The Fleet AdvantEDGE

Operation Safe Driver Week - A week of  intensified traffic safety enforcement is here!  

Operation Safe Driver Week was launched in 2007 by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and with the support from industry and transportation organizations. The program was established to help reduce the number of crashes, deaths and injuries resulting from crashes involving various motor vehicles, including commercial trucks, buses, and cars.  

On June 15, 2022, the Federal Reserve made its third hike to the federal funds rate, increasing the rate to a range between 1.5% and 1.75% (75 bps).

Overall market conditions continue to show rising inflation and energy costs and deteriorating consumer confidence. The war in Ukraine continues unabated, which is causing energy and food shortages. Additionally, China still has COVID-19 lockdowns in place that continue to impact Supply Chain operations all over the world.

Have you reviewed your Tire Program, lately? In part two of this Blog Series we provide best practices that can be applied to help keep your tire maintenance cost down and your drivers safe! 

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) consumer awareness campaign is fast approaching. National Tire Safety Week, on June 27 – July 3, 2022 is the annual initiative aimed to spread awareness of the importance of proper tire care and maintenance.

We previously reviewed how tire cost is the second-highest expense within a fleet’s maintenance program.

Have you reviewed your Tire Program, lately? In this two part Blog Series we will provide tips on how to properly maintain your tires to ensure your drivers are safe!

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) will be promoting its yearly consumer awareness campaign, National Tire Safety Week, on June 27 – July 3, 2022. This annual initiative aims to spread awareness of the importance of proper tire care and maintenance.

Did you know that tire cost is the second-highest expense within a fleet’s maintenance program?

During the summer months, drivers of heavy duty trucks should be reminded of additional driving challenges that present themselves. Increased outdoor activities resulting from more daylight hours make it especially important to get plenty of rest before buckling-up in an 18-wheeler, as driver mental and visual acuity must be at peak performance. Children are out of school, increasing the number of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadways.  Additionally, summertime is when most roadway construction programs are initiated.  This increase in roadway activity means that a driver’s focus on fleet safety must be on-point 100% of the time to avoid accidents.  

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.

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