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Entries related to: operations-personnel

Ask the Underwriter: How Driver Quality Affects Underwriting

  Great West Casualty Company’s underwriting guidelines are developed using data from industry studies and evaluating the MVRs of drivers involved in claims. American Transportation Research Institute, for example, conducted a study that found a reckless driving violation increases a driver’s crash risk by 325%. An improper turn increases crash risk by 105% and excessive speeding increases crash risk by 56%. Factors such as these, as well as years of experience and crash history, can all impact an Underwriter’s decision to insure a particular driver.
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Ask the Safety Rep: Drug Testing For Motor Carriers Who Lease Drivers

What is the new drug and alcohol testing rule for motor carriers who lease drivers from a staffing agency?
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2017 CVSA International Roadcheck Dates Announced

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will hold its 30th annual International Roadcheck Enforcement Event from June 6-8, 2017. The event is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles. During last year’s 3-day event, nearly 63,000 vehicles were inspected in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Avoiding Trip Injuries Around The Shop And Warehouse

Recognize the Hazards Environment/Equipment Wet or slick surfaces Uneven surfaces and level changes Power cords and hoses Tools, parts, and portable equipment Clutter on stairs
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Ask A Safety Rep: Can Some Be Exempt from Using ELDs?

  I have heard that some may be exempt from using electronic logging devices (ELDs). Is that true?
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Regulatory Updates to Be Aware Of

With the start of the new year, there are numerous regulatory updates that motor carriers should be watching and taking action on. Here is a high-level overview of the changes that will affect motor carriers. 
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What You Need to Know About the FMCSA Clearinghouse

The FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse went into effect on Jan. 6, 2020. Here are some common questions that motor carriers need to know about the Clearinghouse requirements.  WHAT IS THE FMCSA DRUG AND ALCOHOL CLEARINGHOUSE? The FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, the FMCSA, state driver licensing agencies, and state law enforcement personnel real-time information about drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) who have violated 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B. The Clearinghouse contains information about positive drug or alcohol test results, test refusals, and when a driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process and follow-up testing plan.
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Things to Consider When Selecting an ELD

The deadline to equip trucks with electronic logging devices (ELDs) is December 18, 2017. With this date looming, motor carriers should be well into the implementation process. If not, it is highly recommended to begin this process immediately. ELD vendors are warning procrastinating motor carriers that supplies could be slim as the deadline nears and motor carriers should allow at least six months for purchasing the equipment, installation, training, and post-production support.
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Preserving the Crash Scene

Preserving the crash scene and documenting the facts surrounding the incident can play an important role in minimizing the severity of a loss and proving where the fault lies. Because crash scenes can be chaotic, Great West Casualty Company provides its insureds with free crash reporting kits to help drivers manage the scene and document what happened. Be sure to report all crashes immediately, from the scene of the crash if at all practical. Here is a brief overview of the steps covered in the crash reporting kit:
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Preparing for a Roadside Inspection

Going through a roadside inspection can be an intimidating and stressful event, but it’s one that commercial truck drivers must deal with on a regular basis. Roadside inspections take time; possibly costing you money in lost loads, missed appointments, and perhaps, even receiving a fine for infractions. The key is preparation and to avoid bringing undue attention to one’s self and equipment.
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