TIP collaborates with TÜV Nord on trailer inspection certificate

TIP Trailer Services approached TÜV Nord, the industry recognised certification company, to design and administer a trailer inspection certification scheme. A successful pilot of the scheme, ‘Trailer Inspection Professional’ by TÜV Nord, was carried out at TIP Eppertshausen in Germany.

The aim of the project, according to TIP, is to create a Europe-wide trailer inspection that will assess a mechanic’s competency to inspect a trailer. It uses a methodical approach to maximise the potential to capture all relevant maintenance defects. A certificate will be achieved once the mechanic has undergone a successful theoretical and practical assessment on three main topics: trailer inspection technique, ability to recognise defects, and knowledge of component wear and tolerance limits.

“I was invited by TIP to take part in the TÜV Nord Trailer Inspection Professional pilot, and I was delighted to be offered this opportunity. I have gained a lot of extra knowledge, and the certificate is a recognition of my abilities,” said Michael Löw, mechanic at TIP Eppertshausen.

TIP can now demonstrate to its customers that it can inspect trailer fleets to an independent standard and reduce Vehicle Off Road (VOR) time by correctly identifying defects at the inspection event.

The ‘Trailer Inspection Professional’ certification will ensure that all TIP technicians understand and are using safe working practices. Additionally, it provides a more defined annual mechanic appraisal and it links into TIP’s mechanic development program.

“Our customers will benefit from having our mechanics certified by an external organisation like TÜV Nord,” said Thorsten Scheffel, Head of Workshops Germany and Austria at TIP. “With this certification, which is not only a further training but a proof of quality, we make sure that all workshops are operating with the same standards when it comes to trailer inspection.”

After the pilot at TIP Eppertshausen, a full roll-out is now in progress to the rest of TIP’s workshops in Germany. Next will be France, followed by all other TIP workshops in Europe.

TÜV Nord intends to open this scheme to the entire European trailer industry.

“I am very pleased that we have successfully completed this pilot with TIP,” said TÜV Nord Mobility Truck Manager, Andreas Köhl. “The excellent result is a milestone towards our goal of raising the testing standards throughout Europe, and giving trailer mechanics an individual and industry-recognised inspection certification. This benefits the entire industry and contributes to road safety.”

Earlier this month, TIP agreed to acquire Trailer Wizards.

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