is BIG. They pave the way for met goals and completed projects. And just as it was with Bob, it starts with the first one.
What challenges do you currently face that could benefit from taking that first small step?
Which challenges you more, seeing the small details or seeing the big picture?
What baby step can you take to combat this?
Have a great week!
Chuck Ross
John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and DISC consultant
chuckross.net
Author: Change? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?
530-277-6161
“They themselves are makers of themselves.” James Allen
BIT Inspections, Telematics
The BIT program (Basic Inspection of Terminals) was updated in 2016 to move from a time-based inspection system to a performance-based selection system. The terminals selected for inspection are based on the California Performance Safety Score (CPSS) which is a derived from a combination of FMCSA, SMS, and BASIC percentiles. Any carrier with a score above the Federal alert level will be selected for inspection. In addition, you can expect terminals that have never been inspected or those from which hazardous materials are transported will be prioritized above others.
What Records are Required for a BIT Inspection
Driver Records:
- DMV Driving Record – required for new drivers until a Pull Notice Record (EPN) is obtained.
- Employer Pull Notices – must be current within 13 months. All EPN records must be signed and dated.
- Drivers’ Hours of Service Records – all driver timekeeping records / records of duty status, including supporting documentation, must be retained for at least 6 months.
- Driver Proficiency Records – drivers records showing the different types of vehicles each can operate proficiently, must be maintained for the term of employment.
- Driver Employment Application – must be retained for the term of employment.
Maintenance Records:
- DVIR (Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports) – must be retained for a minimum of 3 months.
- Mandated Carrier Inspection Reports – must be performed every 90 days and retained for at least 2 years.
- Documentation of all inspection, maintenance, lubrication, and repairs – retained for at least 1 year.
Vehicle Condition:
- Vehicle inspection
- On-Highway Vehicle inspection
Hazardous Materials Records:
- Hazmat training.
- Cargo tank, including proper labeling of packaging and containers.
- Shipping papers including proper entries, sequence, and certification when required, retained for a minimum of 1 year.
Motor carrier laws and regulations are frequently reviewed and change over time. Be sure that you are staying current with these updates as they can affect your ability to operate your fleet of commercial vehicles.
At Vehicle Licensing Consultants, we make it our priority to stay abreast of all regulations affecting the transportation industry. Our services keep your fleet on the road and in compliance. Contact us to learn more about how we help to take the risk of compliance failures off your plate and effectively save you time and money!
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
530-384-3884
CVSA
About the CVSA
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is a nonprofit association comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives. The Alliance aims to achieve uniformity, compatibility and reciprocity of commercial motor vehicle inspections and enforcement by certified inspectors dedicated to driver and vehicle safety.
Our mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and uniformity throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States by providing guidance and education to enforcement, industry and policy makers.
VLC Webinar
We conducted a webinar that featured the upcoming CVSA Road Check as well as many other relevant topics such as:
- Bit Inspections
- Tech Training
- Maintenance Record Keeping
- Hours of Service
- DVIRs
- Preventive Maintenance
- And Much More!
Click here to watch the entire recording, and give us a call if you have any questions.
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
530-384-3884
EPN Service
The Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program provides businesses with a quick and efficient means of tracking the driving records of employees. As an employer enrolled in the program, you will receive a ‘requester code’. which added to the Driver’s License record of each employee who operates a commercial vehicle for your organization. You are required to add all CDL drivers using your requestor code. This will ensure all actions and activities of these employees are reported to you. The goal of the EPN program is public safety as it uncovers unsafe driving behaviors which can help employers decrease liability.
What are the requirements for storing EPN reports?
You can either have paper or electronic copies that are filed in a secure and easily accessible format.
What actions are required when I receive an EPN report?
As an employer, you are required to review your drivers’ records and “sign-off” that the record has been reviewed. If there are any corrective measures or red flags that could interrupt safety functions, they need to be addressed.
How current must my EPN records be?
Your drivers’ records must be no older than 13 months. If you are missing current records, please contact VLC to help you obtain the most current and compliant driver EPN reports. We are an experienced EPN Agent with more than 50 years of industry and regulatory expertise. We use our extensive knowledge and experience to solve your business challenges related to driver safety and compliance, productivity, and operations costs.
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
530-384-3884
