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Heavy equipment inspection now at SJ Corp.
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Posted on Dec 23 2004
A private firm recently approved by the Department of Public Safety to conduct inspections of heavy equipment began operations Wednesday, inspecting three vehicles at its newly built facility along Middle Road in Garapan.
With the completion of its new facility, SJ Corp., which also operates a facility used for inspecting smaller vehicles like jeeps, sedans, and pick-up trucks, is now capable of inspecting bigger and heavier vehicles such as dump trucks, buses, and other vehicles that can accommodate more than 10 passengers, among others.
SJ Corp. is currently the only private firm conducting inspections for heavy vehicles.
According to SJ Corp. accountant Jun Ocena, negotiations between the company and DPS began as early as last year, with construction of the facility beginning last April, soon after all equipment needed arrived from Korea.
Negotiations began with former commissioner Edward Camacho and were finalized with Juana Guerrero of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Ocena said the company spent about $100,000 to construct the facility.
Aside from attaining permits for the construction as well as permits for operations, SJ Corp. staff had to undergo training before conducting inspections and handling machines used during inspections. The permit for operations was approved this month.
Ocena said two individuals were recently certified by DPS to conduct the inspections after passing an exam for inspectors.
Equipped with a new weighing and alignment machines, brake testers, and headlight testers, among others, the facility may now inspect heavy equipment for $30.
Inspections by certified technicians are required for every vehicle before vehicle registration is entertained at the BMV. Inspections are intended to make sure each vehicle is in compliance with requirements for safety.
SJ Corp. has been inspecting regular vehicles since 2001, and also operates an auto shop as well as a retail store. The company started out as a small shop in the mid-1980s.
“We feel very happy and fortunate because despite the economic downturn, we were still able to expand,” Ocena said.
