Since introducing the electronic logging device (ELD) regulation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has experienced pushback from independent drivers and fleets alike. However, when looking closely at their concerns, the problem lies more with the existing hours of service (HOS) regulations rather than the ELDs themselves. FMCSA requested comments regarding this issue, and [...]
When a text message alert pings a driver’s phone, the impulse to pick it up and read it is automatic. However, that brief glance away from the road can prove lethal for the drivers who earn their living behind the wheel. Texting while driving is bad enough for passenger vehicles; however, for drivers operating large [...]
In the trucking industry, the most common source of accidents is backing up a long tractor-trailer. The maneuver is difficult and takes years of practice to do well. Even veteran drivers struggle with reversing long tractor-trailers; however, this doesn’t mean fleets have to accept accidents as unavoidable. The damage and related costs of reversing accidents [...]
The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate has warped the perception of telematics for many fleets. Some are coming to view telematics and ELDs as synchronized technology, but this isn’t the case. While ELDs do provide telematics data, telematics uses go beyond hours of service (HOS) compliance. The trouble is getting the industry to realize this. [...]
Safety is what keeps fleets thriving in today’s competitive environment. However, even though safety is every fleets’ number one priority, the rate of fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles has steadily increased since 2009. The reason why is obvious: a booming economy. As the economy recovered from the recession in 2008, more people starting ordering goods, [...]
When various agencies within the Department of Transportation (DOT) release their driver safety reports, they often pull their findings from accident statistics. Their intent is to inform fleet managers of the leading causes of accidents so they can gear their safety policies toward addressing the top risks. The most common risky driver behaviors reported include: [...]
The margins for small to mid-size trucking operations are often much tighter than larger fleets. They can’t weather major fluctuations in expenses as well as their bigger counterparts, which means small to mid-size fleets need to reign in and control costs as much as possible. Small to mid-size trucking companies can use the following tactics [...]
Truck drivers make their living by being on the road. However, this exposes them to enraged drivers more often than the average motorist. Drivers who make decisions while in a rage are dangerous to themselves and the drivers around them. Truck drivers who prepare themselves for these challenging situations can protect themselves and their cargo. [...]
Can predictive modeling improve fleet safety and reduce driver turnover? Let’s begin with a definition. Predictive modeling is a process used to create a statistical model of future behavior. Predictive analytics is a form of data mining concerned with forecasting probabilities and trends, and can be used to help a wide variety of businesses from [...]
Many drivers and fleets view roadside inspections as a necessary evil. No one relishes them, but they are well aware that inspection help keep the roads safe. Unfortunately, inspections take time and can eat into a driver’s hours of service (HOS). Drivers aren’t alone in their desire for a rapid inspection, either. Inspectors and officers [...]