 Heavy Duty Vehicles on the Highways Heavy Duty Vehicles on the Highways  Keeping the Public Transport Running Keeping the Public Transport Running  Bus Maintenance - Public Transport Safety Bus Maintenance - Public Transport Safety

 Repairing trucks on the highway has its problems especially refrigerated vehicles where goods have a certain 'travel time'. These goods often need to be transferred to another vehicle and the problem truck towed to the repairer's yard. These interstate operating trucking companies must have vehicles that comply with the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) in all respects and therefore the repair company is required to be licensed to carry out repairs on these vehicles. Towing vehicles, especially large heavy duty rigs can be extremely problematic unless the repair company is knowledgeable in all aspects of towing which is also a licensed operation.  It becomes important for any transport company that the towing company that will tow the vehicle will also repair it subject to FMCSA guidelines. This means that a licensed company must effect the repairs also. Likewise, in the case of all heavy-duty trucking companies, roadworthiness is subject to Federal Regulations.(FMCSA) It is also the responsibility of the trucking company to make sure the inspection decal is clearly shown so that the repair company is able to verify that the inspection date is valid.  All repairs are subject to the adherence of the FMCSA, including new parts which must meet the FMCSA criteria. Also, inspection must be performed after repairs have been carried out by an inspector licensed by the FMCSA as referred to in§393.3 part 396of the FMCSA regulations.

 Taking into account the federal laws governing the repair and service of busses you need to take due cognizance of how their rules apply to repair companies. For example, if a bus's brake system has to be overhauled then special circumstances apply and must prevail. The hydraulic fluid specified by the ECFR (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations) or e-CFR, has specifications for tolerances and therefore only recommended types of fluids may be used. The same will apply to the brake drums and pads and other parts. There are many such parts on the braking system of a bus and each one has an approval code. From pistons to cylinders as well as other parts, all must be certified which is sometimes difficult when a breakdown occurs. The repairs to a bus need to be carried out efficiently and as soon as possible as, for the downtime which occurs for the company owning the bus, it means a loss of revenue. Very often a bus needs to be towed as even the smallest part that is not operating correctly will take the bus off-the-road. The driver of the bus has the responsibility to inform his company that a problem has occurred.  Towing busses for repairs is also a specialized operation and needs to be carried out without delay as the vehicle must be placed back in rotation as soon as possible. The towing company and the mechanics or technicians that will work on the bus need to be ASE trained as that particular bus, once repairs are completed, has to be inspected by an authorized official who is licensed and falls under the jurisdiction of the ECFR.

 The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR),lay down the procedures for bus maintenance and servicing. The e-CFR code, section §396.3, deals with Inspection, repair and maintenance of busses and has laid down procedures to be followed. For example, a full-service record must be kept for one year indicating the date of the last service and a record of the test performed after service, including such items as test performed on emergency doors and windows. Specific lubrication must be used and all movable parts lubricated with the correct oil and grease. The vehicle shall be free of any oil leaks and care must be taken to affix a sticker stating 'out-of-service' which shall only be removed by the responsible official after due inspection of the vehicle. Without exception, the following equipment shall be checked after any service to the bus or busses: Parking brake, steering mechanism, tires, horn, windshield wipers, lighting devices lamps etc., rear vision mirrors, wheels and trim and all emergency equipment. Furthermore, the qualifications of the inspector for all braking apparatus shall be in compliance with section 25 of the same regulations.  Maintaining Busses often calls for new parts required for servicing. These parts/spares must pass the FMCSA as bus all maintenance has to be carried out with public safety in mind. To do this effectively not just anybody or any company can service busses and there are rules governing inspection, repair and maintenance laid down by the Federal Transit Administration. A company such as Mobile Truck Services, Bus repair division, can carry out repairs with their DOT registration, DOT They are especially equipped to deal with emergencies and with the breakdown of public transport, towing etc. in the Myrtle Beach area. They also operate in Conway, Murrels Inlet and other areas in South Carolina.

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