What does 49 CFR 396.1 (Scope) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 396.1 requires every motor carrier, its officers, drivers, agents, representatives, and employees directly concerned with the inspection or maintenance of commercial motor vehicles to be knowledgeable of and comply with the rules of this part. It also applies to intermodal equipment providers and their employees. However, it does not apply to covered farm vehicles or pipeline welding trucks.

The rule says

"Every motor carrier, its officers, drivers, agents, representatives, and employees directly concerned with the inspection or maintenance of commercial motor vehicles must be knowledgeable of and comply with the rules of this part." (49 CFR 396.1(a))

"Every intermodal equipment provider, its officers, agents, representatives, and employees directly concerned with the inspection or maintenance of intermodal equipment interchanged or offered for interchange to motor carriers must be knowledgeable of and comply with the rules of this part." (49 CFR 396.1(b))

"This part does not apply to covered farm vehicles, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, or to the drivers of such vehicles." (49 CFR 396.1(c))

"The rules in this part do not apply to pipeline welding trucks as defined in 49 CFR 390.38(b)." (49 CFR 396.1(d))

In plain English

This rule is about making sure everyone involved in the inspection and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles knows and follows the rules. It applies to motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers, but not to farm vehicles or pipeline welding trucks. In practice, this means that motor carriers need to have a system in place to ensure their employees are trained on the rules and regulations, and that they are following them. This includes things like pre-trip inspections, maintenance schedules, and repair procedures. If a motor carrier is found to be non-compliant, they could face fines or other penalties.

What to do

• Develop a training program for employees on the rules and regulations in 49 CFR part 396
• Implement a system for tracking and documenting inspections and maintenance
• Ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance
• Review and update policies and procedures regularly to ensure they are aligned with the regulations