Why inspectors devote full week to improving brake safety

From the driver’s seat: Truck safety perspectives

Many trucks today, for instance, have automatic emergency braking systems that can help prevent a crash. However, the idea is to never need that system to brake, according to Clark Reed, company driver and trainer for Nussbaum Transportation. That’s where proper training comes in.

Continue reading “From the driver’s seat: Truck safety perspectives”

Tips to prepare for 2021 International Roadcheck

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set the date for its 2021 International Roadcheck, the 72-hour blitz of commercial vehicle inspections across North America. From May 4-6, law enforcement officers will focus on lighting and hours of service (HOS).

Continue reading “Tips to prepare for 2021 International Roadcheck”

Driver Shortage, Insurance Cost, Top Trucking Industry Concerns

Finding truck drivers, especially as the current group ages and more people are reluctant to spend time from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the trucking industry’s biggest challenge.

That’s the finding of the latest annual American Transportation Research Institute survey of the biggest issues facing the industry.

Motor carrier chief executives also echo the same problem as they report third-quarter financial results to industry analysts and investors.

Trucking rates are going up because the industry can’t find enough drivers to meet freight demand.

Continue reading “Driver Shortage, Insurance Cost, Top Trucking Industry Concerns”

Tips to get through Brake Safety Week 2020

There can be no compromise when it comes to the safety of commercial vehicle braking systems. But statistics show there is a need for support: Last September, during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA’s) 2019 Brake Safety Week event, it was reported that 13.5% of the commercial vehicles inspected were removed from roadways because of brake maintenance-related violations.

Continue reading “Tips to get through Brake Safety Week 2020”

Tips to prep for Operation Safe Driver Week

Law enforcement officers will be on the lookout next week, July 12 through 18, for commercial vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in dangerous driver behaviors as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week. Such dangerous behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, failure to use a seatbelt, following too closely, reckless driving, drunk or drugged driving, and more.

Continue reading “Tips to prep for Operation Safe Driver Week”

Truckers hope for continued efficiency post-COVID-19

This year has changed exponentially since the novel coronavirus entered the country. What started out with stampedes for toilet paper has since escalated to civil unrest and protests for change.

Continue reading “Truckers hope for continued efficiency post-COVID-19”

FMCSA: Off-site audits to become the new norm for fleets

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced in May that it would begin the use of off-site compliance reviews for motor carriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This action was not unexpected because the FMCSA’s use of off-site audits had increased over 300% between 2018 and 2019. As the number of fleets that are audited remotely grows, so does the need for guidance on how to prepare and successfully pass an off-site audit.

Continue reading “FMCSA: Off-site audits to become the new norm for fleets”

Blinking lights cut tanker truck crashes by nearly 34%

Continue reading “Blinking lights cut tanker truck crashes by nearly 34%”

Here’s How Truckers Can Protect Themselves From Covid-19

Truckers have kept much of the economy afloat as large portions of the nation shelter in place to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

But those truckers have delivered badly needed food, household goods and medical supplies at risk to themselves. They have to fuel their vehicles. They need rest and food stops. They take loads and drop cargo off at docks. Every point of contact is a point of risk.

Commercial Truck Trader has compiled advice for ways truckers can stay safe on the road until the pandemic subsides.

Continue reading “Here’s How Truckers Can Protect Themselves From Covid-19”