Safer Bear Says:

• As of January 3, 2012, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibits commmercial drivers from using hand-held mobile devices while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers who violate the rule may face civil penalties of up to $2,750. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's commercial driver's  license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations.
  
  Hands-free use of a mobile telephone is allowed using either a wired or wireless earpiece, or the speakerphone function of the mobile telephone, as long as it is operated by a single touch. Single touch CB radios are also still allowed to be used. (February 2012)
• Safe driving skills are very important. Watch and maintain safe speeds, slow down in construction zones and make sure all of your equipment is in safe order. Please check your brakes, lights, horn, fire extinguisher and your tire tread depths are safe.
  
  Stay alert at all times. Save lives, not time!!! (January 2012)

• Proper cargo securement is an important part of any trucking professional's job. It helps prevent accidents, injuries and damage to to our customer's products. Cargo securement is also a federal requirement under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These regulations require that all cargo must be secured in a way that prevents leaking, spilling, blowing or falling from the vehicle.  
  
  Please be sure to follow the proper blocking and bracing procedures for all customers. Blocking is a structure or device placed in front, back or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Bracing is a structure or device placed against an article of cargo to prevent it from tipping or shifting. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor walls of the cargo compartment.
  
  Not only do we need to make sure all of the cargo is secured in the containers, but also that the container is secured to the chassis. section 393.126 states that all lower corners of the intermodal container must be secured  to the chassis with securement devices or integral locking devices that cannot unintentionally become unfastened while in transit.
  
  If you have any questions please come in to the Safety Department to view a video or materials on cargo securement rules and prodcedures. (December 2011)
• The winter weather is right around the corner. Please drive cautiously and slow down as the the roads become slick from the ice and snow. (December 2011)
• Daylight Savings Time has ended. Please check the lights on your truck to make sure they are all working properly. Also, make sure to keep a flashlight in your truck as the days grow shorter. This will help you in dimmly lit locations to inspect the equipment that you are pulling out. Only pull out equipment that is safe and road worthy! (November 2011)
• As Summer is winding down and the days are growing shorter, please remember that the kids are back in school. Please be alert while driving, and watch out for the kids as they are rushing to and from school. (October 2011)
• Be cushion conscience! Keep and maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Awareness is a key function! (September 2011)
• Stop at Railroad crossings. If your truck stalls on the tracks, immediately get out of the truck and locate the emergency phone box or call 911 to notify authorities of the stalled vehicle. (August  2011)
• While in the rail yards, stay off of the cranes paths. If you are pulling any piece of equipment from trackside, be cautious of where the cranes are and always proceed with caution. (July 2011)

Thank You,
Bob, Judy and Mary

"Our Safe Drivers Make The Difference!"