LATEST TRUCKING NEWS
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ABS, cargo securement emphasis of Roadcheck blitz in May
CVSA-certified inspectors across Canada, Mexico, and the United States will be conducting a 72-hour inspection and enforcement event called Roadcheck, with a focus on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement. This high-visibility, high-volume event aims to emphasize the importance of these aspects of vehicle safety. Although ABS violations are not classified as out-of-service (OOS) violations, they play a critical role in preventing collisions by allowing drivers to maintain control of their vehicles while braking, preventing wheels from locking up or skidding. Last year’s inspection campaign revealed that defective brake systems accounted for 25.2% of OOS violations, with defective service brakes being responsible for 12.7% of such violations.
FMCSA’s Hutcheson: Revised guidelines by summer for drug hair testing
In 2020, HHS attempted to release guidelines on truck driver drug hair-tests, but the move was met with opposition from various groups, representing both sides of the issue. During a luncheon speech on driver safety and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) aim of achieving zero fatalities, Hutcheson provided several regulatory updates. She highlighted the alarming statistic of around 5,000 truck-related crashes occurring annually, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800 truck drivers.
Class 8 orders rise for first time in months
Two research firms that monitor commercial vehicle activity have reported that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders increased in February, marking the first such rise in five months. Following the record-breaking highs in September, there had been a consistent decline in monthly orders, but February saw a rebound in orders, which could indicate a return to more consistent levels of fleet equipment ordering.
How FMCSA Scores Carrier Safety is Changing
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put forward a proposal that includes a range of significant changes to its Safety Measurement System (SMS). The SMS is the method used to identify which motor carriers require enforcement actions, and the proposed changes are expected to have a notable impact on trucking companies.
Daimler recalling 60,000 trucks for steering issue
According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling approximately 60,604 trucks of different models due to a potential problem with the drag link taper joint in the steering system. This recall is an extension of a previous recall that was announced in September 2021 and affected over 105,000 Freightliner Cascadia tractors manufactured between 2019 and 2021.
The issue with the drag link taper joint could cause a loss of steering control, which could result in a crash. Therefore, it is critical that DTNA address the issue and take corrective measures as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the affected vehicles.
FEBUARY 2023 CASE STUDIES
4-UNIT ACCOUNTRENO, NV
2-UNIT ACCOUNTCHARLOTTE,NC
5-UNIT ACCOUNT
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
3-UNIT ACCOUNT
DAYTON, OH
DAYTON, OH