AVD Safety

New Bill to Combat Freight Fraud Introduced in the House! ??? A bipartisan effort is underway to crack down on fraudulent freight brokers and trucking companies with the introduction of the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act. This bill, championed by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) and Rep. Mike Ezell (R), aims to bring integrity back to the freight industry. ??? ?? Key Features of the Bill: - Stricter Registration Requirements: All freight carriers and brokers must now have a designated principal place of business and disclose any relationships involving common ownership or management with other carriers or brokers. - Enhanced Enforcement Powers: Federal officials can withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke registrations for brokers or carriers failing to comply. - Targeting Fraud: Focus on eliminating fake brokers and carriers who exploit the system without a physical address, making it harder for them to scam shippers and consumers. ?? Industry Support: This bill has garnered near-unanimous support from all sectors of the industry, including endorsements from: OOIDA, American Trucking Associations’ Moving & Storage Conference, TIA, NASTC, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Institute for Safer Trucking, Road Safe America. TIA President and CEO Anne Reinke emphasizes that combating fraud is essential for protecting all stakeholders in the industry and ensuring a stable economic environment. Similarly, NASTC President David Owen highlights the bill's requirement for a tangible place of business as a critical step in disrupting online fraud schemes. ?? Why It Matters: This legislation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the freight market and protecting consumers from fraudulent practices. By ensuring stricter controls and transparency, it aims to foster a more trustworthy and reliable logistics industry. Let's support this significant move towards a fraud-free freight industry! ????? #FreightFraud #Logistics #TransportSafety #TruckingIndustry #BipartisanBill #ConsumerProtection #FreightIntegrity #LogisticsReform

ATA Raises Concerns Over Proposed Marijuana Policy Change ?? The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is sounding the alarm about the Biden administration's proposed move to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This change could severely impact truck safety unless proper safeguards are implemented. ?? Key Concerns: - Drug Testing Limitations: Currently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) can only test for Schedule I and II drugs. Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III could hinder carriers' ability to test drivers, potentially increasing the risk of truck crashes. - Safety Risks: ATA highlights that marijuana accounts for nearly 60% of all positive drug tests among commercial drivers. They warn that without specific testing regulations for safety-sensitive positions, road safety could be compromised. - Fatal Crashes: Recent tragic incidents, including a multi-vehicle crash in Indiana and a cement-truck collision in Texas, involved truck drivers who had used marijuana. ATA fears more such tragedies if the rescheduling proceeds without adequate measures. ?? Official Stance: - ATA: Urges a regulatory review to ensure that rescheduling does not undermine safety protocols. - OOIDA: Calls for careful consideration and feedback, noting the complexities of marijuana testing and its implications for driver influence and safety. The debate continues as the industry seeks to balance evolving drug policies with the imperative of maintaining road safety. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue. ???? #TruckingSafety #MarijuanaPolicy #ATANews #RoadSafety #TransportationIndustry

Lawsuit Alert: 17 States Challenge California's Advanced Clean Fleets Rule ?? In a move paralleling last year's lawsuit against California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, a group of 17 states is now challenging the state's Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule. This legal action seeks to halt ACF enforcement until the Environmental Protection Agency grants California a waiver. Key points to note: ? ACT targets truck manufacturers; ACF targets companies purchasing and operating trucks. ? Both rules aim to achieve a fully zero-emission-vehicle (ZEV) fleet in California by the mid-2040s. ? The lawsuit underscores concerns about California's regulations impacting interstate commerce and imposing nationwide bans. Impacts on the states include: ??? Damage to roads due to heavier battery-electric vehicles. ?? Strain on electricity grids from increased demand. ?? Economic burden on trucking associations and companies complying with California's rules. Stay tuned for updates on this legal battle and its potential implications for the trucking industry! #ACF #Lawsuit #TruckingIndustry

Hey truckers! This year — what is commonly referred to as “blitz week” in the trucking industry — began Tuesday, May 14! Let's talk about Alcohol and Controlled Substance Inspection Alert ???? Law enforcement agencies have long been vigilant about drug and alcohol impairment among truck drivers, and the concern continues to grow. With the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse expanding its list of prohibited drivers due to substance-related violations, the need for stringent enforcement remains paramount. Here's what you need to know about the alcohol and controlled substance inspection during the 2024 International Roadcheck: ?? Inspectors will closely observe drivers for any signs of alcohol or controlled substance use or impairment. ?? The cab and trailer will undergo a thorough inspection for any presence of alcohol or controlled substances. ?? Inspectors will conduct a query in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to check for any related violations. ?? Download the CVSA's 2024 International Roadcheck Flyer for more information. Truck drivers must ensure full compliance with safety regulations during these three days. However, maintaining compliance isn't always straightforward, as unforeseen issues can arise during transit, leading to delays and frustrations. What happens if a driver is found to be non-compliant? ?? First, the driver and their freight must halt until all discrepancies are addressed, whether it's a missing bolt or a violation of Hours of Service regulations. ?? Second, further examinations may be conducted to uncover any additional violations, ensuring safety standards are upheld. ?? Third, drivers facing non-compliance risk receiving an out-of-service violation, impacting their compliance, safety, and accountability (CSA) scores. Maintaining a clean record is crucial for truck drivers, as violations can affect their reputation and livelihood. Let's prioritize safety and compliance on the roads. #RoadSafety #TruckingIndustry #Compliance #SafetyFirst #InternationalRoadcheck #DrugAndAlcoholInspection #CVSA

Why Choose AVD Safety??? - Industry expertise: with over ten years in trucking field, our experience speaks for itself. - Comprehensive services: from audit support to trucking compliance, we've got all aspects of DOT compliance covered. - Proactive approach and FMCSA compliance mastery. ?? What We Offer: ?? Audit Support: Navigate through audits with ease with our expert guidance. ?? Trucking Compliance Services: Comprehensive solutions to keep your fleet compliant and efficient. ?? Customized DOT Compliance Services: Tailored services to suit your unique business needs. ?? At AVD Safety, we're not just compliance experts; we're your trusted partners in ensuring safety and peace of mind. We believe in fostering a culture of safety, and our meticulous compliance management is a testament to that. Enhance your operational efficiency and market reputation with our unparalleled compliance solutions. With AVD, you're choosing a partner committed to excellence and proactive in safeguarding your business. ?? (708) 551 7572 ?? [email protected] #safety #safetyfirst #consulting #clearinghouse #mcdot #permits #titles #ifta #fmsca #irp

?? Urgent Safety Notice: FMCSA Declares Driver 'Imminent Hazard' ?? Attention all drivers and industry professionals, an alarming situation demands our immediate attention! Gurpreet Singh, a New Jersey-licensed commercial driver, has been declared an “imminent hazard” by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after a series of egregious safety violations. ?? Following a crash on March 28 in Hillsboro, Oregon, where Singh rear-ended a vehicle and fled the scene, shocking discoveries were made during an inspection of his truck. A bottle marked “vodka” was found in the cab, and Singh was operating without proper documentation of duty status. Despite being placed out-of-service, Singh recklessly disregarded the order and was caught driving later the same day in Clackamas County, Oregon, with a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit for commercial drivers. ?? This is not an isolated incident. Singh has a history of impaired driving, previously cited for similar offenses in Arizona. FMCSA has taken decisive action to protect the public, listing Singh as prohibited in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and working to disqualify his CDL. ?? We must all remain vigilant on the road and report any suspicious behavior that compromises safety. The consequences of such actions are dire, posing a serious risk to everyone's well-being. Remember, safety is non-negotiable. Let's work together to ensure our roads are safe for all ???? #SafetyFirst #FMCSA #ImminentHazard

?? FMCSA is stepping up its efforts to combat registration fraud with the establishment of a dedicated Registration Fraud Team. ?? This team will be solely focused on assisting victims of registration fraud and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences. Registration fraud has been a persistent issue in the trucking industry, with scammers and hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in FMCSA's registration system. ?? Fake drivers and companies have been able to register illegitimately, leading to motor carrier identity theft and compromising safety monitoring efforts. To address this problem, FMCSA has implemented several short-term measures, including suspending online PIN requests and implementing multifactor authentication for IT systems. ??? Additionally, tighter measures are being put in place to prevent fraudulent addresses from being registered as principal places of business. Looking ahead, FMCSA plans to hire external contractors to provide identity and business verification services. ?? Existing registrants will undergo identity verification to identify and remove any bad actors from the system. These changes will be incorporated into an overhauled registration system, replacing the current Unified Registration System. By taking proactive steps to combat registration fraud, FMCSA aims to enhance security and integrity within the trucking industry. ?? Stay tuned for updates as these measures are implemented, ensuring a safer and more reliable environment for all stakeholders. #FMCSA #TruckingIndustry #RegistrationFraud #SafetyFirst #SecurityMeasures ???

Five-Main Trucking Tune-Up for this Summer! ???? Rev up your engines and buckle up, truckers! Life on the road is a thrilling adventure, but it's crucial to keep safety at the forefront of every journey. Start your day on the right track with this quick and easy safety checklist, designed to keep you and your cargo secure. Let's roll! 1. Light It Up, Lock It Down: Double-check your lights – headlights, indicators, and taillights – to ensure you're visible in any conditions. Tighten those cargo straps! A secure load means a smooth ride ahead. 2. Tire Talk: Give your tires some TLC! Check the pressure and tread depth to keep your wheels rolling smoothly. 3. Tech Check: Make sure your Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is good to go, and give safety systems a test drive to keep you on the right track. 4. Buckle Up, Balance Out: Safety first! Strap in with your seatbelt, and balance your load for optimal handling on the road. 5. Mind Over Matter: Rest up before hitting the road – a focused mind is your best asset. Stay distraction-free behind the wheel and keep your eyes on the prize! ? Five minutes is all it takes to set yourself up for a safe and successful journey. Make these checks a habit and cruise with confidence. Your commitment to safety keeps our highways safe for all. Happy trails, truckers! ???? #TruckersSafety #StaySafeOnTheRoad #TruckLife #SafetyFirst

Ensuring Safety on the Road: A Closer Look at CDL Skills Testing ????? Federal regulators have made a crucial decision regarding CDL skills testing, prioritizing safety over potential lost wages for prospective truck drivers. ???? In a notice published in the Federal Register, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) denied Florida's petition for flexibility in administering the three-part CDL skills test. Under current regulations, applicants must complete the test in a specific order: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and on-road skills. If a candidate fails one part, they must return on a different day to retake all three segments. Florida sought to allow applicants to continue with subsequent segments after failing a portion and retake only the failed segments later. While the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the National Tank Truck Carriers supported Florida's petition, FMCSA emphasized safety concerns raised by opponents. ???? They stated that conducting the test elements in the required order is the best practice for the safety of all involved, including CDL applicants, examiners, and other motorists sharing the road. Despite acknowledging the potential impact on lost wages and state revenue, FMCSA highlighted existing flexibility in the regulations and expressed confidence that the implementation of Federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements will improve pass rates. Ensuring the safety of commercial drivers and the public remains paramount, and this decision underscores the importance of rigorous testing standards in the trucking industry. ????♂? #CDLTesting #TruckSafety #RoadSafety #FMCSA #CommercialDriving

Attention Truckers: Ifta Q1 2024!?? IFTA season is here, and we're here to make sure you're prepared to tackle those quarterly reports with ease! Here are some tips to keep your IFTA filing process smooth sailing: 1. Know Your Records: Keep detailed records of fuel receipts, mileage, and trip reports for at least 6 months. This includes information like fuel type, purchase date, mileage traveled, and trip details. 2. Mark Your Calendars: Remember the deadlines! IFTA reports are due on the last day of the month following the end of each quarter. Plan ahead and mark these dates in your calendar to avoid any last-minute rushes. 3. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the fuel tax rates for each state or jurisdiction. The International Fuel Tax Association publishes rates quarterly, so stay updated to ensure accurate calculations. 4. File Electronically: Take advantage of online filing services like Webfile or ExpressTruckTax for quick and efficient filing. Electronic filing saves time and reduces errors compared to manual filing methods. 5. TCS Fuel Card Advantage: If you're a TCS Fuel Card client, you're in luck! Our fuel card provides easy access to all the necessary information for IFTA reporting, including fuel receipts, mileage records, and trip reports. Plus, you'll receive quarterly summaries to simplify the reporting process even further. With these tips and the support of TCS Fuel Card, you'll breeze through your IFTA filings and stay on track for a successful year on the road! ????? #Truckers #IFTA #FuelTax #TruckingLife #OnTheRoad #TCSFuelCard #TruckersLife