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Low Bridge Accidents Point to GPS Systems, Federal Standards Sought

Friday, September 28th, 2012

video

The video on the right portrays 13 trucking accidents occurring under a low bridge in Durham, NC within a 13 month time frame.

Unfortunately, these accidents are drastically increasing throughout the country and consumer GPS systems are playing a large role.

NY Senator Chuck Schumer addressed the issue last Monday, stating that over 80% of low-bridge accidents in NY were the result of truckers “relying on consumer GPS systems to plan their routes,” with over 200 of these cases occurring in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester County in the last two years.1

Whereas commercial GPS systems contain information for truckers, such as bridge clearances, the consumer GPS systems many truckers are utilizing due to lack of knowledge regarding the differences between these units as well as cost (consumer GPS systems range from $100 to $175 while commercial systems can average between $300 to $400) do not provide the same level of detail and often direct trucks into danger zones.1

showme

Road Scholar’s ShowMe feature allows us to use the Google Maps traffic congestion overlay to see where our trucks are and where traffic may effect delivery in order to choose the best route to avoid delays.

Not only do these crashes result in traffic tie-ups, but damage cost, including the customer’s freight.  According to Schumer, “Repairs on the Long Island Expressway alone due to truck- bridge accidents have cost $4.1 million. In addition, the state has spent $3 million for 300 bridge warning signs.”2

The DOT is currently looking into Schumer’s request to “develop federal standards for truck routing systems” as well as “conduct an investigation into the increased bridge accidents” and for GPS system manufacturers to “include warning systems for truck drivers to prevent them from ever getting on parkways illegally.” 1, 3

In 2011, the state of IL passed a law that went into effect this year that would help reduce low-bridge accidents.  According to the law:

-Local governments would be required to “report road restrictions and designations to the state Department of Transportation, which posts a unified list on its web site.”1

-The DOT is required to “prepare a brochure to educate drivers about the problem by explaining the difference between a consumer and a commercial GPS system.”1 This can be found at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdl14.pdf.

-The DOT “includes material about the distinction between consumer and truck routing systems in its curriculum for its commercial driver’s license exam.” 1

“If we have the technology to send a truck to Mars, we have the technology to prevent trucks from crashing into bridges,” Schumer stated.2

Below are the benefits of utilizing a commercial GPS as stated in the IL DOT’s brochure.

  • “Unlike car GPS units, truck-specific GPS devices take into account road restrictions, type of load carried, truck configuration, and other metrics.”4
  • “Truck devices help prevent commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from getting stuck on roads, under bridges or other inappropriate places, thus preventing traffic incidents.”4
  • “The devices also keep CMVs off of weight-restricted roads and bridges, which in turn protects the integrity of our highways.”4
  • “They also help to keep hazardous loads off restricted roads, further improving public safety.”4

Do you feel that federal standards, including warning systems, for truck routing systems need to be developed in order to prevent access onto illegal parkways and low-bridge accidents from trucking companies using consumer GPS systems?

1http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=78126

2http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-09-24/truckers-directed-by-gps-said-to-hit-new-york-bridges-200-times

3http://newrochelle.dailyvoice.com/news/schumer-bridge-strikes-threaten-scarsdale-drivers

4http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdl14.pdf

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Amendment to Block EOBR Mandate Added as President Set to Sign Highway Bill this Friday

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

highway bill(This is the first of four articles regarding passage of the highway bill.  Stay tuned for upcoming articles of an in depth look of the bill’s affects on truckers and shippers)

After almost three years, the highway bill finally made its way through the House and Senate last Friday, headed to the President for final approval, who will sign it in a ceremony on Friday, July 6th.

In a 373-52 House and 74-19 Senate vote, the two-year bill will generate nearly $100 billion ($52.2 billion in 2013 and $52.95 billion in 2014) towards federal highway programs.

For truckers, the bill would do the following:

* FMCSA is required to “conduct a field study on the effectiveness of the 34-hour restart provision in its hours-of-service rule.” 2

With an effective date of 2013, the FMCSA’s hours-of-service revision of the 34-hour restart provision would include two consecutive breaks between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., a ruling that drivers are arguing would decrease their work week from 82 to 70 hours.

Groups including the American Trucking Associations (ATA) have been arguing for months against the restart provision believing that “by mandating drivers include two periods between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. as part of a ‘restart’ period, FMCSA is assuring that every day as America is commuting to work, thousands of truck drivers will be joining them, creating additional and unnecessary congestion and putting motorists and those professional drivers at greater risk.” 3

* The creation of a federal alcohol and drug clearing house

The creation of a national clearinghouse for truck driver drug and alcohol test results is not something new for the trucking industry.  Last year, The Safe Roads Act of 2011 proposed a similar method that would do the following:

Employers

-Need to submit all data on tests in which they conducted or a driver’s failure to cooperate into the database (“clearinghouse”) 4

-Need to make sure that a test was conducted within the last three years and whether or not a driver was willing to partake or not 4

-If a driver is hired, employers will need to check that driver in the database every year 4

-Will be notified of any “positive test results that show up during the week after an employer’s inquiry” 4

Drivers

-Must give their consent before their information is given out to an employer 4

-Will be notified of any activity regarding their records (releasement, additional records, or changes) 4

-Need to maintain current/accurate records 4

-Need to follow proper procedures if tested positive in order to return-to-duty 4

* “Reauthorize DOT hazardous materials safety programs” 5

* Mandatory usage of electronic onboard recorders on all trucks

Groups such as the American Trucking Associations support the mandatory use of EOBRs, while others such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association oppose the devices.

Although the bill contains an EOBR mandate, an amendment set to block its passage was recently added to the legislation. 6 The amendment states that “none of the funds made available by this act may be used to promulgate or implement any regulations that would mandate global positioning system (GPS) tracking, electronic on-board recording devices or event recorders in passenger or commercial motor vehicles,” although Congress would still be able to fund it with the appropriations bill. 1

In order to get a better look at the facts behind EOBRs, we are giving you 11 common EOBR myths provided by Xata.  Click here to view.

In your opinion, should EOBRs become mandatory in the highway bill or should it be blocked?

1http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2012/6/29/HouseamendmentstripsfundingforEOBRmandate.aspx

2http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=29646&t=Congress-Passes-Highway-Bill

3http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2011/12/22/ATAObamaadministrationsfinalHOSruleputssafetyinthebackseat.aspx

4http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=73488

5http://ohsonline.com/articles/2012/06/29/long-awaited-highway-bill-passed.aspx?admgarea=news

6http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=77386

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Charity Group Provides Assistance to Truckers and Their Families This Christmas

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Imagine losing your job just days before Christmas.  Even worse, imagine that you’re a truck driver in another state when it happened, now unable to get home for the holidays.

That’s what happened to several employees two years ago when their trucking company had closed its doors, stopping payment on drivers’ fuel cards, leaving them stranded for the holidays.

Fortunately for 14 drivers, they were given the best Christmas present of all, much needed aid in getting home for the holidays thanks to the Trucker Charity Christmas Group.

Trucker Charity Inc. began in 2008 when a truck driver known as Wonderful Wayne, posted an idea on a trucking site suggesting the notion of establishing a fundraiser that would help needy truckers at Christmastime.

In its first year, the 501 non-profit charity split the money it raised between needy families.

In the next year, however, businesses who had heard about the charity began to get involved, donating items that the organization could sell to raise money.  Trucker Charity used this money to help the truckers mentioned earlier, get home for the holidays.

This touching story earned the hearts of more and more sponsors and the next year, the group was able to provide 15 families with a $600 check to use as they’d like for Christmas.  A recording on Trucker Charity Inc.’s website recalls the group telling one of the families that they had won a $600 Walmart money gram and the shear appreciation in their voices.

Another driver, who had been fired for refusing to load and operate a trailer that the DOT had placed out of service, was able to get back home from Grand Island, NE to Tampa, FL with the group’s help.

These three years raised more than $30,000, helping 49 truckers and their families.

This Christmas season marks the fourth year in which the Trucker Charity Christmas Group is lending a helping hand, calling on individuals to help make it possible.

100% of donations are used to provide truckers with transportation, food, and stay.  As Trucker Charity notes, the cost of this per trucker averages $200-$300, while “The Christmas Group funds…are given out as cash for the families to use however they wish.”

There are many ways to donate:

special edition ornament

-Special Edition Ornament:  Every year a different individual/company sponsors the Trucker Charity Ornament.  Individuals can purchase the special edition ornament (sponsored by The Christmas Group this year) with proceeds going towards the cause.

-Peddle Car Raffle:  Individuals can purchase raffle tickets for their chance of winning a John Deere Peddle Car right in peddle cartime for the holidays.  Tickets cost $3 for one ticket, $10 for 11 tickets, $20 for 25 tickets, and so on.  Those purchasing 25 tickets will receive a free ornament-60 tickets a Trucker Charity CD by Terry Wooley, 100 tickets both the ornament and cd.  But hurry, the group will be choosing the winner on December 17th.  Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.truckercharity.org/.  

-A one time or monthly donation.

-Fundraising Store:  Individuals can purchase items including CDs, DVDs, clothing, books, calendars, truck accessories, and more at http://www.truckercharity.org/christmas-group-2010.php.

The group also encourages individuals to join/volunteer.  Many of those truckers who have received help in the past have decided to give back by becoming members and helping others.  Yearly membership cost $45.

Those wishing to apply for assistance can do so online or by calling 888-523-0087.  Nominations are due by Dec. 19.

To learn more about Trucker Charity, visit their site at http://www.truckercharity.org/.

Don’t forget to check out www.roadscholarawareness.org to find out how Road Scholar Transport is helping our community as well with our 10 Million Miles to a Cure Awareness Campaign.

What do you think of truckers getting involved/giving back this holiday season?  List your comments below.

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Safety Reauthorization Bills to be Presented to Senate Next Week, Available via Live Stream

Friday, December 9th, 2011

SenatThree transportation bills introduced earlier this week covering safety topics which include electronic on-board recording devices (EOBRs), chameleon carriers, detention, the loading/unloading of hazardous materials, among other issues, will be heard by the Senate Commerce Committee next week.

The first bill, the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011, “reauthorizes highway and vehicle safety programs under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration…managing safety and research programs designed to decrease vehicle deaths and injuries by changing driver behavior” (http://www.transportationissuesdaily.com/senate-to-act-on-highway-safety-bills/).

Among these safety programs is the mandatory requirement of electronic on-board recorders (EOBRS) on trucks.

Last August, the U.S. Court of Appeals sided with the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), agreeing that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) needed to address the issue of driver harassment in their EOBR mandate.

On November 1st, the FMCSA submitted its proposal of whether it will reduce a driver’s hours of service from 11 to 10 hours, among several other proposed changes.  But before the FMCSA’s decision will be announced to the public, the OMB must first review the rule, returning it to the DOT with any recommendations, who will then pass it to the Federal Register for publication.

Recommendations to the requirement were submitted to the FMCSA this week with details on the suggestions expected to be released next week.

The bill also addresses the issue of chameleon carriers (existing carriers who register as a new carrier in order to hide poor safety records).  As Transport Topics notes, “The bill would also make it harder for a carrier shut down for violations to “reincarnate” under a new name,” along with “requiring new ‘applicant motor carriers’ to demonstrate knowledge of safety regulations through written exams.”

Detention, labeled the “biggest productivity or efficiency problem in trucking” by the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association (OOIDA), costing the trucking industry $3 billion a year and drivers 30-40 hours a week, is also addressed in the bill.

This detention not only threatens the next shipment on the driver’s truck being late, but also takes away from a driver’s allowed hours of service (HOS).  In return, the bill explains concern that drivers who are detained would be more apt to violate their HOS, driving fatigue in order to make delivery appointments.

The other two bills (the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2011 and Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011) are not yet available to the public but would include the requirement of “a paperless hazard communication system between all parties in the transportation chain, along with emergency responders and law enforcement personnel,” as well as “uniform procedures for the safe loading and unloading of hazardous materials on and off trucks,” Transport Topics explains.

Road Scholar Transport is a hazmat certified carrier, hiring only the most professional and experienced drivers who are subject to background checks and safety tests well beyond the industry standard.  Road Scholar’s hazmat certified drivers participate in a training program that keeps them “up to speed” on the latest techniques to prevent accidents and protect hazardous cargo.  Combine Road Scholar’s drivers’ experience with our strict in transit security protocols and the result is a “security officer” behind the wheel escorting your freight.

Those wishing to tune into the session on Wednesday can do so at 10 a.m. by going to http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Home.

news on the trucking industry

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Final HOS Rule Expected by Year’s End

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) expects to ring in the New Year with a final hours of service (HOS) rule.

Last Monday, Public Citizen, along with the FMCSA, told the U.S. Court of Appeals that they should have enough time to issue a final rule within the next 30 days.

The rule, which threatens reducing a driver’s hours of service from 11 to 10 hours, among several other proposed changes, had an original publishing date set for October 28th, but when the FMCSA could not meet the deadline, they were granted a November 28th extension.

Shortly after the extension was granted, the FMCSA submitted their updated proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on November 1st.

The OMB must first review the rule (a process that can take up to 60-90 days), return it to the DOT with any recommendations, who will then pass it to the Federal Register for publication before the FMCSA’s decision will be announced to the public.

But from the looks of it, the FMCSA will face a battle regardless of its decision.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA), who is pushing for the FMCSA to uphold the current HOS rule based on its proven effectiveness in safety as well as cost issues with the revised proposal, have already stated that they would take action if the HOS rules were changed.

At the same time, Public Citizen, who said that they would accept a decrease in the amount of driving time to 10 hours as well as the 34-hour restart proposal as well as support mandatory electronic onboard recorders, stated that they would reopen their suit if the current HOS rule was sustained.

Still, the HOS is expected to stir up more debate tomorrow at a House hearing in which the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs is scheduled to hold a session entitled, “The Price of Uncertainty: How Much Could DOT’s Proposed Billion Dollar Service Rule Cost Consumers This Holiday Season” (http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=75409).

Listen to the hearing live on November 30th at 10 a.m. by going to Oversight.House.Gov.

Road Scholar Transport

Visit www.roadscholar.com for updated news in the trucking industry and to ship with a safe company, equipped with the latest technology.

Are you in support of the FMCSA’s proposal or would you rather the agency sustain the current HOS rules?  List your comments below!

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Final Rule Banning Hand-Held Cell Phone Usage Among Truck Drivers Could Result in $11,000 Fine for Carriers

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Text messaging while driving distracts an individual for an average of 4.6 seconds, increasing their risk of an accident by 23 times (http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html).  Given these facts, texting continues to still grow with over 196 billion messages being sent last June alone.

cell phone

In an attempt to reduce the risk of an accident/injury, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibited commercial truck drivers from texting while driving last year, with the DOT extending the rule to include intrastate HAZMAT drivers earlier this year.

Last Wednesday, the FMCSA took the rule a step further, this time banning interstate truck drivers from utilizing hand-held cell phones while driving.  The rule, which still allows drivers to continue usage of hands-free phones, will affect nearly four million drivers, according to the FMCSA website.

Strict penalties have been put into place to enforce the new ruling.  According to www.fmcsa.dot.gov, any driver caught in violation could face a maximum fine of $2,750 with carriers allowing their drivers to operate a vehicle while using a hand-held phone facing a fine of $11,000.  Those drivers being issued “two or more serious traffic violations” will have their CDL suspended.

Distraction.gov states the following statistics regarding cell phone usage during operation of a vehicle:

-Reaching for an object/cell phone increases the risk of an accident by three times

-Dialing a phone increases the likely of an accident by six times

-There were 5,474 fatalities and nearly 500,000 injuries due to distracted driving in 2009

-Talking on the phone (either hand-held or hands-free) gives the driver a concentration equal to a blood alcohol level of 0.08

-Talking on the phone while driving decreases concentration by 37%

Given these stats, the FMCSA issued the new ruling, set to go in effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

truck

Road Scholar Transport promotes safety on the road, which is why we have policies on driver cell phone usage.  In addition to policies, Road Scholar’s newly equipped Bendix Wingman ACB system allows our trucks to maintain a set distance of 8/10ths of a mile marker behind a forward vehicle.

When cruise control is off, the ACB will deliver a beeping alert, which gets faster and louder when closing in on a vehicle, as well as a visual warning on the dashboard showing how far the vehicle is from your truck.

When cruise control is on, the ACB will automatically reduce the throttle, use the engine retarder, or apply the brakes (delivering 1/3 the vehicle’s power with the driver applying the rest if needed) in order to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.  Talk about crash prevention.

Check out all of Road Scholar’s safety features at www.roadscholar.com and get on board a safe carrier today.

What do you think of the FMCSA’s ruling banning hand-held cell phone usage?  Do you think that the FMCSA should ban hands-free usage as well?  List your comments below.

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FMCSA’s HOS Proposal Moves to White House for Final Review

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

FMCSAShortly after pushing back the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s deadline to publish a final hours of service (HOS) rule from October 28th to November 28th, the FMCSA has submitted their updated proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

On November 1st, the FMCSA submitted its proposal of whether it will reduce a driver’s hours of service from 11 to 10 hours, among several other proposed changes.  But before the FMCSA’s decision will be announced to the public, the OMB must first review the rule, returning it to the DOT with any recommendations, who will then pass it to the Federal Register for publication.

As www.truckinginfo.com notes, the OMB’s process usually takes between 60-90 days with a potential publication date expected in late February or sooner.

But the FMCSA’s decision is bound to strike controversy either way.

The FMCSA has already butted heads with Public Citizen who agreed to suspend their lawsuit against the agency if they agreed to revise the rule, stating that they would

renew their suit if they disagreed with the new ruling, truckinginfo.com notes.

As Public Citizen and safety group advocate spokesman Henry Jasney explained last February, the groups filing suit would accept a decrease in the amount of driving time to 10 hours as well as the 34-hour restart proposal and support mandatory electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) (http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=73024).

On the other hand, Republican committee members have signed a letter last September addressed to President Obama noting the financial burden associated with the new proposal, asking to uphold the current HOS rule which has already proven effective in reducing accidents.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA), which is also against any changes to the current rule, has threatened action as well, including a lawsuit, if revision occurs.

For more news and updates in the trucking industry, visit www.roadscholar.com and let Road Scholar Transport handle all of your shipping needs.

What do you think the FMCSA has chosen to do regarding their HOS proposal?  What decision would you most like to see?  List your comments below.

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FMCSA Takes Action Against Chameleon Carriers, Publishing Revision to Unified Registration System Proposal

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

FMCSAIn May of 2005, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a proposal that would require motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers who were registered with the DOT under 49 CFR 390.19 or 49 U.S.C. 13901 to “register with the FMCSA and periodically update registration information provided on a newly proposed registration form” (www.fmcsa.dot.gov).

But as more and more chameleon carriers (existing carriers who register as a new carrier in order to hide poor safety records) are coming out of the woodwork, the FMCSA is seeking solutions by revising their Unified Registration System (URS) proposal.

As thetrucker.com explains, the FMCSA has been under pressure lately over how effective they are in preventing chameleon carriers from entering into the system under a new DOT number.

The FMCSA’s Anne Ferro stated, “It is so easy to get an extra DOT number; it is too easy to get operating authority if you are not in the motor coach or household goods category,” thetrucker.com reported.

In response, the FMCSA published a new set of revised rules last Wednesday which include “certain screens a carrier must answer before they get to the next question” during the front-end application process, with “ behind-the-scenes checks that match other activities in which the principals of that company have been involved,” as well as “replacing four current identification and registration systems with a single, online system to consolidate and simplify current registration processes and to increase public accessibility to data about motor carriers and motor coach companies”

(http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2011/10/26/FMCSAmakesmovetopreventoperationofchameleoncarriersbuscompanies.aspx).

This system would get rid of the ICC MCC number and provide carriers with a single USDOT number, the article explains.

Road Scholar Transport provides a convenient site on their webpage where shippers can access our DOT Motor Carrier Safety Certificate, DOT Hazmat Authority, Liability Insurance, and other permits/certifications that you need to ensure that you are shipping with a qualified carrier and not a chameleon trucking company.

Although the FMCSA revised their proposal, issuing a supplemental notice, thetrucker.com notes that there still needs to be a comment period, pushing the proposal back a minimum of two years before a rule could be put in place.

What do you think of the FMCSA’s proposal?  What do you think needs to be done to prevent chameleon carriers from operating?

want a safe carrier

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FMCSA Expected to Accept HOS Revision, Plans to Meet Oct. 28 Deadline

Friday, October 14th, 2011

FMCSA

For months the trucking industry has been awaiting word on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s final decision on whether the hours of service rule will change or if the agency has decided to uphold the current rule.  From the looks of it, the FMCSA is expected to choose revision.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and National Private Truck Council are among several delegates who are continuously showing their opposition of the proposal based on cost of implementation, greater congestion on the road, inaccurate crash statistics, and numbers demonstrating safety improvement by the current HOS rule, among other issues.

On the other hand, there are groups supporting the FMCSA’s HOS proposal for a decrease in driving time from 11 to 10 hours among other revisions, believing that it would improve safety on the road by removing tired drivers as well as save billions in crash savings.

Ten safety and public advocacy groups, along with the Teamsters Union, are among those favoring the revision, sending a letter to President Obama earlier this week stating, “On behalf of our organizations representing public health and safety advocates, truck drivers, and victims and survivors of truck crashes, we are writing to indicate our strong support for the pending reform of the Hours of Service (HOS) rule for truck drivers proposed by the Department of Transportation (DOT)” (http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2011/10/11/UnionsafetygroupssendlettertoObamapushingHOSreformrule.aspx).

The rule has yet to enter the Office of Management and Budget for approval but the FMCSA believes that it will meet its October 28 deadline to publish a final form, thetrucker.com notes.

With the deadline just two weeks away, analysts are stating their expectations, believing that changes to the HOS rule will be published.  At the same time, FTR senior consultant Noel Perry explains, “It’s almost certain there will be a court challenge and that could put the whole thing off for several years,” (http://www.truckersnews.com/analyst-expects-hours-rule-changes/).

If a reduction in driving hours is approved, it will lead to less productivity, for drivers will be restrained to how far they can travel/how many loads they can deliver without breaking their hours of service, many rushing in order to not exceed their hours, decreasing safety on the roads instead of increasing it like believed.

apply today

In order to secure more loads, companies need invest more money on drivers and trucks, dipping into an already slim driver pool.  With a decrease in availability, companies are offering higher wages in order to recruit qualified drivers to their companies instead of their competitor’s.

Visit www.roadscholar.com to ship with a safe company, equipped with the latest technology and operating newer equipment.  Road Scholar Transport is always looking for qualified, safe drivers.  Apply today at http://www.roadscholar.com/employment.php.

Do you think the FMCSA will keep the current HOS rule or revise it?  What do you think of this decision?  List your comments below.

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Drivers May be Given Only One Chance After Failing to Obtain Medical Card Before Being Put Out-of-Service

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Not carrying a medical card after a previous warning could result in CDL drivers being taken out-of-service, according to a new proposal being looked at by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).

medical card

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires CDL drivers to carry a valid medical card, which the American Trucking Associations states, makes up the fourth most popular citation for drivers.

The validation process for driver medical cards, created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is set for January 30, 2012 for state licensing departments, but as the CVSA notes, not all states will be ready by that time, and therefore, additional protection is sought after (http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=73702).

Hoping to cut back on the number of citations and promote safety on the road, the FMCSA proposed that a driver be taken out-of-service if they are caught without their medical card.  The CVSA, however, decided that not having a medical card on hand did not pose an “imminent hazard” or increase the risk of an accident, and therefore, is looking at granting drivers two “strikes” instead of one before being placed out-of-service, truckinginfo.com notes.

The FMCSA is encouraging stricter penalties since many drivers that do not carry a certification do so not because they forgot it, but because they are not qualified to carry it, the article explains.

To obtain a medical card, a driver must pass a physical medical examination, which includes seven sections such as hearing, vision, height/weight, mental health, blood pressure, urinalysis, etc.

Medical conditions that pose as a driving risk, such as impaired vision, diabetes, or alcohol abuse, lead to disqualification.

Those that pass will be issued a medical card which is valid for up to two years, depending on if the driver has a current medical condition that needs to be monitored, such as high blood pressure.  Learn more the DOT medical exam and CMV certification at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/aboutdotexam.htm.

Using the Driver Information Resource database, inspectors can verify if the driver has a previous violation or not, but as the truckinginfo.com explains, a decision on the proposal will not be reached until the CVSA meets in the faroad scholarll.

Ensure that the driver carrying your freight is qualified by shipping your LTL and truckload freight with Road Scholar Transport.  By visiting www.roadscholar.com, you will be granted access to online driver verification, instant rates, industry news, and much more.  Check it out today!

Do you feel that drivers should be taken out-of-service if they fail to provide their medical card on two occasions?

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