Post Gordon ~ Thoughts, Commentary & Reflections

Thx, Bright One! Dark side, huh? Think what trucking would be like if megas didn't have their thousands of drivers working for free to load, unload, fuel, pre- and post-trip while they compete with you for loads. Pile on how the thousands of new, entry-level drivers get bottom rung pay... and business models based on churning those drivers into, out of, their trucks. And the fleece leases. Noted also that a broker already went of business on you and left you $5,000 in unpaid loads...

But you've paid your dues before and you'll successfully pay them again. Successfully. Can't recommend any thread here more than your latest: http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ows-company-driver-independent-thread-15.html

New outfit has an O/O program after driver has driven a year with them, sets driver up with outside, not company financing. Not used much, I think. Yard Boss's outfit with the Prairie runs had given a green light to my submitting a proposal to buy a truck from them.

There's also a fellow up the road with a water tanker he'd said would be willing to sell. He's a hard diabetic and can't drive his own truck, has to hire a driver. Fills pools. Not a great summer for that this last summer but the summer before was a lot hotter, so the work and money was, too.

 

Owen Public Library

Since my iPad doesn't do Adobe Flash, I'm over at the library this morning (Saturday) for these 17 online courses. I skipped the new hire survey. So let's get started.

ABS-Regenerator
All their tractors/trailers newer than 1998 equipped with Federally mandated ABS (antilock brake system). In a panic brake situation, system may spit air. 2008-2010 Mack tractors have roll control that takes over throttle and brake control in case of possible jack knife or roll over. Completely normal. Also, newer models have Federally mandated Regeneration System. Do not turn off, let carbon deposits from fuel system burn off. Blue rocker switch next to windshield wiper wash switch must stay on at all times. Otherwise tractor ends up in shop and subsequent delay.

Company conducts annual DOT inspection every 35,000 miles. O/O's each quarter. Every 90 days on each trailer. Locate tractor inspection in permit book and trailer in document bubble. Use any company shop in a pinch (breakdown) but your normal domicile for normal repairs. Top off oil, antifreeze and washer fluid at pre-trip, also purchase if needed at Pilot TS (including cold weather fuel additive).

Anytime equipment in company shop must have wheel chocks and jack stands. Drivers not allowed in service area. 10 mph speed limit w/4-way flashers on company property. No one other than Maintenance may remove a red tag, cause for immediate termination.

Course end.

Questions pop up as course moves along on its own. If you miss a Q, returns to start of that section.

Well, didn't take too long. Only 11 slides, first course online.

 

Accident Reporting
Backing prevention. 1 in 4 accidents involve backing. 5 steps to prevent. 1) Do not back up unless necessary; 2) Choose location with open space on each side of vehicle; 3) Blow horn; 4) Use 4-ways; 5) GOAL (Get Out And Look). Driver-side west coast mirror to have GOAL decal. Always get out before backing. Periodic field inspections of equipment expect and require GOAL decal. Check for decal on each pre-trip.

Accident investigations discover exactly what happened and why. How potentially severe. Relevant facts and circumstances. Identification of root causes. Implement corrective action.

Rear-end collisions are the most expensive and result in neck and back injuries. 1/3 of accident reserve spent on rear-end accidents. One primary root cause: following too closely.

2nd most common, pulling into traffic. Lack of proper distance. Trying to beat red light and pushing green. Merging traffic.

Backing. See and be seen. Use GOAL. Use 4-ways. Use air horn or city horn. Get help when necessary. Be patient, continuously scan and check surroundings.

Weather conditions. Accidents occur in poor weather. 80% in NORMAL weather!

Stop. Failure to stop is a criminal offense. Protect the scene. Move vehicle out of traffic and park safely. Turn on 4-ways (392.22(a)). Set out reflectors (392.22(b)). Emergency triangles ASAP, at least within 10 minutes (392.22). 4 paces (10 feet) in direction of approaching traffic. 40 paces (100 feet) in center lane in direction of approaching traffic. 40 paces (100 feet) center lane in front and away from approaching traffic.

4 Lane Divided Hwy: 3rd triangle 80 paces (200 feet) in center of lane behind vehicle in direction of approaching traffic. Rear triangle increases to 200 to 500 feet in curve or on hill.

----aside----
I was temporarily disabled late at night coming down from Eisenhower Tunnel (big grade) west of Denver and on a curve. Put out my triangles. Noticed a garbage truck ran awful close to cab. Got out, walked back. He'd run over my farthest 2 triangles. I ran back to truck, grabbed the one good triangle left. Did not bother for the others, which were toast. Figured it was a lot safer to just run than take my chances there.
----end aside----

Protect scene to keep others from becoming involved, protect evidence, prevent cargo theft.

Assist the injured. Apply first aid if knowledgeable. Do not move injured unless absolutely necessary. Wait for competent responders.

Notify police, include any apparent injuries. Fire hazard or spills. Look for open streams or sewers.

Notify company of all above, include damage.

Call Dispatch with 1) Whether you're injured; 2) Any fatalaties; 3) Any other injuries and whether emergency treatment or ambulance required; 4) Exact location, nearest community; 5) Whether secured scene. 6) Number parties involved. 7) Whether need tow. 8) Any Haz other than fuel; 9) Damage to vehicles, cargo. 10) Fuel spill.

Prompt fuel spill notification saves money. Size of spill or hole. Streams, ditches or sewers nearby. Fire potential. Determine if can minimize. Actual clean up must be done by qualified remediation service. Limiting contamination reduces cost.

Right away take 4-6 photos (from cab okay), include stopped cars and truck with license plates. Take special care to get photos of any trucks.

Get and record all facts. Fill out accident kit. Names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses. Insurance info, passengers (with addresses). All vehicle facts, make and color, license, etc. Do not depend on police report for accurate info. Protect cargo and equipment except in extreme emergency.

Take remaining pics. Roadway and signs. Damage from all four corners, include license plates or address. Skid marks, road markings with vehicles in background. CMVs with MC, unit numbers and any placards. Fuel spills. Cargo spill or damage. Long view of accident. Tow trucks and Haz responder vehicles.

Do not take injured people pics. Blood or gore. Anything inflammatory.

Speak only to Officer in Charge. Use entire roll of film. Fill out company accident forms. Make sure you have log book, driver's license, current physical, vehicle registration and insurance.

Sit peacefully, collect thoughts and calm nerves.

Do not speak to media. Avoid idle ####-chat. Do not dicuss with fire fighters, other police, tow truck drivers, responders, etc. Speak only to officer in charge and company representatives.

Stick to facts. Avoid, "Never saw them, came out of nowhere, sorry. Say, traveling at posted speed with seat belt on. Roadway was wet from a morning shower. Maintained safe speed and following distance.

Stick to facts. Do not speculate, argue fault, admit fault, make promise. Sign only official police report.

Remember that your emotions are high, adrenalin pumping, blood pressure elevated. Separate emotional from factual.

Police statements. Be courteous and professional. Make sure you are away from crowd and others. Do not allow others within earshot or to participate. Sit in police cruiser or other private area to give statement. Do not discuss personal issues. Offer log book as proof of drive time. Do not comment on state of mind (daydreaming, tired, driving long time at that point, etc.)

Post accident alcohol/drug test matrix. (382.303) If fatality and CMV citation issued, yes. By employer, yes. If no citation, yes by employer. Bodily injury w/treatment away from scene. Yes and yes. If no, no and no. Disabling damage requires tow. Yes and yes. No and no. Alcohol test within 2 hours of accident. Control substance within 32 hours.

382.303(g)(1-2) Breath or blood test conducted by Federal, State or local officials meets requirements.

All time at accident logs as on duty including time collecting testing samples.

9 Steps to Accident Control/Reporting
1) Stop!! (In red... )
2) Protect the scene
3) Assist injured
4) Notify police
5) Notify company
6) Take 4-6 quick pics of surroundings
7) Get and record ALL facts
8) Protect cargo and equipment
9) Take remaining photographs

Keep in mind you emotional state and attachment. Emotions high, adrenalin pumping, blood pressure elevated. Separate emotional info from factual info.

Use time to speak to officer in charge. Take all pics, use entire roll of film. Fill out company-required forms. Have all required paperwork (CDL, log book, med card, registration and insurance). Sit peacefully and collect thoughts. Speak only to company representatives or officer in charge. Do not speak to press.

All company drivers involved in an accident will take controlled substance test.

Every accident gets a preventability ruling by Safety. Driver may appeal within 10 days to his/her terminal manager.

In case of accident, cool thinking and reaction may save time, money and lives.

End course.

Well, that was a doozy. 27 slides compared with 11 for first course. Hopefully the rest are more like the first one. Time for some lunch.

Um-m-m. Subway had footlong meatball sub for $4. Ate whole thing!

 

ESOP Update
Hey!! 37 slides, could take forever!!
Employee Stock Ownership Program, in addition to 401(K). For full-timers.
Doesn't apply to me then.
Am told again, I'm a 'Special Case'--they've never had a part-timer.
Really!? ESOP sounds great, just does not apply to me.

FMCSA CSA2010
CSA components. Data collection. Safety measurement. Safe/Fitness evaluation/determination. Intervention.
Challenge. Reduce truck and bus crashes, have larger impact on carriers beyond Compliance Review.
Good at ID non-compliant unsafe carriers. SateState failure indicators. Compliance Review comes late in process. Data collection. New SMS (Safety Measurement System). Safety evaluation based on SMS. Comprehensive interventions.
CSA data collection. All crashes. Roadside inspections. Interventions.
Uses 7 BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories. SMS uses ALL violations and weights based on relationship to crash risk.
Unsafe Driveing (392, 397 and traffic laws)
Fatigued Driving (392 and 395)
Driver Fitness (383 and 391)
Controlled Substances (382 and 392)
Vehicle Maintenance (393 and 396)
Cargo (393, Subpart I and HM--HazMat--regs)
Crash Indicator

Unsafe Driving. Following too close. Speeding. Lane changes. Passing and turning. Careless/reckless. RRXing. Not tied to citations or convictions. Tied to roadside inspections.
Fatigued Driving. Operating CMV when fatigued. 11, 14, 60/70 violations. False logs. Logs not current. Form and manner. Will be used if noted on roadside inspection.
Driver Fitness. Multiple license. No license. Class and endorsements. Unqualified driver. Lack of training or experience. Age.
Controlled Substances. Under influence. Possession. Alcohol consumption within 4 hours of duty.
Vehicle Maintenance. Required lights. Marking. Brakes. Tires. Suspension, Steering. Inspection.
Cargo. HazMat (securement). Failure to inspect. Securement.

Crash BASIC. DOT recordable. All crashes count. Severity based on injury/fatality vs no injury. Preventability and fault not considered. Score based on comparison with other carriers.

BASIC process. Relevant data assigned to carrier and driver. Classified into correct BASIC. Violation value = Severity (1-10) + OOS x time weight. Crash value = Severity (1-3) + 1 if HM spill x time weight.

All inspections, violations, crashes time-weighted by 0-6 months =3, 6-12 months = 2, 12+ months = 1. Examples: OOS, false log. 7 severity, +2 for OOS = 9, 3 for time-weight. Value = 27 (9x3)
Cracked windshield. 1 severity, 3 time-weight. Value = 3 (1x3).
Limits exist to damage from 1 bad inspection.
Process. BASIC totaled. Divide total event scores by 'normalizing factor' and peer group. Percentile calculated in Peer Group.
CSA 2010 uses ALL violations. Driver Safety Measurement System (DSMS) under development.
Measurement based on peer comparison. Intervention threshold, Unfit threshold.
If GREEN, continue to operate, no FMCSA contact. Complaints can lead to reviews.
If YELLOW (MARGINAL), placed on intervention list, by severity and history.
If RED (Unfit), subject to most severe intervention, uses other BASIC
Increasing severity. Warning letter. Targeted roadside enforcement. Focused off-site investigation. Focused on-site investigation. Comprehensive review. Cooperative safety plan. Notice of violation. Suspension.
Prepare. View existing data. Learn system. Get good data in and bad data out. Train & track drivers. Avoid foolish inspections (in red).

High severity driver violations. Reckless driving. Jumping OOS order. Driving while ill, fatigued or DUI. HOS. False logs. Multiple licenses. Disqualified but driving CMV. These are no-no's.

Severity of vehicle violations. Required light no operating. Brakes. Tires. Suspension. Steering. No flags or lights on projecting load. Cargo unsecured.
Get wrong data out. Use appeals process. State Motor Carrier Safety Office. Federal DataQs.
Train drivers. CSA. Defensive driving. Compliance. Vehicle inspection. Roadside inspection performance.

Last 2 took an hour. Probably need audio for headphones. Ready for a nap! Boring. Useful? Boring! Almost no tests on last one. $145 pay for this is on the cheap!

 

On Road Performance
Company downloads mpg, max speed, cruise usage, panic breaking, etc.
Transportation Solutions Safety Center monitors road performance of speed, acceleration, braking, lane change handling and curves.
Tractor idle policy. Idled only if absolutely necessary. Shut-off sentinel automatically shuts engine off after 3 minutes of idle unless engine temp below 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Annual inspection decal on each piece of equipment. Green if performed by company. Otherwise any color.
Decals. Between hood and driver door on tractors. Macks under driver door. Peterbilt under driver door on panel beside steps. Left front corner of trailer. Decal shows shop, year, antifreeze check, type periodic service, vehicle number, mileage, date inspected and good thru date. Service decals show when service due--tractors every 35,000 miles. IFTA decals have different color each year. Trailer service due decal has next PM on left. Schedule is every 90 days. Right side for refer service every 1500 hours.
Tractor cleanliness. Driver field inspections check tractor interiors.

Okay, fine. I'm probably missing the audio. Not sure it matters. That was 12 of 12 slides. Gotta meet a couple tonight in Martinsville with wireless dog fence they want to buy. It's back at home. So scoot home now, then down to Ellettsville where library's open til 5 pm.

So much fun... At least Bright One is having fun with this!

 

Pallet Jack Training
Only 5 slides. Has audio, which I could not get in Spencer (Owen County Public Library).
Video w/audio. Data plate has maximum safe load, which must be observed. Take out of service if has any problems. No riders. Make sure loads stable and packed too high. Take special care with tall or wide loads. Center load. Never overload vehicle. Keep load low. With adequate clearance. Operate smoothly. Greater risk to turn over when unloaded. Careful on inclines. Travel with load downhill. Secure bridge plates. Do not operate with greasy hands or shoes. Come to complete stop before changing directions. Never allow riders. Do not turn on ramps. Never exceed bridge plate capacity. Continuing to operate in situation where unit will not move, will damage electric motor. Do not push extra loads, damages working parts. Keep hands, feet and body parts inside vehicle. Keep feet away from front skirt. Be sure truck brakes and chocks are applied. Inspect flooring before entering. Be sure you know weight of load before entering. Yield right of way to all pedestrians. No speeding. Be prepared to stop. Every 8-hour checks: Do not operate if in need of repair. If unsafe in any way, remove key and report. Stop operating and report if problem arises. Inspect condition of tires, forks and all areas of vehicle. Make sure it has no leaks.
Manual pallet jacks: Never use as a scooter. Stay above load on incline. (Different from power unit.)

Payroll
12:00 am Sunday through 11:59 pm Saturday. Paychecks on Friday for previous week. All paperwork turned in daily. Direct deposit.

Authorized Passenger Program
Employed or leased for previous 12 months. No preventable accidents in 12 most recent months. Passengers allowed only from April 15 (tax day) to November 25th (Thanksgiving).
Signed permission form must be carried in truck per 392.60.
Passenger and employee must sign liability waiver. One passenger at a time. Passenger not allowed to drive. Child of employee over 12-years-old or older.
Passenger insurance is required and costs $10/month.
Unauthorized person in truck results in termination.

Over in Ellettsville (Monroe Library Branch) with about 5 minutes left...

 

Drug and Alcohol Policy
The standard stuff.

Safety Awards Program
Standard stuff.

Virtual Risk Manager (VRM)
Evaluates and ranks at-risk issues. Takes data from driver MVR (motor vehicle record), road side inspections, accidents and injuries, internal company violations. Example: Seat belt violation = 2 point severity for 3-year duration. VRM identifies at-risk drivers to company. Sample VRM report.

Pre and Post Trip Inspections
Standard stuff.
A good pre-trip helps avoid OOS during DOT roadside inspection.
FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regs) require driver to ensure equipment in proper working order prior to driving.
392.7 Equipment. Service brakes. Parking brakes. Steering. Lights and reflectors. Tires. Horn. Wipers. Rear-vision mirrors. Coupling devices.
392.8 Emergency Equipment. Fire extinguisher. Triangles. Fuses if applicable.
392.9 Safe loading. Load properly distributed. Load properly secured.
396.13 Driver inspection. Be satisfied vehicle is safe. Review last driver DVIR. Sign report only if prior noted defects have been repaired.
396.11 DVIR Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports. Company retains post trip DVIR for 3 months. Booklet is assigned to power unit. Single DVIR may cover multiple trailers.
After defects written up, 3 signatures required to operate vehicle again. 1) Driver signature in (at post trip), 2) Repair employee signature, certifying repairs made, 3) Driver acknowledgment out, certifying review of DVIR before leaving on next trip.
Company policy requires 15 minutes on line 4 and noted in comments section of the log.
Paper log sample. Pre trip does NOT have to be done in writing!! (Didn't know that!)

Vehicle Inspections. Do not get under, in front of or behind vehicle if there is any chance of it moving. Driver should keep ignition key under his control at all times. Use wheel chocks on inclines. 3 points of contact. Never jump out of or off of a vehicle or trailer.
Start pre-trip when approaching vehicle. Establish you have the right truck by checking the VIN. Check for visible leaks and whether vehicle is level. Check both sides of the fire wall compartment. Wiring, hoses and fluids. Coolant hoses. Radiator tank reservoir. Water pump. Radiator and fan (belt tight and not cracked). Filters (air driver, fuel/water separator). Suspension (hangers, u-bolts, leaves). Shock absorbers. Steering linkage. Brakes...

To be continued.

Brakes (air line, chamber, push rod, slack adjuster, drum, shoes). Rim/wheel seal (inside). Tires (inner sidewall, face, tread, outer sidewall). Outside rim (lugs, oil level).
Driver's side of engine compartment. Air conditioner compressor & hoses. power steering reservoir (fluid and hoses). Steering box. Air compressor. ECM (Electronic Control Module) or throttle linkage.
Passenger side of engine compartment. Alternator belts, oil leaks, oil level (dip stick, filler cap). Air cleaner/Filter minder. Exhaust system (manifold, turbocharger).
Even if assigned the same truck every day, driver is required to do a complete inspection in order to comply with FMCSA regulation.
Sides of tractor. Mirrors and windows. Vehicle identification (name/address, motor carrier number, fuel decals). Door operation, grab handles. Compartments, emergency equipment. Fuel tank (damage, straps, cap, fuel level). Steps. Lights (park, turn, reflectors). Hood latch. Equipment damage.
Front of tractor. Fairings. Lights (clearance/ID). Antennas. Windshield/wipers. Lights (headlights [high/low beams], 4-way, park. License plate/ID number.
Outside rear area of tractor. Fairing. Exhaust system. Transmission, drive shaft. Air/electrical. Frame/catwalk. Reflective markings.
Coupling system area. Fifth wheel (lower coupler, mounting bracket, slider). Suspension (springs, air bags, etc.). Brakes (air lines, foundation parts). Lugs. Mud flaps. Back-up alarm. Rims. Axle seals. Wheel ends, including tires (inner/outer, sidewalls, face, tread, inflation). King pin/locking jaws. Lights (tail, stop, turn, 4-way).
Trailer sides (both). Equipment damage. Lights and reflectors. Landing gear. Suspension (springs, air bags, etc.). Brakes, foundation parts (air lines, reservoir). Axle seals. Rims. Wheel ends, including tires (inner/outer, sidewalls, face, tread, inflation). Lugs.
Interior left side. Air horn. Window. Mirrors (clean and adjusted). DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report). Paperwork (Permit book). Fire extinguisher. Seat belt.
Interior right side. Window. Mirrors.
Front of tractor. Windshield. Wipers (condition and operation). Heater/defroster. Steering wheel (free-play). Horn. Gauges (engine off). Turn signal indicator lights. Control levers (power divider, fifth wheel, air suspension). Clutch. Pedals. Shift lever. Seat (attachment, adjustment). OBC (on-board computer).
Demonstrate proper starting procedure. Warning lights. Gauges (especially ammeter/volt meter, oil pressure). Back-up alarm (should sound as soon as vehicle is placed in reverse).
Air brake checks. Static air loss (less than 3 PSI per minute for combination vehicles). Pressurized air loss (less than 4 PSI per minute for combination vehicles). Low air warning device (must come on below 60 PSI). Emergency brake system. Park brake (should pop out when pressure 20-40 PSI. Service brake. Trailer brake.
Three points of contact at all times.

Drivers must conduct post-inspection pursuant to 396.11 and 396.13.
396.11: "Every driver shall prepare a report in writing at the completion of each day's work on each vehicle operated and the report shall cover at least the following parts and accessories."
Service brakes. Parking brakes. Lighting devices and reflectors. Tires. Horn. Windshield wipers. Rear vision mirrors. Coupling devices. Wheels and rims. Emergency equipment.
Sample DVIR. Home address of terminal. Inspection date. Etc. Driver must sign. 3 signatures needed if safety repairs needed.

 

Orientation

If anyone wonders what's going on, I'm taking an online orientation with a new outfit, has a yard in Bloomington, Indiana. This yard runs strictly to military bases. The online courses require Adobe Flash, which my iPad does not speak; my laptop has not been used for way too long except to play movies and doesn't seem to want to play the game; I'm limited to library computers...

After Spencer library closed, came over to Ellettsville. And, of course, this library is closing. Ugh! Yes, I could blow this all off and get through these courses faster. But what they've taken the trouble to include might just matter and I might learn something. Hey! It's possible...

Called up the IU law library, Maurer Law Library, and they're open until midnight and have 4 computers for use by the public. (How did I know?) Here I am... plowing ahead on this PIA 17 courses. The Indy couple canceled for tonight (wireless dog fence, they want to buy) and no need run up to meet them in Martinsville.

It's all good, if something of a PIA. Or, why bother??

 

DVIR Review
Pre-trip inspection: NOT done in writing. Driver must review last DVIR and sign if repairs were needed and completed. A completed repair DVIR has 3 signatures, previous driver, certified repair person, and driver beginning duty. Done so driver can assure vehicle safe to operate. Prevent loss to persons and property. Meet requirements of US DOT. Necessary to pre-trip entire vehicle, inside power unit, as well as exterior and towed trailers. Necessary EACH time drop and hook a trailer. Company policy to notate 15 minutes for pre-trip at beginning of trip and at each towed trailer change.
Pre-trip inspection saves: Time waiting for roadside assistance. Money spent on roadside repairs are more expensive than terminal or garage repairs, save downtime, fines and possible OOS. Safer to do repairs at terminal or garage than on roadside. Preventing violations makes it less likely DOT will pull units for Level One, Two or Three inspections, etc.

Post-trip inspection: Must be completed in writing. DVIR MUST stay with power unit assigned to, not driver to be valid. Must note ALL defects found and driver MUST sign. DVIR needed for every power unit driven. Multiple trailers can be listed on single DVIR if no repairs necessary. A DVIR is required with each duty log driver turns in. Company policy is log 15 minute post trip at end of each tour of duty, including sleeper birth hours, off duty and end of tour post trip.

Properly completed DVIR saves: Time (by completing repairs in yard). Money (less expensive at terminal or garage while time between dispatches). Safety (safer and more complete than roadside repairs). Possible future violations (by increasing carrier ratings, DOT less likely to pull over for inspections).