CVSA 2010, why im not (as) worried.

MrBeast,
Three cheers for your post. IMHO you are taking an objective and constructive view of CSA 2010. I agree with you when you say that the companies and drivers who cut corners (the ones that we are not comfortable sharing the road with already) will receive the increased attention from the authorities. It's important to remember that CSA 2010 imposes no new requirements. For drivers, like you, who know the existing rules and do their best to run legal this program is either a non-issue or as you suggest, potentially beneficial.

Thanks again for bringing a refreshingly positive perspective to what is obviously an emotionally charged topic.

 

At the very least it should encourage improvement. One can always hope, right?

 

Good post MrBeast!

FWIW, in recent months I have spoken to a few carriers where the owners/managers are people I have known for some time and trust their thoughts and opinions. In each case every one of them is taking a serious outlook on CSA 2010 and all said that they were currently looking at how to restructure pay plans. They feel an upswing in driver pay and benefits will come as result of this because it will be more difficult to keep and attract quality drivers as a result.

Personally I have only begun my research into it, but like you, what I've seen and heard so far doesn't sound like it may be a bad thing. But like any other law(s) or regulation(s) it will ultimately depend upon how it is carried out and enforced.

 

When all the shaking out is done, I think the program will improve the industry.
The naysayers are the same ones that objected to the CDL, but having gone thru that, I think drivers are better prepared to drive today after receiving their license than before.
With the CDL came standardization of truck and hiway rules for all the states. When I started driving (back in the stone age), each state had their own rules for weight, length, heighth, width.
For instance, Oregon had 78,000 GVW, but if you crossed the river Washington had 75,000 GVW. Trailers out west were taller than those back east. Being able to move your load from state to state could almost be impossible at times.
The CDL and ensuing movements standardized things to where they are today.
I think we'll see a lot for the better with 2010, but not without some bumps along the way.
Just my opinion.

 

you might not think that way the first time you roll in with a flat that you checked an hour earlier. or maybe a headlite.

 

I am afraid that I don't share your enthusiasm for the new CSA 2010. I think that these states will use this as an excuse to generate revenue from the trucking industry. I have already seen it in several states that have increased their rate of inspections. Some states are doing many more roadside inspections. Pennsylvania and a few other states are using rest areas more in an effort to inspect more trucks. If they were honest they would simply state that they needed more revenue and we are a good target.

I have always had a good safety record. I try to keep my equipment up so that I am not bothered. I also know it is much cheaper to keep equipment up than allow minor repairs to become major.

One thing that I do like about the new rules is that it makes drivers more accountable or responsible for their equipment and their actions. For too long, drivers could slack off and let their equipment go and the carrier would be the one who had to pay the fine or take the hit on their safety record. With the new rules the driver will now share in that hit. I also like the fact that I can check a drivers safety record before I hire him rather than having to find out the bad news after he is hired. You can only find out so much with DAC or the mvr. It will be much easier to check drivers under the new system once fully implemented.

It is my understanding that the feds are not sure how they are even going to fully implement the program at this point. That could be a problem. Another is that a driver could have points assigned to him even if he is given a warning rather than an actual ticket.

 

Isn't this like saying "if I'm going to get screwed, I may as well try and enjoy it"?

The goobermint can and has screwed up EVERYTHING it touches!!!

 

The truth to these new rules is that they would not exist if the government didin't think that they could make money from it.