 | ||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
News: September 2003 Sep 1, 2003 12:00 PM Tougher Screening The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed rules that would make the screening of drivers stricter. Current rules require new and prospective employers to investigate a driver’s employment history going back three years, the proposed rule would require past and current employers to provide more information within the mandated 30 days. FMCSA’s proposal calls for employers to seek information verifying the driver worked for a said employer and the dates of employment, the driver’s three-year alcohol and controlled substances history, and information indicating whether the driver failed to undertake or complete a rehabilitation referral prescribed by a substance abuse professional within the previous three years. The agency also wants information indicating whether the driver illegally used alcohol or controlled substances after having completed a rehabilitation referral, and information indicating whether the driver was involved in any accidents as defined by federal regulations to be part of the screening. HOS toughest on small fleets Small- to mid-sized carriers may find it tougher to adapt to new Hours of Service (HOS) rules than larger fleets, according to some experts. “This could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in some cases, especially for many small- to mid-sized carriers,” said Rosalyn Wilson, a transportation consultant. Buster Anderson, vp of the National Assn. of Small Trucking Companies said the new rules shouldn’t hurt smaller carriers inordinately. “Most small carriers tend to operate on a Monday through Friday schedule to get their drivers home on the weekends, so the new 34 hour restart in particular should be helpful,” Anderson said. Briefs Flying J, Inc., SmartStop Wireless Solutions and Petro Stopping Centers have formed the Travel Plaza Alliance Network to provide access to a secure wireless communications network at participating Flying J Travel Plazas and Petro Stopping Centers. The network will use the rapidly growing IEEE 802.11 technology, which is more commonly known as “WiFi”… Peterbilt is offering Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminum wheels, which the OEM says maintain their exterior finish with minimal cleaning. Available for all Pete models, the wheels feature a treatment technology that penetrates the aluminum and becomes integral to the wheel, protecting against both oxidation and corrosion… Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the new Hours-Of-Service (HOS) rules are now on the FMCSA website. Go direct to the FAQs at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/Home_Files/hos/hos_faqs.asp#Q1… Phillips Industries says its new Mini Coils offer flexibility and convenience with sealed ends for moisture protection. Available in 4- and 6-pin connections, the 8’, 10’ and 12’ lengths can easily be disconnected and stored. Phillips says the new coils also provide superior recoil memory and abrasion resistance. Go to www.phillipsind.com or call 800.423.4512…
Roadranger Marketing has introduced the newest product in the Eaton MD mobile diagnostics line. The company says the new MD-300 series diagnostics software for PC users quickly diagnoses heavy-duty commercial vehicle electronic systems via an SAE J1587 diagnostic link and a unique Windows-based intuitive graphical interface. Go to www.roadrangerstore.com or call 800-826-HELP.
| |
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| Back to Top | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||
|
|||
|