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Federal Annual Inspections · Port Wentworth, GA
FMCSA Annual Inspections for Chassis & Trailers
Federal annual (periodic) inspections for intermodal chassis and trailers near the Port of Savannah, with repairs handled in the same shop and the documentation you need on file.
Stay Legal, Stay Rolling
What Is the FMCSA Annual Inspection?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires every commercial motor vehicle operating in interstate commerce to pass a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months (49 CFR 396.17). That includes the intermodal chassis and trailers that move containers out of the Port of Savannah every day.
An expired or missing inspection can put a unit out of service at roadside or at the gate. We inspect your equipment against the federal minimum periodic inspection standards, fix what needs fixing, and send you off with a passing report.
The Checklist
What We Inspect
Our inspections follow the federal minimum periodic inspection standards for the components that apply to chassis and trailers.
Brake System
Service and parking brakes, drums, rotors, linings, slack adjusters, brake chambers, air lines, hoses, and fittings.
Coupling & Locking Devices
Kingpin, upper coupler, and the twist locks and locking pins that hold the container to the chassis.
Lighting & Reflectors
Required lamps, wiring, and reflective tape and devices, all present and working.
Suspension & Frame
Springs, hangers, axle positioning parts, frame rails, crossmembers, and welds for cracks, breaks, and damage.
Tires
Tread depth, sidewall and tread condition, inflation, and mismatched or damaged tires.
Wheels, Rims & Hubs
Lug nuts and studs, cracked or bent rims, wheel seals, and hub oil or grease leaks.
Annual Inspection Paperwork
After a unit passes, it needs proof on board. Federal rules allow either a copy of the inspection report or a decal showing the date, the inspector, and the unit. You also need to keep the original report, or a copy, for 14 months.
- Inspection report for every unit we inspect
- Decal or report carried on the vehicle
- Records kept 14 months from the inspection date
- Inspections performed by a qualified inspector (49 CFR 396.19)
Intermodal Chassis Have Their Own Rules
Intermodal equipment providers must keep their chassis systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, and motor carriers must inspect the chassis before taking it out of the terminal. If you own, lease, or manage chassis, an annual inspection program that tracks due dates for every unit keeps you from finding out about an expired inspection at the gate.
Fleet tip: Have several units coming due? We can schedule them together and track the next due dates for you. See fleet management.
If Something Fails
A failed item is not the end of the day. Because inspections and chassis and trailer repairs happen in the same shop, we can quote the fix, make the repair, and finish the inspection without sending your unit somewhere else.
Questions
FMCSA Annual Inspection FAQ
How often does a chassis or trailer need an FMCSA annual inspection?
At least once every 12 months. Under 49 CFR 396.17, every commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, including intermodal chassis and trailers, must pass a periodic inspection at least annually.
How long is an annual inspection good for?
Twelve months from the date of the inspection. The vehicle must carry proof of a passing inspection, either a copy of the report or a decal, for the last 12 months.
What records do I need to keep?
Keep the original or a copy of the inspection report for 14 months from the inspection date, and make sure the inspector is qualified under 49 CFR 396.19. We provide the report with every inspection.
What happens if my chassis fails?
We tell you exactly what failed and what it costs to fix. Once the repairs are done, we finish the inspection so the unit leaves with a passing report.
How much does an annual inspection cost?
Pricing depends on the equipment and the number of units. Call (912) 525-0017 for a quote, especially if you have several units coming due at once.
Inspection Coming Due?
Schedule your chassis and trailer annual inspections with Southeast Fleet Solutions.