What is the FMCSA Roadability Rule for intermodal chassis?

Under 49 CFR Part 396 Subpart C, Intermodal Equipment Providers (IEPs) must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain intermodal chassis. Drivers must perform an 8-point pre-trip inspection and report safety defects via an electronic DVIR before leaving rail or port facilities.

How does Exspeedite protect motor carriers from chassis roadside citations?

Exspeedite enforces mobile pre-trip photo audits, logs bad-order chassis turnbacks at terminal gates, and establishes immutable evidence shielding carrier CSA BASIC safety scores.

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Intermodal Chassis Roadability Inspection & FMCSA DVIR Interlock

Operational compliance manual for intermodal drayage carriers: enforce 49 CFR Part 396 8-point roadability walk-arounds, track Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP) bad-order turn-backs, and shield driver CSA scores.

The 8-Point Roadability Check

FMCSA mandates inspection of 8 safety components: brakes, tires/wheels, lighting/reflectors, kingpin, electrical 7-way connection, chassis frame/bolsters, twist locks, and air line glad hands prior to terminal out-gate.

IEP Defect Turn-Back Logging

Defective chassis (flat tires, missing twist locks, cracked frame welds) must be tagged "Bad Order" and returned to the IEP chassis maintenance pad immediately. Exspeedite logs turnback delays for billing recovery.

Carrier CSA Score Protection

Under federal regulations, chassis defects cited during DOT roadside inspections transfer directly to the IEP USDOT number if the carrier proves proper pre-trip DVIR execution before out-gate departure.

8-Point Intermodal Chassis Roadability Audit Simulator

1. Brakes & Air Lines (No audible leaks, pads > 1/4")

2. Tires & Wheels (PSI > 95, tread > 2/32", no lug rust)

3. Lights & Reflectors (Tail, turn, stop, conspicuity tape)

4. Kingpin & Upper Coupler (Plate flat, pin undamaged)

5. Twist Locks & Bolsters (Locks engage and latch tight)

6. Landing Gear (Legs straight, cross-braces intact)

7. Frame & Suspension (No cracked welds, leaf springs ok)

8. Electrical 7-Way Cord (Pigtail pins clean, secure latch)

Chassis Roadability Status & Terminal Out-Gate Authorization:

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FMCSA 49 CFR Part 396 Roadability Component Standards

Inspection Component	FMCSA Safety Standard	Common Roadside Violation	IEP vs Carrier Liability	Exspeedite Verification
Braking System	Drum thickness, chamber stroke, hose integrity	Chafed hose against axle, chamber over-stroke	IEP violation if unaddressed prior to gate out	Driver mobile photo & brake stroke measurement
Tires & Wheel Hubs	No recapping separation, > 2/32" tread, no hub leaks	Flat inside dual, exposed tire ply cord, hub leak	IEP equipment citation on FMCSA portal	Tire pressure gauge digital reading capture
LED Lights & Conspicuity	100% illumination of clearance, stop, and turn lights	Broken tail lens, burned-out license plate bulb	Citation transfers to IEP with pre-trip proof	Full 360-degree walkaround video upload
Container Twist Locks	Front and rear corner pin latches fully operable	Missing handle, frozen lock unable to engage	Immediate out-of-service order (OOS)	4-corner latch photo check on driver app

Schedule an Intermodal Fleet Compliance Review with Scott Elliott

See how Exspeedite TMS automates driver mobile roadability inspections, bad-order turnback tracking, and IEP dispute defense.