The Fleet AdvantEDGE

Looking Back on 2023 and Looking Forward to 2024!                                                                                                    Looking back on 2023, Fleet Advantage has experienced extraordinary growth, setting the stage for an exciting 2024. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the transportation industry and organizations in various sectors have faced notable difficulties in the last several years. Whether it's driver and technician shortages, equipment shortages, procurement strategies, maintenance and repair issues, or achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, companies need to be able to identify and adopt new processes to ensure long-term success.

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.

Welcome to Operation Safe Driver Week, an event aimed at enhancing traffic safety and promoting awareness.  In collaboration with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA),  this annual initiative strives to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving commercial trucks, buses, and cars.  Law enforcement agencies are diligently targeting dangerous driving behaviors exhibited by both commercial and passenger vehicle drivers. These risky behaviors include:

• Speeding 
• Distracted driving (such as mobile device usage) 
• Aggressive driving 
• Cutting off other drivers 
• Tailgating 

National Tire Safety Week is in full swing and we are back with the second part of our blog series on maximizing tire safety.  Tires are one of the most important safety components of your truck, that's why tire care and maintenance should be a top priority. In Part 1, we discussed the importance of tire pressure monitoring systems and the significance of daily and weekly tire pressure checks. In Part 2, we will dive into implementing safety lanes and the various benefits of properly inflated tires.

National Tire Safety Week is scheduled for June 26 – July 3. This annual campaign, organized by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, serves as a crucial initiative to raise awareness about the significance of proper tire care and maintenance. As a responsible fleet operator, ensuring tire safety should be a top priority.

This two-part blog series aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice on maintaining optimal tire conditions for fleet operations. In Part 1, we will look at the importance of tire pressure monitoring systems and the significance of daily and weekly tire pressure checks.

The "100 Deadliest Days'" of summer is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes increase dramatically and heavy-duty truck drivers face additional challenges on the road with the arrival of summer. Longer daylight hours, increased outdoor activities, and a surge in construction projects demand heightened awareness and focus. As the number of motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and vacationers rises, it becomes vital for drivers to prioritize mental and visual acuity to ensure a safe journey.

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.

Air Quality Awareness Week is a national event that takes place every year during the first week of May. This weeklong event is dedicated to raising awareness about air quality and promoting ways to improve it.

History of Air Quality Awareness Week: Air Quality Awareness Week was first observed in 1999 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partners. The goal was to encourage people to learn about the impact of air pollution on their health and the environment. Since then, the event has grown to include a wide range of activities and initiatives to improve air quality.