The Fleet AdvantEDGE

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?

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.

Proper placement of Warning Devices such as triangles when stopped or out of service on the side of the road is imperative to keeping you and other motorists safe. When placed correctly, Warning Devices can help save you and others from danger and or life-threatening injuries.

On February 2, 2021, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced the date for this year’s International Road check. It is set to take place May 4^th - May 6^th Over the 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct inspections on commercial vehicles and drivers.

We are all familiar with drivers that swear by their method of checking tire pressures, such as the wooden club or a small baseball bat and the penny for checking tread depths. But there is no better substitute for a tire pressure and tire depth gauge.

Insufficient tire inflation pressure during the wintertime will cause many headaches for drivers and dispatchers come springtime and as temperatures begin to rise.