The company is working on a a version of the “BIGGEST LOSER” contest open to all drivers and associates of mk. If you have any ideas to share about making the contest fun and rewarding, please foward to HR. The goal is to promote awareness about health and wellness in the trucking industry.
February Newsletter
February 11th, 2010
Welcome to the MK Blog. Here you will find useful information that includes news, updates, and articles, so check back often.
From June of 2009 to January of 2010, the accident score improved from 13 to 4; the driver score improved from 92 to 43; the maintenance score remained flat at 53; and the management score improved from 88 to zero.
Are lower scores better?
YES, lower scores means the company has improved with safety and compliance. The scores represent percentile rank. For example, a score of 10 means you rank better than 9 out of 10 carriers. Likewise, a score of 90 means you rank worse than 9 out of ten carriers. To learn more, go to http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
Our roadside inspections have improved and the compliance review corrective actions are working. As an example, the last time a driver was placed out of service was Dec 2008, which is really remarkable.
How will this affect you?
This results in an upgraded recommendation at the scales to “PASS”. It was formerly “INSPECT” because of the high Safe Stat scores. These improved scores will result in fewer roadside inspections. The DOT will focus their eyes on carriers with higher safe stat scores.
What about CSA 2010?
See the link to the flyer from the DOT. CSA 2010 only changes the scoring system; it uses the same raw data as safe stat.
HAZMAT CHECKLIST
The safety department recently reviewed the company’s hazmat procedures and came up with a checklist and inspection procedure to help simplify HM compliance for drivers.
For each HM Shipment, the Driver is to inspect and the Driver Manager is to verify:
- Load is Secured
- No Leaks or Spills Detected
- Shipping Papers are Accurate
- Placards are correct
Anytime you are assigned a hazmat shipment, call your driver manager and be prepared to review the above items. Be sure to have the shipping papers in hand, and try to call from the rear of the trailer. The most challenging part of the inspection is the shipping papers. The placards, packaging labels, and bill of lading must be verified for accuracy.
NEW LAND of LINCOLN LAWS
New legislation effective January 1, 2010 raised the speed limit on interstates in Illinois to 65 mph. However, certain Chicago metro areas will remain 55 mph. The second new law removes the 80,000 pound restriction so that all roads in Illinois now meet the federal 80,000 pound limit, unless otherwise posted. This means no more harassing overweight fines by small town cops who overzealously enforced the old 73,280 lb rule.
The third new law makes certain indemnification clauses in transportation contracts illegal. Shippers have been notorious for requiring carriers to agree to accept all liability in any situation, even if the shipper was at fault. These contracts were one-sided, unfair, and are now illegal.
T E X T I N G B A N B Y D O T
THE FMCSA just announced that texting while operating a commercial vehicle has been banned. Practice good safety and avoid distracted driving.
WORKER COMP CLAIMS ON THE RISE
The company has experienced a sharp and dramatic increase in claims this past year. It has resulted in the worst claims year on file, and every one of the claims was preventable. The most common injury has been a strained shoulder. All of us are getting older, so remember not to over do it. Pay particular attention to getting in and out of your truck, getting in and out of a trailer, and cranking the landing gear, especially in cold weather.