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  • Elite Truck Drivers Offer Winter Driving Tips in Preparation for Weekend Storms

    21 Jan 2016 1:35 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Tips from ATA’s America’s Road Team

    Winter weather is expected to hit many parts of North America this weekend, creating dangerous driving conditions for motorists. American Trucking Associations’ America’s Road Team, a group of elite professional truck drivers, want to remind the general motoring public that safety is the first priority. To accompany the list of safety tips provided below, America’s Road Team Captains John Lex (Walmart Transportation) and Russ Simpson (Holland) appeared in a video highlighting some of the most critical safety procedures.

     “Before we start a trip at our truck driving jobs, we take the time to do a pre-trip inspection, making sure that our vehicle is ready to go out on the road,” said America’s Road Team Captain John Lex (Walmart Transportation). “You might also want to consider packing a bag of goods - blankets, food and other items that you might need in case you are stranded on the road.”

     “If you really don’t have to go anywhere during bad weather conditions, stay at home, that’s the safest place to be,” advised America’s Road Team Captain Russ Simpson (Holland).

     America’s Road Team urges people to stay off the roads during adverse conditions, but for those who must get out, the America’s Road Team Captains compiled this list of tips for drivers:

    • Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
    • Slow Down: brakes are less responsive on icy roads and other drivers may make unpredictable moves because they are being cautious. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
    • Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to insure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.
    • Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road. 
    • Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice. 
    • Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
    • Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
    • Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
    • Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
    • Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
    • Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles and be aware of any temperature changes.
    • Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
    • Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.

    American Trucking Associations and the America’s Road Team would like to thank you for staying safe this winter.

     


  • FMCSA Proposes New Rule for Determining Safety Fitness of Motor Carriers

    21 Jan 2016 10:56 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a rulemaking proposal designed to enhance the Agency’s ability to identify non-compliant motor carriers.  The Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), to be published in the Federal Register, would update FMCSA’s safety fitness rating methodology by integrating on-road safety data from inspections, along with the results of carrier investigations and crash reports, to determine a motor carrier’s overall safety fitness on a monthly basis.

    “Ensuring that motor carriers are operating safely on our nation’s roadways is one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “Using all available information  to achieve more timely assessments will allow us to better identify unsafe companies and get them off the road.”

    “This update to our methodology will help the agency focus on carriers with a higher crash risk,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling.  “Carriers that we identify as unfit to operate will be removed from our roadways until they improve.”

    The proposed SFD rule would replace the current three-tier federal rating system of “satisfactory–conditional–unsatisfactory” for federally regulated commercial motor carriers (in place since 1982) with a single determination of “unfit,” which would require the carrier to either improve its operations or cease operations. 

    Once in place, the SFD rule will permit FMCSA to assess the safety fitness of approximately 75,000 companies a month.  By comparison, the agency is only able to investigate 15,000 motor carriers annually – with less than half of those companies receiving a safety rating.

    The proposed methodology would determine when a carrier is not fit to operate commercial motor vehicles in or affecting interstate commerce based on:

    (1) the carrier’s performance in relation to a fixed failure threshold established in the rule for five of the agency’s Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs);

    (2) investigation results; or 

    (3) a combination of on-road safety data and investigation information. 

    The proposed rule further incorporates rigorous data sufficiency standards and would require that a significant pattern of non-compliance be documented in order for a carrier to fail a BASIC. 

    When assessing roadside inspection data results, the proposal uses a minimum of 11 inspections with violations in a single BASIC within a 24-month period before a motor carrier could be eligible to be identified as “unfit.”  If a carrier’s individual performance meets or exceeds the failure standards in the rule, it would then fail that BASIC.  The failure standard will be fixed by the rule.  A carrier’s status in relation to that fixed measure would not be affected by other carriers’ performance.

    Failure of a BASIC based on either crash data or compliance with drug and alcohol requirements would only occur following a comprehensive investigation.  

    FMCSA estimates that under this proposal, less than 300 motor carriers each year would be proposed as “unfit” solely as a result of on-road safety violations.  Further, the agency’s analysis has shown that the carriers identified through this on-road safety data have crash rates of almost four times the national average. 

    FMCSA encourages the public to review the NPRM and to submit comments and evidentiary materials to the docket following its publication in the Federal Register.  The public comment period will be open for 60 days.  FMCSA will also be  providing a reply comment period allowing for an additional 30 days for commenters to respond to the initial comments. 

    For more information on FMCSA’s Safety Fitness Determination proposed rule, including a full copy of the NPRM, an instructional webinar, and a Safety Fitness Determination Calculator, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sfd.  

    - See more at: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/fmcsa-proposes-new-rule-determining-safety-fitness-motor-carriers#sthash.T86bJYjL.dpuf

  • New Data Confirms Improvement in Trucking Industry Safety

    14 Jan 2016 12:57 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Recently Released Federal Crash and Mileage Data Show Reductions in Crash Rates

    Arlington, Va. – An analysis of data from the Department of Transportation done by the American Trucking Associations shows over both the long- and short-term that the rate of truck-involved fatalities is declining.

     “America’s trucking industry has invested billions to improve safety and that commitment is paying off,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.

     According to ATA’s analysis of miles traveled data from the Federal Highway Administration and highway fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the truck-involved fatality rate fell for the second straight year to 1.40 per 100 million miles traveled.

     Per NHTSA, there were 3,903 truck-involved fatalities in 2014, a decline of 61 total from the previous year. At the same time, the number of miles traveled by large trucks rose to more than 279 billion. Of note, these figures only represent fatalities where a large truck was involved in the crash and do not reflect causation. Numerous studies have found that trucks are responsible for initiating less than a third of all fatal car-truck crashes, which is why ATA supports aggressive traffic enforcement and education programs aimed at changing the unsafe behaviors of all motorists.

     The fatality rate dipped 2.78% from 2013 and has fallen 4.76% over the past two years. More importantly, it has fallen an impressive 40.6% over the past decade.

     “The short-term decline is welcome news, but the important figure is the long-term trend,” Graves said. “Short-term changes, whether they’re increases or declines, can be blips – and just like you shouldn’t track your 401k on a daily basis, they shouldn’t be the primary lens truck safety is viewed through. The long-term trend – in this case, a more than 40% improvement – is of paramount importance.”

     “Our industry has worked hard, and invested in technology and training to improve highway safety not just for our drivers, but for all motorists,” said ATA Executive Vice President for National Advocacy Dave Osiecki. “And while there is more work to do, it is gratifying to see those efforts paying off in safer roads for all of us.”

    American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook.Trucking Moves America Forward


  • FMCSA to Hold Listening Sessions on Benefits and Feasibility of Voluntary Compliance

    06 Jan 2016 12:03 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will hold public listening sessions on the benefits and feasibility of voluntary compliance, and ways to credit carriers and drivers who establish programs that promote safety beyond standard FMCSA regulations. 

    The listening sessions will be held on Jan. 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 am and 2:30 to 4:30 pm (EST), and on Jan. 31 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. FMCSA will post information in advance at www.fmcsa.dot.gov on how to participate via live webcast.


  • Be Ready. Be Buckled. Kids' Art Contest

    05 Jan 2016 12:27 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Have Family or Friends in the Commercial Bus or Truck Industry? Help Keep These Drivers Safe on the Road! 

    The art contest lets children encourage truck, bus, and all drivers to buckle up for safety. Children K-6th grade (ages 5-12) are eligible if they have relatives who work in the truck or bus industry, or are sponsored by the CMV Safety Belt Partnership members. 

    Contest Awards

    Awards are made in two categories:  

    •    Kindergarten through second grade, and 
    •    Third through sixth grades.

    The Partnership makes one grand prize and five honorable mention awards for each category.  

    Grand prize winners receive a cash award and framed copy of their winning artwork.  

    All 12 winners receive a certificate, have their artwork featured in a calendar, and are invited to an awards ceremony at the Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, DC.  Winners are also invited to a special event at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.

    Remember to enter by March 1, 2016! 

    https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/safety-belt/be-ready-be-buckled-kids-art-contest


  • CVSA Accepting Nominations for 2016 International Driver Excellence Award

    05 Jan 2016 12:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    CVSA's International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA) recognizes exceptional commercial motor vehicle drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty through the achievement of safe operation compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period of time. Nominate an exceptional driver today.  For more information, go to http://cvsa.org/programs/driver_excellence_award/. 


  • Congress directs FMCSA to develop ‘beyond compliance’ incentives for carriers

    23 Dec 2015 10:45 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The FAST Act highway bill signed into law Dec. 4, along with a raft of provisions that in some ways pulled back the reins on the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program’s Safety Measurement System, also included a section intended to be a potential addition to the program. Headed “Beyond compliance,” the section details several additional requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration over the next 18 months, the same length of time the bill gave FMCSA to address several issues with the CSA SMS and report back to Congress.

    The highway bill’s “Beyond compliance” directives require FMCSA to develop and implement in that time an incentive system for carriers that gives credit either in the CSA SMS or via some other methodology in the CSA program to carriers who do one of several things in their safety investments and operations. According to the bill’s text, credits are to be required for motor carriers who do one or a combination of the following:

    • install advanced safety equipment,
    • use enhanced driver fitness measures
    • adopt fleet safety management tools, technologies and programs
    • or satisfy an as-yet-unspecified set of other “standards determined appropriate by the Administrator.”
      The “Beyond Compliance” program’s inclusion in the highway bill ensures its regulatory pursuit. And the final bulleted item above leaves wide open credit possibilities.

    But this isn’t the first to be heard of it. FMCSA launched a request for comments on such an initiative in April, as previously reported, following a March “Beyond compliance” discussion by the agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. The committee discussed possibilities for credit-worthy activities in its September-issued letter to FMCSA. Among them were carrier use of technologies such as various collision mitigation systems, speed limiters and electronic logs; management practices, including driver training of various kinds, that promote safety; and compensation models/levels that promote safety, such as incentive programs.

    MCSAC also recommended that a third party, rather than FMCSA, administer the program. Language in the highway bill explicitly enables such an option, but leaves the decision up to the agency.

    Organizations that filed comments in response to FMCSA’s early-year request warned against structuring the program such that it becomes nothing more than a way of rewarding one group of carriers for doing some they already do. Of particular issue was investment in leading-edge technologies, more common among the larger fleets. Noted the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance in its comments, “Although similar concepts have proven more successful with larger motor carriers in other jurisdictions around the globe, it is critical that the Beyond Compliance program be inclusive of all sectors of the motor carrier industry, including smaller motor carriers.”

    The American Trucking Associations, while applauding attention to a potential program that would “help alter a challenging paradigm by changing FMCSA from an agency that takes an enforcement-centric approach to one that recognizes the safety benefits of incenting and rewarding safe behavior,” also recognized challenges to implementation.

    In addition to SMS credits of some kind, reduction of carrier Inspection Selection System scores, utilized by bypass programs and law enforcement as a marker of inspection priority at the roadside, has likewise been discussed.

    Relief from existing regulations, such as bonus hours flexibility or another incentive, however, CVSA warned against: “The Beyond Compliance program should not include any relief from existing regulations or requirements. The purpose of such a program is to recognize motor carriers who go above and beyond the minimum requirements. Releasing participating motor carriers from the minimum requirements is inappropriate and in direct conflict with the purpose of the program. CVSA strongly opposes any effort to do so.”

    Article is from Commercial Carrier Journal by Todd Dills

  • Professional Truck Drivers Urge Motorists to Be Nice, Not Naughty on the Highways

    22 Dec 2015 11:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    ATA Share the Road Professionals Offer Holiday Travel Tips

    Arlington, Va. – With more than 99 million motorists expected to use the nation’s highways this holiday season – and only one traveling via flying sleigh – American Trucking Associations and the Share the Road highway safety program want to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely by being nice and not naughty on the roads this year.

     “Even though reindeer do a great job of navigating the sleigh, drivers should not pretend to be Dasher or Comet when taking to the highways this month,” said professional driver John McKown (UPS Freight). “Safe driving is critical this time of year and there are many steps you can take to prepare for holiday travel. Take a minute to review our list of good highway safety habits before going over the river and through the woods.”

     “Winter weather poses many unique challenges to the motoring public and professional truck drivers and we want to remind everyone that the goal should be to arrive safely. That may mean leaving a few minutes early or being extra cautious when facing difficult road conditions,” said professional driver Bill West (ABF Freight). “Truck drivers are delivering many of the products that play important roles in holiday celebrations, such as decorations, wrapping paper and cookies, so we all must work together to share the road safely in order to have happy holidays.

     The Share the Road highway safety program compiled this list of tips for drivers hitting the road this holiday season:

    • Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road. If traveling with any small elves, make sure they too are properly secured.
    • Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
    • Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to insure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.
    • Don’t drive impaired: The holidays are often a time for merriment, but if you’ve had too much to drink, please do not get behind the wheel. Many services are available to get you home safely.
    • Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
    • Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.
    • Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
    • Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
    • Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving. We will only judge you for using emojis if you are using them while driving.
    • Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
    • Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods , maps, tire repair kit and flares. Cookies are good, too.
    • Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles and be aware of any temperature changes.
    • Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
    • Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight. 

    “Trucks move many of the things that make our holidays possible, but not everything,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said in a video message. “Trucks do not move the family and friends we celebrate with, so on behalf of the millions of professional truck drivers on the road, I urge you to be safe on the highways this holiday season.”

  • FMCSA Announces 120-Day Grace Period for New Medical Exam Form & Certificate

    19 Dec 2015 6:32 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The FMCSA announces a 120-day grace period during which Medical Examiners may use either the current or the newly revised versions of the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form and Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC). This period is from December 22, 2015, until April 20, 2016. This action is being taken to ensure that Medical Examiners have sufficient time to become familiar with the new forms and to program electronic medical records systems.

    View Federal Register notice at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-12-21/pdf/2015-32001.pdf. 

  • Hours-of-Service Language in Omnibus Bill Critical For Highway Safety

    16 Dec 2015 11:25 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Retaining Restart Suspension Provides Long-Term Benefit for Trucking Safety
    Arlington, Va. – Today, leaders of the American Trucking Associations thanked Congress for recognizing the harm done by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2013 hours-of-service restart restrictions and requiring the agency to meet an appropriate safety, driver health and driver longevity standard before re-imposing those restrictions.

    “We’re pleased that in the omnibus spending compromise released today, Congress has seen fit to demand that FMCSA ‘show its work,’ before imposing unnecessary and onerous restrictions on the use of the 34-hour restart by commercial drivers,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “FMCSA foisted these restrictions on the industry without doing a proper investigation into how they might impact trucking safety and truck drivers’ health and longevity, so it is completely appropriate for Congress to establish a safety and health standard.”

    In 2013, FMCSA required that drivers using a 34-hour restart to reset their weekly allotment of hours have two periods between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. in their extended off-duty period and artificially limited the use of those extended rests to once a week. ATA believed at the time, and was shown to be correct based on American Transportation Research Institute analysis of FMCSA crash data, that these restrictions would push more truck traffic into riskier daytime hours, thus increasing – not decreasing – the risk of truck-involved crashes. ATA also believed that FMCSA’s driver health and longevity theory had no basis in reality.

    “We greatly appreciate Congress’ attention into this important matter and their insistence that FMCSA properly vet and support the rules they promulgate,” said Dave Osiecki, ATA executive vice president and chief of national advocacy.

    In addition to the hours-of-service language, ATA also expressed disappointment that the omnibus bill does not allow for the modest increase in tandem trailer length that had achieved bipartisan support in the House and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

    “We’re disheartened that Congress allowed itself to be cowed by the fearmongering tactics of anti-truck lobbyists,” said ATA Chairman Pat Thomas, senior vice president of state government affairs for UPS. “By removing language that would have allowed twin 33s on U.S. highways, Congress has passed up a huge opportunity to improve highway safety and trucking’s efficiency.” 

    American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook.Trucking Moves America Forward


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