GE Equipment Services has announced a new service to help U.S., Canadian and Mexican carriers inspect and document the condition of their trailers both before and after a border crossing.
This will help carriers verify compliance
with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, a key part of legislation - and a concern for the driving public. Carriers also face delays and potential fines if their trailers are inspected at the border and found to be not compliant.
If repairs are warranted, GE's Trailer Fleet Services unit can also complete the work promptly to get the trailer back in service and avoid fines and ensuing delays.
According to the DOT, more than 10 million freight trucks entered the U.S. from Canada and Mexico in 2006, many of them hauling tandem trailers covered by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations.
"Customers have asked for help in documenting the condition of their trailers at the border," said Trailer Fleet Services CEO Joe Artuso. "In some cases they need repairs to ensure DOT compliance, and in other cases they are asking us to provide photos and other documentation so they can pursue damage claims against carriers. In fact, one carrier was paying more than $25,000 a month in fines before they came to us."
Trailer Fleet Services offers the new service at four branches in Canada: Toronto, Ont., Montreal, Que., Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver, B.C. In the U.S., participating branches include Calexico, Calif.; Laredo and El Paso, Texas; as well as 50 others. In Mexico the service is offered at the GE branch in Nuevo Laredo. Additional sites are also planned.
For more information, customer can visit www.trailerservices.com, or call (800) 333-2030.