3 Compliance Tips to Remember After Dispatch Training

The transportation industry can be dangerous, with heavy trucks moving cargo over long distances. However, there are regulations and laws to help ensure these dangers are limited and driver and vehicle safety are maintained. As someone looking to meet compliance standards, it is your responsibility to ensure that the vehicles and drivers are as safe as possible while on the roads. You can benefit from understanding all the requirements for compliance by attending dispatch training. And there are several important tips you can use to maintain compliance. Read on to learn more.

1. Ensure That The Vehicle Is Well Maintained And Safe 

Safety and compliance are paramount for both the driver and their vehicle. Look to utilize a maintenance schedule for all vehicles within a fleet so that they are routinely checked and regular wear and tear parts, such as brake pads, are replaced. During automotive training, you will learn which parts are more prone to wear and how to create a maintenance schedule that covers all vehicles. Your training will also cover pre- and post-travel inspections.

Pre- and post-travel inspections involve checking important parts of the vehicle before and after a trip. For example, ensuring the tire tread depth meets the required standards. These checks are commonly done by the driver to ensure that they are satisfied with the safety of the truck. If there are any problems, you need to allow them to be reported. In the case of pre- and post-travel checks, if the driver finds a problem, it is up to you to find a solution. During your training, you’ll learn that pre-travel inspections are mandatory in Canada. However, it’s also important to encourage post-travel inspections, as they help the overall compliance and maintenance of the fleet.

2. Keep Track of Driver Hours as Taught in Dispatch Training

Truck drivers are limited in the number of hours that they are allowed to drive, which varies depending on where they operate in Canada. In the southern provinces, drivers are limited to a 16-hour window. During this window, they can drive a maximum of 13 hours before taking an off-duty break of eight consecutive hours. Drivers must also have ten hours off duty every day. In the northern provinces, drivers have a 20-hour window to drive for 15 hours before an off-duty break of eight hours. After a 20-hour shift, drivers are required to take an off-duty break of eight hours. It is mandatory to use an electronic logging device to keep track of driving times. 

During dispatch training, you will learn more about the number of driving hours and off-duty hours permitted. This will help you maintain compliance with the hours of service regulations, and you will also learn to audit drivers’ electronic logging devices to ensure they are compliant. In addition, it’s important to ensure drivers rest if they are tired for their safety and that of others.

3. Ensure Dangerous Goods Are Appropriately Signed

If your company is focused on transporting dangerous or oversized loads, you will need to provide the correct signs and markings on the vehicle and the goods being transported. Vehicle signs will help other drivers on the road understand the vehicle’s size and any potential safety hazards associated with it or what it is transporting. The rule about what is considered an oversized load differs between provinces, and some provinces even require permits.

During dispatch training, you’ll learn about the appropriate signage and paperwork required, depending on the goods being transported. You will cover the rules and regulations pertaining to weight, width, and size for the province you study in, helping you understand and remain compliant with all the regulations.

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