Avoid Accidents by Making Sure Your Drivers Understand Right-of-Way

Too often, commercial vehicle accidents occur because drivers either do not fully understand right-of-way, or they fail to act appropriately in situations where taking the right-of-way jeopardizes another vehicle.

To prevent these types of accidents, the FMCSA addresses right-of-way in their Accident Countermeasure Program.

The FMCSA recommends that commercial truck drivers give right-of-way until it is apparent that right-of-way is being given by the other driver. Drivers should also remember that, generally, the driver that arrives last gives right-of-way to drivers who were their first (be it at an intersection or merging onto a freeway).

Right-of-way should always be given in the following situations:

• When entering traffic
• When turning left in front of approaching traffic
• When changing lanes

Drivers should move into their intended path only after they are sure it won't interfere with other traffic. If a maneuver would cause another driver to steer or break, it should not be undertaken. Transportation managers should ensure that their drivers understand right-of-way and should periodically have a qualified person ride with drivers to examine their behaviors.

Navistar Shows Off its Latest Technology at World of Concrete, 2013

International had a lot to show off at this year’s World of Concrete tradeshow, which was held Feb 5-8 in Las Vegas. Not only did attendees get a glimpse at the latest in International truck technology, Navistar’s Continental Mixer division, acquired by the company last year, had the opportunity to showcase some of the products that are earning Navistar a top spot in the concrete industry.

In the center spotlight were International WorkStar severe-duty tractors with 13L MaxxForce engines equipped with Cummins SCR aftertreatment emissions technology. While ProStar+ models with similar emissions solutions began rolling off assembly lines late last year, this was customers’ first look at Cummins technology integrated into MaxxForce engines. WorkStars equipped with these engines are expected to be available to consumers in May.

International also showed off some of the features that will be available on the new line of WorkStars, including 96” breakaway mirrors, standard LED lighting, vocational bumpers, and Eaton Fuller UltraShift Plus 10-spd automated manual transmissions.

The showcased vocational trucks were equipped with new Continental Mixers, including a lightweight, integrated mixer with high-strength steel designed specifically for mixer applications. According to Navistar, this design weighs up to 2,000-lb. less than comparable mixers.

“With this lightweight mixer, we are changing the weight game in the mixer business,” said Steve Guillaume, GM of Continental Mixers. “We’ve developed a product that provides our customers with significant weight savings while maintaining all the benefits of a conventional steel mixer.”

Navistar will also be offering a WorkStar tractor integrated with a trailer mixer with 9.5-12 cubic meter capacity, which can also utilize Continental Mixers’ new lightweight components. This integrated design is intended to provide a complete mixer solution that is delivered, warrantied, and serviced through one network.

Profits Rise for Three International Customers: JB Hunt, Swift, and Celadon

While the country’s economic recovery is still progressing a little too slow for most of us, there are signs that better times are on the horizon for the trucking industry. For example, in spite of a largely stale economy in the final quarter of 2012 (combined with ever-rising fuel costs) three major publically-traded motor carriers posted higher-than-expected profits for October, November, and December according to the Jan 28 print edition of Transport Topics.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Swift Transportation Co., and Caledon Group, who maintain fleets consisting of International trucks, all reported favorable earnings in 2012’s fourth quarter. J.B. Hunt experienced record profit for the quarter with a 15.7% rise in income.

Swift Transportation increased its net income by 27.3% and Celadon Group experienced a 35.3% increase over the previous year’s earnings for the period.

While the economy still seems sluggish, at least it appears that we’re beginning to move in the right direction!

For further detail, visit: http://bit.ly/VK7GaD

Are Your Commercial Vehicles Properly Marked?

Federal law mandates that any commercial vehicle (CMV) over 10,000lbs MGVWR must be marked according to the regulations displayed in CFR 390.5. Motor carriers should make sure the following criteria are met to avoid costly fines.

CMV’s over 10,000lbs MGVWR must display the following information:

1. The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, as listed on the motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and submitted in accordance with CFR 390.19.
2. The motor carrier identification number issued by the FMCSA, preceded by the letters “USDOT”.
3. The City and State of the motor carrier is no longer required to be displayed.

The marking must:

1. Appear on both sides of the self-propelled CMV.
2. Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
3. Be readily legible during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary.
4. Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility of the above requirements.

Construction and Durability

The marking may be painted on the CMV or may consist of a removable device, IF that device meets the identification and legibility requirements above.

Marking of Rented CMVs from Peterson Idealease

A motor carrier operating a self-propelled Idealease CMV under a rental agreement having a term of 30 calendar days or fewer meets the requirements of this section if:

• The Peterson Idealease CMV is marked in accordance with the provisions of the marking requirements as stated above.
• The legal name or a single trade name of Peterson Idealease is displayed.
• The Peterson Idealease identification number preceded by the letters “USDOT” is displayed.
• The Peterson Idealease rental agreement entered into by Peterson and the customer renting motor carrier conspicuously contains the following information:
1. The name and complete physical address of the principal place of business of the Peterson Idealease customer renting the CMV.
2. The identification number issued the Idealease customer by the FMCSA, preceded by the letters “USDOT,” if the Idealease customer has been issued such a number. In lieu of the identification number required in this paragraph, the following may be shown in the rental agreement:
• Information which indicates whether the Idealease customer is engaged in “interstate” or “intrastate” commerce; and
• Information which indicates whether the Idealease customer is transporting hazardous materials in the Idealease rented CMV;
3. The sentence: “That Peterson Idealease cooperates with all Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials nationwide to provide the identity of Idealease customers who operate the Idealease rental CMV.” is on the rental agreement entered into by Peterson Idealease and its customer and the agreement is carried on the rental CMV during the full term of the rental agreement.