Vehicle Maintenance

DOT-FMCSA Vehicle Maintenance Compliance

Vehicle Maintenance falls under the category of one of the seven Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) established by the FMCSA for motor carriers. This category focuses on issues such as brakes, lights, other mechanical defects, and load securement. Having a Vehicle Maintenance Program that aligns with FMCSA requirements is of utmost importance. Whether you are a carrier with a single truck or a large fleet, these regulations apply to all carriers and have sometimes posed challenges when setting up a maintenance program.

Fortress Fleet Solutions is your comprehensive solution for FMCSA-DOT inspections, reports, repairs, maintenance, and more. Whether you require a review of your current maintenance files and schedules or need assistance in creating new files, Fortress Fleet Solutions is here to help. Our Transportation Consultants can provide training for everyone involved, from the owners to the drivers, ensuring compliance with Part 396 requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stipulates the maintenance of vehicle maintenance records and specific documents, along with prescribing the manner in which they must be maintained and the associated recordkeeping requirements.

Who needs an FMCSA Vehicle Maintenance Program?

These regulations apply to any owned or leased vehicle (including trailers) that has been in operation for at least 30 days and meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
• Is capable of transporting 8 or more passengers.
• Belongs to Hazardous Materials (HM) carriers that require placarding.
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Vehicle Maintenance Files (VMFs)

The FMCSA mandates the maintenance of individual files for all commercial vehicles (CMVs). Failing to properly maintain these files can have consequences in the event of an audit or review. These files can be extensive, including maintenance receipts, annual reports, roadside inspections, Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), and more.

How long do these files have to be kept?

All vehicle maintenance records must be retained for a minimum of 12 months, with an exception for Annual Inspection Reports, which must be retained for 14 months.

How can Fortress Fleet Solutions help?

Fortress Fleet Solutions offers an all-in-one solution for your vehicle maintenance program. Allow our transportation safety consultants to organize and implement a compliant Vehicle Maintenance Program for you today. Call us 24/7 for a free consultation.