Freight Carrier Updates: Week of October 23rd, 2023

BE A TRUE PROFESSIONAL: Representing Your Company

When you go to a shipper or consignee, you are representing us and everyone who works for or is leased to us. How you handle yourself reflects on everyone. Because you become the “face” of us, your conduct, attitude, appearance, and attention to customer service play a major part in how we are viewed by both current and potential customers.

Professional Appearance: A neat appearance goes a long way in providing a professional appearance and positive image. Wear clean clothes with no stains, rips or tears. You might be surprised by the service you get at loading docks and truck stops as a result.

Timeliness in Logistics: Punctuality is also important, so strive to always arrive on time. It’s entirely possible that customers may organize their schedule around your arrival. If you’re going to be late for an appointment, call and update them on the situation. In the long run, this can save time and potential problems for you, your company, and your customer.

Attention to Detail in Deliveries: When making a delivery, make every effort to follow the customer’s rules, including any special delivery or pick-up instructions.

Positive Attitude: Be courteous when dealing with all customer personnel, and never take out your frustrations on (or argue) with the customer. Always use extra caution when driving on a customers’ property, which includes following posted speed limits and watching for pedestrians.

Well-Maintained Equipment: Your vehicle should always be clean and well-maintained. Dirty vehicles with loose tarps, muddy wheel wells, and dragging chains send the impression that you don’t care about your job or your equipment. Use your pre-trip inspections to make sure everything looks shiny and cared for.

Creating a Lasting Impression: Ultimately, you want to remember that a customer’s impression can lose or gain business for everyone, so make every effort to be neat, courteous, punctual, and safe.

 

CVSA 2023 BRAKE SAFETY WEEK RESULTS: Ensuring Vehicle Safety

The CVSA has released the results of the August Break Safety Week. The good news is that 87.4% of the vehicles inspected did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations! Of the 18.875 total commercial motor vehicles inspected, only 12.6% were removed from the roadways because of brake violations.

Some examples of these violations that automatically place the vehicle out of service include broken brake drums, loose air tanks, corroded holes in a spring brake housing, inoperative tractor protection valves, etc. Service brake violations, such as cracked linings, brake adjustment or loose chambers, may be combined to put the vehicle out of service under the 20% brake criterion. Certain service brake violations are automatically placed out of service when found on the steering axle.

The focus was lining/pad violations. Inspectors checked brake lining/pads for cracks, voids and contamination. They also looked for loose, missing or worn brake lining/pads. A total of 379 power units and 261 trailers had lining/pad violations. Make sure to review the above in your pre-trip inspections.

Keep in mind that even though the violation percentages are down, a truck with those violations can be on the road next to someone in your family. Show everyone you care by making sure your brakes are in good condition.