Tag Archive for: documentation

The Private Motor Truck Council Clarifies ArriveCAN for the Trucking Industry

The PMTC (Private Motor Truck Council) has worked to clarify ArriveCAN as it pertains to Trucking: 

As you know, The Government of Canada has utilized various tools at its disposal to help limit the spread of COVID-19 across the border. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBSA has been working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and other federal partners along with provincial partners to ensure that the required measures to limit and reduce the spread of the virus into Canada were put into place. As the situation evolved, so did the CBSA posture. The Agency has continued to increase these measures on the advice of PHAC to help mitigate and contain the spread of the virus.

Submitting your information 

Accordingly, as of February 21st, 2021 at 11:59:59 PM, it will be required for all travelers to submit their information electronically before or when entering Canada. Commercial transporters will continue to be able to submit the mandatory information before or when entering Canada. For travelers who have not submitted their information in advance, they will be asked to provide it on entry.

While it is not mandatory for the information to be submitted in advance of crossing the border at this time, the use of ArriveCAN for travelers to submit their information in advance of the border is strongly recommended. ArriveCAN is a secure and user-friendly tool to help travelers comply with Canada’s enhanced border measures. ArriveCAN is available as a free mobile app available for download from Google Play or the App Store or by signing in online via Canada.ca/ArriveCAN.

We understand that not all truck drivers will have access to the ArriveCan App at this point and so I would like to remind you that Travellers can either use the mobile App or sign in online on any personal computing device (e.g. tablet) to use the non-app version of ArriveCAN.  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html

If you don’t submit your information…

Moreover, rest assured that Canadian citizens, who don’t submit their information through ArriveCAN, will not be denied boarding or entry at the land border, but may:

  • face additional delays at the border for public health questioning;
  • be subject to enforcement action.

Foreign nationals essential workers such as commercial truck drivers will not be denied entry if they do not have their ArriveCAN submission as long as they meet the requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Operational guidance has been provided to our front-line officers in this regard, as well.

As we have more information on the next steps, the Government of Canada will be sure to engage with the industry to allow for the appropriate measures are in place to allow for a seamless implementation, to the greatest extent possible.

Thank you and your members for your/their ongoing efforts throughout the pandemic.

For More Information 

To receive further clarity, we just had a phone call with CBSA officials. Below are some tips and guidance.

  1. If a driver does not have a device capable of downloading the ArriveCan App, they can access the web version from any device that has internet capabilities and sign in that way. The link to both is above and here. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html
  2. A driver may enter their information into the ArriveCan App before they begin their trip out of the country. As an example, they are leaving Winnipeg on Sunday to go to Laredo, Tx. The driver can log in to App, enter their travel information and other required information before they leave Windsor. The info entered is valid until they begin their next trip out of the Country.
  3. Although you are required to enter your travel information, contact info etc, as you are an essential worker, you will not be required to complete the quarantine portion of the ArriveCan App questionnaire.
  4. In conversations with CBSA, they have ensured us that operationally their directive remains the same, to help facilitate the industry towards compliance. They are not looking to begin laying fines right out of the gate, but instead educate our drivers and our industry towards compliance. That being said, officers do have the capability of laying fines as off Monday, so although unlikely, it is possible.
  5. As mentioned in the message above from CBSA, Canadian Drivers and foreign nationals will not, and cannot be refused entry into Canada.
  6. This ruling and requirement does affect all US Drivers/citizens who are entering Canada as well. US Drivers/citizens will need to download the ArriveCan App, or use the Web version, prior to entering Canada, the same as a Canadian Truck Driver. The one exception is, if the driver is a US Citizen, they can be denied entry into Canada for not complying with the act.

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55 Things We Learned from an Expert Insurance Underwriter

55 Things We Learned from an Expert Insurance Underwriter

Insurance premiums and renewal rates continue to be one of the biggest expenses incurred by trucking companies. Rates have increased exponentially in recent years due to accident frequency, truck driver shortage, and the ever-present threat of nuclear verdicts. But, we are here to help. We set out to learn about the underwriting process including:

  • – Assessing a Trucking Company
  • – Premium Increases
  • – Technology Factors
  • – COVID-19 Impact
  • – Safety Culture Influence

Download your free eBook from Infinit-I: Avoiding Nuclear Verdicts

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We interviewed Tony Hoff of Napa River Insurance about the underwriting process for trucking company insurance assessments. He gave the most interesting and data-packed presentation I have ever seen! I could barely keep up with all the notes.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions presents: 

55 Things We Learned from an Expert Commercial Auto Insurance Underwriter.

Underwriting Process

  1. Fleet managers and front-line operations are the ones who must maintain the safety culture with the drivers. If they are not ‘singing the safety tune,’ no one is.
  2. Operations MUST believe in safety culture and live it every day. It is a continuation of the top-down culture that insurance underwriters take into consideration.
  3. Underwriters will not convince you that safety culture is important. You should already be living it.

“Safety is doing the right thing for a long time.” – Tony Hoff, Napa Valley Insurance

Industry-Wide Premium Increases

  1. 15-20% Increase in premiums across the industry without a horrendous loss. If you have incurred large losses, you can expect more.
  2. Underwriters consider 5 years of data history.
  3. Excess limits are more costly and difficult to fill. They are not priced to have a loss every single year.
  4. Results in commercial insurance carriers leaving the market because they can no longer afford to write commercial auto coverage.
  5. Capacity is on a steady decrease as insurance carriers leave the market. When you lose money from a loss standpoint, you don’t want to underwrite anymore.

COVID-19 Effects on Insurance

  1. In the beginning, COVID-19 slowed everything down in the commercial auto insurance market.
  2. Initial reduction in claims due to:
    • Less congestion on roads
    • Increased productivity
    • Fewer losses
    • Decreased accident frequency
  3. The trucking industry rebound has led to more claims due to the resurgence of traffic, congestion, and sudden backups.
  4. Speeding is OUT OF CONTROL!!! Unsafe Basic scores are rising across the board.
  5. “Accident rates are increasing at an unprecedented level. We need to slow these drivers down.”

Premium Increase Factors

  1. Everything is more expensive. (Claims frequency and amount, medical coverage, defense attorney fees.)
  2. Insurance companies are seeing losses where their vehicle never touched the insured truck but are still paying out.
  3. Plaintiffs are getting better at what they are doing. Ten years ago, they did not even know what a CSA score was. Not they could teach you about CSA.
  4. There is a lot of uncertainty in trying cases. Settling may be cheaper than going to court (fees/attorneys) even if you were clearly not liable.
  5. Loss development – the longer the claim is pending, the more it costs.

“A 300% increase in 6 years is dramatic. It is unsustainable. Something has to give. Who is it going to be?”

What You Can Control

  1. Know the process – know what steps of underwriting consist of.
  2. Underwriters who have time to thoroughly vet the submission feel more comfortable writing.
  3. Strongly suggest you shop early. Get ready at least 3 months before renewal. Have your documents ready.
  4. If you are going to shop with more than one broker/carrier, have a standard submission-ready.
  5. Know where you stand. Is my expectation to get a decrease? Or do I want to manage my increase?
  6. (Loss Ratio + Incurred Total Loss) / Your Premium. If you are over 65%, your insurance carrier is losing money.

Safety Culture

  1. Online continual training is key in proving your commitment to safety.
  2. Look at your drivers’ attitude. Do they accept responsibility? Are they willing to learn?
  3. It is absolutely crucial to have a remedial training program. Find drivers’ weaknesses and coach them.
  4. Insurers look at loss development, are you trending in the right direction. If you have a stellar loss history, a new loss may not significantly affect your premiums.
  5. Find the carrier that you enjoy doing business with and then figure out the pricing.
  6. Put some faith behind your trusted safety program. Invest in yourself.
  7. Let Underwriters know what makes you “Best in Class.”
  8. Be prepared for renewal, provide a packet with the following documents:
    • Financial documents and review
    • Loss History
    • Insurance History
    • Profile of Operations
    • CSA Roadside Results
    • Reportable Accidents not on Loss Run
    • Onsite Loss Control Survey

Be a Real Partner

  1. Solidify a business relationship with your Insurance Partner.
  2. You can get a quote from anywhere, be engaged.

Technology

  1. Track everything. You can’t know where you are trending unless you can track it:
  2. Turnover, Retention, Ops Performance, CSA Scores, Driver Safety Performance, Loss Trends, Accident Costs, Recordable Accident Rates, Total Accident Rates, Insurance Costs
  3. Benchmark yourself and maintain accountability.
  4. Find out what metrics are causing your losses and attack those.
  5. Use front end data to make back end decisions.

“Safety Professionals who make future decisions based on past results and analysis are the most effective. BE PROACTIVE.”

  1. “Every lawsuit involves being able to produce documents quickly. “Have you trained your drivers? Can you provide the documentation that you’ve trained your drivers?” Camera/online training combination can take a nuclear verdict and knock it out of the courtroom.” – Mark Rhea
  1. The greatest myth in trucking is that safety is too expensive. The advanced technologies that are now in place are a game changer in the industry. Technology is embraced by insurance companies because it gives us a claims “edge” that we otherwise would not have.
  1. Onboard cameras and collision mitigation are proven to influence courtroom decisions. BUT it only makes sense if you are willing to act on the data. You will need to have policies in place before you utilize these technologies.

Addition Tips from the Underwriter

  1. We will look at how many times you have switched insurance carriers in the past.
  2. If you have favorable loss history that extends beyond 5 years, and then have a bad year, it will come up at renewal. You need a relationship history with your insurer.
  3. Be 100% honest about what kind of carrier you are and what makes you the best.
  4. Bring to renewal: What do we do best? What do we need to do better?
  5. Have Best Practices in place, not the easy out. (PSP, Long-form physicals, etc.)
  6. Invest money in the onboarding process. Invest in your training.
  7. 10% of drivers cause 90% of your problems. Get them in and coach them before we lose them.
  8. Reporting the issue is huge! We track day loss happened vs. when it was reported to us.
  9. 3 things that will result in plaintiff verdict:
    • Leaving the scene of an accident.
    • Failure to report an accident.
    • Positive drug test after accident.

Insurance Take-Aways

  1. 2021 will continue to be a very challenging year from an insurance standpoint.
  2. Losses are up and so is speed. Slow your drivers down.
  3. We are living in different times and we need to adjust.
  4. What makes you an exceptional risk? Can we fix those areas that are not exceptional?

“Safety Culture = Commitment. If everyone in your organization stays committed, you WILL succeed.”

Get Your Insurance Questions Answered!

MCIEF Founder Tommy Ruke is Ready to Answer Your Most Pressing Insurance Questions. 
Learn Real Solutions to Your Insurance Problems. 

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has partnered with the Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation (MCIEF.org) to help you get your insurance questions answered. Infinit-I and MCIEF have joined together to provide access to “Ask Tommy”.

This is a service provided to MCIEF members, but it is being opened up to Infinit-I visitors to give you the opportunity to ask your most pressing insurance questions. To submit your questions, click here.
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Top 5 “What-ifs” that Keep Safety Managers Awake at Night

TOP 5 "WHAT IFS"

My days in dispatch have provided me with many stories, insights, and anecdotes about a career spent supporting truck drivers. Some stories help me relate to others in the industry, some create a bond with drivers, some are told just to get a laugh.

But this story, this one will stick with me forever.

I worked with a driver named Pete Greenly. About 99% of the time, Pete was the best driver a dispatcher could ask for. His trip plans were flawless. His fuel/idle percentage was low. He was always happy and made my job easy. Pete helped me achieve operating metrics, and he told me how to advise other drivers. We made a great team.

Must Service Business

Our company coined high priority loads as “Must Service Business,” or MSB loads. Whenever a planner would pop up above the cubicle and announce, “I have an MSB with a tight schedule, who can do it?” My answer was a resounding, “Put it on Pete.”

He absolutely loved trucking and life on the road. His eyes would light up after making on-time delivery on a tight load. Or getting his truck washed. He was proud of his career and his performance, and rightly so. But that 1% where he was off his game was difficult for us both.

MUST SERVE BUSINESS

Mr. Greenly struggled with two addictions: gambling and drinking. And when one of his demons took hold of him, he became powerless to the other.

This story is about a particular MSB load, planned almost to the minute. We were hauling for a home goods liquidator on the east coast who paid a lot to move freight but expected perfection.

“Put it on Pete.”

If there was ever a driver who could make this load on time, it was him. The route took him right through Philly, his hometown. We even planned for him to take his 30-minute break with his daughter so they could enjoy a late dinner together. If he stuck to our very tight trip plan, he would have rolled up to the receiver with a couple of minutes to spare.

I put the load on Pete, helped him plan, and let him ride. I clocked out for the evening with no issues to report to the night shift.

The Next Morning

First thing the next morning: coffee, daily safety brief, check on Pete. He never made it to the receiver. I immediately called to check on him, no answer. I sent a panic message to his truck and called again. No answer.

THE NEXT MORNING

I let the planner know we were late and would have an ETA asap. I pulled the coordinates to Pete’s truck and my heart sank. He had been parked outside a huge casino in Philly since 3 am.  He made a mistake.

As a dispatcher, I had to decide on a plan. Should I make him get the load delivered asap, as not to upset the receiver? No. I had to take care of my driver.

I called the casino and asked for security. They found Pete in the truck, awake but incoherent. I paid for a hotel room and told him to leave his keys at the front desk. I routed another driver to the casino to pick up the load.

Pete spent the rest of the day in that hotel room and was later asked to leave the company. Years of top performance from this driver were squandered in a single evening. Thankfully, everyone was safe, but I couldn’t stop asking myself, “What if?”

Top 5 “What-ifs”

What if my driver had felt pressured to deliver the load for fear of the consequences?

All too often, truck drivers feel the pressure from dispatch to perform at the top of their ability, even to their own detriment. Operations employees sometimes lose the idea that drivers are only human, with limitations, and their safety should always remain top priority. How do we keep that thought top of mind in the haze of MSB loads, on-time delivery, and pressure from customers?

If you have built an operations team that always strives to perform to the best of their abilities, congratulations to you. That is no easy task. Make sure, however, your team can weigh the pros and cons of running too hard for too long. Your team should feel empowered to make decisions together and trust one another to make the right choice.

What if my driver caused injury or death to innocent bystanders in an accident?

Of all professions, professional truck drivers are at the top when it comes to job-related responsibilities. In addition to their job duties, long hours, time away from home, etc. they are also held to a higher highway standard than most drivers. Hauling an 80,000 lb. machine at highway speeds is no easy task and always takes the drivers undivided attention.

When impaired, it becomes impossible for a driver to give his full focus to the road. To what extent are the dispatcher and the safety department responsible? This is where proactivity is key. Drivers must know the policies and procedures of your company and be reminded often. You can prove your due diligence in training by documenting their regularly scheduled safety training.

What if, in that accident, my driver lost his life?

From time-to-time in the trucking industry, fatal accidents occur. It is perhaps the most difficult scenario to navigate while simultaneously attempting to carry on business. Not only would a loss of life be a terrible situation for his family and friends, but also for his co-workers.

When a tragic event occurs, the strength of your company’s cultural relationship shines through. If you have put in the work to solidify the overall bond of your workforce, they can find the strength to overcome the tough times together.

What if my company had to face litigation because of a driver’s mistake?

Nuclear verdicts, verdicts more than $20 million, are one of the trucking industries hottest topics. When accidents occur, especially preventable accidents, these verdicts can close the doors for some less-than-prosperous trucking companies.

Professional drivers may feel that a nuclear verdict is the company’s problem. That is partly true. When a trucking company is sued, especially after injury or death occurs, it is the responsibility of upper management to take on the challenge.

What if I lose the lawsuit?

But let’s imagine that the company is sued because of an accident, loses the court case, and must pay out millions in damages. Depending on the size of the company, potentially hundreds of people could lose their livelihoods.

Hundreds of truck drivers and office staff could find themselves unemployed, all because of one mistake of one driver or dispatcher.

Infinit-I Award-Winning Training Platform – Here for You

Infiniti Workforce has business and training solutions that will decrease and/or eliminate your doubts and fears regarding these “What ifs?” Our Client Success Representatives spend their days talking to, consulting, and learning from industry professionals just like you. We gather a broad scope of industry best practices and pass that information along with the purpose of making every trucker a safer driver.

To our current clients: What are some of your “What-ifs” that haven’t been mentioned in this article? Email me at Lindsay.Presley@verticalag.com or join the discussion on our newest LinkedIn page for Trucking Safety Professionals.

If you are not a current client of ours, but you see value in the discussion, follow this link for a quick overview of what our platform can do for you, your company, your drivers, your owners, and other stakeholders such as insurance providers and business partners. Now, you can take advantage of the Infinit-I system absolutely free.

In just 30 days, we promise:

  • – Reduced Accidents
  • – Reduced Violations
  • – Reduced Training Time
  • – Reduced Driver Turnover
  • – Increased Profitability
  • – Increased Litigation Protection
  • – Fleet-Wide Communication
  • – Simplified Safety Training

Start your complimentary trial today with the most trusted, preferred, and referred learning management system in the trucking industry. Enhance your safety culture and create safer drivers with Infinit-I Workforce Solutions.

About the Author

About the Author

Lindsay Presley is the Industry Marketer for Infinit-I Workforce Solutions. Specializing in the trucking industry, Lindsay has spent her professional career studying and implementing industry best practices. Her positions have included: recruiter, dispatcher, fleet manager, corporate trainer, copywriter, and industry marketer. She knows every aspect of the business including managing front line drivers, insurance providers, executive management, sales, operations, HR, and training.

Lindsay has garnered her knowledge through extensive dealings in:

·         Tractor-Trailer·         Over the Road
·         Reefer/Dry Van·         Local
·         Medium Duty·         Regional/Dedicated
·         HazMat·         Student Transportation

Lindsay’s specialty is transforming the dispatcher & driver relationship, enhancing safety cultures, & training fleet operations. She lends her unique points of view to the Infinit-I Workforce Solution blog through years of front-line experience. Throughout her career, she states the most rewarding experience was supporting her favorite truckers: running miles and moving freight.

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SPOTLIGHT: Back to School Best Practices

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) on their podcast, The Bus Stop. Stephanie Wilcoxson joined NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn to discuss how current clients are benefitting from the IWS platform and creating safer spaces for students and drivers.

Stephanie is the National Account Executive for the Student Transportation Division at Infinit-I Workforce Solutions. She hopes her contribution to The Bus Stop will raise awareness to an issue about which we are passionate, safe student transportation.

Student Transportation

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions began as a training course system to train truck drivers on safe practices. We began hearing chatter about the need for continued training in the student transportation space.

At that time, IWS began producing DVDs for school bus driver training purposes. The product was widely utilized by school districts and private transportation companies. As technology moved to support cloud-based systems, IWS evolved to maintain the needs of the market.

The Infinit-I platform is fully digital with mobile capabilities. Users can access their assigned training anytime, anywhere. Since we provide a cloud-based system, our content is constantly being re-evaluated and updated. As laws or regulations change, or information becomes outdated, IWS will temporarily suspend inaccurate videos. Our in-house video production team allows for timely and accurate rerelease.

Customize

Currents clients can browse our current resource library which boasts 400 safety training videos specifically regarding student transport. Admins can browse these titles and select the most relevant content. After a fleet evaluation, management can select the areas of driver behavior that need to be strengthened.

Admins who regularly evaluate their employees can easily pinpoint weaknesses within your fleet.  If a certain group of employees is struggling, management can deploy specific training for specific groups. Many clients state this is helpful before and after audits, tackle your lowest scoring sections and experience immediate improvement.

In addition to our current course offerings, the IWS platform allows each individual district or company to upload specific content that pertains to their company. There are no two school districts or bus companies that operate with the exact same policies and procedures.

Upload content that is specific to your company’s culture or performance expectations. Whether it is your own videos, PDFs, or existing slideshows, you can assign it to your drivers along with our video content. Drivers can be tested on custom content. Management will receive the same documentation that it was completed and understood.

Bus Drivers

Your drivers will receive their own unique login information. Their assignments will be streamed to their computer, tablet, or mobile device. After completing the coursework, users can be tested on their knowledge retention.

Scenario: One of your drivers was recently in an accident and needs remedial training. Management can access the course library, locate courses that are specific to the type of accident, and assign courses directly to the individual rather than the entire fleet.

Every lesson, task, and test are recorded. Admins can view how long it took the driver to complete the course. The number of attempts will be recorded so you’ll know if they failed to reach the acceptable grade. You can also view which test questions were missed, and from there, assign additional hands-on and specific training for areas in which the driver is struggling.

Student Transport and COVID-19

With new accommodations required by social distancing, in-person meetings have become increasingly difficult and risky. We’ve experienced many layoffs and furloughs due to school closures.

Social distancing is a major issue that is driving new clients to IWS. However, the main concern we receive from transportation executives is the need to properly communicate policies and procedures that are constantly changing.

Bus companies have taken this “down-time” to put a hard focus on training. New considerations must be made as we begin to expand and onboard returning or new employees.

Transportation departments must communicate these changes during onboarding. Now is the time to have a platform in place with communication capability to support your onboarding influx.

IWS has recently experienced a surge in interest, referrals, and users as transport companies are returning to a pre-pandemic level of operation, but with new and ever-changing operating procedures. The documentation functionality of IWS eliminates the, “I didn’t know we are supposed to do it that way now,” reasoning you often receive.

WEBINAR: NSTA EXCLUSIVE

Thursday 9/24 at 11:30 am ET / 10:30 am CT Join Stephanie as she presents a live demonstration of the IWS platform. Get a visual of how easy it is to use and how it will improve your safety culture. We will be taking live questions during the webinar.

What you can expect:

  • Intro from NSTA guest speaker, Jessica Pinkerton
  • Live presentation of INFINITI
  • Operational scenarios INFINITI can address
  • Administrator’s view of the platform
  • A glimpse from the driver’s perspective
  • Open dialogue through Q&A

Click here to register

About Stephanie Wilcoxson

Stephanie Wilcoxson is the National Account Executive for the Student Transportation Division of INFINITI Workforce Solutions.  She began her career in the SAAS industry in 2012 and joined the ranks of Vertical Alliance Group in 2016.

Her focus has been to explore new verticals and raise awareness of INFINITI in the market.  Since beginning her role, she has developed a deeper understanding of the industry and a great appreciation for school bus drivers across the nation.

She has expanded our footprint and INFINITI is quickly becoming recognized as the leader in online training for student transportation professionals from coast to coast.

 

 

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Spotted Lanternfly: Operating Without a Permit Could Cost You $20,000

Spotted Lanternfly: Operating Without a Permit Could Cost You $20,000

Spotted Lanternfly

Add another quarantine to the list of 2020’s challenges to overcome. This year, the state of Pennsylvania has nearly doubled the number of counties placed under quarantine due to the spotted lanternfly. This travel quarantine applies to 26 Pennsylvania counties through which commercial vehicle operators must be permitted to travel.

The spotted lanternfly was first spotted in the United States in 2014 and have since rapidly expanded their U.S. population. Originating from China, India, and Vietnam, this invasive species has taken favor to many different types of fruit-bearing trees and plants on the east coast.

This year, they are back with a vengeance. Agricultural departments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey estimate 500% and 1000% increases, respectively, in the spotted lanternfly population. Projections by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences show the spotted lanternfly could cause a loss of $324 million to the state’s economy and eliminate close to 3,000 jobs.

The Spotted Lanternfly

While these animals aren’t dangerous to humans, they can be devastating to a wide variety of agriculture and produce. Lanternflies are attracted to grapevines, figs, hops, avocados, and many other fruit-bearing plants. After infestation, they secrete a sweet and sticky substance that adheres to the plants. This secretion is attractive to a type of black mold that can be harmful and even cause plant death.

The spotted lanternfly reproduces by laying dozens of eggs at a time. There is no population control because this species has no natural predators. Without human interference, the lanternfly population has grown exponentially.

At least 26 counties in Pennsylvania are under a strict spotted lanternfly quarantine to stop the spread of the pest. Any business that moves goods through one of the quarantined areas must be permitted to do so. Penn State Extension offers a free training course through which you can receive a permit.

Manager’s Responsibility

At least one person in your company must complete the course and pass the knowledge along to the rest of the fleet. Any company that operates out of compliance could face a civil penalty of up to $20,000. The free course is available here and teaches:

  • – The importance of stopping spotted lanternfly
  • – Lifecycle and habits of SLF
  • – How quarantine zones work
  • – Find and destroy SLF
  • – Quarantine zone best practices

Each unit of your fleet who moves through one of the quarantined zones must be properly trained and carry a permit. Through the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform, you can assign custom training to all your drivers and issue their permits. Drivers can access that permit at any time through their resource library, should they be asked to provide it to enforcement officers.

Trucker’s Responsibility

Especially when crossing state or county lines, truck drivers should take special action to ensure they are not contributing to the spread of the insect. Instruct your drivers to complete a thorough search for spotted lanternfly nests on their equipment during their pre- and post-trip inspection.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers comprehensive training content on how to manage spotted lanternfly occurrences. Current clients already have access to these materials and it’s ready to “plug and play” with their current training system.

Lanternfly resources and topics we cover:

  • – Destroying Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
  • – Development Stages of the Spotted Lanternfly
  • – How to Comply with Spotted Lanternfly Regulations Fact Sheet
  • – How to Identify and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
  • – If You See A Spotted Lanternfly, Report It!
  • – Lanternfly Quarantine Zone Map
  • – Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training (Parts 1-5)
  • – Spotted Lanternfly Training Quiz

The US Department of Agriculture recommends destroying spotted lanternfly egg masses if found. Spotted lanternflies make nests on hard surfaces, your drivers should thoroughly check their wheel wells, bumpers, and in/around trailers. The nests, which can resemble tree bark, can be removed easily with any tool with a rigid surface. Scrape the egg mass into a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to eliminate the offspring.

We Can Help!

Remember, the state of Pennsylvania requires fleets to carry permits with them throughout the quarantined areas after proper training. We must do our part to suppress the expansion of the spotted lanternfly population.

For Current Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Clients:

Contact your Client Success Rep today to become spotted lanternfly certified and receive your fleet’s permits. Our content catalog has all the training you need to become a certified spotted lanternfly trained fleet.

For Future Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Clients:

Receive your spotted lanternfly training and certification today for free! We are offering a 30-day complimentary trial, no obligation. We can help you choose your designated spotted lanternfly trainer and have you certified by end of business today.

Click here for information about how to receive your fleets certification and permits absolutely free.

Additional Resources:

What Your Drivers Need to Know About CVSA’s Upcoming Brake Safety Week

Nuclear Verdicts Entice Fraudsters in New Trucking Exploitation Scheme

Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies – Know Your Risk

Chuck Norris Says “Thank You, Truckers!” In This Touching Video

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Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies

Every trucking company knows the risk involved with hauling an 80,000 lb. machine down the highway. Don’t feel hindered, however, by the mountain of liabilities. Simply be prepared. Below are the weaknesses that prosecuting attorneys will try to take advantage of in the event of an accident.

Driver Fatigue

Every decent truck driver knows to pull it over when they are feeling tired. They know the risks of driving while fatigued. But how often do they actually pull over when they should?

Truckers juggle many pressures while on the road: Traffic congestion, highway construction, dispatcher’s expectations, etc.

Take a look at these messages between a truck driver (grey) and their dispatcher (blue):

A good dispatcher would see the warning signs. The driver didn’t sleep well last night. This dispatcher should have asked about the driver’s ability to safely perform that day. Instead, the dispatcher was concerned with their own performance. Perhaps, feeling the pressure from their own manager. The conversation continues below.

 

The driver has now admitted to being fatigued, asked to pull over, and coerced into rolling anyway. The driver could nod off again, injuring or even killing themself or other innocent bystanders.

This conversation is now recorded and creates the kind of paper trail that prosecuting attorneys love. They would use this conversation to prove to a jury that your company chose to further the load over the safety of the public.

A delicate balance must exist between management, dispatchers, and truck drivers. Each must be aware of and truly understand mounting pressure and weighing the risks. While is it is a fine goal to want every load delivered on time, it should not be achieved at the expense of safe driving.

 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms. According to the CDC, distractions are categorized as visual, manual, and cognitive.

Driving an 18-wheeler takes intense focus and coordination. Any of the things listed above could bring about a life or death situation for your driver or the people around them.

Train your fleet not only the signs of distracted driving, but they should also be aware of the potential outcome severity. Visual demonstrations can be assigned fleetwide to prove the importance of maintaining proper attention to the road.

Let’s say your driver is eating a big, greasy cheeseburger while driving down the highway. After driving over a small pothole, the driver drops a pickle on the tractor seat. The driver leans over to place the burger onto the passenger seat and begins the pickle search.

At the same time, traffic up ahead has abruptly slowed, causing some cars to swerve or pull on the shoulder. When your driver finally finds the pickle and returns their eyes to the road, it is too late. The driver locks up the breaks, jackknifes the trailer, and bumps into 4 cars that were leading the way.

In a scenario where your driver has an accident due to distracted driving, an attorney will look for any reason that it was the company’s fault. In the event of a lawsuit, the prosecuting attorney will consider:

  • – What policies do you have in place?
  • – Cell phone usage while driving
  • – Eating meals/snacks behind the wheel
  • – Volume restrictions on the radio
  • – Have the drivers been properly trained on these policies?
  • – When was the last time a driver was trained/re-trained on this topic?

 

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime whether a truck driver or civilian, 18-wheeler or 4-wheeler. Truck drivers, however, hold much more responsibility. The more you communicate with your employees about your drug and alcohol policy, the more likely you are to be protected in court.

Pre/Post-Trip Inspections

A proper pre-trip inspection is the ultimate proactive measure a driver can take. If your drivers aren’t properly trained, it might be difficult to spot a faulty brake line, damaged mud flap, or a loose lug nut.

A proper post-trip involves over 50 points of inspection. Expert drivers might be able to recite all the inspection points from memory, but that skill should not be expected. Provide all your drivers with DVIR checklists. Since these are required to be on file for 90 days, you should require your drivers to fill one out every day, for every load, even if it passes inspection.

Inexperience or Improperly Trained

Perhaps the most important base to have covered. Do you drivers know how to avoid accidents? Do you drivers know what to do in the event of an accident?

You probably have policies in place that explicitly instruct drivers what to do if they get into an accident. Our recommendation is to send this policy out to your fleet at least once a quarter. Test them on the material. Require their signature. Your attorney will easily establish your credibility if you have these documents available.

 

Review the Webinar

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions presented an exclusive webinar in late July featuring Attorney Peyton Inge. Peyton specializes in defending trucking companies after an accident occurs. You can review the webinar here, as well as the rest of the FastForward series.

Click here for your free demo. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions will protect you in a courtroom. Give us 30 minutes to show you how.

 

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It’s a Trap! Safe Driver Week – Speeding Blitz.

Guest Speaker Spotlight

Safe Driver Week is upon us once again; this year’s focus is speeding. The industry expects to see an increase in the number of citations and warnings issued this week compared to normal. Especially since excessive speeds have become common during the pandemic.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is working to support trucking companies throughout speed week by getting advice directly from the source. We assembled a panel of experts whose advice will drive us to success.

A live webinar will take place July 9th, 2020 at 10:30 am CT featuring the following speakers:

Mark Rhea, CDS  

  • Truck Transportation Executive, 34 years
  • Certified Safety Director (NATMI and TXTA)
  • Licensed CDL and CMV Inspector, Texas DPS
  • Freight/Logistics Advisory Board, Council of Governments for North Texas/Cedar Valley College
  • Commissioned Officer, U.S. Army
  • Trucking Industry Consultant

Christopher J. Turner, Esq.

  • Director of Crash and Data Programs, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
  • Past President, CVSA
  • Former Kansas Highway Patrol Officer

Major Chris Nordloh

  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Coordinator, Texas DPS
  • 20+ years in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service of the Texas Highway Patrol
  • Secretary, CVSA

Their credentials alone should be more than enough to prove that you need to be here.

But if you need more proof, here you go:

Speeding

Looking for the most efficient way to slow your drivers down without sacrificing profitability? Keep talking about it.

Speed is a constant factor that takes continual adjustment. Your drivers must be hard-wired to think about speeding as soon as they climb in the tractor. There are two main reasons why a truck driver feels the need to operate at an excessive speed:

  • Indifference or Lack of training – Some drivers out there just don’t care about speed limits. And they will admit as much. When they see their speedometer reaching the upper limits, the only thing on their mind is, “more miles, more money.”

However, they fail to recognize that being pulled over for speeding or a traffic accident will slow them down. A severe accident could slow them down for days, if not forever.

  • Pressure from Dispatcher – The relationship between a driver and dispatcher requires a delicate balance of management, cooperation, and friendship. When the balance is disrupted, you may have drivers or dispatchers intentionally underperforming.

Are your dispatchers and drivers friends or simply acquaintances? It is difficult to maintain a healthy relationship over the phone or through dispatch messages. A healthy relationship will not only improve employee morale but will also enhance your safety culture. You will experience an increase in productivity when everyone is committed to working together.

And Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has two solutions:

  • – Our 850+ training videos are an effective way to drive the right behaviors over time. It has been proven that frequent and consistent training keeps safety top-of-mind.
  • – Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers a 52-week course that focuses directly on improving the relationship of your drivers and dispatchers. You will see immediate results in communication and cooperation with The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program. Learn more here.

Seatbelts

Is there ever an excuse to operate sans-seatbelt?

Simple answer: NO!

We know it’s illegal. We know it’s unsafe. We know the likelihood of injury or death is much higher without one. So why do some drivers choose to go without? Accountability.

“I didn’t know I was supposed to wear a seatbelt.”

How well do you think that would go over with a DOT officer, especially during Safe Driver Week? The good news is: Infinit-I Workforce Solutions recognizes this as a real, conquerable issue. We have training ready and available to be assigned today.

Our learning management system will allow you to assign training videos based on the areas of your company you would like to strengthen. We will automatically track all training, testing, and acknowledgment in our database. You will have immediate access to all your training records anytime, anywhere.

Cellphones

Since the adoption of touch screen technology, large truck occupant fatalities have maintained an upward trend. Correlation, in this case, may not necessarily mean causation. We do know, however, that mobile phone usage is a huge problem.

Officers will be on the lookout for “cellphone drivers” during the blitz. Make sure your drivers are aware of your company’s cell phone/mobile device policy as soon as possible.

Ideally, you would like to have their signature on file as proof of acknowledgment of your policy. This practice not only encourages safe driving, but also reduces your company’s liability in case of an accident. Readily available documentation will prove your due diligence and mitigate risk.

You MUST prepare for Safe Driver Week. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions already has a process in place to help you accomplish these goals. Don’t worry about developing a training plan, getting it approved, and maintaining participation after deploying it to your fleet.

We’ll do it for you.

An enhanced safety culture is just a few minutes away. Call today. We’ll walk you through it.

Keep Reading…

Gearing Up for Safe Driver Week; Preparing Drivers for Speeding Blitz

7 New Social Responsibilities of Truckers; COVID-19 + July 4th

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

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Gearing Up for Safe Driver Week

 

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is an international effort between industry participants, focused on improving roadway safety. They maintain efforts to educate all drivers in several categories, including International Roadchecks, Brake Safety, Hazardous Materials, etc.

The Operation Safe Driver Program was created by the CVSA to bring awareness to the significance of proper driver behaviors.

Safe Driver Week takes place July 12-18 this year with speeding as the main target. Officers will especially be looking for drivers who are operating at excess speeds. Last year, over 17,500 speeding tickets were issued to commercial and passenger vehicles during the weeklong blitz.

Last year during the same week, CMV drivers received more speeding tickets than the following, combined:

  • – Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
  • – Using a Handheld Phone/Texting
  • – Improper Lane Change
  • – Possession/Influence of drugs or alcohol

Why is it important?

Most accidents involving a CMV are caused by driver behavior, but most often, it wasn’t the trucker’s fault. With crowded highways, speeding four-wheelers, and governed big rigs, traffic accidents are inevitable. Proper training and awareness can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident involving you or your drivers.

Speed-related issues cause 9,378 crash fatalities in 2018.

9,378 people are dead because someone was driving too fast. Excessive speed is always avoidable and always unacceptable.

No load is worth your life or the lives of others around you.

What are we doing?

Infiniti Workforce Solutions is sponsoring an exclusive webinar for all safety personnel. We will be discussing CVSA’s Safe Driver Week focused on speeding. Three industry experts will be giving best practice advice to help you prepare your fleet.

Here’s the lineup of guests:

-Mark Rhea, Industry Consultant, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions

-Chris Turner, Director of Crash and Data Programs, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

-Major Chris Nordloh, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Coordinator, Texas Department of Public Safety

If you want to be proactive during the weeklong blitz, do not miss this webinar. Registration is free. Sign up here.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is offering a 30-Day Complimentary Trial to new users.

Absolutely free, no-obligation. Because 30 days is more than enough to prove our value.

And if not, you’ve had access to transportation’s #1 learning management system for free. No cost, whatsoever!

Here’s what you’ll gain:

Automatic Documentation – A rock-solid LMS that captures training and tests your employees on what they learned

Content Library – More content than any other transportation LMS. 850 training videos.

Unmatched Service – Dedicated Client Success Rep who works for you.

Enhance your safety culture today, click here to learn how.

 

Additional Resources:

7 New Social Responsibilities of Truckers; COVID-19 + July 4th

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

Why You Should Be Focused on Your Employee’s Cultural Relationships Now More Than Ever

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5 Intangible Must Haves that Truckers Crave in the Job Market

5 Intangible Must Haves that Truckers Crave in the Job Market

Wow! Dan Baker, what an insightful thinker!

We can’t stop talking about the inspiring webinar this week featuring Dan Baker, so we decided to blog about it.

His wisdom and knowledge and overall-attitude about truck drivers are downright infectious! (Bad choice of words during a pandemic?)

The trucking industry moves fast. If you’ve never seen the inside of an operations department, you may not realize the stress and anxiety that exists. One might compare the energy level to the trading floor of the stock exchange, or the stress of air traffic control.

All of this with a solitary purpose, deliver consumer goods on time.

What is a Cultural Relationship?

Research states that employee satisfaction is one of the most important factors in retention. One employee’s attitude can change the feeling of an entire workspace, either positively or negatively.

Bright HR introduces the concept of a psychological contract between employers and employees. The idea states that employers have an obligation to recognize the mental state of their employees and identify potential issues that may arise.

A company’s culture has become a prevalent topic in the working world. Leadership is focused on creating solid cultural relationships between employees.

Employee dissatisfaction leads to a higher turnover. High turnover leads to lower profitability.

The cost of replacing an employee can be thousands of dollars, depending on their position. Creating a workspace where employees feel respected and valued can support one of the best cost-cutting tools; retention.

Why is it important?

Turnover is an ever-present pain point, especially in the trucking industry where average driver turnover hovers north of 90%. The current driver shortage means there are many options for most drivers to easily find another trucking job.

Most of the time, it’s not about the equipment. Or the sign-on bonus. Or the size of the fleet.  While those are factors in the decision-making process, there are other, non-tangible perks that truck drivers are looking for.

With that in mind, employers are focusing on how to make their company the place drivers want to be.

5 Intangibles Truck Drivers Crave

Honesty

From day one, truck drivers just want to hear the truth. Recruiting, especially in transportation, has become a sales position.

Recruiters are trained in sales tactics. They are instructed to ask open-ended questions to identify value points. Then use those value points to entice the drivers. Sometimes, this can feel like a sales pitch to the driver instead of the beginning of a working relationship.

From the moment a driver posts a resume on a job board, their phone starts ringing nonstop. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the interviews, emails, and screening they have to participate in.

Remove the vail of the sales pitch. Be honest. If you value that driver, tell them.

Communication

After they are employed, you must be able to carry that through to the operations side. One of the most frustrating things for an employee is lack of communication.

Imagine what it’s like to be sitting in a tractor-trailer, waiting for an assignment. Being told, “I’m working on something for you.” Only to wait hours and hours to be dispatched with absolutely no idea when they might get to start rolling.

That driver, or any employee for that matter, would much rather hear, “I won’t have an assignment for you for another 3 hours.”

They may not be happy about the situation, but setting the expectation is always better than leaving your driver hanging.

Respect

Truck drivers are the ultimate boots on the ground, front-line, in-the-know resources of the industry. And they deserve to be treated as such.

Even though they are not sitting in a cubicle at the terminal every day, they are still just as much a part of the workforce. Dispatchers, safety officers, managers, executives, truck drivers, and everyone in between should see themselves as coworkers.

This is where your company culture determines your employees’ cultural relationship. Do they see themselves as a team with a common goal? Or is it every man for himself?

To create a positive experience for everyone involved, focus on enhancing that relationship. Explore training options to encourage a workforce that shows respect to each other.

Fast Orientation

Since turnover is so high in the trucking industry, drivers can move companies often. They have been involved in every type of orientation available. And most of the time, they flat out don’t want to be there.

They’ve heard the presentations, they’ve filled out the paperwork, they’ve taken tests repeatedly.

With the latest technological advances, the practice of in-person orientation has become all but obsolete. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions allows trucking companies to virtually conduct online orientation from the comfort of their own home.

Orientation begins immediately after a job offer is made. The short, Netflix style videos or new hire paperwork get sent directly to your new driver’s computer, tablet, or smartphone. They can participate in all your regular “class-room style” orientation activities before they even arrive at the terminal.

Truck drivers just want to get on the road. For some, sitting through 3+ days of repetitive orientation is an eternity. We can change that.

To drive

Enough said.

Empty asphalt road in summer.

As previously mentioned, Dan Baker is an expert at creating positive and encouraging cultural relationships, specifically in the trucking industry. His Cultural Relationship Program was born of a need for connection and change.

One thing has become palpably apparent during the national emergencies recently: truck drivers are essential. And they should be treated that way. A strong cultural relationship is mutually beneficial for everyone from the front lines all the way up the ladder.

The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program will help you evaluate your business structure and allow you to eliminate weak points and solidify your strengths.

Click here for more information.

Additional Resources:

Why You Should Be Focused on Your Employee’s Cultural Relationships Now More Than Ever

Why your Safety Culture will Die without Buy-In. And how to get it.

HOT HOT HOT! Sunshine Threatens Truckers. Here’s What Your Fleet Needs to Know

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Why your Safety Culture will Die without Buy-In. And how to get it.

What is Buy-In?

One of the most used and sought-after business phrases in the workplace today: Buy-In. When you have a project idea, but you are not a decision-maker, you must get the approval of higher-ups to go ahead.

Before the pitch, you must begin campaigning, gathering support from like-minded co-workers who share your vision for the future. Their support is called “Buy-In.”

Think about the process of starting a business. Most likely, you would need the financial support of investors. The first investor is usually the hardest to convince. Once you have a board of supporters, it is easier to get new ones to sign on.

Selling points

As with any business proposal, the pitch must include the top benefits of the product you wish to implement. Find the aspects of the product that will benefit your company the most and bring those to the presentation.

For instance, your decision-makers may be concerned about the additional workload with this new product. Focus on the redistribution of work that is offered by Infinit-I Workforce Solutions.

They may say the budget doesn’t call for an additional product. In that case, look for all the returns offered by the investment. For example, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has been proven to reduce the number of accidents for clients.

One prevented accident could save a company thousands of dollars. In that case, the system pays for itself.

When the issue is budget-related, ask yourself what factors you examine when putting a price on your driver’s safety. How are those factors weighted?

Of course, this is a silly question. There is nothing more important than the safety of your fleet. When the return on investment is life or death, establishing a solid safety culture is paramount.

Push Back

When faced with changes, people naturally look for reasons to push back. Humans respect a routine. We feel most at ease when there are no surprises or new tasks to learn. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is scary to some.

So, when pitching a new project, you will run into some nay-sayers who are not interested in advancing their skills but would rather coast through another day. Your safety culture, however, should never be diluted just so it appeals to those who are complacent.

“We wanted a well-rounded training program. Training dispatchers how to talk to drivers. Everyone has to understand the industry or there will be communication issues back and forth.”

-Larry Finley, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, White Arrow, LLC

As with any profession, employers tend to get the most push back from veterans of the industry. They will hear things like…

“We’ve never had to do this before.”

“I’ve never had an accident.”

Handling Objections

Of course, neither of these are qualifiers to skimp out on training. Accidents and incidents can happen at any moment, to anyone.

Experience managers plan for negative feedback. Try to think of every reason an employee might not want to participate. Prepare a rebuttal for each of them.

“I’ll quit before you make me do more training.”

This is, perhaps, the most challenging form of push back. Take a moment to realize the implications of this statement and how it threatens the quality of your safety program. If you have an employee that does not support the improvement and future direction of your company, you should reevaluate their position.

“There is an apex we want to shoot for. Value of training and the value of people and their safety. Do it right, do it safe, and treat everyone like a leader.”

-Jonathan Richardson, Director of Corporate Training, Martin Transport, Inc.

Mission Critical

Above all, you must prepare to counter uncertainties within your target audience. If your goal is to ensure the safety of your fleet, focus on frequent and consistent safety training.

Now, you can do it for free. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is offering a Complimentary 30-Day Free Trial to help you gain the Buy-In you need to improve your safety culture.

“Safety training doesn’t just come from a vacuum; you have to start someplace… It’s a process that has to be addressed year-over-year with ownership…”

-Craig Hart, Product Manager, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions

Further resources and expert advice are available in the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Fast Forward Webinar Series.

In other news: 

7 Steps to Get Safety Ideas Out of the Boardroom and Implemented Into Safety Culture

Why Enhanced Safety Culture is Your #1 Money Saver

Premier Safety Culture Advice

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