Motor carriers, intermodal equipment providers (IEPs), and drivers must always keep their commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in safe operating condition, so a comprehensive inspection program is vital. Inspections must be performed on a daily, annual, and systematic basis. Specific records must be kept to prove that the motor carrier or IEP has a compliant inspection program. 

Deficient CMV inspection programs may result in more accidents, more roadside violations, higher Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores, more vehicles being placed out of service, more downtime, more fines, and other consequences. (CSA is the safety compliance and enforcement program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] that holds motor carriers and drivers accountable for their role in safety.)