Last month, we introduced our new series, The Logistics of Transporting Waste: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself, to probe into the things you need to consider when hiring a reliable, responsible transporter for your waste. Part 1 covered two primary determinations in your search; if you missed that article, make sure you click over to our website to take a look. We can’t stress it enough: as the shipper, the buck stops with you. Any issues with your waste’s transport are your problem – fines, production delays, and possibly even a shut-down.
As you might imagine for a waste carrier, truck and trailer maintenance is a prime concern. Reputable carriers will have a preventive maintenance plan in place, whether they use in-house certified mechanics or an outside company. Routine maintenance and prompt repairs keep trucks and trailers operating in top-notch condition. What’s more, DOT requires the transporter to complete annual DOT inspections for trucks and trailers. Additionally, the DOT conducts random inspections, asking drivers to pull over for an examination or when crossing highway scales.
Make sure a hauler conducts pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks and trailers. Inspections expose any defects that could lead to accidents. If a carrier spills your waste in an accident due to preventable faulty operations, you could be held liable. You’ll want to audit a hauler to be sure it’s compliant with these requirements.
You probably already know that all drivers have to log their hours. You may not know that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require truck operators to use electronic logging devices to keep records as of Dec. 16, 2017. Some of these are standalone devices, but other logging apps can run on tablets and smartphones. Drivers use ELDs to inspect vehicles, file reports, enter and submit daily service hours, and other compliance tasks. ELDs also track working hours and warn drivers who are near their federally-mandated limit, to protect against driver fatigue. Check to see if your carrier uses ELDs.
Environmental Remedies switched to ELDs two years ago, far in advance of the deadline. Our GPS-based system calculates miles and average miles per hour in addition to other ELD features including alerts to the driver and his supervisor. This system has not only improved our efficiency and driver accountability, it’s enhanced our corporate safety objectives.
At Environmental Remedies, we’re serious about waste transport. Our well-maintained fleet and scrupulous transportation program mean better service and better protection for our customers. To find out more about our waste transportation services, contact one of our representatives at 800-399-2783 or visit our website, envremedies.com. Environmental Remedies is ready and able to be your go-to company for clean.