From wet leaves to the start of deer season, fall weather is on its way and that means fall hazards are as well. Visibility is reduced by fog and heavy precipitation, and roads are slick due to the precipitation and leaves. Fall brings shorter days and longer nights, be on the lookout for nighttime hazards and driver fatigue.

1. Each year, 75% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement and 47% happen during rainfall.1
2. Increase in deer activity where they primarily feed between sunset and sunrise. Slow down and use caution in areas where deer crossing signs are posted.  
3. An estimated 1 in 25 adult drivers reported having fallen asleep while driving in the previous 30 days

Fatigue Management

Like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgement and increases your risk of a crash. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

One contributing factor that causes fatigue is sleep loss. This is when you do not get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Over time this loss of sleep builds up and creates a sleep debt.

Drowsiness occurs when your body wants you torepay the debt by getting sleep. Causes include such things as changing work schedules and personal life-style choices.

Now through May 15, ahead of the 2023 International Roacheck, TA Truck Service locations inside TA® travel centers and Petro Stopping Centers® will offer free mid-trip inspection services.

TA is offering the added inspections to help drivers prepare for International Roadcheck May 16-18. During the 72-hour inspection and enforcement event, CVSA inspectors will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways across North America.

According to TA, the mid-trip inspections include checks on the following parts:

• Tires– Ensure proper pressure and tread depth, and spot damage or wear early.
• Brakes– Test the entire system for performance, functionality, safety, and compliance.
• Fluids — Look out for oil, coolant, and other fluid leaks, or signs of contamination.

• Electrical System– Verify that the battery, alternator, wiring, connectors, lights, and signals are functioning.
• Suspension — Detect any damage or malfunction in the shocks and other suspension components.
• Cargo– Be sure your vehicle’s cargo is secured properly to avoid safety hazards on the road.

TA is also advising drivers to look for warning signs that a truck needs service sooner than anticipated.

Vigilant professional truck drivers learn to look out for any signs that their vehicle needs extra attention. Warning signs can sometimes indicate you need a mid-trip inspection even sooner than you expected. Look out for unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in vehicle performance or functionality. Take note of any warning lights that appear on your dashboard, as they may indicate what needs to be inspected. Also be aware of any unusual odors or smoke from the engine or exhaust. Any of these warning signs could mean it’s time to schedule services or repairs to address potentially detrimental symptoms.

Click here to view a list of participating TA locations and to schedule an inspection prior to May 15 and the start of the International Roadcheck.

Medallion Transport Holdings CEO, Gary Weilheimer, will discuss the AB5 Law and its impact on the trucking industry on Thursday, April 20th during the Transportation Intermediaries Association 2023 Capital Ideas Conference at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, FL. 

Gary will be speaking among a panel of three other logistics and transportation professionals which takes place from 2 – 2:30 PM ET.  

Specifically, Gary will be part of a panel that will discuss the business-to-business exceptions for California and beyond, how the Borello Standard would apply rather than the ABC Test in determining classification, and recent lobbying efforts to overturn this law. 

About TIA 

TIA serves more than 1,700 third-party logistics members and helps them better manage their companies for growth and profitability. No other association provides more ways for third-party logistics professionals to grow, connect and to protect their business. 

The 2023 International Roadcheck is set for May 16-18 with an emphasis on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.

International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume 72-hour inspection and enforcement event where CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways.

This year, inspectors will focus on ABS and cargo securement to highlight the importance of those aspects of vehicle safety. Although ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, ABS play a critical role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking. In addition, improper cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists by adversely affecting the vehicle’s maneuverability, or worse, causing unsecured loads to fall, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their usual roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Data will be gathered from those three days and shared later this year, as a snapshot of the state of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety.

During a routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, inspectors focus on two areas – driver and vehicle safety compliance.

• Vehicle safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
• Driver safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.

Vehicles that successfully pass a Level I or Level V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for three months. If the inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected. Inspectors may also restrict the driver from operating if the driver is found to have driver out-of-service violations, such as not possessing a valid or necessary operating license or exhibiting signs of impairment.

CVSA’s law enforcement member jurisdictions in cities, states, districts, provinces and territories in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. participate in International Roadcheck with support from trucking associations, transportation safety organizations and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transport Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

As a bonus offering to owner-operators and freight agents, Medallion Transport & Logistics is hosting virtual monthly safety meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Our safety team covers topics varying from general truck driver safety, safe driving practices, pre trip inspections, health on the road, safety during bad weather, and more tips and any relevant truck driver information during each meeting.

All class attendees will receive a free truck and trailer wash up to $100 for attending, and will be entered to win a $150 gift card.

Owner-operators, drivers and freight agents outside of our NHH and Medallion Transport network, can inquire for more info below, and learn more about online safety training below.

More About Medallion Transport & Logistics

At Medallion Transport & Logistics, freight agents and owner-operators are the top priority, and we are constantly striving to develop programs that help make their business more successful.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start spring load restrictions in the SOUTHEAST and METRO SLL zones Friday, March 10, 2023 at 12:01 AM.

Winter load increases have already ended in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST and METRO zones.

Seasonal load limit zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown at mndot.gov/loadlimits.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal (axle weight limits).

Full-summer overweight permits can be issued, during the spring load restriction period, for travel on the interstate system only.

Middle-range overweight permits become available within each SLL zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted. 

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. 

MnDOT will report start and end dates on its 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, and locally at 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

For questions about legal axle weight during SLR; Gross Vehicle Weight Schedule, call: Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Patrol – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement 651-350-2000

For questions about oversize/overweight loads/permitting call: Minnesota Department of Transportation Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations – Oversize/Overweight Permits 651-296-6000 Or email:  ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us

All changes are made with a minimum three calendar-day notice.

For the most current information, go to MnDOT’s automated 24-hour message center at 800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, or 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. This information is also published on the MnDOT seasonal load limits website at mndot.gov/loadlimits.

The 2023 International Roadcheck is set for May 16-18 with an emphasis on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.

International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume 72-hour inspection and enforcement event where CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways.

This year, inspectors will focus on ABS and cargo securement to highlight the importance of those aspects of vehicle safety. Although ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, ABS play a critical role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking. In addition, improper cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists by adversely affecting the vehicle’s maneuverability, or worse, causing unsecured loads to fall, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their usual roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Data will be gathered from those three days and shared later this year, as a snapshot of the state of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety.

During a routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, inspectors focus on two areas – driver and vehicle safety compliance.

• Vehicle safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
• Driver safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.

Vehicles that successfully pass a Level I or Level V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for three months. If the inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected. Inspectors may also restrict the driver from operating if the driver is found to have driver out-of-service violations, such as not possessing a valid or necessary operating license or exhibiting signs of impairment.

CVSA’s law enforcement member jurisdictions in cities, states, districts, provinces and territories in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. participate in International Roadcheck with support from trucking associations, transportation safety organizations and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transport Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

The ice storm and winter weather that has affected parts of the South and Southeastern United States, have resulted in several Pilot Flying J temporary location closures. Due to the weather and unsafe road conditions, some locations in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are and may continue to experience temporary outages.

Pilot Flying J said most of its locations across the affected region are open and fueling. Their team is working as quickly as possible to restore service to impacted stores to serve professional truck drivers and those assisting with recovery  and relief efforts.

For up-to-date information on store status, please visit https://pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

See below for an update on Pilot operations.

Store Operations:

The following locations are experiencing temporary outages due to local conditions:

• Pilot #1140: Rhone, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Pilot #1285: Santo, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Pilot #1297: Italy, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Flying J #507: Jarrell, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Pilot #1290: Red Oak, TX – Store Open, No Diesel

All other stores in the region are currently open and will remain open as long as it is safe to operate.

W​inter Storm Elliott is tracking eastward toward the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes, where it will produce snow and high winds, including blizzard conditions in spots, as it potentially grows into a bomb cyclone. Elliott will also bring strong winds and a possible flash freeze to parts of the Midwest, East and South.

Any truck drivers on the road, please take extreme caution while traveling through these areas.

Here are a few facts about the storm:

• The storm will track through the Midwest, Northeast and South through the end of the week.
• The heaviest snow will target the Great Lakes, with over a foot possible for some.
• High winds capable of tree damage and power outages could blast much of the Plains, Midwest and East.
• Severe travel impact because of snow, wind and cold is expected from through at least Friday or Saturday.

Extra Safety Precautions

Anyone traveling should slow down and stop if visibility gets too low as it’s better to arrive late and safe to your destination than not at all.

1. Leave early if possible
2. Give yourself extra room between other vehicles on the road
3. Keep your gas tank full

Get updates on Winter Storm Elliott

We have been notified by Comdata that they are experiencing issues with their internal automated phone system for the last six days. They are aware of the issue and working diligently to correct it. Please see below details from Comdata. 

Customers, please accept our apologies for this continued issue. While the nationwide telecom issues still exist; we have been working with our IVR vendors to route our processes around the networks, so that cardholders and merchants have access to the automated systems. There are several updates below: 

The 800.741.3030 IVR (used by merchants, banks, lumpers, etc. largely to register or get an authorization on a Comchek draft) is UP and processing since Sunday. **However, if you are set up to capture or validate the driver/business name for express codes; this isn’t working yet and it will send the caller to a live agent. Hold times are still running between 30-40 minutes for live agents; as we have 4-10 times the normal volume; even with additional staffing, overtime, etc. 

For OnRoad accounts; drivers calling the 866.288.9990 IVR, which is used to check balance, register drafts, do direct deposits, etc. – all of these things and more, can be performed via the OnRoad or Driven mobile apps. Otherwise, the IVR is back up and running; but there is still an issue with the pin set prompting. 

For Express Cash clients; drivers calling the 800.741.6060 IVR to check balance, set pin, register drafts is not working at this time. While they can check their balance and do basic functions in the FleetAdvance mobile app; it has limited functionality. This is the top priority and is being worked now. 

We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.