Level VIII Inspections - Electronic Inspections

We would like to request the creation of a new CVSA Level 8 electronic inspection program. The current North American Standard Inspection Program (NAS)contains only 7 levels and none of them include procedures allowing for the automated collection of data. A standardized procedure governing the electronic collection of data elements currently collected manually during a current NAS Level 3 inspection would provide clarity to member agencies who would like to implement a voluntary electronic inspection program.

Agency members have limited inspector numbers and truck volumes have hit all-time highs. Many trucks already have equipment installed on their vehicles that support the wireless transmission of all of the data elements currently collected during a NAS Level 3 inspection. This includes real-time driver and HOS data, which is more closely linked to crash causation than any equipment related causes. The benefit of automating the collection of this data would be to increase the number of compliance inspections an agency could complete without having to stop traffic or tie up scarce resources. Over 80% of carriers currently do not have a full safety profile in the CSA program and this is directly related to the limited amount of roadside inspection data available to support the CSA program. Implementing an electronic inspection program would allow participating carriers the opportunity to leverage their in-vehicle safety investments by communicating real-time compliance data to the roadside without having to stop. This saves carriers significant money through reduced fuel and time spent at inspection sites in addition to reducing systematic delays in the transportation network. The need for a new inspection level is based on the fact that the current inspection levels include manual processes that cannot be replicated electronically. A new level 8 inspection would allow for a modified process to allow for automated electronic transmission and verification of compliance information similar to that of a level 3 inspection. The creation of a new level 8 inspection would also allow FMCSA to receive electronic inspection data the same way it receives inspection data today, but with a flag to indicate that the data was collected electronically and not manually; thus supporting a different weighting mechanism within the CSA program to accommodate for this new inspection type. Agency members currently looking to implement electronic inspection programs can ensure harmonization between state programs by utilizing a CVSA supported NAS Level 8 inspection criteria in their operations. Without the formalization of an electronic inspection program (the proposed level 8 inspection ), drivers and carriers will have no incentive to share real-time driver and HOS data with agencies.

Request to create a new Level 8 inspection for electronic inspections. This action would create all the rules and procedures necessary to harmonize the treatment and acceptance of electronic inspections across North America. If the committee that reviews this request is interested, the implementation plan of a level 8 electronic inspection program can include a pilot project where multiple state agencies participate to implement an electronic inspection program regionally. the results of the pilot study can then be used to drive implementation of a broader permanent electronic inspection level in NAS. We have included a 'white paper' issued in 2013 on the topic of Electronic Inspections. Please note, however, that this is provided for information purposes only as the white paper includes reference to alternative compliance, but this this does not have to be the case as this current electronic inspection program request is being requested as a stand-alone program.