CSA has been in force for four years. In four years ACOFAS, the American Council Of Frame and Alignment Specialists, has seen many drivers gain enough points to lose their careers due to being uninsurable. The top ten violations are the easiest defects to find: lights, reflective devices, brake hoses or tubing cracked or chafed, tire tread depth, oil and/or grease leaks, air chambers out of adjustment, a missing or defective fire extinguisher, defective brake lights and no proof of annual inspection. All of these listed violations are easily found by doing the required vehicle walk-around inspection prior to taking a trip. The reason drivers give for having these violations remains, “I wasn’t aware that I was responsible for the condition of the vehicle or what documentation I was required to carry.”
ACOFAS, as service providers, has a responsibility to the customers and their employees to make sure the drivers who frequent truck service facilities are aware of their legal obligations. This training program will be instructed by John Cheruka , CSA expert. John will cover all documentation the driver is required to have in the truck such as: Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), Medical card, Log Book, Proof of Insurance, Vehicle Registration, Permits, and Driver’s License. John will also give instruction on the requirements for the technician to become a certified vehicle inspector. All attendees will be taught to conduct the same inspection an enforcement officer would perform in the field.
Knowing the inspection requirements and procedures will allow you to give the services you provide your customer greater value. Most small fleet operators are unaware of the CSA requirements and will value an operator's knowledge and expertise. Operators will gain respect and increase business with these tools.
ACOFAS will be conducting the two day seminar on May 6th and 7th. The classroom portion will be held on May 6th at the Country Inn & Suites, 7820 Capital Blvd., Macedonia, Ohio 44056. The hosts for the hands-on portion of the training on May 7th are Darrell Fife and Don Jones and the training will take place at E.A.B. Truck Service LLC, 7951 Grange Road, Valley View, Ohio 44125.
Cost for the two day program is $175 for ACOFAS members, $225 for SSA, TARA, Vipar Heavy Duty, HDA And NTHECC members, All others $300.
A block of rooms is available at the hotel at $80 per night, complimentary breakfast included. Registrations for the hotel and the meeting are required by April 15.
For registration information go to www.acofas.com or call Gordon Botts, ACOFAS, Education Director at 815-482-4255.
