| 1. | What is the advantage to carriers of being PTSP approved? |
The primary advantage is that with a PTSP approval that demonstrates the carrier's
high-quality and reliable service, the carrier has an opportunity for an increased amount
of school business – both in it's own district and in other juridictions.
| 2. | How much does it cost to become a PTSP-approved carrier? |
Nothing. There is no cost for any of the inspections or monitoring activities.
| 3. | If there are no school districts or jurisdictions close to a
carrier's business that are
currently participating in the
program, how can a carrier become PTSP-approved? |
Carriers are encouraged to introduce the program to officials in their school districts.
Beyond that, a carrier can seek approval through any of the jurisdictions participating in
the program.
| 4. | If a carrier fails inspection initially, can the carrier reapply
for PTSP approval? |
If a carrier fails the inspection or the “Core Competency Evaluation,” the carrier
cannot reapply for approval for a period of six months.
| 5. | Do carriers get any kind of report regarding the findings
of the inspection? |
Yes. All carriers receive a report. The reports are broken down into six safety rating
factors used by FMCSA. Any violations found are listed, along with the corresponding regulation
for the carrier's edification. As a benefit to carriers, the program is structured as a means
to promote continual improvements in safety and operational efficiencies.
| 6. | Why do carriers have to undergo on-site inspections every
two years? |
There are a number of variables that can impact a carrier's ability to maintain the degree of
safety and compliance required under this program Monitoring the carrier's on-road performance
every six months can provide indicators of possible deterioration of the carrier's safety
management controls, but only an on-site audit can confirm the degree of deterioration. Given
the number of variables that could affect the carrier's operation, a two-year interval is the
maximum time that can lapse between inspections and still ensure that the carrier continues to
maintain sufficient safety management controls.
| 7. | Are there any penalties for withdrawing from the program? |
No, there are no penalties assessed against a carrier for withdrawing from the program.
| 8. | If a carrier is already DoD approved, what else must it do to
be PTSP-approved? |
Although the inspection program and criteria for the PTSP and the DoD program are similar,
carriers who hold a current DoD approval status must still go through the PTSP approval process.
