On December 3rd, FMCSA announced that changes to the CSA program applying to a motor carriers’ Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores.

After a public comment period that began in March 2012 and input from 19,000 motor carriers and 2,900 law enforcement personnel, FMCSA has implemented 11 “enhancements” to a motor carriers’ monthly SMS scores. ... Read More

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently released an overview of what it calls the Safety Management Cycle – SMC. Contained within that are SMP's – Safety Management Processes. Two more acronyms have been added to our inventory, but where do they lead us?... Read More

Truck Driver Ordered OOS Because Of Undisclosed Medical Condition, recently, this headline raised the sound of alarm in the trucking industry when a driver struck a police officer killing him. When the driver was questioned he told the officer that he had lost consciousness. The driver was on a medication that disqualified him from driving a commercial vehicle.... Read More

Be sure to check out this Stifel Nicolaus annual list of industrial trends and transportation and logistics game changers of 2012. The 12 trends they discuss in the report have varying degrees of impact for 2013. Some will have an immediate effect, while others will be bigger drivers in years to come. ... Read More

It seems that just about every day while we are out driving we come upon an accident somewhere or another. At the same time, we are thankful that the accident did not happen to us. In the world of trucking, it seems we are seeing more and more rear end accidents that look as if the driver of the vehicle did not apply the brakes in time or not at all.... Read More

Safety Managers nationwide are recognizing that the support for the rules governing CSA from within their organizations have not grown as planned since the inception of CSA. At risk is the loss of drivers, safety managers, insurance, freedom and the company itself. In comparison to other government programs, over the past two years, CSA has proven to be the greatest threat in the history of trucking, to the existence of carriers. ... Read More

When you approach the Richmond scales on I-70, the Ohio side, you’re going to get your picture and your truck’s picture taken. You won't feel a thing when the shutter snaps, but by the time you reach the scale entrance you may be in a world of hurt. The electronic photo will identify who you are instantly, and in a matter of milliseconds, will notify officers at the upcoming scale if you should be stopped and inspected. Your Pre-Pass will not let you pass if your company SMS scores are over the CSA threshold, and during your inspection you will lose your Pre-Pass.... Read More

A test program is being tried out in Indiana to encourage drivers to check in at weigh stations by making the visits faster and less painless. FMCSA representatives attended a demonstration of how two new pieces of technology will help to keep the roads safer and keep drivers on the road. Help, Inc., the creator of the new technologies put on the demonstration at a weigh station on I-70 in Richmond, IN.... Read More

Federal officials are seeking authority to shut down motor carriers that employ officials who have shown “egregious disregard” for safety regulations.

Under the proposal, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would revoke the operating authority of a carrier if someone who has controlling influence of the company’s operations “engages or has engaged in a pattern or practice of avoiding regulatory compliance or masking noncompliance while acting on behalf of any motor carrier.”... Read More

When you are part of management these four words can help you sleep better at night. Yes Sir or yes Ma’am, “everything is under control.”