Safety : Articles

A Decent Proposal The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed to include the rear impact guard, or underride guard, to the list of items that are required to be checked out during every commercial vehicle’s annual...

On September 9-11, 2020, federal and state motor carrier inspectors conducted more than 50,000 North American Standard Level I, II, III and V inspections during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) three-day International Roadcheck...

The perfect gift this Valentine’s Day is the gift of heart health. Along with Valentine’s Day, February marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health....

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations requires a motor carrier qualifying a new driver to obtain and review the motor vehicle record of the driver within 30 days of the date of hire CFR 391.23. As a Better Business Practice it is recommended...

Now that Joe Biden has been sworn in as U.S. President, motor carriers are wondering what his administration will mean for the trucking industry. Executive Actions While Democratic administrations tend to favor new safety initiatives, much of an...

How to Properly Mark a Commercial Motor Vehicle A common question I receive from customers is “What size do the letters and numbers need to be on the placard or marking on the side of my commercial vehicle?” Ironically, there is NO size designation...

Below are some tips for protecting your truck during the cold winter months! Diesel supplement should be added to the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. If you truck is equipped with an engine block heater it...

A single-vehicle accident is any driving mishap where only one vehicle is involved.   This can include veering off the road and hitting a tree, a rollover crash, or damage caused by animals or debris on the road. Bad weather, poor visibility...

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a proposed rule to include rear impact guards on the list of items that must be examined as part of the required annual inspection for each commercial motor vehicle. 85 Fed. Reg. 85571...

The Transportation Security Administration has confirmed that after December 31, 2020, the agency will not continue authorization of State Driver Licensing Agencies to extend the validity of Hazardous Materials Endorsements that have expired. The...

All motor carriers operating CMV’s over 10,000 lbs. MGVWR, transporting HM in placardable quantities or transporting passengers are required to record accidents on a register by calendar year as defined in 49 CFR 390.51. Even if no accidents were...

Cold Weather Precautions To Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature falls below normal. Early and mild symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, mental slowness or lethargy, muscular stiffness, and...

Help Is on the Way The first vaccines are starting to roll out, and the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a national emergency declaration giving hours of service (HOS) relief to commercial vehicle operators...

Cumberland Idealease is proud to continue partnership with GraceWorks in Franklin, TN. Earlier this year Cumberland Idealease formed a partnership with GraceWorks Ministries in Franklin, TN. This past week Cumberland had the opportunity to partner...

Now is a good time to remind your drivers of the consequences of drinking during the holiday season and what effect their actions can have on their CDL or operator's license and ultimately their employment with your company. Advise your drivers to...

What documentation is required to be kept in the vehicle of units I have from Idealease showing that the vehicle is a lease or rented vehicle? Answer: If the vehicle is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSA) regulations (greater than...

The first annual DOT Clearinghouse deadline is only a few weeks away, with annual queries for all DOT-regulated CDL drivers due by January 5, 2021. If you have not yet run a query on each CDL driver you employ, (including yourself if you are an...

When we are training our drivers regarding safety, one area that is often overlooked is the safe operation of the liftgate. Like any other piece of powered, automated equipment, drivers must learn to safely operate liftgates. There are numerous...

FMCSA Releases ‘Ag Commodity’ HOS Rule Change The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released a new hours-of-service rule affecting motor carriers engaged in the transportation of livestock, produce, grains, plants, and other...

FMCSA Publishes 2020 Pocket Guide to Truck and Bus Statistics The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published the 2020 edition of its Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics.  The report contains data on the motor carrier and...

New Operation Lifesaver Video Warns Filming on Train Tracks is Illegal & Deadly!  Operation Lifesaver has for years warned people of taking photos standing on rail tracks, as this portrays this is a safe place for pedestrians. With the ever...

Always Expect a Train at EACH AND EVERY Crossing! Safety Tips for Truck Drivers Ever think how many times a day on your drivers routes your drivers cross a train track? Most of the time drivers take for granted that there is not a train coming and...

Have You Prepared Your Terminal Facility for the Long Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend? It is not uncommon for thieves to target truck terminals over the holidays as they know it is a good opportunity are there is no one there.  Make sure that you take...

End-of-year holidays and vacations often throw a wrench into a motor carrier's plans to notify drivers of DOT random testing. Then add in a national health emergency such as COVID-19, and your annual testing may fall short. Carriers subject to 49...

How does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration address the use of a driver by multiple employers? Answer: Yes, this situation is addressed in several ways throughout the regulations; however, it is confusing. Drivers that work part time,...

A Focus on Pedestrian Safety! Help Prevent Roadway Accidents Involving Pedestrians Many pedestrians assume drivers will see them easily and stop their vehicles. However, due to factors such as heavy traffic, poor road conditions and various kinds...

TSA Extends Exemption for Expired Hazardous Materials Endorsements The Transportation Security Administration has extended the exemption from Renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) Security Threat Assessment for CDL drivers which was...

A college in Iowa has received $100,000 to help them train and place new drivers as part of an essential workers training program. Eastern Iowa Community College (EICC) received a $100,000 grant from Future Iowa’s Coronavirus Relief Employer...

A new law banning commercial trucks from parking on right-of-ways in Orange County, Florida, will go into effect next month. The change comes after residents in mixed-use neighborhoods complained about big rigs and large trucks parking along the...

Commercial Drivers Given More Time to Renew HEMs The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending its previously issued COVID-19 exemption, which provides commercial drivers with additional time to renew their hazardous materials...