The Fleet AdvantEDGE

Winter remains one of the most challenging seasons for the transportation industry. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures present significant risks for drivers and fleets alike. Without proper preparation, these hazards can lead to accidents, delays, and costly repairs. Staying proactive with winter maintenance and safety protocols is not optional, it’s essential. 

With current technology and access to the latest tools, and by empowering drivers to conduct thorough inspections, fleets can better navigate the challenges that winter throws at us. Below are some essential tips on how you can prepare your drivers and fleet to weather the winter ahead.  

Are your brakes up to the challenge? Will they stop when you need them most?

When considering the key components of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), brakes are at the forefront. While tires are important, even a CMV with severely worn-out tires can still move along the road. Brakes are crucial because, inevitably, there will come a time when you need to bring to a stop an 80,000-pound CMV, whether it's at a red light or in an emergency.

Winter can be a challenging season for the transportation industry, particularly for long-haul trucking and logistics companies. Adverse weather conditions like snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create a hazardous environment for drivers, which can result in serious accidents and costly delays. To mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of your drivers and the integrity of your cargo, it's essential to take various safety measures and prepare your fleet with the right tools and equipment.

When it comes to truck winter maintenance, your drivers serve as the primary line of defense!

The most crucial component of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is its brakes, which must always operate properly to ensure safety. Brake Safety Week, which runs from August 20 -26, 2023 is sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This annual campaign was established to improve CMV brake safety and awareness in North America. During this campaign, CMV inspectors focus on conducting roadside brake system inspections to identify any out-of-adjustment brakes and violations.

International Roadcheck is May 16-18 with an Emphasis on ABS and Cargo Securement

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced the dates for this year's International Roadcheck, a 72-hour inspection and enforcement event aimed at promoting vehicle safety and compliance. With a focus on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement, commercial vehicle operators must be well-prepared.

This year's emphasis on ABS and cargo securement highlights their critical role in reducing accidents and protecting lives. By paying attention to ABS maintenance and conducting thorough cargo securement inspections, fleets can ensure they comply with regulations and contribute to safer roadways.

Brake Safety Week is fast approaching - Is your fleet ready? 

What is the most important operating component of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)? Although there are many, the most important one is the part that makes the equipment stop - the brakes!! Brakes must always operate properly to ensure maximum safety. The braking system on CMV’s is designed for tough conditions, but it must be inspected and maintained carefully and consistently like anything. By doing this, the brake system will operate properly throughout the life of the truck.

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety elements. This event is known to be the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles globally. In 2021, more than 40,000 commercial motor vehicle inspections were conducted and in total, inspectors had to remove 6,710 commercial motor vehicles and 2,080 drivers from roadways. Each year International Road check places a special emphasis on a category of violations. This yearthe focus will be on wheels ends. Historically, violations involving wheel end components account for about one-quarter of all violations discovered.

Winter weather brings so many challenges, especially to those in the transportation industry.
The winter months demand increased safety measures and supplemental equipment to keep rigs (and drivers) from expensive damage. Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty suspects that adverse weather can cost the transportation industry north of $3.5 billion each year.  Your drivers are the first line of defense in winter maintenance for your fleet’s tractors, and keeping your equipment safe is also important – as we outlined in a previous blog.