In an earlier blog I discussed that we received one of the coveted window stickers for our windshield from a DOT Officer. While the officer and I were talking he asked if I had noticed that the sticker was colored, had a number, and often certain edges were trimmed. I did know this from frequent conversations I have had with the FedEx Custom Critical Safety Liaison. While talking to Terry he mentioned that he had written an article about this subject and I asked him if I could share the article here on the Team Run Smart Page and here it is...
Going Your Own Way with CVSA
Eventually, every Commercial Motor Vehicle will experience a DOT Officer’s inspection, either at a scale-house, alongside the road or at the scene of an accident. The inspection will be conducted in accordance with the various minimum standards and out of service criteria of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). There are 7 North American Standard Inspection Levels; they are:
- Level I – A thorough examination of the driver’s credentials and required documents and a thorough examination of the vehicle and its systems including cargo securement.
- Level II – A walk-around vehicle inspection and driver credential inspection.
- Level III – A Driver credential inspection including the driver’s record of duty status.
- Level IV – A one-time examination of a particular item, usually for a study.
- Level V – A vehicle only inspection of the same items in a Level I but without the driver present.
- Level VI – An inspection of selected radioactive materials.
- Level VII – A jurisdictional mandated commercial vehicle inspection.
CVSA decals may be issued to vehicles that pass a Level I or a Level V inspection. The decal applies only to the vehicle and not to the driver. How do you interpret the meaning of the CVSA decal? Remember the phrase “Going Your Own Way.” It equates to the calendar year quarters and the decal colors, Green, Yellow, Orange and White. The green decal, for example, is issued during January, February and March. If the two upper corners are missing, it was issued in January, one missing corner is February and a full decal is issued during the last month of the quarter. The large numeral is the last digit of the year. The decal usually is recognized by law enforcement for the remainder of the month of issuance and the two following months.
So, go your own way in a safe compliant vehicle and proudly display a CVSA decal.
Terry O'Connell
So our sticker tells an officer a lot as we roll through the scale:
White = 4th quarter
4 = 2014
No corners torn off = last month of the quarter