Michigan state law enforcement will target unsafe truckers along the I-94 corridor between Jackson and Detroit this month. 

The two-week enforcement, June 3-7 and June 10-14 from 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day, will focus on unsafe truck driving behavior.

The campaign, “Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks,” aims to reduce crashes, fatalities and serious injuries between passenger vehicles and commercial drivers.

Motor carrier officers and state troopers will conduct TACT enforcement activities, looking for improper lane use, careless and reckless driving, speeding, following too closely, failure to yield the right-of-way and more.

“Crashes between commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles often result in serious and fatal injuries,” said Dr. Daniel Blower, chair of the Michigan Truck Safety Commission, in a release. “The TACT campaign focuses on enforcement and education efforts for both car and truck drivers to reduce crashes, fatalities and serious injuries. There will be zero tolerance for aggressive driving.”

Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support and safety, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460 or send us an email to info@medalliontrans.com.

Medallion Transport & Logistics along with its sister and parent company, NHH Services and Medallion Transport Holdings, will offer free securement and safety training open to all truck drivers, including any looking to transition to flatbed.  

The company’s securement and safety leaders will be on-site at the NHH Services truck yard in Wallisville, TX offering an all-day outdoor, hands-on cargo securement course and an in-classroom safety training June 19th and 20th.

Cargo Securement Training will be an all-day, hands-on outdoor training training, and will include:

• Proper Cargo Securement
• FMCSA Regulations
• Compliance, Safety & Accountability
• Pre-Trip Inspections & Planning

All attendees must wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, leather gloves and work boots (preferable steel toed).

Safety Training will take place in a classroom setting and will cover the following:

• Safe Driving Tips
• Accident Prevention
• Roadside Inspection
• Hours of Service
• AOBRD Transition into ELD

The company will provide refreshments and lunch both days. There will also be door prizes and a raffle for all who attend.

Training Details

Securement training will be held Wednesday, June 19th starting at 7 a.m., and safety training will be held Thursday, June 20th starting at noon.

NHH Services’ Wallisville, TX yard is located at 24941 I-10, Wallisville, TX 77597.

Both securement and safety training are open to all drivers in the Medallion and NHH network, as well as any drivers nationwide looking to transition from van to flatbed.

RSVP Now

All attendees must RSVP online by June 14th in order to attend. Space is limited, register early to secure a spot. Please call 765.650.4164 with any specific questions.

More About Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion is an agency/owner operator based company with offices throughout the 48 contiguous states, offering truckload services including flat, vans and specialized equipment. Additional service offerings include freight brokerage, LTL shipping, specialized over-dimensional, logistics project management, expedited service and a full array of logistics management services.

The 2019 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Roadcheck Inspection blitz is finally upon us. The annual 72-hour blitz will take place from Tuesday, June 4 to Thursday, June 6 throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

Each year the International Roadcheck places a special emphasis on a category of violations. This year’s violation emphasis category is steering components and suspension systems. 

Steering and suspension are critical for all commercial vehicles, which is why CVSA has chosen each as the focus for this year’s blitz.

Hundreds of trucks are placed out of service annually with suspension violations.

Here are some tips to prepare and beat the blitz:

• Each year during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck blitz hundreds of trucks are placed out of service (OOS) because of suspension violations.
• Matt Copot, vice president of maintenance at Transervice, says the constant load and constant impact on leaf springs makes them a top priority for maintenance which includes looking out for loose U-bolts, damaged bottom rails and corroded spring hangars.
• “Do proper inspections on a regular basis,” Shepherd says. “Even minor wear or damage can lead to further damage which will end up costing you more money.”

Read more and watch the video about suspension violations. 

What does an inspection entail?

The 37-step procedure includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection.

View the North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures here, including details on what each step entails.

The CVSA has also published documentation on Rack and pinion steering system inspection as well as Safety Procedures for Lift Axle Inspection and Safety Inspection Procedures for Vehicles Equipped with Air Suspension.

Take Our Blitz Quiz to Win a Set of Steer Tires

Medallion Transport & Logistics wants to reward all truck drivers who are prepared for International Roadcheck. Take our Roadcheck 2019 quiz. All drivers who score 100% will be entered into a drawing for the tires, and are eligible for other tires. Only one entry per driver will be accepted, and submissions are being accepted through Tuesday, June 4.

Brake woes are the No. 1 out of service violation, and with the upcoming CVSA International Roadcheck June 4-6, here are some tips to keep you ready.  

• Brake problems are easily the number one reason trucks are placed out of service during the annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck blitz.
• “When a brake adjustment is necessary and the unit is equipped with automatic slack adjusters it is important to determine the root cause rather than adjusting the slack adjuster,” says Matt Copot, vice president of maintenance at Transervice
• Regular and thorough inspections will help prevent brake problems from leading to OOS violations.

Read more about brake check woes. 

Or watch brake check tips here. 

More About the Blitz

Although brake problems are a common violations, during roadside inspections, steering and suspension are critical for all commercial vehicles and CVSA has chosen each as the focus for this year’s 72-hour blitz.

“Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle,” said CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police in a news release. “Not only do they support the heavy loads carried by trucks and buses, but they also help maintain stability and control under acceleration and braking, keeping the vehicle safely on the road. Furthermore, they keep tires in alignment, reducing chances of uneven tire wear and possible tire failure, and they maximize the contact between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling.”

Truck drivers inspected during the blitz will receive a full 37 point North American Standard Level I Inspection, according to the CVSA.

What does an inspection entail?

The 37-step procedure includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection.

View the North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures here, including details on what each step entails.

The CVSA has also published documentation on Rack and pinion steering system inspection as well as Safety Procedures for Lift Axle Inspection and Safety Inspection Procedures for Vehicles Equipped with Air Suspension.

Take Our Blitz Quiz to Win a Set of Steer Tires

Medallion Transport & Logistics wants to reward all truck drivers who are prepared for International Roadcheck. Take our Roadcheck 2019 quiz. All drivers who score 100% will be entered into a drawing for the tires, and are eligible for other tires. Only one entry per driver will be accepted

Brake problems are easily the number one reason trucks are placed out of service during the annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck blitz.

Although this year’s 72-hour blitz, June 2 – 4, has a special emphasis on steering & suspension, inspectors will still check brakes during all Level 1 inspections.

Here are some brake tips to beat the blitz.

• Check brake linings for wear.
• Check S-Camshaft for proper operation and keep S-Camshaft bearing bushings lubricated.
• Check air brake system for leaks (brake applied).
• Check axle structural components for cracks or damage.
• Check hub lubrication level for excessive leakage.  Check brake lining-to-drum clearance for correct adjustment, and re-adjust clearance, if necessary.
• Check service brake and parking brake for performance.

Read more about brake tips, including first hand info from an inspector. 

What does an inspection entail?

The 37-step procedure includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection.

View the North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures here, including details on what each step entails.

The CVSA has also published documentation on Rack and pinion steering system inspection as well as Safety Procedures for Lift Axle Inspection and Safety Inspection Procedures for Vehicles Equipped with Air Suspension.

Take Our Blitz Quiz to Win a Set of Steer Tires

Medallion Transport & Logistics wants to reward all truck drivers who are prepared for International Roadcheck. Take our Roadcheck 2019 quiz. All drivers who score 100% will be entered into a drawing for the tires, and are eligible for other tires. Only one entry per driver will be accepted

More About the Blitz

Steering and suspension are critical for all commercial vehicles, which is why CVSA has chosen each as the focus for this year’s 72-hour blitz.

“Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle,” said CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police in a news release. “Not only do they support the heavy loads carried by trucks and buses, but they also help maintain stability and control under acceleration and braking, keeping the vehicle safely on the road. Furthermore, they keep tires in alignment, reducing chances of uneven tire wear and possible tire failure, and they maximize the contact between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling.”

Truck drivers inspected during the blitz will receive a full 37 point North American Standard Level I Inspection, according to the CVSA.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck blitz is almost here. 

Next week, truck inspectors will conduct Level 1 inspections on anyone they pull over during the 72-hour blitz that takes place Tuesday, June 4 to Thursday, June 6 throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

This year’s violation emphasis category is steering components and suspension systems.  Here are some tips to “Beat the Blitz.”

• Given all the moving parts in a steering system, such as U-joints, gear box, Pitman arm, and tie rods, the key is knowing tolerances for movement.
• Inspectors look topside where they lift the hood to examine additional steering components and check for fluid leaks
• During steering inspections, inspectors feel for loose ball joints, tie rods and U-joints.
• When you see tire issues, most notably irregular wear, it gives you clues depending on how that tire’s wearing as to the alignment of the truck,” said Kyle Chen, brand manager of truck and bus radial tires at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.

Click here for more tips.

More About the Blitz

Steering and suspension are critical for all commercial vehicles, which is why CVSA has chosen each as the focus for this year’s 72-hour blitz.

“Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle,” said CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police in a news release. “Not only do they support the heavy loads carried by trucks and buses, but they also help maintain stability and control under acceleration and braking, keeping the vehicle safely on the road. Furthermore, they keep tires in alignment, reducing chances of uneven tire wear and possible tire failure, and they maximize the contact between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling.”

Truck drivers inspected during the blitz will receive a full 37 point North American Standard Level I Inspection, according to the CVSA.

What does an inspection entail?

The 37-step procedure includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection.

View the North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures here, including details on what each step entails.

The CVSA has also published documentation on Rack and pinion steering system inspection as well as Safety Procedures for Lift Axle Inspection and Safety Inspection Procedures for Vehicles Equipped with Air Suspension.

Take Our Blitz Quiz to Win a Set of Steer Tires

Medallion Transport & Logistics wants to reward all truck drivers who are prepared for International Roadcheck. Take our Roadcheck 2019 quiz. All drivers who score 100% will be entered into a drawing for the tires, and are eligible for other tires. Only one entry per driver will be accepted.

Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460 or send us an email to info@medalliontrans.com.

Due to flash flooding, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced a full closure of I-29 is in place until further notice. 

The closure is at the Iowa border and Exit 56 (US 71 & 59) at St. Joseph. The duration of this flood event is unknown, but will last through the night.

Those who would normally use I-29 as a through route should instead use:

I-35 N from Kansas City to
I-80 West in Des Moines to
I-29 at Sioux City, South Dakota

OR

US 71 into Iowa
and vice-versa until further notice.

MoDOT is urging drivers to NOT follow local traffic past the closure point at US 71. There are no good alternative trucking routes north of US 71 – especially to points west. Flooding is widespread.

This detour is subject to change with little notice, so please check your route before traveling.

Travelers already on I-29 North
Drivers who join I-29 north of Kansas City can take US 71 North of St. Joseph and connect to I-35 via multiple connecting highways. Refer to the Traveler Information Map for up to date travel information.

Please do not assume that a highway that is clear of flooding in Missouri will be clear in Iowa, Kansas or Nebraska. Check other states’ routes as well as Missouri’s.

Find road conditions information for all of Missouri’s bordering states at https://www.modot.org/road-conditions-missouris-surrounding-states.

Find the locations of Missouri highway closures using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Road Conditions for Surrounding States

Below are links to weather-related Road Conditions maps and the toll free hotlines for states surrounding Missouri. Although MoDOT does not update or maintain these maps, links are being provided as a service to Missouri motorists.

Arkansas 501-569-2374

Illinois 1-800-452-4368

Iowa 1-800-288-1047

Kansas 1-785-296-3566

Kentucky 1-866-737-3767

Nebraska 1-800-906-9069

Tennessee 1-877-244-0065

Oklahoma 1-844-4OK-HWYS (1-844-465-4997)

Last week, Pilot Flying J opened their newest Pilot Travel Center in Desert Springs, Arizona, Pilot store no. 1185. The addition of this location brings the Arizona network of Pilot Flying J locations to 18 total and adds over 66 truck parking spaces to Pilot Flying J’s more than 73,000 parking spaces for the trucking industry. 

More About Pilot Flying J for Truck Drivers

MoDOT Motor Carrier Services’ office CLOSED at 3 pm, Thursday, May 23 and will remain closed Friday, May 24, due to emergency conditions in Jefferson City in accord with an order by Governor Mike Parson.

At this time, the state office plans to resume normal business at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 28.

MoDOT Carrier Express, the DOT’s online system, is open for request submissions at www.modot.org/mce. 

A large tornado tore through Jefferson City late Wednesday night around 11:45 p.m CDT. The National Weather Service in St. Louis issued a tornado emergency for the area after a ‘violent tornado’ was confirmed on the ground. First responders worked through the night to begin search and rescue efforts for people who were trapped in collapsed buildings.

Jefferson City Police have confirmed at least 20 citizens were transported to local hospitals.

The Jefferson City tornado was given a preliminary rating of EF3 on Thursday afternoon, meaning it had a peak wind speed of 160 mph.