Sep 01, 2017 • Community

CVSA Brake Safety Day

CVSA Brake Safety Day

CVSA Brake Safety Day

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set September 7, 2017, as Brake Safety Day where inspections of trucks will occur throughout North America.

According to the CVSA, Brake Safety Day inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which is a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.

Brake inspections will look for things like (but are not limited to):

Potential loose or missing parts
Air or hydraulic fluid leaks
Worn linings or rotors
Worn pads or drums
ABS malfunctioning indicator and more

In the 10 jurisdictions using performance-based brake testing (PBBT) equipment, vehicle braking efficiency will be measured. PBBT systems include a slow speed roller dynamometer that measures total vehicle weight and total brake force from which braking efficiency is determined, says the CVSA.

The minimum braking efficiency for trucks is 43.5 percent, required by U.S. federal regulation and the CVSA out-of-service criteria.

From September 11-17 2016, the CVSA conducted a Brake Safety Week with inspectors reporting 13.2 percent of inspections resulting in out-of-service brake violations and 14.8 percent of inspections with non-brake related out-of-service violations.

During the 2016 International Roadcheck brake-related violations were responsible for 45.7 percent of all out-of-service violations, the largest percentage of any violation.

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Nov 23, 2020 • Community

Winter Driving Tips for Truckers [p]Winter is here bringing with it the end of yet another year. For truck drivers though, winter is no different than any other season. It is the same endless driving through city and country roads no matter the season. The only thing that changes is the way you drive because winter brings rain and snow resulting in wet and slippery roads throughout the country. You need to be extra careful and exercise patience as the odds are stacked against you when it comes to driving in winter. Accidents are not uncommon, with many truckers trying their best to meet delivery deadlines. In such perilous conditions, there are certain protocols to follow, including changing your driving style. Let's talk about what else you can do as a trucker to improve your chances of meeting deadlines this winter. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Focus on the Road [/b][/p] [p]If the road is slippery, you need to keep both your hands on the steering wheel and focus on the road. A slight shift in focus, and the next thing you know, your truck has lost control. You mustn't be distracted by anything, be it music, the radio, or anything else.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Reduce Speed [/b][/p] [p]Yes, you need to meet your delivery deadlines, and for that, you need to drive at a certain pace. But you know what they say, it is better to arrive late than never. Therefore, reduce your truck's speed, judge the road's condition, and increase speed only when it is safe to do so. If you drive slow, you can stop earlier and avoid getting into any accidents. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Reduce_Speed.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Avoid Sudden Maneuvers[/b][/p] [p]To protect yourself and others on the road, you should drive a bit smoothly. That means you should accelerate slowly, brake easy, and turn with caution. Do nothing that would decrease your truck's traction and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. It is good practice to keep more than a safe distance between you and the other vehicle in front of you so you can react at the right time. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Use Lights [/b][/p] [p]Your truck's headlights, taillights, and fog lights are your dearest friend in harsh weather conditions. Poor lighting is a recipe for disaster, therefore before you set out on the road, inspect your truck's lights. The important thing here is that while you should be able to see the cars in front of you, others should also be able to spot you from behind. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Use_Lights.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Signal in Advance[/b][/p] [p]Use your signals way before you intend to turn. As a general rule, wait for four to five blinks before gradually turning a corner or changing lanes. If you are driving slower than the traffic, we suggest you switch on your four-way hazard lights to let everyone else know that you are slow allowing them to make adjustments. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Watch the Other Truckers [/b][/p] [p]Veteran truckers are on the road for a reason. They have been trucking for so long that their experience counts for everything. As a beginner, you should learn from them. When big-rigs slow down or pull over, you should too. There is no reason to keep on going if everyone else has decided to call it a day. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Watch_Other_Truckers.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Check the News and Weather Apps[/b][/p] [p]It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to trucking. Therefore, before setting out on your journey, watch the news, check some weather apps, or talk to other truckers who have taken the route you are intending to take. Leave the safety of wherever you are only when you are sure that it is safe to drive. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Try for Traction [/b][/p] [p]When it comes to driving on slippery roads, traction is everything. You need good tires, expert driving skills, and some good luck to make it through winter. The only thing you have under your control among the three is tires. Buy snow tires with a deep tread and with several grooves to get good traction[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Try_for_Traction.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/p] [p]If it were up to us, we would recommend not driving in winter, but that's for you to decide. Winter driving is dangerous, and no matter what you do, there is always a very high risk of getting into a sticky situation. However, if you do decide to weather through the storm in your truck, then avoid high-risk highways. [/p] [p]You want to avoid the state of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York during the winter, and all the highways going around and through these states. Let's not even talk about Alaska, as that is one place that is always a high risk regardless of the season. [/p] [p]With that said, we wish you a safe winter driving season! What are your winter driving tips? Share them in the comments below. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Dec 29, 2020 • Carriers

Trucking Industry Trends [h2] Trucking Industry Trends [/h2] [p] The trucking industry trends reveal the importance of truck freight in America and freight revenue forecasts to grow by 75 percent over the next nine years. [/p] [p]The trucking industry has powered America for over a century moving 70 percent of all freight. As truck drivers move freight across the country so moves our economy. What are the trucking industry trends for 2016? We reveal the answers![/p] <strong>[p] In 2016, the trucking industry:[/p]</strong> [ul] [li] Generated $676.2 billion in revenue [/li] [li] Accounted for 79.8% of the nation’s freight bill[/li] [li] Moved 10.42 billion tons of freight [/li] [li] Moved 70.6% of all domestic freight tonnage[/li] [li] 3.68 million Class 8 trucks registered [/li] [li] Traveled 450.4 billion miles [/li] [li] Powered by small business - 91% of carriers operate six trucks or less [/li] [li] 1 in 15 jobs in America is in the trucking industry[/li] [/ul] [quote]"The information in Trends highlights exactly what I tell elected officials, regulators and key decision-makers every day: trucking is literally the driving force behind our great economy," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "Safe, reliable and efficient motor carriers enable businesses throughout the supply chain to maintain lean inventories, thereby saving the economy billions of dollars each year."[/quote] [h2]How Truck Drivers Benefit from Trucker Path [/h2] [p] The Trucker Path app allows truck drivers to save an estimated 11 hours per month! Whether it's finding a place to park at a truck stop, rest area, see if a weigh station is open or closed, even planning an entire route in advance, Trucker Path is a must have and free to download. [/p] [quote]"This app should be called 'Truckers Guide to Survival' good work guys. Literally, everything you need at your fingertips." - Google Play user review. [/quote] [p] Their words, not ours. [/p] [p] Find out where the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/best-truck-stops/">best truck stops in America </a>are with our comprehensive rankings based on reviews and data sourced from hundreds of thousands of truck drivers! [/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=truckingtrends2016&utm_campaign=aug15"]Try Trucker Path Today![/button-green]

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