As the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz once said, “Unusual weather we’re havin’, ain’t it?”
When we first thought about this edition of the e-Report, we were sure we were going with our annual Tornado Alert Information article. But, the weather changed and we decided we should go with Safety Tips for Winter Road Conditions. But, the weather changed and we decided to skip the weather all together.
Our advice now is what we call the ‘The Three-Step Weather Forecaster’.
- Wake up
- Walk outside
- Look around
It’s simple and it’s nearly always accurate!
ATA Pleased by Release of DOT Hours-of-Service Restart Report
Study of Restart Restrictions’ Impact on Safety Vindicates ATA’s Position
American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said the trucking industry was pleased by the release of a U.S. Department of Transportation report that found no benefit to the onerous and unjustified restrictions placed on the use of the 34-hour restart by professional drivers.
“The release of this report closes what has been a long, and unnecessary, chapter in our industry’s drive to improve highway safety,” Spear said. “We knew from the beginning that these Obama administration restrictions provided no benefit to safety, and in light of the DOT’s findings – corroborated by the DOT Inspector General – it is good for our industry and for the motoring public that they will be done away with permanently as specified by language ATA lead the charge on including in the most recently passed Continuing Resolution.”
ATA has fought against these restrictions – which limited drivers’ flexibility in the use of the restart – since they were first proposed in 2013.
“Congress repeatedly told the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that rules of this nature must show a benefit to safety and this report clearly shows there was no benefit,” Spear said. “This marks the end of a long struggle, but hopefully the beginning of a new era of inclusive and data-based regulation.”
TruckDriver.Com
Carrier of the Month
Koch Companies
Koch (pronounced "Cook") is a family owned company founded in 1978 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company has grown to become a major carrier of consumer products nationwide, with more than 700 power units. Their drivers have contributed to the growth of the company by providing first class service to their customers.
Koch's many divisions offer opportunities for drivers living all across the country. Coast to coast and north to south, they have it covered. Depending on where you live, they may be able to offer you local delivery, regional, over-the-road, dedicated, van or flatbed.
Koch’s dispatch system and Qualcomm communications allows your driver manager to understand your needs to get you the most miles while still giving you good home time.
Whether you are looking for a company driver position or are an independent contractor, Koch has the right opportunity for you. Are you a company driver looking to become an independent contractor? Koch has a lease purchase program too.
Give your future a jump start with Koch by checking out these great driving opportunities!
Koch Companies - 800-625-5292
Women In Trucking Association holds 8th annual “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel
Although the trucking industry continues to be a male dominated business, more women are becoming drivers, technicians, managers, and owners. The Women In Trucking Association’s mission is to encourage and support these pioneers and to help address the challenges they face as a minority.
One goal of the organization is to celebrate the success of its members. The “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” is an annual ceremony to honor female drivers and recognize them for their service. Any female professional driver is welcome to attend and will be honored on Saturday, March 25th, at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
The celebration begins at 11:00 am on the second floor of the South Wing (rooms C201-204) with exhibitors, music, goodie bags for the female drivers, the WIT signature chocolate fountain, and a huge tractor-trailer-shaped cake.
Ann Dyer, Senior Director, Regional Transportation for Walmart Private Fleet will address the audience. Walmart has been a supporter of the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel since 2010.
Arrow Truck Sales will be announcing a truck giveaway and how to qualify to win a late model Volvo in 2018.
The attendees will pose for the annual group photo before numerous door prizes are drawn for the female professional drivers. This year’s top prize will be a $500 gift card, five $100 gift cards, and a free registration certificate to attend the WIT’s 2017 Accelerate! Conference & Expo.
In 2004, there was a woman only truck convoy in Dronton, Netherlands that attracted 416 female professional drivers. The Women In Trucking Association would like to shatter this record at the 2017 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, and will be awarding a plaque to the carrier with the most drivers in attendance.
Be sure to mark your calendar for this year’s Salute to Women Behind the Wheel. All female professional drivers are welcome to participate and need not be members of the organization. They can register at the WIT booth #40557 in the North Wing Lobby on Thursday and Friday, or rooms C201-C204 in the South Wing prior to the Salute. Family and friends, sponsors, and WIT members are encouraged to attend to help honor these women for their service to the trucking industry. |
