Having said this – I want to share a posting from LinkedIN
This mindset has worked for some carriers, over the years, because the carrier’s Safety Rating would only be affected when a compliance review was conducted. THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE!
CSA2010.com states: “DON’T WAIT! What you and your drivers are doing RIGHT NOW will affect your company’s new safety rating with CSA 2010. FMCSA assessment has already begun and will use the data they have been collecting to levy corrective actions or even declare drivers and companies “unfit” to continue service!”
Carriers can not afford to NOT have an experienced and seasoned Safety Director in control of the day-to-day operations. Carriers MUST develop educational and progressive discipline programs to prevent their drivers, contractors and even their own company from being declared “UNFIT” to continue service.
A carrier can no longer afford to allow a clerk to carry the title of Safety Director and live in denial or the fantasy world that CSA2010 is not going to affect them. This mentality has already cost several carriers large fines and even more to close their doors.
The attached link is an interview with a carrier from one of the test states which is currently using CSA2010. After reading the interview: Ask yourself can you afford not to have a seasoned certified and experienced Safety Director in charge of your company’s future?
http://www.csa2010.com/articles/Interview_CSA_2010_Test_State.htm
Please take a couple seconds and answer two quick POLL questions and then view the results of the others.
What has your company done to prepare for CSA2010? http://polls.linkedin.com/p/62919/kmfwb
Who is in charge of your company’s DOT Compliance and Safety? http://polls.linkedin.com/p/62918/lywoh
I would like to hear your thoughts.
_____________________
Need help getting ready! Drop us a line –
info@thedotdoctor.com
Our experts are here to help you!
Remember Safety is everyone’s
business
Virtual Office Place in SL Visit our virtual office place in Second Life – http://slurl.com/secondlife/Idunn/182/23/98
DOT issues? Driver training? Safety management? Ifta filing? Log book auditing and training? Transportation related issue? Regulatory compliance issue? Claims service.
—————-
Information security apprasial Policy and procedure writing Web site design Marketing Banner creation Graphic Arts SEO Image Consulting and improvement BBB, PUC or other agency issues – we can help!
The DOT Doctor cures your ills!
Curing all your virtual and RL needs!
Might the Obama administration be minded to look favourably on a mooted increase in US GVW?
This report suggests that upping maximum GVW to 97000 lbs (43998 kg) on six axles from the current 80,000 lbs (36287 kg) on five could reduce US diesel consumption by an annual three billion gallons, and take 32.6 million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere at the same time.
The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 or HR 1799 is legislation that supports the increase in GVW on heavy trucks. The trucks must have 6 axles with a triaxle group supporting 51,000 lbs. Axle weights would increase by 2,000 each for this GVW. Weights are only applicable on interstate roadways. This comes with a tax hike in highway usages taxes to $800.
In theory, the idea is a good one but let us examine this a bit closer. Our infrastructure is suffering collapses now under the 80k rule. In the present economy, there are no or limited funds for fixing and repairing what is in place yet alone replacing our bridges and overpasses to accomodate this extra weight. Longer trucks and extra axles may be the norm in MI but they do not work on the east coast in all that congestion. Not that I support Unions, but they opposed doubles and triples claiming it “stole a driver’s work” and their opinions are not very different on these new proposed monsters.
This new weight limit will not reduce congestion as some law makers lead you to believe. Trucks are not the only factor in congestion. Mainly the problem is all the 4-wheelers especially at rush hours. If states would make a left hand lane or two just for trucks that are looking to do nothing but pass through their city and restrict those 2 left lanes to just trucks; that would help solve congestion. It never made sense to me why trucks were restricted to right lanes where there is constant merging of 4-wheelers and motorcycles causing the trucker to constantly be on the brakes. Trucks generally want through a city unlike 4 wheelers who are looking to go or come from work, shopping and other errands. Many cities came up with HOV lanes to help the “long distance” commuter. Why not do the same for the trucker?
Trucks already pay too much in taxes. A rise in the Highway Usage Tax is not justified. It is just another excuse to tax the trucker for the benefit of all motorists.
If the weight is only raised for interstates; how will the load be delivered? Are we going to implement the NY Tollway rule? You can pull highway doubles but only to the exit then the units are broken apart or off loaded. Five axle units find it hard enough to maneuver on the coasts and in town delivery areas. Triaxles and 6 axle vehicles will find it even more difficult if not impossible to maneuver those small streets of Philly or Fairfax. NYC – forget it! Moreover, the state roads and city streets will not support the weight.
Do we have cross docking facilities created at interstate exits for local drivers to deliver the goods? Now that would be a reasonable idea IF, and this is a big IF, companies could “play” that well together. Let the big rig roll the highway while the straight trucks and local drivers load the city work and carry it to/from the cross docking facilities. It would be a new trucking horizon. The city drivers could do as NYC suggests and deliver in the off hours reducing congestion. Road drivers could stick to the highways. Everyone would have a job and get a piece of the pie. Road drivers no longer would have to contend with driving back streets trying to find their delivery or pick up location. Local drivers, familiar with the area, would handle those aspects. It would be safer and easier for all. IF companies would share the pie in this fashion.
Supporters such as the Univ. of MI Transportation Research Institute claims their research shows that these heavier and longer trucks “would yield significant improvement in fuel consumption, cost, congestion, distribution efficiency and driver availability”. I have to question this since my experience with 25 years in the industry showed me that the move to 53ft trucks yielded lighter loads filled with bulk goods like toilet paper. Occasionally you were able to add the 2 extra end pallets but then the driver generally had to be concerned for bridge and axle weights. Why not make the adjustments there instead of this large GVW increase? Maybe area increases like in MI where they haul products that are conducive to this increase and already have the multi-axle vehicle on the roadways. Even their state roads accomodate the 90K GVW allowed during the “season”.
Personally, I fell this increase should be handled on a state level where states can supplement their state highways to handle any GVW increase they allow. States that handle product transports, which are generally under a 500 mile radius, of a nature to require this need should handle this internally. Coal, rock and cement haulers could benefit from the increase as would the specialized/permitted hauler. These products are naturally heavy as well as localized. The general freight hauler would not.
Are manufactures going to build better brake systems to accomodate this additional load? To work properly, this would not be just a trailer issue but a full rig issue that is spec’d to pull these heavier and longer trailers. Trucks already take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. Stopping an additional 17k on a downgrade requires better mechanics and driver considerations. Think Eagle Pass, Eisenhower, Donner, Cabbage or Grapevine. The proposed governor to limit top speed at manufacturing is not the answer here. I do not think it is the answer to anything unless you are going to do the same to ALL vehicles else you are just creating another road hazard like Swift and Schneider trucks already do on the highways due to their inability to maintain highway speed.
Are bridge lengths and overall truck lengths going to be increased as well? It is already ridiculous to allow a 53 ft, 57 ft or 62 ft trailer and still require it to meet the bridge laws of a 48ft. Imposing those restraints is what defeats the purpose of the longer trailer. Yes, the roads cannot accomodate the longer pin to wheel which brings me back to point 1. Who will pay to change all the roads if this increase is passed? How long will it take? What will the trucks do in the mean time that will try to run under the new laws without an adequate infrastructure? Less us not even discuss vehicles that will be involved in border crossings?????
COMMENTS WELCOMED! Voice your opinion to your Congressman or local Motor Truck Association.
Leave comments at: http://thedotdoctor.com/the_dot_doctor_speaks
Want free software training? Confused on the new 2007 version of MS Office? The DOT Doctor can help. Visit our new IT Services page (http://thedotdoctor.com/it_services) for FREE quick training downloads.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Want breaking news and updates on what going on in the IT World? Want to know more about Microsoft Products for work and home? Visit the DOT Doctor’s IT Services page (http://thedotdoctor.com/it_services) for regular updates. Bookmark this page for quick reference. Let our IT staff do the work and gathering of the news. You get a one stop shop for your IT news, training and needs. Visit us today!
Here is an example of what today’s new gather has found:
| Microsoft At Work | ||
 |
||
|
||
 |
Microsoft At Home | |
|
||
|
||
………….want to find our more? http://thedotdoctor.com/it_services
Want EASY access to headline and breaking news?
Visit our Industry News page (http://thedotdoctor/industry_news) for the HOTTEST stories.
Breaking news feed fed to The DOT Doctor’s Site. Check out Industry News as well as a variety of our other pages for relevant and related information as it breaks!!!
Here are some samples:
Howdy All!
Our new computer system is installed. We have our new computers up and working finally. This will hopefully end the hiatus of silence. It is our intention to return to normal postings to The DOT Doctor Speaks (http://thedotdoctor.com/the_dot_doctor_speaks), resume our live podcasts (available on Blog Talk Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-DOT-Doctor) and newsletters. Be a part of our shows. Suggest topics, call in, join our chat room…..just get involved!
Thank you all for your understanding during these last few months as we limped through our difficulties. Hopefully that is all now behind us with the introduction of our new IT Staff and IT Department. This new department brings additional service offerings in the IT Field ranging from Database management, Website Development and Marketing, PC Support, Software Training including the new MS Office, help desk services, spreadsheet design, data capture systems, BETA Testing and more. Visit our new web section – IT SERVICES (http://thedotdoctor.com/it_services).
Remember, we are still expanding and hiring. We openings for sales people (F/T and P/T), receptionist(s) and field consultants skilled in DOT Compliance / Matters and IT technicians. Send your resumes to our HR department at resumes@thedotdoctor.com.
Thank you all for continuing to join our FREE mailing lists (http://thedotdoctor.com/subscribe) and take advantage of our FREE training products (http://thedotdoctor.com/log_auditing), FREE HR Forms (http://thedotdoctor.com/hr_services) (remember the new I-9s that came out in February….we have them here) and other services. Many items are free for signing up to our mailing list and others can be purchased on the spot through our site via PayPal.
Remember we also have the new E-mall coming in April. Some stores are already in place. Come and check out our latest shops! (http://thedotdoctor.com/e_mall) We are open 24 hours a day for your shopping convenience. No parking hassles! Shop in your PJs. We are also taking applications and deposit for store fronts in our new E-mall. Stop by and fill one out today. Space is limited; so don’t delay. Pre-Grand Opening rates can’t be beat!!!
Special sales offerings, FREE magazine offerings, movies on demand, DISH TV specials, travel saving specials and more are available at our E-mall as well as on the pages throughout our site. Check out our custom Amazon Store (http://astore.amazon.com/thdodo03-20) for a-mazing savings on a wide variety of products. Look for the sidebar ads on each page that relate to the subject matter in which you are viewing for special custom savings.
Stop by today and check out all the new additions to our site. We are constantly evolving. Be a part of our future today! You will notice changes when you visit our site. Some pages have new “homes” are we re-designed our website in order to add our new IT Section. We have added a Troop Picture of our Brownie Troop that we support to our main page. Remember, it is Girl Scout cookie time. Contact us (asitler@thedotdoctor.com) today for your annual GS Cookie order. Don’t delay. Flavors are selling out quickly!!! Order direct on our Cookie Page (http://thedotdoctor.com/cookies). To view all the fine organizations that we support; visit our About Us page (http://thedotdoctor.com/about_us). Remember OOIDA members always receive a 10% discount.
Be sure to look for The DOT Doctor on networking sites like: Facebook, MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/andrealsitler), You Tube, Twitter, Flickr, Word Blog, Linked In and more. Drop by and send us a “friend” request. We are happy to add you to our network.
Remember Dr. Sitler’s Book Pu: Energy Source or Death Source is available through Amazon (http://astore.amazon.com/thdodo03-20), is Kindle ready and available at a special price on our website (http://thedotdoctor.com/clean_and_green_technologies). Get your copy today!
Catch the DOT Doctor online for a FREE Chat session. Let the DOT Doctor answer your pressing questions via our chat link at the bottom of our Blog page and many other pages within our site. Be sure to join our DOT HELP GROUP via Yahoo Groups and/or DOT HELP on Linked IN. We look forward to seeing you there. Add your comments on our services provided on our Comment page. Our site is very interactive, as are our groups, and all work best when you interact. Make your posting today! Use our SHARE link on the top left of each page to post us to your favorite networking site and to share our content with your friends and co-workers. Be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed for instant updates. A quick click of your mouse and all of newsflash postings are at your fingertips. Be sure to check out our Logistics page (http://thedotdoctor.com/logistics), Safety Page (http://thedotdoctor.com/safety_newletter) and various other pages for automatic updated information from a variety of global services. Always be current by bookmarking and visiting The DOT Doctor’s Website often. We offer free safety videos on our Safety page (http://thedotdoctor.com/safety_plan); technical writing services (http://thedotdoctor.com/authorship), listing of DOT Fines (http://thedotdoctor.com/dot_compliance) and don’t forget about our all inclusive NEW BUSINESS SET UP Package. This package establishes a DOT Number for your new company, provides a written safety plan and includes a year of IFTA filing, UCR filing and log auditing services as well as list of other services. Visit: http://thedotdoctor.com/business_package for all the details. Just IFTA filing services (http://thedotdoctor.com/quarterly_ifta_filing) or Logbook auditing (http://thedotdoctor.com/quarterly_ifta_filing). We offer a combined Presidential Package for your filing and auditing needs (http://thedotdoctor.com/quarterly_ifta_filing#presplanprice). All this begins at just $10/truck.
These are just a small sampling of what we have to offer. If you haven’t been to our site or haven’t been there lately; come visit us at: http://thedotdoctor.com today.
The DOT Doctor has the cure for ALL your compliance ills….. and more.
Thank you for your continued patronage!
Andrea Sitler, PhD
The DOT Doctor
Click to join dot_help
The DOT Doctor is now offering more than just transportation related solutions. We have expanded to include IT Service Offerings.
Our new IT DIVISION will offer:
……….. and other related services
Check out our new IT Page today.
Have you seen this article from the Curiosity Shop?
Lung Cancer, whats that got to do with Delivery Drivers?
Quite a lot actually. Especially if you don’t want one of these ugly tumours on your lungs. If you are a courier, trucker or delivery driver, read through the information below, and tell me what you think.
An up to date article in News Inferno was very interesting reading and informative…
Recent research suggests that lung cancer risks are higher among trucking industry workers because of diesel fume exposure. According to a new study published in the January issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, workers in the trucking industry with an estimated 20 years on the job have an elevated risk of lung cancer with each increasing year of work due to their diesel fume exposure.
A lot of drivers are career drivers. They start in their 20s and still drive until they are retired, some often continuing part time during retirement. For many, driving for a living is something they really enjoy.
The article goes on to say –
Scientists have long known that diesel fumes might play a role in the development of lung cancer. According to a report on SFgate.com, diesel fumes consist of a toxic stew of about 400 chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, cyanide and lead. Breathing large amounts of diesel fumes could cause respiratory diseases, and people with asthma, heart disease and emphysema can worsen if exposed to the exhaust. Long-term exposure leads to chronic obstructive lung disease as well as lung cancer.
So, it’s the long term exposure that does the damage. The longer you drive, the more chance you have of getting it. A case control study was done back in 1990 and the report says at the end..
Overall, our results suggest that diesel truck drivers have an excess risk of lung cancer compared to other teamsters in jobs outside the trucking industry. However, our findings were not uniformly consistent and our data have many limitations, the most important of which is the lack of data on exposure to diesel fumes.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
In the US, the EPA have been making big inroads into reducing the danger. A tough task considering most areas of the US and the Uk are urbanised so diesel fumes are in every breath we take. As much as 25% of the breath we take in highly urbanised areas, more if there is a port nearby and the diesel fumes from the ships engines are in the air.
Early in 2001, the EPA issued landmark standards to clean up dirty diesel trucks and buses, comparable to the advent of the catalytic converter on cars several decades ago. When the standards take full effect in 2007, they are expected to reduce emissions from trucks and buses by more than 90 percent, the equivalent of taking 13 million of the nation’s 14 million trucks and buses off the roads.
Source: ENS
The article from the ENS website goes on to outline the effort from the Bush administration. It also clearly higlights the failings in the US – emissions trading programs. So rather than clean up their act the worst polluters get to trade credits with cleaner, greener companies. I cannot see how this would work myself, and seems like a fraudulent way of dealing with the issue.
In addition to concluding that diesel fumes likely cause lung cancer, the EPA found that diesel exhaust triggers asthma and other respiratory effects, calling the fumes “a chronic respiratory hazard to humans.” Based on animal testing and studies of people in jobs with high exposures, the fumes were shown to be carcinogenic, or cancer causing.
The agency did not attempt to quantify the cancer risk from exposure to diesel emissions, though the report notes that the risk is likely to be higher for people who regularly work with or around diesel engines. But even everyday exposure to background levels of diesel fumes probably puts people at risk, the EPA said.
What can an employer do to limit diesel fumes for their drivers? Is there an efficient way of filtering the exhaust fumes so that the carcinogens are contained?
My thoughts on this are two fold, is this coming to light now to try and encourage people to buy environmentally vehicles? Is it diesel that is doing the evil deed? Why isn’t it coal fires, petrol or another type of fuel? Or is it the sad fact that all of these contribute to it, and its our delivery drivers that are taking home the tumours.
For excellent information and research on cancer, more information can be found on the pharma strategy blog written by Sally Church.
Sarah
Related articles
It’s that wonderful time of the year when we all have the opportunity to purchase fresh, wonderful Girl Scout cookies. Not only are these a wonderful treat; they help the girls in many ways. Brownie Troop #9376 are using their profits to attend a special Space Center Houston Camp.
Camping is not the only benefit for the girls when you purchase theses delicious cookies. The girls learn leadership skills, marketing skills, sales, entrepreneurial skills, budget management and most importantly they build self confidence. Girls in Scouting learn to stand tall and proud. They know they are independent and believe in themselves. This inspires them to work for their goals, attend Ivy League Colleges, participate in school activities and achieve top grades. Girl Scouts stand in the shadows of no one and learn how to be self sufficient. These are life skills that all girls should know and thanks to GS; learn is fun and begins in kindergarten.
Be a part of girl’s life and future today! Buy a box of these delicious cookies and make a difference today.
Click here to purchase online via PayPal.
(http://thedotdoctor.com/cookies)
Email me (asitler@thedotdoctor.com) if you want local pickup or case orders (mix and match 8 flavors)
The Girl Scouts of NE Texas proudly support our Troops. Buy a box today and we will deliver it for you to a Troop overseas.
THE DOT DOCTOR PROUDLY SUPPORTS
GIRL SCOUT BROWNIE TROOP #9376
All the elves have been working hard to complete the website. New pages have been added. Under construction pages have been completed. New content is being added daily. RSS feeds have been added to many of the pages for instant updates on what is happen in the industry. We have sound on a few of our pages now. We are very excited with all the new changes.
Stormwater Management – http://thedotdoctor.com/stormwater_plan
HazMat Handling – http://thedotdoctor.com/hazmat
Clean and Green Technologies – http://thedotdoctor.com/clean_and_green_technologies
Drug and Alcohol Training – http://thedotdoctor.com/drug_and_alcohol_plan
Logistics / Santa Countdown and Tracker – http://thedotdoctor.com/logistics
Freightbrokerage and Free Loadboard – http://thedotdoctor.com/freight_brokerage
Plus visit our updated pages via the main page – http://thedotdoctor.com
——————————————————————————–
Two mini eBooks by Dr. Andrea Sitler PhD are offered for sale on the site or on Ebay.
Dr. Andrea Sitler PhD is a published author and SME in the fields of transportation, logistics and safety.
“PU: Energy Source or Death Source” discusses the advantages of Nuclear Energy vs. conventional energy methods. Understand this value element and its benefits to the environment. The health risks, terrorist potential and proper handling of Plutonium are discussed in detail.
The transport and handling of high level hazardous material, especially nuclear waste, is covered in detail. An in-depth discussion on the benefits and ability to recycle Pu vs. bury Pu at Yucca Mountain is explored. Learn how Pu is recycled around the globe. Realize that only 3% is ACTUAL waste.
Radiation exposure in everyday life as well as the cancer risks of Pu exposure is explored. Dr. Cohen’s work is referenced and discussed. Understand the government controls on the nuclear industry and remove public fears. Learn how Yucca Mountain will be filled before it is even officially opened.
Learn how the nuclear industry is the cure to Global Warming. Explore the current state of the nuclear industry and nuclear energy is covered as well as the history of nuclear technology. Learn about breeding Pu, purity factors, risk factors and global developments. Compare and contrast the US Nuclear Market vs. the Global Nuclear Market. Discover India’s Nuclear Power Strategy, CANDU Reactor and Reactor developments and advancements.
Available at: http://thedotdoctor.com/green_download
——————————————————————————–
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TRUCKING LIES
Before becoming an O/O or a truck driver, ask yourself and your loved ones these questions.
1. Dream of being a trucker?
2. Want that freedom of the road?
3. Like to travel?
4. Want to make the “big bucks” that drivers make?
5. Maybe, doing it your way, is your dream and so is being an O/O?
Before making that big decision, sign up to receive this free download with the truth about the trucking life.
“The Realities of Trucking Driving”
How many miles you can REALLY expect to drive per week?
What will I really make my first year?
Know if you should be paid by % or Cent Per Mile (CPM).
Dealing with recruiters; separating the facts from fiction.
What is guaranteed hometime?
Which pays better, Owner Operator or a Company Driver?
What type of freight should I haul?
Where do I find a good company?
Does my car driving record affect my ability to be hired?
Do the tickets I get as a commercial driver cost me on my car insurance?
What is DAC and why do I care?
How do I protect my DAC score?
“I Want to be an Owner-Operator; now what?”
Can I afford to become an O/O?
What money does it really take to be independent?
Where do I find work as an O/O?
How do I find insurance for my family now that I am independent?
“Truths Driving Schools Hide From Their Students”
Why new drivers have a difficult time finding and maintaining employment?
Time to make big dollars now; not!
Difference between running team and working for the teamsters.
To sleep or not?
Trucking driving is not freedom.
Available at: http://thedotdoctor.com/dac
——————————————————————————–
We are pleased to offer you this exciting, new, and entirely free professional resource. Visit our Free Industry resource center today to browse our selection of 600+ complimentary Industry magazines, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and more. Get popular titles including:
Greening Your Organization and It\’s Supply – Distribution Chains
The Five Keys to World-Class Distribution
Sophos Security Threat Report: Mid-Year Update
No credit cards, coupons, or promo codes required. Try it today!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The DOT Doctor
Stay current with what is happening in the transportation industry. Discuss the effects new regulations have on the drivers and the industry. What is the Clean Air Act in CA doing to the O/Os? Find out all this and more by subscribing to the RSS feed for the DOT Doctor Speaks. Available at: http://thedotdoctor.com/the_dot_doctor_speaks
The DOT Doctor Speaks
The DOT Doctor's Blog 