Buckle up
for Safety!
TOPICS
FEATURED MEMBER ................1
FMCSA PROPOSED
EOBRS FOR ALL
INTERSTATE TRUCKS................1
SUMMARY OF FMCSA’S
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE
HOURS OF SERVICE
REGULATIONS ........................2
LEASE VALUE OR FINANCE
VALUE COVERAGE ..................2
DISPATCHERS AND CSA ..........3
PONDERISMS ..........................3
SHARING THE ROAD
WITH MOTORCYCLES ..............4
HEALTH WATCH ....................4-5
UPCOMING EVENTS ................5
ELECTRONIC FUND
TRANSFER ..............................5
SAFETY TIP ..............................6
CONTACT INFO
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
3319 Gabel Road
Suite 101
Billings, MT 59102
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 80007
Billings, MT 59108
(406) 655-7940
(800) 909-6966
Fax (406) 651-4896
EMAIL:
[email protected]
WEBSITE:
www.coolmembers.com
MARCH/APRIL 2011
FEATURED MEMBER
DAVID SEIB, JR.
What started 27 years ago as a
mail route in Minnesota has
grown into a life long passion for
Owner Operator David Seib. You
can see that enthusiasm from the
skilled way he deals with
customers, to the care he takes
of this truck, from his quick wit
and sense of humor that comes in useful on
the road, to the pride he has in his over 4
million accident free miles. A true professional
in every sense of the word, David has
represented Diversified Transfer & Storage
(DTS) at the Motor Carriers of Montana Truck
Driving Championships for several years (2002,
2003, 2004, 2005) placing as high as second
place in 2003. David was also part of the first
Highway Watch class held in Montana. David
takes the time to speak with new drivers and
prospective hires. He shares his knowledge
and helps explain problems
and clear up any confusion
that new hires may be having.
Dave was recently selected a
DTS Owner Operator of the
Year for 2010, and will be
receiving his 10 year safe
driving award from both DTS
and Great West Casualty. Dave
has been a member of COOL
since January 2001. He has
received 8 Safety Awards from Continental
Owner Operators, Ltd.
Dave was chosen as
the January 2011 MCM Driver of the Month.
David lives in Billings with his wife Lanaya, his
3-year-old daughter Quinn, and their newest
addition, 7-month-old Reid. He enjoys pets
and has several such as his very protective grey
cat, 3 pugs, a blue heeler and a parrot. When
not working, David and Lanaya enjoy riding
their Harleys and going off-roading.
FMCSA PROPOSED EOBRS FOR ALL
INTERSTATE TRUCKS
The
Federal
Motor
Carrier
Safety
Administration proposed a regulation that
would require interstate truck and bus
companies to install electronic onboard
recorders (EOBRs) in vehicles to monitor
drivers’ hours-of-service. The rule would apply
to all companies that are currently required to
use logbooks to record compliance under
federal hours-of-service regulations, DOT.
“This proposal would make our roads safer by
ensuring that carriers traveling across state
lines are using EOBRs to track the hours their
drivers
spend
behind
the
wheel,”
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in
the statement. Under the proposal, carriers
that violate the regulation would be fined up
to $11,000 per offense. Violations would also
have a negative effect on a carrier’s safety
ratings and federal operating authority.
FMCSA estimates the mandate will affect
500,000 carriers. The rule would also relieve
carriers of the requirement to retain
documentation such as toll receipts to verify
HOS compliance. The rule exempts short-haul
carriers whose drivers currently use time cards,
primarily those of “property-carrying CMVs
that do not require a CDL and who operate
within a 150 air-mile radius of the driver’s
normal work-reporting location under the
current provisions. A court had told FMCSA to
issue a rule defining the supporting document
requirement by Jan. 31, and DOT that the
EOBR rule fulfills that order. Once it publishes
the rule in the Federal Register, FMCSA will
take public comments on the proposal until
May 23rd.
This proposed rule also continues the
Department of Transportation’s partnership
with Cornell on the e-Rulemaking Initiative.
For more information, go to
www.regulationroom.org.
SUMMARY OF FMCSA’S PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE HOURS
OF SERVICE REGULATIONS
12/23/2010
FMCSA has proposed a number of changes to the hours of
service regulations as shown below. These changes will be
published in the Federal Register on December 29th; FMCSA
will then accept comment on them for 60 days. The agency is
subsequently expected to publish a final rule by July 26th, 2011
(with an effective date several months later).
PROPOSED CHANGES:
1. Maximum Driving Hours – the agency is accepting comments
on whether to retain the current 11 hour driving time limit
or, as the agency would prefer, to reduce maximum driving
time to 10 hours.
2. 14 Hour Day (now called Driving Window) – FMCSA proposes
to retain the current 14 hour window, but allow drivers to
extend the window to 16 hours (subject to rest break
requirements discussed below) twice in any seven calendar
days. Unlike the current 16 hour exemption, use of this
provision would not be limited to those drivers who return to
their normal work reporting locations daily. The current 16
hour exemption would be removed.
3. 13 Hour On-Duty Time Limit – Drivers would be limited to 13
hours of on-duty time within the 14 or 16 hour window.
Hence, drivers exercising the option to use the 16 hour
window would be required to take a three hour rest break.
Further, drivers must be released from duty following the
14th (or 16th) hour.
4. Rest Breaks – Drivers would be required to take a rest break
of at least 30 minutes within 7 hours of first coming on-duty
(after being off-duty or returning from a period in the
sleeper berth). Also, since drivers would be limited to 13
hours of on-duty time in a driving window (either 14 or 16
hours), a second break (or breaks) may be needed,
depending on the duration of the first break.
5. Restart –Though FMCSA proposes to maintain a minimum 34hour restart provision, they also propose additional
restrictions which, for most drivers, will make the use of the
minimum period impossible.
a. First, the restart period would need to include two
nighttime periods (midnight to 6 a.m.). To meet this
requirement, most drivers will need to extend their restarts
to 48 hours or longer.
b. Drivers would only be permitted to use the restart
provision once in any seven calendar days (not a new seven
day period beginning with a restart, as the current rule
allows).
6. Off-Duty in A Parked CMV or In Passenger Seat – FMCSA
proposes to allow drivers to record time spent in a parked
CMV as off-duty time. Also, team drivers would be permitted
to record up to 2 hours of time spent in the passenger seat of
a CMV in operation as off-duty time, if it is just before or
after an 8 hour sleeper berth period.
7. Oilfield Exemption – Under the proposed rule, waiting time
at an oil well or natural gas site would not count toward
calculation of the 14 (or 16) hour window.
8. Egregious Violations – FMCSA proposes that a driver who
exceeds, and/or a motor carrier that allows a driver to exceed,
the driving time limit by 3 hours or more be considered to
have committed an egregious violation and be subject to the
maximum civil penalties of $2,700 for drivers and $11,000 for
motor carriers – for each offense.
LEASE VALUE OR FINANCED VALUE COVERAGE
Did you know that during the first half of a five-year lease
or loan, your “payoff” is usually higher than the actual cash
value (ACV) of your unit? Insurance policies are typically
only obligated to pay the ACV amount, and any difference
becomes your personal obligation. Continental Owner
Operators, Ltd. offers these value-added coverages in the
event of a total loss covered by the policy.
The coverage will respond when the cost to pay off a lease
or loan exceeds your unit’s actual cash value. It doesn’t
cover things such as: overdue payments or
penalties, penalties for excessive use or
abnormal wear and tear or high
mileage, security deposits, extended
warranties, or carryover balances.
2
Please contact your helpful COOL representative if you are
interested in these coverages. All policy terms, conditions,
definitions, and exclusions apply.
DISPATCHERS AND CSA
Unusual as it may seem, both dispatchers and drivers will agree on
an old cowboy saying that states, “It is easer to wear the buckle,
than ride the bull.” Perspectives on who is actually in charge are
closely held opinions.
Now with the advent of scorekeeping
violations under CSA, some volatility has been added to the mix that
could affect diver/dispatcher relations.
Carriers may want to check-up on current dispatch practices and
change areas that are making divers feel threatened. Working
behind the scenes, dispatchers are often the key to successful carrier
safety programs. Dispatchers have well developed communication
and listen skills, and do their best to create a fairly structured
dispatch system. Carrier dispatch check-ups would include, but not
limited to, the following areas:
COMMUNICATION
Does the dispatch pay close attention to developing communication
skills that encourage a dialogue to take place? In practice, that mans
giving drivers clear and concise feedback on performance. For
example, if there were no points assessed for any of the CSA Basics
in the past 30/60/90 days, a simple “thank you” might be in order.
People accept a single criticism more readily if its balanced by several
justified compliment on performance.
Efforts at establishing a dialogue with drivers will get mixed results
for most carriers. Some drivers simply do not want one. However, if
those are the very same names that are showing repeat violations on
the CSA spreadsheet, take action. Feedback is still needed for
violations that obviously need correcting. Drivers know when a
dispatcher’s main goal is to get them home or to a destination safely.
Starting the dialogue, discussing CSA weak points, and giving
feedback are just the proof they need that someone cares.
LISTENING SKILLS
In the business world studies have shown that 22% of time is spent
writing, 18% reading, 26% speaking, and 32 % listening. While they
may not know or care about these percentages, highly successful
dispatchers know that you listen more than you talk.
No matter how well intentioned, disappointments will still arise
from both drivers and dispatchers in the area of listening. Satellite
communication systems may help dispatchers handle more trucks,
but remove the personal touch so drivers may feel like just another
number. Pay particular attention to the abundant amount of
misinformation that is available on CSA.
To offset both misinformation and driver’s feelings of isolation,
experienced dispatchers understand they must actively listen first
and then talk. You really cannot talk to drivers in a meaningful,
engaging manner, unless you are listening first. That personal touch
will help tune the “third ear” excellent dispatchers acquire, which
helps them to notices fatigue, improper rest, or distractions that
could be catastrophic.
THE STRUCTURE
Developing a dispatch system that promotes strong communication
skills, listening skills and structure can be a daunting task. The
burden for excellence in this area falls on both driver and dispatcher.
However, dispatchers are prime movers in success within the CSA
system.
PONDERISMS
• I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned
that most people die of natural causes.
• There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and
the dead
• Healthy is merely the slowest possible rate at
which one can die.
• The only difference between a rut and a grave is
the depth.
• Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying
in hospitals dying of nothing.
• Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
• All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It
pays no attention to criticism.
• In the 60’s, people took acid to make the world
weird. Now the world is weird and people take
Prozac to make it normal.
• How is it one careless match can start a forest fire,
but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
• If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there
a song about him?
• Why does your OB-GYN leave the room when you
get undressed if they are going to look up your
gown anyway?
• If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
• If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is
made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made
from?
• Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet
Soup?
• Does pushing the elevator button more than once
make it arrive faster?
• Why doesn’t glue stick
to the inside
of the bottle?
The dispatcher’s view of “riding the bull” is not only dealing with
shippers and consignees but the widely varying skill sets of their
drivers. They understand success comes through the drivers.
3
SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES
The increasing popularity of motorcycles, as a recreational sport and as an affordable
way to travel, is likely to result in record number motorcycles on the road this summer,
adding to the many hazards that already exist. A large number of collisions involving
motorcycles and other vehicles are the result of the driver of the other vehicle not
seeing the motorcycle. Motorcyclists are also more vulnerable to injury than drivers of
most other motor vehicles if involved in a collision. For these reasons, it is important
to exercise extra caution when motor cycles are on the roadway.
Motorcycles deserve the same courtesies given to other motorists. Watch for the
unexpected and give motorcycles their share of the road.
In 2008, motorcycle fatalities increased for the 11th straight year (5,290 fatalities).
Much of this has to do with the fact that only 20 states and the District of Columbia
require helmet use for all riders. Death rates to motorcyclist due to head injuries are
twice as high among states with no helmet laws or laws that apply only to younger
riders. In the past decade, many states repealed or weakened their helmet laws, which
increased motorcyclist fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reported the
following motorcycle statistics for 2008:
• Motorcyclists account for 14 percent of total traffic fatalities
• Approximately 50 percent of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle were
intersection crashes.
• In 41 percent of crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the other
vehicle was turning left with the motor cycle was proceeding straight, passing or
overtaking the other vehicle.
• In two-vehicle crashes, 77 percent of motorcycles were struck in the front while 7
percent were struck in the rear.
• 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities occur at night.
• More than 90 percent of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle
occurred on non-interstate roadways.
The NHTSA’s “Share the Road” campaign offers these safety tips for drivers:
• Never drive while distracted as doing so can result in tragic consequences.
• Allow motorcycles a full lane width. Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle.
• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. This also makes it more difficult
to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging as this allows
others, including motorcyclists, to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane
position.
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles and other traffic by checking mirrors
and blind spots before starting your maneuver.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Most motorcycle
signals are not self-cancelling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait
to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before proceeding.
• Road conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement
seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement that are minor annoyance for
you and other vehicles, can pose a major hazard to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists
may need to suddenly change speed or adjust position in reaction to these
conditions.
• When driving behind a motorcycle, increase your following distance. Motorcycles
can stop quicker than you can.
Motorcycles deserve the same courtesies given to other
motorists. Watch for the unexpected this summer and give
motorcycles their share of the road.
HEALTH WATCH
SKIN FACTS
We are all protected from the surrounding
outside world by an organ we call skin. This
tissue also serves to insulate the internal
organs from exposure to trauma, ultraviolet
radiation, temperature extremes, and germs
such as bacteria, fungus and viruses.
Skin can signify internal disorders or can itself
contain disease. It is important in regulation
of temperature, control of fluid loss, and
immune responses.
Skin is made up of two different layers, each
with a different function, that are brought
together by a structure we call the dermal
epidermal junction.
These two layers
(epidermis and dermis) form what is called
skin.
This epidermis (outer layer) is the first layer of
defense and it contains no blood vessels. It is
essentially stacked layers of cells in
progressive levels of maturation, from deeper
layers to more superficial layers.
The
epidermis relies on the second layer (dermis)
for all its nutrition and waist removal via
diffusion through the dermal epidermal
junction.
Skin is a dynamic organ that undergoes
change throughout life. It is relatively thin in
early life, it thickens with maturation until
the 40s and 50s, and it then again begins to
thin. A male’s skin is thicker than female skin,
and the epidermal thickness is typically
constant and does not vary. The dermis does
change in thickness in various locations
throughout the body and over time. The
primary function of the dermis is to support
and maintain the epidermis. There are two
levels of dermis that each contains various
continued on page 5
4
HEALTH WATCH (cont.)
UPCOMING EVENTS
continued from page 4
degrees of connective tissue, small vessels called capillaries, and
fibrous tissue. As the levels get deeper, the vessels become
larger and the connective tissue becomes compacted. Below
the dermis lies a fatty subcutaneous layer.
DATE:
EVENT / LOCATION:
APR 28-30
NMTA ANNUAL CONVENTION
Teeth, hair, and hair follicles are formed by the epidermis and
dermis working together. Sebaceous gland, sweat glands,
apocrine gland, and mamillary gland are all specialized cells
that are formed in the epidermis and are lined with epidermal
cells. They invade and grow down into the dermal layers at
various levels, sometimes reaching the fatty subcutaneous layer.
MAY 11-13
WTA ANNUAL CONVENTION
MAY 13-14
ITA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
MAY 30
MEMORIAL DAY - Office Closed
JUNE 5
CMCA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
JUNE 7-9
72 HOUR ROAD CHECK
JUNE 11
MCM TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
JUNE 11
WTA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY - Office Closed
This infection does not typically go deeper than the dermis and
will not involve the fascia (deep fibrous tissue) of muscle. It
remains in the dermal layer and spreads producing localized
pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth.
JULY 13-15
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL
SAFETY RENDEZVOUS
AUG 10-12
ITA ANNUAL CONVENTION
Cellulitis is a localized infection typically treated with oral
antibiotics and most individuals recover completely. Those with
swollen legs due to lymphatic obstruction or poor venous
return, along with individuals with pressure ulcers or obesity,
are at high risk for recurrence of infection.
AUG 17-19
MCM ANNUAL CONVENTION
SEPT 5
LABOR DAY - Office Closed
SEPT 22-24
CMCA ANNUAL CONVENTION
OCT 27-29
ATA ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
We all have a certain degree of bacteria that exist on the outer
layer of the dermis (the surface of our skin) and this may include
bacteria from the surrounding environment. The epidermis
forms an excellent barrier against infection until there is a break
in the tissue. This break can come in the form of a fissure/crack,
a cut or laceration, an insect bite, or a puncture wound. When
this happens bacteria can enter past the epidermis to the dermis
and begin to grow. This produces an infection and/or
inflammation of the dermis that is called cellulitis.
Individuals who are immune compromised, such as those with
diabetes, heart disease, chronic liver of kidney disease, AIDS,
hypertension or substance abuse, are also at high risk for
recurrence.
The borders of the infection are not elevated and typically pus
is not present (although it can be). As the infection spreads,
shaking chills, fever, and illness develop. Blood sugars often rise
and blood pressure can go down, causing light-headedness and
confusion as well as falls. This infection will worsen conditions
such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
Treatment requires oral antibiotics, and if sever enough, IV
antibiotics and hospitalization will be needed. Proper hygiene,
observation, and close medical follow-up are required to
manage this condition and eradicate the infection. Prevention
of recurrence requires close observation and proper skin care
and hygiene along with appropriate wound care in the event of
a superficial laceration, abrasion or fissure.
ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER
Would you be interested in considering ‘Electronic Fund
Transfer?’ Paying by this method, electronically withdraws
your monthly premium from your account the 4th of each
month, allowing you three extra days for payment and
ensuring that your insurance payment arrives on time.
Please contact the office
if you are interested in
this payment option!!
5
SAFETY TIP
AVOIDING LANE
CHANGE CRASHES
Each day, drivers on the road are making numerous lane
changes. So, it’s not surprising then that unsafe lane
change is one of the largest complaints from motorist
regarding trucks. Not only could a lane change crash
cost thousand of dollars, it could also endanger the lives
of many innocent people. Knowing how to properly
conduct this ‘every-day’ maneuver will help ensure the
safety of everyone on the road.
Tips to follow when changing lanes:
• When possible, pick a lane and stay in it
• Ensure mirrors are clean and properly adjusted
• Maintain proper following distance
• Frequently check blind spots, especially the “lean &
look” position
• Signal lane changes well in advance
• Slow down before changing lanes
• Plan ahead and know the route you are traveling
Two of the leading factors in lane change crashes include
frequent lane changes and blind spots. In many
instances, a lane change crash involves a truck changing
into the right lane and hitting a car located to the right
and slightly to the front. Remembering to “lean and
look” to the right-front area to verify it is clear is
imperative to a safe lane change to the right.
• Secure fast and fair settlements
• Preserve evidence and/or cargo
• Preserve the accident scene
• Minimize downtime
• Adjusters obtain fresh witness statements
• Adjusters conduct a thorough investigation
• Set the claims in motion
Prompt reporting helps:
24-HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
800.228.8040
ACCIDENT REPORTING NUMBER
REPORT ALL
ACCIDENTS
IMMEDIATELY
P.O. Box 80007
Billings, MT 59108-0007