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ATRI issued its report on the top ten trucking industry issues.  They are as follows:

1.  DRIVER SHORTAGE

2.  DRIVER RETENTION

3.  DRIVER COMPENSATION

4.  LAWSUIT ABUSE REFORM

5.  LACK OF TRUCK PARKING

6.  CSA

7.  DETENTION TIME

8.  INFRASTRUCTURE/CONGESTION

9.  INSURANCE COSTS

10. DIESEL TECHNICIAN SHORTAGE

CVSA published the statistics for Brake Safety Week.  Thirteen per cent of the vehicles inspected were placed out of service due to brake violations.  The leading violations were hose related.  The only way to avoid this kind of problem is through drivers performing top-notch pre-trip inspections as well as a good maintenance program.  It is much easier to repair and replace items in your shop than it is on the roadside as well as much less expensive.

Governor Wolf is getting serious now.  In order to assist in the truck driver shortage his opening the CDL skills testing centers on Monday!  Here is an excerpt from the news release:  

Additionally, PennDOT has temporarily opened CDL skills testing on Mondays – for four weeks. This began this past Monday, October 18. CDL skills testing takes place at 23 locations throughout Pennsylvania. These additional testing appointments are intended to allow those who are interested increased opportunity to schedule time for a CDL skills test.

Individuals may schedule a CDL skills test by visiting PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, selecting our Schedule a Driver's Exam under Driver Vehicle Services, or they may call (717) 412-5300.

CVSA is conducting in-depth instruction on the Level I inspection program at PMTA headquarters November 1-5, 2021.  There are still some spots open.  Check out the post on the website to register.  This will be a good course.

CVSA posted statistics on their website for an unannounced HM/DG inspection blitz which occurred on June 21 -25.  During that time period 10,905 CMVs hauling HM were inspected and 2,714 violations were discovered.  The top violations involved Shipping Papers, leaking containers, labeling of containers and load securement.  Transporting Hazardous Materials can be dangerous if you are not trained properly and they are not handled properly.  Check your paperwork and inspect your vehicle closely before beginning a trip.  Stay safe.

I just got off of a Quarterly update webinar with ATA.  The 3 G operating system is going to go off into the sunset at some point in the near future.  If you have an ELD that operates on the 3G system it will not operate on the new 5 G system to transfer logs during a roadside inspection.  Check with your ELD providers to determine what their course of action will be.  Stay safe.

Officers pulled over 28,148 commercial motor vehicles and 17,910 passenger vehicles July 11-17 and issued 10,486 warnings and 16,863 citations. Throughout the week, law enforcement personnel pulled over and issued warnings or citations to drivers they observed engaging in dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding or distracted driving. The goal of Operation Safe Driver Week is to dissuade dangerous driving behaviors through interactions between drivers engaging in risky driving behaviors and law enforcement officers, and through a heightened law enforcement presence on our roadways.  The top five CMV violations were:  Speeding, Seat belt use, Traffic control devices, Texting/Phone Use, Improper lane changes.  The Passenger vehicle violations were similar with texting coming in at number 3 instead of 4.  A full report is on the CVSA website.

We are getting closer to the big banquet honoring our Drivers of the Month and Year for 2019 and 2020.  This reminds me that we need our member companies to submit nominations.  This is just one way to show your appreciation to those drivers who do a great job the way it is supposed to be done.  The forms can be found on our website.  Please take the time to honor your safe drivers.  Have a great day and stay safe!

PMTA held its' first in-person training at HQ since COVID reared its ugly head.  It was definitely much different than the Zoom room.  I enjoyed the participation, questions and comments.  We all learned something that day along with myself.  I am looking forward to more presentations.  Thanks to all who attended and their companies for supporting motor carrier safety!

With all that is going wrong in the world right now, let's recognize what is going right.  Our drivers are the best and safest in the world and everything they do keeps this country moving, literally.  When you meet up with a driver in whatever capacity you find yourself please thank them for staying the course and maintaining our everyday lives.  Thank you drivers for all you do!