Safety
Shock Gap: Reefer techs can lack the training to stay safe
GUELPH, Ont. -- Modern reefer units are clearly more efficient than their belt-driven predecessors. Compressors and electric motors have combined into single units, and there are no alternators to be found. Noise has dropped; reliability has improved.
UPS executive challenges fleets to ‘define excellence’
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Carlton Rose, president, global fleet maintenance and engineering at UPS, is challenging the trucking industry to define the excellence needed to realize cleaner cities, safer vehicles, and underlying technical knowledge. “If you’re the one who defines excellence, then you’re the one who shapes expertise to achieve it,” Rose said.
Electric vehicles are sparking more training for first responders
TORONTO, Ont. -- When engineers at Kenworth brought their hydrogen-electric hybrid Zero Emission Cargo Transport (ZECT) to Mount Vernon, Wash., they were sure to let first responders know the truck was on site, and trained them on how to respond should an emergency arise.
Ryder preaches safety. The Canadians lead the way.
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- The safety messages are found at every turn, usually in a bold red and black. There are reminders not to smoke, and the need to wear safety glasses and safety shoes. Lockout tags and keys hang from door handles to ensure vehicles are not unexpectedly started while someone is working underneath. They’re the not-so-subtle signs of Ryder’s commitment to safety in this Mississauga, Ont., shop and beyond.
Ontario investments should focus on green tech, safety and parking: OTA
TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is calling on the government to offer more support for green-trucking technology and alternative fuels, increase truck parking, and promote driver safety oversight programs. The group met with the provincial government today as part of pre-budget consultations. The Ontario budget is expected to be released this Spring ahead of a June 7 election. The OTA says it commended the government for reinvesting carbon fees paid by the trucking industry back into the sector in the form of rebates for fuel-saving devices and natural gas and electric-powered vehicles, but stressed that low carbon programs should reflect the realities of the modern supply chain.
Bison takes home more hardware for safety record
WINNIPEG, MB - It's awards season and Bison Transport is taking home some hardware. The carrier was given first place at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) National Fleet Safety Awards in the large fleet division. This is the 12th time the company has been honored with the award.
Bison takes seventh ATA safety award
ARLINGTON, VA - Canadian fleet Bison Transport has been named the winner of the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) National Truck Safety Contest. The cross-border carrier won first place for the seventh consecutive year for having the lowest U.S. Department of Transportation recordable accident rate in the 100 million miles category.
OTA releases five-point safety action plan
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) released a five-point action plan for improving truck safety this morning. The plan aims to work with law enforcement officials to assure the public that safety on the roads is the top priority of fleets owners, drivers, and other members of the industry, after a recent string of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles on Ontario highways had Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Vince Hawkes calling trucks "missiles."
More drivers are buckling up: FMCSA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - More truck drivers are wearing their seat belt, according to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A national survey conducted by the group found that seat belt usage in the U.S. was up to a record level of 86% in 2016, from just 65% in 2007. FMCSA deputy administrator Cathy F. Gautreaux says while the results of the survey are good news, work would continue on the issue until 100% of drivers buckled up on the road.
