The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced this year’s International Roadcheck dates as May 17-19 with a focus on wheel ends.

International Roadcheck is a 72-hour high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and enforcement initiative. Commercial motor vehicle inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct North American Standard Inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh and inspection stations, on roving patrols, and at temporary inspection sites. Each year, CVSA focuses on a specific aspect of a roadside inspection. This year, the focus will be on wheel ends.

Wheel end components support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles, maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking. Violations involving wheel end components historically account for about one quarter of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered during International Roadcheck, and past International Roadcheck data routinely identified wheel end components as a top 10 vehicle violation.

What to Expect if Pulled Over for an Inspection?

For the driver portion of an inspection, inspectors will do the following:

• Collect and verify the driver’s documents
• Identify the motor carrier
• Examine the driver’s license
• Check record of duty status and review periodic inspection reports
• Check the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate and the driver’s daily vehicle inspection report

CVSA Roadcheck Cheat Sheet

BRAKES Check for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system. Check for S-cam flip over. Be alert for audible air leaks around brake components and lines. Check that slack adjusters are the same length (from center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size. Ensure the air system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa). Inspect for non-manufactured holes (e.g., rust holes, holes created by rubbing or friction, etc.) and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake. Measure pushrod travel. Inspect required brake system warning devices, such as ABS malfunction lamp(s) and low air pressure warning devices. Inspect tractor protection system, including the bleed back system on the trailer. Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer.

COUPLING DEVICES Safety Devices – Full Trailers/Converter Dolly(s): Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for sufficient strength, missing components, improper repairs and devices that are incapable of secure attachment. On the lower fifth wheel, check for unsecured mounting to the frame or any missing or damaged parts, or any visible space between the upper and lower fifth wheel plates. Verify that the locking jaws are around the shank and not the head of the kingpin and that the release lever is seated properly and the safety latch is engaged. Check the upper fifth wheel for any damage to the weight bearing plate (and its supports), such as cracks, loose or missing bolts on the trailer. On the sliding fifth wheel, check for proper engagement of locking mechanism (teeth fully engaged on rail); also check for worn or missing parts. Ensure the position does not allow the tractor frame rails to contact the landing gear during turns. Check for damaged or missing fore and aft stops.

FUEL AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS Check your fuel tanks for the following conditions: loose mounting, leaks, or other conditions; loose or missing caps; and signs of leaking fuel below the tanks. For exhaust systems, check the following: unsecured mounting; leaks beneath the cab; exhaust system components in contact with electrical wiring or brake lines and hoses; and excessive carbon deposits around seams and clamps.

FRAME, VAN AND OPEN-TOP TRAILERS Inspect for corrosion fatigue; cracked, loose or missing crossmembers; cracks in frame; missing or defective body parts. Look at the condition of the hoses and check the suspension of air hoses on vehicles with sliding tandems. On the frame and frame assembly, check for cracks, bends, sagging, loose fasteners or any defect that may lead to the collapse of the frame; corrosion; fatigue; cracked or missing crossmembers; cracks in frame; missing or defective body parts. Inspect all axle(s). For vans and open-top trailer bodies, look at the upper rail and check roof bows and side posts for buckling, cracks or ineffective fasteners. On the lower rail, check for breaks accompanied by sagging floor, rail or cross members; or broken with loose or missing fasteners at side post adjacent to the crack.

LIGHTING Inspect all required lamps for proper color, operation, mounting and visibility.

SECUREMENT OF CARGO Make sure you are carrying a safe load. Check tail board security. Verify end gates are secured in stake pockets. Check both sides of the trailer to ensure cargo is protected from shifting or falling. Verify that rear doors are securely closed. Where load is visible, check for proper blocking and bracing. It may be necessary to examine inside of trailer to ensure large objects are properly secured. Check cargo securement devices for proper number, size and condition. Check tie down anchor points for deformation and cracking.

STEERING Check the steering lash by first turning the steering wheel in one direction until the tires begin to pivot. Then, place a mark on the steering wheel at a fixed reference point and turn the wheel in the opposite direction until the tires again start to move. Mark the steering wheel at the same fixed reference point and measure the distance between the two marks. The amount of allowable lash varies with the diameter of the steering wheel.

SUSPENSION Inspect the suspension for: indications of misaligned, shifted, cracked or missing springs; loose shackles; missing bolts; unsecured spring hangers; and cracked or loose U-bolts. Also, check any unsecured axle positioning parts and for signs of axle misalignment. On the front axle, check for cracks, welds and obvious misalignment.

TIRES, WHEELS, RIMS AND HUBS Check tires for proper inflation, cuts and bulges, regrooved tires on steering axle, tread wear and major tread groove depth. Inspect sidewalls for improper repairs, exposed fabric or cord, contact with any part of the vehicle, and tire markings excluding it from use on a steering axle. Inspect wheels and rims for cracks, unseated locking rings, and broken or missing lugs, studs or clamps. Check for rims that are cracked or bent, have loose or damaged lug nuts and elongated stud holes, have cracks across spokes or in the web area, and have evidence of slippage in the clamp areas. Check the hubs for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs, misalignment and positioning, and damaged, worn or missing parts.

Click here to download the CVSA Roadcheck Cheat Sheet.

More About International Roadcheck

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle and driver safety.

International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute across North America during a 72-hour period. 

Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during International Roadcheck have numbered more than 1.4 million. Roadcheck also provides an opportunity to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.

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. 

35 Year Veteran Heavy Haul Driver Will Oversee Orientation, Safety, Securement & More

Medallion Transport Holdings recently appointed Kenny Gingerich as their new VP of Safety.

As a long-time heavy haul trucking and logistics professional, he will oversee driver orientation, safety training, safety protocols, and more. He spent much of his career behind the wheel on the road, logging over 3.2 million miles in just over 35 years.

Gingerich joins Medallion after being hand-selected and sought out by the company’s COO, Jesse Merrell, who has been strategic in identifying specialized leaders in various roles since joining the company himself in 2015.

“Gingerich was one of the most successful Owner-Ops I’ve ever known, and we are so excited to have his years of experience as part of our new safety team,” said Merrell.

The experience Gingerich brings to the company’s safety efforts is that from a driver’s perspective. Gingerich can count on one hand the number of DOT warnings and violations he had during his career. He is also proud of the fact that he had zero out of service violations.

“It was time to get out of the truck,” said Gingerich about his transition. “I was ready for this change, and I wanted to have a positive effect on the industry in a different way.”

Gingerich will lead a national safety team to execute a hands-on and in-person driver orientation program and safety strategy; provide expertise on safety regarding federal and state laws; create resources and driver educational programs; and develop strategies to help all of Medallion’s drivers and employees understand and meet the safety needs of their market.

ON THE ROAD EXPERIENCE

Gingerich purchased his first truck in 1986, and started a career pulling flatbeds, step decks and double drops up to 10 axles. He was an accomplished owner-operator and ran 48 states and Canada.

While he spent most of his career driving, Gingerich served as a safety leader for several years during his tenure in the industry where he educated drivers, managers, and employees on safety standards and how to apply that knowledge to improve safety scores and reduce risk.

“Gingerich not only understands what it takes to maintain safe equipment from a DOT perspective, he truly understands what drivers are up against in their day-to-day work life,” said Merrell.

A PROACTIVE APPROACH

When it comes to safety, Gingerich wants every company owner-op to be proactive with safety rather than reactive.

By creating various programs beyond orientation, such as safety meetings, and awards and recognitions for drivers, Gingerich’s goal is that all drivers will feel appreciated and respected.

“We don’t want to preach at you, we want to have a conversation,” he said. “And we will all learn from each other.”

Gingerich will be attending the 50^th Annual Mid-America Trucking Show with the team March 24-26 in Louisville, KY and will host safety refreshers in town. This is one of many planned, similar meetings he and the company will host throughout the region and country.

He has also started implementing driver safety awards and is creating incentives not only based on performance, but on safety as well.

DEDICATION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE

Gingerich shares a deep-rooted dedication to customer service with the rest of the Medallion team.

With his combined innovation and customer service focus, Gingerich didn’t waste any time getting out and meeting with drivers and agents and will continue to help them improve safety and driver retention.

“I’m looking forward to getting my team together,” he said. “I may be a leader in safety now, but I still consider every driver a co-worker of mine,” he said.

Effective Friday, March 4th, 2022, 6 a.m., weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways in Michigan.

Restrictions will be from the southern Michigan border north to and including M-46 from the interchange with US-31 in the City of Muskegon, Muskegon County, East on M-46 to US-131, North on US-131 to M-46, Montcalm County, East on M-46 to the intersection of M-25 in the Village of Port Sanilac, Sanilac County.

State trunkline highways typically carry M, I, or US designations. Weight restriction information and updates may be obtained by calling 1-800-787-8960. For companies located in Canada or New Jersey, information may be obtained by calling 517-335-0023.

• On routes designated as “All Season Routes” (green or gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be no reduction in legal axle weight.
• On routes designated as “Seasonal” (solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be a weight reduction of 25% for rigid pavements and 35% for flexible pavements.

Extended permits will be valid for oversize only in the weight restricted area.

Single trip permits will not be issued for overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length in the weight restricted area.

Detailed Weight Restriction information may be obtained by linking to www.michigan.gov/truckers.

Please refer to the MDOT Truck Operator’s Map for route designations.

Spring Weight Restrictions:
https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/APSWB/SWBHome.htm?bulletin=weight

On February 26, 2022, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has opted to extend an expiring emergency declaration providing regulatory relief for drivers hauling certain supplies during the pandemic.

The FMCSA issued the extension through May 31, 2022, for an Emergency Declaration to provide relief from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), which includes Hours of Service requirements, for drivers who are providing direct assistance during the pandemic.

The waiver extension applies to truck drivers who are hauling the following supplies in direct support of COVID-19 relief efforts:

1. Livestock and livestock feed
2. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
3. Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19
4. Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectant
5. Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores
6. Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol
7. Supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency)

Motor carriers that voluntarily operate under the terms of this extension are required to report to the FMCSA within 5 days after the end of each month. 

Drivers operating under the waiver must still adhere to controlled substance and alcohol uses and testing requirements, the commercial driver’s license requirements, the hazardous material safety permit requirements, the financial responsibility (insurance) requirements, the hazardous material regulations, and vehicle size, length, width, and weight limitations, as well as route designations.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOT) released the following regarding Mardi Gras oversize travel restrictions through Tuesday, March 1.

Oversize and overweight vehicle movement, with the exception of permit loads that qualify for 24-hour movement, will be prohibited on all State highways in selected areas on Saturday, February 26, 2022, through Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in observance of the Mardi Gras season. The permit office will be closed on March 1st 2022 in celebration of Mardi Gras holiday.

 The selected areas are:

1. Parishes of Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard (including the interstates)
2. Within the city limits of Lafayette, with the exception of I-10
3. Within the city limits and surrounding area of New Roads
4. Within the city limits and surrounding area of Houma
5. Within the city limits and surrounding area of Lake Charles, with the exception of I-10 and I-210

Office hours are Monday – Friday 7am to 3:30pm

Winter storm “Landon” will produce snow, sleet and freezing rain, and is expected to impact a large part of the U.S. this week beginning Tuesday (Feb. 1) in the Rocky’s and moving east, before exiting sometime late Friday.

The winter weather will spread from the Southern Rockies to the Plains, Midwest and Northeast, and some agencies are saying travel should be avoided from mid-week through Friday.

At this time, there are no anticipated closures or travel bans in place for tractor-trailers but we will keep our owner-operators and freight agents as updated as possible.

Travel Safe & Smart

Everyone at NHH Services and sister company, Medallion Transport & Logistics hope that the traveling public, including all drivers, truck drivers and owner-ops, arrive at their destination safely, so always remember these few important things when traveling on snow or ice covered roads:

• Slow down
• Leave extra room
• Brake and accelerate slowly
• Listen to the radio for changing weather and road conditions
• Always buckle up
• Wear proper clothing
• Travel with extra water and food
• Carry an extra flashlight (or two)

Take Extra Caution

Brake and accelerate slowly, most equipment is outfitted with ABS brakes but in the event you have equipment that does not have ABS- pump and release brakes lightly until you slow to a manageable speed.

Black ice can be one of the most dangerous winter conditions you may encounter.

Things you may notice when encountering black ice:

• Ice build-up on mirrors, antennas, or windshield wipers
• The spray from tires on others will stop

If the road conditions get too bad sometimes the best thing to do is to get off the road and take a break.

Don’t Forget Your Pre-Trip Inspection

It is always important to do a proper pre trip inspection, especially tire inflation due to constant changing temperatures during wintry conditions.

For more truck safety travel tips, view this video from our COO, Jesse. 

After two years of canceled shows due to the pandemic, Medallion Transport & Logistics is excited to be back at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), the largest annual heavy-duty trucking show in the industry Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, March 26 in Louisville, KY. This year, also marks the shows 50th anniversary.

This year, Medallion’s sister company, NHH Services will be exhibiting in the adjacent booth. Medallion will be at booth no. 61013 and NHH will be at booth no. 61009, both in the west wing.

More About MATS

MATS, which attracts thousands of attendees in the heavy haul trucking market, will give Medallion and NHH the opportunity to expands its owner-operator and freight agent networks and grow brand engagement.

Communicating with industry owner-operators about its program perks will be a main focus for Medallion and its team. Booth visitors won’t leave empty-handed as Medallion will be giving away company swag and will give each visitor the chance to enter their raffle for an even bigger prize, a free truck wash.

The show will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center located at 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.

Show hours are Thursday, March 24 from 1 p.m. -6 p.m., Friday, March 25 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. View the full MATS floor plan here.

Free Show Tickets Available Soon

Free tickets to MATS will soon be available at NHH’s newest operations center centers in Tipton, IN and at another company corporate office in Mooresville, NC while supplies last. Call ahead for availability.

902 Development Drive
Tipton, IN 7759746072
(765) 650-4164

307 Oates Road Suite H
Mooresville, NC 28117
(704) 235-0460

More Truck Shows in 2022

MATS only marks the beginning of truck show season for Medallion and NHH. The team will tour 5 other truck shows throughout the US, connecting with drivers, owner-operators and many more critical to the trucking industry.

At these truck shows, Medallion will enter their 1980 Kenworth into one of the competitions and have it on display for all to check out. Don’t miss all the giveaways including swag, truck washes and more to anyone who stops to visit. You may even catch the team playing a little corn hole near the Kenworth.

Here’s a full list, and more details to come as each show approaches.

April 22-24 – 75 Chromeshop’s 24th Annual Truck Show – Wildwood, FL

June 9-11 – ATHS National Convention & Truck Show – Springfield, IL

July 14-16 – Walcott Trucker’s Jamboree – Walcott, IA

Aug 12-13 – Waupun Truck-n-Show – Waupun, WI

Sept 9-10 – Big Iron Classic Truck Show & Pull – Kasson, MN

Some TA-Petro Truck Service locations will be closed or will have adjusted holiday hours.

TA-Petro supporting sites will remain open for any Truck Service locations closed for either Christmas or New Year.

Click here for Christmas location closures and adjusted hours, and click here for New Year’s location closures and adjusted hours.

Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support and safety, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular and blitz inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national maintenance program and emergency road service. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 765-650-4164 or send us an email to info@nhhservices.com.

Danielle Szerlik, General Manager of Operations, has been promoted to Vice President of Operations by Medallion Transport Holdings and will have a larger role in overseeing different teams and projects, while maintaining a customer service focus. 

Szerlik’s promotion follows the growth and evolution of the company’s Indiana Operations Center, which is expanding into a new corporate office in Tipton, IN this month. Since 2019, when Szerlik was promoted to GM of Operations and relocated to Indiana, the teams and departments in that operations center have more than doubled in size.

“It’s exciting, flattering and humbling all at the same time,” said Szerlik of her new position. “The leadership at the company is what drives me to want more and to work harder for it.”

In this new role, she will oversee more departments, including qualifications, onboarding, marketing and dispatch with the goal of providing the best owner-operator and freight agent customer service and overall experience for both the NHH Services and Medallion Transport & Logistics brands.

Szerlik considers herself the middleman in communicating with various company departments such as safety, dispatch, and sales while keeping customer service at the center of all she does like coming up with new or different processes or regulatory meetings.

“Our customer service is what sets us apart, so we really need to enhance it and grow on that. My goal is to continue to instill that focus in all departments,” she said.

The new Indiana office expansion includes a new driver lounge and truck yard, and Szerlik has played an active role in development, including project management, purchasing and communications.  

With this new location and yard space, the company can host safety training, driver orientation and other meetings.

“Since joining Medallion/NHH, Danielle has constantly sought more work and dove into any project that needed help, from organizing agent meetings to helping work the booths at marketing events.,” said Jesse Merrell, COO. “Over the past year since moving to Indy, she has helped improve our qualifications process while assuming a larger role in the leadership of the operations groups. It was a natural transition to go ahead and make the role formal with this new title.”

Szerlik joined Medallion Transport Holdings in 2017 in the New Jersey corporate office, and over the course of more than four years, has held multiple positions, including Director of Agent Development and most recently GM of Operations. As the VP of Operations, she will also run the day-to-day operations at the Indiana Operations Center.

After reviewing and implementing a new fee for oversize/overweight permits which was effective Oct. 1, 2021, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will implement another increase in fees for overweight divisible loads effective Jan. 1, 2022.

The increase comes after INDOT reviewed the 2014 Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) Report that can be found here and (2) considerations of impact to bridge and pavement. As a result, INDOT will be implementing an increase in the fee from $0.07 per equivalent single axle load (ESAL) mile to $0.25 per ESAL mile effective Jan. 1, 2022.

New Fee Structure

Price per ESAL Mile	3.4 ESALs @ 100mi	4.4 ESALs @ 100mi	5.4 ESALs @ 100mi	6.4 ESALs @ 100mi	7.4 ESALs @ 100mi	8.4 ESALs @ 100mi	9.4 ESALs @ 100mi	10.4 ESALs @ 100mi	11.4 ESALs @ 100mi
New Fee $0.25	$25	$50	$75	$100	$125	$150	$175	$200	$225
Current $.07	$7	$14	$21	$28	$35	$42	$49	$56	$63

In addition to the fee assessment review, HEA1190-2021 institutes several changes to the overweight hauling industry. these including:

• Allowing all commodities access to the overweight permitting system. Prior to HEA1190 only certain commodities were permitted to transport goods over 80,000 lbs. HEA1190 removed those prohibitions so new commodities, such as bricks, could be legally transported in overweight loads when permitted.
• Instituting an annual limit on single trip permits to 8,500 per year. In prior years, INDOT has issued anywhere from 100,000 to 120,000 single trip permits. These permits, which were issued before Jan. 1st, 2021, are grandfathered in. However, any subsequent applicants who wish to haul new overweight loads of any commodity are subject to a total of 8,500 single trip permits per year limitation.
  • INDOT has issued approximately 600 non-grandfathered overweight divisible load permits since the July 1 st effective date

The 2014 Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) Report that can be found here.