In the transportation industry, pre- and post-trip inspections are standard procedure. They ensure maintenance issues can be spotted early. That way, violations can be avoided, and vehicle downtime can be decreased.  

Since these inspections are such a vital part of trucking core operations, many companies seize opportunities to enhance them. As a result, certain technologies are growing in popularity.  

If you are wondering how companies are using technology for better truck and trailer inspections, here’s what you need to know.  

Process Adherence  

One of the most significant ways technology is enhancing pre- and post-trip inspections is by facilitating process adherence. Most drivers or maintenance personnel need to examine specific areas on the truck and trailer to complete the company policy’s inspection. However, many trucking businesses could do little more than trust that everything was handled correctly.  

Now, there are technologies available that can increase process adherence. For example, some companies use RFID or NFC tags, placing them in critical places within the truck and trailer that need routine inspections. To complete the process, the driver or employees has to physically go to the spot with the tag to complete any required reporting.  

Since they have to go to each tag, this decreases the odds that a step will be missed, intentionally or incidentally. Only after every tag is checked can the results be uploaded, increasing the odds that the full inspection will occur.  

In some cases, these processes are even tied to logging in and logging out. If the process isn’t completed correctly, the driver is unable to exit the system. As a result, process adherence increases dramatically, as failing to do what is needed won’t go unnoticed.  

As a bonus, the process can simplify training for new drivers. They’ll essentially have formal guidelines at their disposal, a framework that’s standard across the entire company. This increases the odds that every critical point will be addressed.  

Electronic Reporting  

Electronic reporting provides numerous benefits over paper records. First, all submissions can be sent to a centralized database. This allows for comprehensive records on individual tractors and trailers, including thorough histories that can be analyzed for recurrent problems and adherence to maintenance schedules.  

Second, it eliminates issues that can come from handwritten records. There’s no chance that poor penmanship will prevent another person from reading an entry.  

Third, issue recording can be simplified. For example, dropdown menus can be used in place of handwritten descriptions. This allows the language to remain standardized for everyday occurrences. However, an “other” option can also be used, allowing the driver to trigger a custom field that they can use to describe the problem.  

Finally, issues can be electronically sent to maintenance departments. The information is sent straight to the team handling the repairs, decreasing the odds that a request will be overlooked or ignored.  

Ultimately, technology is having a big impact on pre- and post-ride inspections.  

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