The
Maintenance Council of Colorado is part of the Colorado Motor Carriers
Association (CMCA).
Over the last 27 years the Maintenance Council of Colorado has provided their members with technical information, updates on future products and regulations as well as hands on demonstrations. In its new capacity the Colorado Motor Carriers Association’s Maintenance Council will continue in its message to improve the skills and knowledge base of maintenance managers and their technicians.
The Maintenance Council holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month. These are either at the CMCA offices or at a nearby vendor or carrier facility. Maintenance Council meetings often involve demonstration of procedures and techniques for better vehicle maintenance. Notice of upcoming meetings will be posted on these pages.
Out-Of-Service Handbook Updated
The North American Standard Out-Of-Service Criteria Handbook is an important publication that details when a driver or motor carrier is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle. The 11th edition was released April 1, 2011. The handbookt includes both driver and vehicle maintenance issues that are enforced as OOS. Knowing the OOS rules helps provide focus in vehicle maintenance and prevents unnecessary delays and down time in transit. The criteria is used in every state and by the Federal FMCSA. Copies of the Hanbook are available on the CVSA website.
CVSA also offers handbooks on airbrake operation, airbrake adjustment, cargo securement, tire & wheel service, and the canadian vehicle inspection. The association also has inspection tools including Chamber tech tools, brake inspection tools, and Chain Gauges
Maintenance Council News
Mobile Air Conditioning Seminars Gaining Popularity
CMCA has been running Mobile Air Conditioning Seminars (MAC) for some months and has found them to be popular .
Topics to be covered include: Federal Regulations on AC, AC theory, diagnosis and service procedures. There will also be a question / answer period and hands-on inspection and testing session.
The next MAC course will be announced soon. Check back for further details.
CSA Tracking System Increasingly Focused on Maintenance
It shouldn't be a surprise, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says that vehicle maintenance is one area being targeted by CSA, version 2.
While fatigued driving is the highest risk, vehicle maintenance is number two according to recent safety analysis done by Rair (a carrier safety risk methodology firm) as well as Vigillo, another safety management consulting firm.
CSA, version 2, has re-focused some issues and removed numerous violations from the fleet evaluation. But, the end result is that maintenance BASIC is now 40% more important than in CSA version 1.
What's the easiest way to get a grip on maintenance? According to Rair, it is careful use of the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, instead of treating it as a another paperwork excerise.
Large fleets have long known this and incorporated it into their fleet management plan. What's needed, according to Rair, is training of drivers in the proper inspection and reporting on the DVIR, and then a robust process to correct in a timely manner any problems identified. Courtesy truckinginfo.com
Maintenance Council Officers (2011-2012)
Chairman: Louis Salazar, Denney Transport
1st Vice Chairman: Steve Wolfe, Diversified Body & Paint
2nd Vice Chairman: Casey Salazar - Diversified Truck Leasing (DTL)
Secretary/Treasurer: Ken Skalak, TSN West, LLC
Maintenance is Best Done in the Shop
Sounds obvious, but not
all trucking companies follow that simple logic. The entire
roadside truck inspection program of Federal and State government
agencies is based on the need to provide incentives for quality shop maintenance.
Maintenance Councils like CMCA's Maintenance Council represent enlightened motor carriers who are seeking to control and reduce maintenance costs by doing it right. Quality fleet maintenance requires knowledge of technology and regulatory trends. It works if best practices are well understood and lessons learned are shared with others. Excellent fleets start with management planning, skillful, trained and motivated mechanics and thoughtful managers.
Membership in the CMCA Maintenance Council is your best investment in getting the job done right, under budget and with pride. It's been shown time and again that good maintenance increases profits.
Technician of the Year Awards 2011
The Maintenance Council of CMCA proudly presented the Technician of the Year Awards June14th. The following Technicians where recognized for their outstanding achievements and for their dedication to the industry.
- Larry Dean Phillips, American Furniture Warehouse
- Richard Tomerlin, Diversified Truck & RV
- Robert Fryzek, Ensign Well Service
- Billy Baldwin, Saunders Construction
Thanks to all who participated by nominating their mechanics and for supporting the Maintenance council of CMCA.
Shop Talk: let us know your thoughts and ideas
The Maintenance Council is an active professional group. But you can make it even better. Get involved and help it continue to be a leading voice for quality fleet maintenance in Colorado.
CMCA Services
Training Opportunities
CMCA Offers a rich variety of training opportunities for both members and non-members. The modern CMCA training center in Denver is the location of most seminars. As demand warrants, CMCA also conducts seminars at other locations around the state. Take a look at this year's seminars on the training page.
2012 CMCA Convention
A highlight of the CMCA year is the annual CMCA convention. It is a chance for members to network and renew their knowledge of CMCA programs and successes.
The 2012 annual meeting will be held September 20-22 at the Ritz-Carton Bachelor Gulch, Avon, Colorado at peak fall foliage.
CMCA staff is working to line up speakers for the event. Online registration will open in June 2012. There is a dedicated page on this website to provide details of the convention.
