If you like the variety of working at different locations daily and the flexibility to set up your own schedule, then working as a Motor Vehicle Inspector or a Motor Carrier Investigator may be right for you.
As a Motor Vehicle Inspector, you would inspect the mechanical condition of buses, heavy-duty trucks, vans, suburbans, station wagons, and other commercial vehicles. You would be responsible for checking the preventive maintenance programs, driver’s hours of labor records and facilities of fleet operators. You would investigate complaints, accidents, and illegal operations; testify at hearings when required; and keep records and submit reports of inspections and investigations. You would also check for compliance with driver, vehicle, and hazardous materials regulations. You may perform these duties independently without direct supervision and, as such, be responsible for scheduling your own work and adhering to your own timetable.
To be hired as Motor Vehicle Inspector you must possess one of the following qualifications:
As a Motor Carrier Investigator, you would serve as a field representative for the Department of Transportation in relation to safety regulation and licensing activities of the motor carrier industry. You would conduct roadside inspections of commercial drivers; examine records of motor carriers to ensure compliance with the state transportation law and related codes, rules, regulations, and policies; investigate the complaints of shippers and passengers and apprise them of their rights and responsibilities under the transportation law; and prepare reports of investigation findings, conclusions, and recommendations. You could also be called upon to testify at Department of Transportation administrative hearings and civil and criminal courts.
This position requires extensive daily travel within an assigned geographic area. You will be required to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job. You must possess a driver's license valid in New York State at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter. Field work and travel expenses are reimbursed on a fixed schedule. Selected candidates must each pass a physical/medical examination prior to appointment.
To be hired as a Motor Carrier Investigator you must possess one of the following qualifications:
* “Dispatch experience” requires knowledge of and experience with federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to hours of service, records of duty status, drug and alcohol testing, CDLs, medical certification, and pre- and post-trip inspections. Experience limited to the dispatch of vehicles such as taxicabs and emergency services does not qualify.