SAFETY TIPS OF THE WEEK
Please check this website on a weekly basis for important updates on safety, scheduling, maintenance, routing and more.
Thank you, and drive safely out there!
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We believe an investment in SAFETY is an investment in YOUR FUTURE!
NOTE
Sioux Trucking expanded contact numbers can be found on the Sioux tab (password protected).
Spring is here.
While you will still be running into snow, as things start to warm up people on the roads will start to assume that everything on the highways will be clean and clear, but you as a professional driver know better. Conditions can change on a dime this time of year, so we trust your judgement to keep you and your co-driver safe. As always, drive smooth, drive slow, drive safe.
Winter is upon us.
As summer comes to an end we will begin dealing with rain, slush, then into hail and snow. Make sure your chains are ready to go.
Please let Jared know if there is anything missing on your trucks. Thank you.
It's gonna be a hot one!
Summer is right around the corner, so that means lots of summer trips causing clogged roads, BUT remember hydration.
Hydration is one of those things that can sneak up on you and by the time you realize you're not feeling well, it's too late.
Hydration starts the night before, and keeping track of how much water you're drinking while you're in warm/hot weather, and yes, warm weather can cause dehydration too. If you have any ideas about things that can help you stay hydrated for your trucks, please contact Jared.
Thank you.
New Normal
A team of ours was stuck on the 15 because of an active shooter situation that was ahead of them. With everything that has happened in the country from riots, to the pandemic, and now with the vaccine we are beginning to return to "normal". Things are going to be off as we readjust to our society post COVID, so it is vital to "stay frosty" as they say. Watch out for unsafe situations/people, and most importantly, don't be a hero. Everyone gets to go home at the end of the day.
Thank you all for doing what you do. most people don't realize that trucks are what truly make American work.
SPRING IS HERE
With the COVID vaccine rolling out across the country and states opening up, there will be a wave of travelers this summer. Our highways will once again be packed with car and motorhomes filled with people who simply can't stand being stuck at home. It is vital that we all stay calm, cool, and professional while we navigate the highways.
Crazy Weather
These last two weeks have shown how weather truly has a mind of its own. Below is a link to what we use to keep track of what the weather is doing.
https://www.weather.gov/forecastmaps
PEAK Season
This season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging peak season to date, not only because of the record volume due to Covid, but the inability to communicate face to face with dispatchers/linehaul. Not only that, but every time someone coughs, sneezes, or sniffles we all have the same thought. To OUR drivers, and all OTR drivers, Thank you for keeping this country moving.
COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19
The world is currently experiencing a pandemic. Lock downs, shelter in place, and curfews are not something we typically deal with in North America, but we will pull through non the less.
FedEx Ground has been labeled mission critical by the federal government and we must continue to push through this adversity and continue to provide a means to distribute goods throughout our country.
It is now of the utmost importance to perform our jobs as cleanly as possible. As per our all employee email, we have put masks, gloves, and cleaning supplies in each truck, and more are on the way. We will get through this safe and sound if we work together.
Stay safe, and thank you for keeping our country running.
As you can see we take safety very seriously
Winning this award not only means being the best in your region, but being one of five in the country. Awards like this are a direct result of our dedicated drivers and managers who put safety and hard work above all else.
I'm proud to announce that Sioux Trucking has won
1st place at the ATA conference.
we'd like to thank our drivers. Without them this wouldn't be possible.
Following Distance
One good rule for how much space you should keep in front of you is at least 1 second for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater speeds, you must add 1 second for safety. For example, if you are driving a 40-foot vehicle, you should leave 4 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. In a 60-foot rig, you will need 6 seconds. Over 40 mph, you would need 5 seconds for a 40-foot vehicle and 7 seconds for a 60-foot vehicle.
Attention!
Despite on-going safety/mechanical failures of the 27k and 28k series Eagle Dollies, FedEx still has them in the system. DO NOT USE THESE DOLLIES. Please contact David if there are any problems. (Example picture)
Windy Weather
Speed and Rollovers
Rain and Snow
Get home Safe With a Proper Inspection!
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Dollies cannot be bobtailed behind tractors
Effective immediately, FedEx Ground converter dollies can no longer be bobtailed — meaning pulled behind a tractor with no trailer attached — on the road. As the motor carrier, FedEx Ground is responsible for the safe operation of its equipment, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 396, and has determined that the dangers associated with bobtailing FedEx Ground-owned dollies behind a tractor pose an unacceptable safety risk.
Trailer and dolly coupling
Accidents and dangerous situations can occur when proper trailer and dolly coupling techniques are not followed, as outlined in FMCSR Part 393 Subpart F. Trailer and dolly disconnects may lead to runaway or rollaway situations, resulting in serious and/or fatal injuries and costly damage to property.
FMCSRs contain specific safety requirements for the mounting, location and locking of the fifth wheel. FMCSRs also require that safety devices be used when coupling a trailer with a towing vehicle, and the regulations outline specific requirements that the safety device configurations must meet. FMCSR section 396.7 forbids unsafe operations.
Contracted service providers agree to adhere to the federal regulations when coupling tractors, dollies and trailers. Front-line managers are responsible for ensuring the agreement is met. Information that can be shared includes:
Regulatory requirements
Coupling devices and towing methods — Proper coupling for safe operation is required by FMCSR section 393.70
Pre-trip inspections — A pre-trip inspection of motor vehicles (including trailers and dollies) operated on the road is required by FMCSR section 392.7
Post-trip inspections — A post-trip inspection and daily vehicle inspection report is required by FMCSR section 396.11
Professional Truck Drivers Offer Safety Tips
Arlington, Va. – American Trucking Associations want to ensure the 94.5 million motorists traveling over 50 miles or more during the year-end holiday arrive at their destinations safely.
“This time of year should be a festive and happy occasion for Americans, not one spent remembering loved ones lost in tragic highway crashes,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “As we all hit the road, take time to learn from America’ Road Team, elite drivers with millions of miles of safe driving under their belt. By following their advice on the roads, you’ll be better able to share the road and arrive at your destination safely.”
America’s Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles, are offering advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and winter driving conditions this busy traffic season. Tips include:
· Prepare you vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.
· Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
· Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
· Be aware of truck blindspots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
· Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
· Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles.
· Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
· Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
· Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.
· Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to insure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don’t allow ice and snow to create additional blindspots on your vehicle.
· Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.
· Pack your vehicle smart: With luggage, sports equipment and presents be sure to pack your vehicle so that you can see out of all of your windows and mirrors.
· Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to Holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of a space cushion and reduce your speed.
· Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
“Always buckle up,” said America’s Road Team Captain Dale Williams (Trimac Transportation). “Weather can also be a factor during this time of year so check weather conditions before you get in your vehicle,” Williams added.
“The holidays are a challenging time on the highways,” said America’s Road Team Captain Bryan Wold (Con-way Freight). “Between motorists visiting families or finishing up last minute shopping there is nothing better than patience and safe driving practices behind the wheel, he added.”Operating Agreements obligate Linehaul CSPs to assign two drivers for team runs
The Operating Agreements obligate Linehaul CSPs to assign two drivers to all team runs, and two drivers are usually necessary for team runs to comply with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.
FedEx Ground employees at the Linehaul dispatch window will verify that two of a CSP’s drivers are present at the dispatch window at the point of origin for every team run via the following steps.
· Verify at all points: At all points of a team run, FedEx Ground Linehaul personnel will ask for the ID badges as well as the CDLs of both CSP’s drivers. If one of the CSP’s drivers is in the sleeper berth during a mid-point stop, then the ID and CDL for both drivers can be presented by one of the drivers at the dispatch window. The names on the IDs and CDLs must match names/IDs on all dispatch paperwork (e.g., hook slips).
· If a CSP’s driver objects: If a CSP’s driver objects to presenting IDs and CDLs, or says he/she does not have it, then dispatch staff will ask a FedEx Ground manager to intervene. The manager and/or Contractor Relations will then contact the authorized officer or business contact to resolve the situation.
· See something, say something: Report any incident where you suspect or are aware of situations where a single driver is taking the wheel for a team run.
