Facility Audits

I have always wondered why facility audits between those administered by the Ontario Government (MTO) and the U.S. DOT differ so significantly. For example, in the MTO audit the scoring for the Driver Profile is worth 45 points virtually halfof the audit since the safety and training profile is only included at the request of the carrier. It is my opinion that the Driver Profile should be more extensive whereas at present it pretty much covers the driver’s commercial driving license and logs. For example:

MTO – Driver Profile

Qualified Driver           10 points

Log & Time Records    10 points

Cycles                             10 points

Data Items                       5 points

Total                                45 points

In other words half of the MTO audit is based on a driver’s license and logs. This needs to be changed to include such other important aspects of a driver’s profile as the cvor, abstract, job application, references, driving record, accident record, training record, specialty training, medical examination, road testing and annual performance reviews to name but a few.

At least the U.S. DOT Facility Audit is considerably more extensive and more than satisfies the requirements much more so then that of the MTO. For example:

U.S. Driver Qualification File

1. Application for employment,

2. Motor vehicle record from states for new hires,

3. Previous employer information for drivers hired before October 29, 2004,

4. Road test form and certificate, or certificate accepted in lieu of road test,

5. Medical exam certificate, original or a copy,

6. Any letter granting a waiver of a physical disqualification,

7. Annual motor vehicle record from states for current drivers,

8. Annual review of driving record and,

9. List of violations.

The MTO audit is weak as it is today, and any future revision must include a more extensive and meaningful Driver Profile certainly more inclusive then a driver’s license and six months of logs.