Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) holds a three-day long International Roadcheck. This year’s event will go from June 5-7 and will focus on hours-of-service compliance. This should not come as a surprise given all of the excitement surrounding the recent electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and its ability to enforce HOS regulations [...]
The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate went into effect in December of 2017, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted an interim period to allow drivers to get used to using the technology. While officers could still issue warnings and citations, they would not place drivers out of service. Warnings also had no [...]
Fleet managers can only do so much to prevent dangerous driving. While they can hold training, outline rules in a company handbook, and establish clear disciplinary procedures, this is not always enough. Fleet managers cannot be in the vehicle with all of their drivers at all times. When drivers violate too many rules or perform [...]
Tackling seat belt usage among commercial drivers is a long-term goal for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Their plan of attack has included providing encouragement, issuing stern warnings, and enforcing mandates. While the numbers fall short of the 100% compliance goal, the data is encouraging. In 2007, a meager 65% of commercial drivers reported [...]
Cargo theft is a multi-billion dollar problem for the trucking industry. However, as technology and safety equipment improve so to do would-be thieves. They continue to hone their skills to adapt to increased security. While cargo theft will likely never stop, it is much easier to prevent theft than it is to get stolen cargo [...]
Preventative maintenance is key to getting the most life out of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). While some drivers and fleets put off maintenance to save a few dollars in the short term, the long-term costs of delaying will add up faster. For example, engine oil can last for up to 50,000 miles in a [...]
Safety is not just a goal for the transportation industry; it is a measure of success and sustainability. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) measures how safe carriers and drivers are with the Safety Measurement System (SMS) as part of their Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) initiative. The program helps identify unsafe drivers and determines [...]
Commercial drivers strive to deliver their cargo on time and in pristine condition, but damage can happen to the best of drivers. Fleets struggling with frequent damaged freight claims can take several steps to mitigate the problem. With persistence, meticulousness, and a solid routine, fleets can minimize claims related to damaged cargo. How to Reduce [...]
Sometimes businesses need commercial vehicles even when they are not in the transportation industry. Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists all may require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to transport their equipment from customer to customer. However, when driving is a secondary function of an individual’s job, they may focus less on their performance behind the [...]
Every fleet can benefit from tightening up their budget, but finding ways to save is not always obvious. Certain expenditures such as fuel and maintenance are evergreen, but there are still plenty of opportunities to trim costs. The following are several methods fleets can utilize to reduce their overhead and keep their budget under control. [...]