Avastar Assurance

To boost your overall CSA score, it was once recommended to ask for a "voluntary" roadside inspection. That may not be an option anymore. It seems some carriers used the same truck over and over, while the bulk of their fleet stayed as far away from the inspection houses as possible . . . #CSA #CSAScore #roadsideinspection https://lnkd.in/gSB_QnvR

Who would ever believe a cab-over could ride better than a long nose? Apparently so . . . https://lnkd.in/dvXxM7XS #edisonmotors #trucking #driversafety

Trouble in Texas . . . This week 40 mph wind speeds were reported in the storm's "inflow," the wind that goes into the storm, helping it grow. Much of the damage was caused by straight-line winds, up to 70 MPH or more, with occasionally higher wind gusts. This is more than enough to topple tractor-trailers, sometimes even forcing a dry van trailer's walls inward, causing a trailer collapse. Drivers should not be driving in storm cells. Drivers should find a place to safely park, preferably away from the direct winds. This is not always easy because wind is unpredictable and there is a time-lag between when a storm occurs and its effects. Some cell phones will broadcast an alert when a storm is imminent, but if the driver is on the highway, it may be too late. Many thanks to Jamie W. for her post. #trucking #trucksafety #allweathertrucking https://lnkd.in/gPjZGCrd

Many of the DOT regs are not commonly known. Some do not become known until after they have been broken . . . #trucking #FMCSA #safetyregs https://lnkd.in/gFbYyFZY

Alternative fuels have both advantages and disadvantages. In this emergency response, the first responders were not aware the truck was fitted with pressurized CNG tanks. CNG tanks are equipped with thermally activated release valves which could be compromised under a flood of water. Nine firefighters were injured in the resulting explosion. #trucking #insurance #truckingsafely https://lnkd.in/d4MG-Cg2

The failure of truck driver training? The driver in question said it was a high wind that pushed him into an oncoming lane on a curve where he then ran head on into a group of motorcyclists. The real question might be, why was was he driving at all, if the winds were fierce? In spite of all the ELDT training hoopla, it's safe to say drivers get little practical training on safely driving a truck. Some still get none at all. It's easy to prove. Of the thousands of new ELDT training providers, the FMCSA has found fault with only a handful. Cursory or perfunctory trainers (the old "CDL Mills") can easily undercut the diligent training providers. Subpar drivers will always reveal their hand. Unfortunately, as in the vid below, they might take unsuspecting members of the public with them . . . #safetrucking #ELDT #truckinsurance https://lnkd.in/g95ECxBB

Some drivers prefer running at night. Others do so to move their loads under the cover of darkness, not realizing or recognizing the harms they might do. After all, many rules and regulations arise from the repeated occurrences of bad incidences. Unfortunately there are really people out there who believe they will never be involved in an accident . . . According to Attorney Michael Ehline, "CAVEAT: Damage to another done intentionally is normally not afforded coverage. Why? Because public policy disallows insurance coverage for someone, for example who may like to punch people in the face. The state wants to discourage people from intentionally harming another person. So in that case, they have to pay out of pocket. Some exceptions apply. Also, normally, contractual liabilities are not covered either. But some exceptions may apply, such as special business interruption insurance for that purpose." Permit loads or oversize loads usually carry restrictions regarding routes and times of transit. Skirting the law to avoid these restrictions can put the company on the hook for any resulting liability and makes poor business sense. #oversizeloads #trucking #truckinsurance https://lnkd.in/gcgV6CnM

Here's a report about a company that allegedly engaged in a sophisticated log-book falsification scheme. What they didn't plan on was the death of three young people in a collision with one of their trucks. The driver allegedly admitted he lied to investigators and the scheme was enabled by an off-shore data center that would alter the record of duty status on demand. E-logs were supposed to be the be-all and end-all of safe driving. If this report is true, not only has the DOT been fooled, but it seems it has been fooling itself . . . #trucking #truckinsurance #ELD https://lnkd.in/gkSKmeHS

I've always liked the economic musings of Danielle DiMartino Booth. There are a lot of macro-underpinnings tied to inflation that are weighing heavily on the economy. As Danielle points out, the economy has not produced a single new, full-time job since January of last year. People are struggling with rising costs and diminished incomes. And when millions of people start to struggle, it turns into a vicious economic cycle. #economy #layoffs #inflation https://lnkd.in/g7U5ZYEf

Fuel crossover lines are a thing of the past. Complexity has replaced simplicity . . . #trucking #fuellines #smarttrucking https://lnkd.in/dCmUnAVC