Indiana • DOT & FMCSA Focused
Breaking Part 396 into real-world actions shop and field teams can follow without needing a law degree.
FMCSA Part 396 sounds like legal language, but for a fleet in Indiana it boils down to one idea: prove that you are paying attention to the condition of your equipment. Inspections, defect reports, and repair records tell that story.
A practical Part 396 program does not require a giant file room or a team of coordinators. It does require consistent inspections, clear unit numbers, and a habit of closing the loop when a driver finds a problem. When a defect is reported, it should be documented, scheduled, and signed off when repaired.
Bringing an on-site technician into that process removes friction. Instead of chasing drivers to a shop, the inspection and repair can happen where the trucks park. Your records show when issues were found and how they were corrected, which is exactly what an auditor or officer wants to see.
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