Icy pavement with more freezing rain in the 24-hour forecast prompts the Missouri Department of Transportation to discourage travel in the southeast region of Missouri through Thursday, Feb. 11.

This currently includes an area from Ste. Genevieve to the northeast, Salem and Thayer to the wets and Arkansas state line to the south. The area could expand based on the location of continued frozen rainfall.

Affected trucking routes include:

• Interstates 55 and 57
• US Routes 60, 61, 67

All other highways in the region are to be considered treacherous until freezing rain stops and the efforts of highway crews begin to make roads passable.

Ice is a difficult foe for road crews. Extremely low temperatures, such as those currently experienced – and forecasted – for the region, cause chemicals used to clear lanes to work much less effectively.

Stay informed about conditions during breaks from the road by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, available online at www.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways. You can zoom in to a particular location, check live weather radar, and view images from MoDOT’s traffic cameras and message boards.

More Icy Conditions

Texas is also experiencing icy road conditions near Fort Worth and Dallas. Please stop and get off the road if you experience these conditions, and allow the salt trucks to do their job.

The 2021 International Roadcheck is set for May 4-6 and will have a special focus on commercial vehicle lighting and hours of service.

Inspectors from jurisdictions throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States will carry out the 72-hour event. Although traditionally International Roadcheck is held in early June, this year it is in early May.

Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments, and seating.

Inspectors will be looking for critical vehicle inspection item violations, outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. If such violations are found, the vehicle will be placed out of service, which means that vehicle cannot be operated until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected.

Vehicles that successfully pass inspection, without any critical vehicle inspection item violations found after a completed Level I or Level V Inspection, should receive a CVSA decal. In general, vehicles with a CVSA decal are not re-inspected during the three-month period during which the decal is valid. Instead, inspectors focus their efforts on vehicles without a valid CVSA decal.

Also during an inspection, inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment. A driver will be placed out of service if an inspector discovers driver-related out-of-service conditions.

In the event a driver is transporting COVID-19 vaccine, law enforcement will not hold up shipments for inspection unless there is an obvious serious violation that is an imminent hazard, CVSA said.

Be safe and check your equipment and paperwork before getting on the road.

The Frozen Roads period begins in Zones 3 and 4 at 12:01 AM on Thursday, January 28, 2021 in Wisconsin. The Frozen Roads Declaration was previously in effect in Zones 1 and 2. The Frozen Roads Declaration will be issued for Zone 5 when conditions warrant.

Zone 1: Extends from the Minnesota border, Lake Superior, and the Michigan border south to and including US Highway 8.

Zone 2: Extends from the southern limit of Zone 1 to and including a line defined by US Highway 10, east on State Highway 73, east on State Highway 54, north on State Highway 22/110, east on State Highway 22 east to Lake Michigan east of Oconto (including Highways 10, 22, 54, 73, and 110).

Zone 3: Extends from the southern limit of Zone 2 to and including a line defined by US Highway 151, east on US Highway 10 to Lake Michigan (including Highways 10 and 151).

Zone 4: Extends from the southern limit of Zone 3 to and including a line defined by I-39/90 starting at the Illinois border, east on I-43, north on State Highway 164, east on State Highway 167 east to Lake Michigan (including Highways 39/90, 43, 164. And 167).

Zone 5: Extends from the southern limit of Zone 4 to the Illinois border and Lake Michigan.

For more information on the frozen roads program including a map of the zones, please visit.

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/ssnl-wt-rsrctns/frozenroad.aspx

Interested in seeing how WisDOT monitors field conditions to verify frost depths, see the following video:

• For updates on current road conditions, traffic incidents, even traffic cameras, check 511 Wisconsin and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/511WI
• Wisconsin DOT has a number of rest areas available for drivers to park and wait out inclement weather.
• Many weight stations also have available parking.
• Wisconsin’s new Truck Parking Information Management System is active at the multiple rest area locations and highway signage will explain space availability.

WisDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance

OSOW Permit Unit

(608) 266-7320

Permits Website

The Indiana state oversize/overweight permitting system will be down for several days before the state launches a new system.

New oversize load permit applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 2. After that, no new OSW permit applications will be accepted until the new Indiana Oversize/Overweight Permitting System goes live the morning of Monday, February 8.

Customers will only be able to view, pay and print permits already applied for in the current system.

In preparation for the 7-day shutdown, INDOT and DOR is asking that all applications be in by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 2 for processing on the morning of Feb. 8. Once the new system is live, new applications can begin being processed.

Emergency Permit Information

According to the state, new permits will be available in emergencies only, and will be subject to approval and require immediate payment (no escrow accounts) for the following reasons only:

• Unexpected equipment failure that will shut down a manufacturing process
• Train derailment
• Breakdown or threatened breakdown of electric, gas, water, or telephone public utility facilities
• In response to a situation that poses an immediate danger to life or health (e.g., a smokestack damaged by high winds is threatening to fall)

Allow additional time for emergency permits as routes will be developed manually.

How Will the New System Work?

Watch the online demonstration and reading the comprehensive online user guide or the quick start guide before the new system goes live on Feb. 8.

Contact Medallion Transport

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to helping our nationwide team of freight agents and owner-operators stay up-to-date on all the latest industry news. We work hard to publish updates for all, including our heavy haul owner-operators such as oversize travel restrictions, updates to online permitting systems and more over-dimensional trucking industry news. If you have any questions, give us a call at 704-235-0460, ext 2004 or send us an email to safety@medalliontrans.com.

The Indiana State Police, the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Preble County Ohio Sheriff’s Department, and the Richmond Police Department are taking part in an enforcement effort on I-70 from January 11 through January 31.

The following statement was released from the Indiana State Police regarding the enforcement:

The Ohio Highway Patrol has designated a seventeen mile stretch of I-70 as a Distracted Driving Safety Corridor. Indiana agencies were asked to join the multi-state effort and have added I-70 in Henry and Wayne counties to the corridor. The new zone will stretch from the 113-mile marker to the 156-mile marker in Indiana.

During the three week blitz, law enforcement will pull over any owner-operators and truck drivers exhibiting dangerous driving behaviors likely to contribute to crashes, including following too closely, distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, left of center, and unsafe lane movements.

Indiana State Police will also utilize canine units during the blitz to crack down on violations associated with the transportation and use of illegal narcotics across I-70.

According to the National Weather Service, a major winter storm (Gail) is expected to significantly impact much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Wednesday into Thursday. A widespread swath of heavy wet snow is likely from the central Appalachians and interior Mid-Atlantic into portions of the Northeast and southern New England. Freezing rain and ice are also likely in western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. Travel is not recommended.

Some commercial vehicle restrictions are in place by New York and Pennsylvania at this time.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Connecticut:

Beginning at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, Connecticut is implementing a tractor trailer and tandem ban on all limited access highways in the state. The ban is expected to last until 9:00 a.m., Thursday, December 17.

New York:

• The NYC MTA will be implementing an empty tractor trailer and tandem ban on their facilities beginning at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16.
• Beginning at 5:00 p.m., all empty tractor trailers and tandem vehicles will be banned on Interstate 84 from the Connecticut State Line to the Pennsylvania State Line, on Interstate 684 from Interstate 84 to Interstate 287 and on Route 17 from Interstate 84 to Interstate 81.
• Beginning at 5:00 p.m., all empty tractor trailers and tandem vehicles will be banned from the Thruway (I-87) south of exit 24 (Albany) to New York City (including the Berkshire Spur, Garden State Parkway extension, New England Thruway and the Cross Westchester Expressway).

Pennsylvania:

• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is implementing an empty tractor trailer ban beginning at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16. Pennsylvania has updated their ban on certain roads to include loaded tractor trailers unless they are operating with chains. Review the full list of restricted roads is here.
• No tractors without trailers, tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers, tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers, enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV, passenger vehicles towing trailers, recreational vehicles/motorhomes, school buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, and motorcycles on the following roadways: I-78, I-80 (I-99 to NJ), I-81, I-83, I-84, I-95, I-283, I-295, I-380, I-676, PA-33, I-76 (Breezewood to NJ including the PA Turnpike), I-476 (I-95 to Clark Summit including the PA Turnpike).
• For planning purposes, PennDOT has developed a tiered restriction process, which is available for review here.

New Jersey:

• The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is implementing commercial vehicle restrictions beginning at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16 on the following roadways:
• I-78, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-80, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-195, from I-295 to NJ Route 138
• I-280, from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
• I-295, from I-195 to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
• The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
• All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles
• This restriction DOES NOT apply to:
• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway
• Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.

Massachusetts

• Beginning at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, Massachusetts is implementing a tractor trailer and tandem ban on all limited access highways in the state.

Rhode Island

• Beginning at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, Massachusetts is implementing a tractor trailer and tandem ban on all limited access highways in the state.

Medallion Transport Holdings is excited to welcome Tiffany Massey as one of the newest additions to the Kokomo, IN corporate office.

Tiffany is an asset to the company’s team of professionals in the trucking and logistics industry. She joined the Medallion team as an Equipment Services Specialist to oversee trailer rentals and assist with the company’s national maintenance programs.

Since she began her role 4 months ago, Tiffany helped with the company’s transition to work with national fleet management company, ARI. With her efforts, Medallion and its affiliate company’s owner-operators, now have access to ARI’s more than 90,000 national account and independent repair and maintenance vendors that are available 24/7/365.

She also facilitates trailer rentals directly with owner-operators and works hand-in-hand with other departments, including accounting and finance.

“I enjoy working with and helping our drivers when they need maintenance for their truck or trailer,” she said. “It’s great getting to know them and it feels good to be able to help them and get them back on the road.”

Tiffany has experience in integrating major changes in her past as a Maintenance Coordinator for a local factory, where she helped roll out the use of a new maintenance database software.

“At my previous company, I was involved in the integration of a new maintenance database program, so I have experienced this before. With change, there’s growing pains, but it’s part of the process to bring something new and necessary to an organization.”

Not only that, she is licensed to inspect rigging equipment and attributes her knowledge of similar equipment as what broke the ice for her during the Medallion interview process.

“A lot of the equipment I would inspect is similar to trucking, especially the heavy equipment.”

She enjoys the daily challenges and changes of the trucking and logistics industry, which is new to her.

“It’s a whole new world understanding the dynamics of trucking, trailers and all the different parts, but with the help of everyone in the office, I’ve been able to learn fast,” said Massey.  

Tiffany grew up in the Kokomo area and earned her Bachelor’s degree in math and science, with a minor in business.

When she isn’t working, she is a volunteer firefighter and an avid runner, hiker and traveler.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has again extended the hours of service waiver through February 28, 2021 for carriers providing direct assistance in support of COVID-19 relief efforts.

The exemption was originally set to expire December 1, 2020. The terms of the waiver are mostly the same as they were for the previous month, except FMCSA made the decision to reinstate food, paper products and other groceries for restocking of stores as a qualifying load.

The waiver now covers drivers hauling:
• Livestock and livestock feed
• Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19
• Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants.
• Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.

FMCSA notes that routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads “with a normal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration” do not qualify as direct assistance.

Please note that a mileage report is required, and failure to submit one may result in a fuel tax expense. Both ELD and paper log reports should be used.

For additional information, please contact Medallion’s Hours of Service Department at:

hoursofservice@medalliontrans.com
Sharon Legendre 704-840-0769 or the main office ext 1054
Cody Nesbitt 704-960-8116 or the main office ext 1060
Brett Legendre 980-230-9257
Anthony Scott 704-235-0460 ext 1049

Winter is here and North America is already experiencing Winter weather: lower temperatures and snow, and fleets and owner-operators need to prep for wintry conditions.

There are some essential truck driving and maintenance tips to follow for chilly conditions.

The below tips will remind truck drivers to travel smart.

• Carry chains and know how to put them on.
• Know before you go. Plan your route. Let someone know when you’re expected. Stay on state highways. Do not rely on GPS.
• Carrying an emergency kit that includes supplies of water and food, and blankets. Have a full tank of fuel and charge your phone.
• Get safely situated. Don’t wait until after a storm hits to get on the road. Get to your destination before conditions turn nasty and unsafe.
• Travel smart. If possible, consider waiting until a storm passes.
• Look out for each other. If you must drive, remember cyclists and pedestrians are harder to see in a storm. If you’re biking or walking remember that cars don’t stop quickly on snow and ice.
• Leave early. It’s smart to allow plenty of time to get where you’re going. In severe weather, closures and crashes can cause long delays.
• Check on any appointments before you leave. Offices and businesses may close due to the weather.
• Beware of outages. If a storm knocks out power to traffic signals, treat intersections like an all-way stop. The driver who stops first goes first.
• Watch for plows. Sand trucks, plows and deicer trucks can’t clear roads clogged with traffic.

Truck drivers are urged to check highway conditions in all states before starting their trip.

Maintenance Tips

Braking systems

Winter can be tough on various components of air-braked systems due to added moisture on the roads from snow and ice. So prepping wheel-ends and air dryers for winter with some simple steps can keep moisture, contaminants and corrosion from occurring.

• Start by draining air tanks of moisture and potential contaminants.
• Check the chamber housings for corrosion or damage that could allow corrosive materials to take hold. Excessive corrosion can lead to failure of the housing.
• Also verify that the chamber’s dust plug is properly installed to prevent contamination of the interior.
• Lubricate! Lubrication keeps moisture at bay and will battle corrosion. Make sure all automatic slack adjusters are properly greased, and lubricate the clevis pin connection points, verifying that they rotate freely. Ensure that other drum brake components are also lubricated, including cam tubes, shafts, and bushings.
• Visually inspect air disc brakes or ADBs, checking the chamber housings and dust plug. Next, inspect the guide pins and look for cuts or tears on the boots, replacing them if necessary. Ripped or punctured boots can allow contaminants and moisture to enter the caliper, causing corrosion and long-term damage.
• In cold or harsh climates, it’s a good idea to replace air dryer cartridges ahead of the winter months to prevent moisture from getting into the system and causing air brake freeze-up.

Battery & Electrical

• Visually inspect batteries and clean off corrosion for the battery’s longevity and reliability.
• Remove the terminals from the battery and wipe a water and baking-soda mixture onto the corroded areas
• Avoid any breakdowns and test your battery. Use a tester that applies a load. In essence, a load mimics the strain placed on the battery by the starter and auxiliary items.

Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion’s Safety Team is ready to assist with driver education, safety and training to ensure the company’s fleet is safe on the road and compliant with the latest laws. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460, ext 2004 or send us an email to safety@medalliontrans.com.

This holiday season, Medallion Transport Holdings and companies will be contributing to the Ronald McDonald House Charity in Indianapolis, near the Kokomo, IN office, to help the families of children receiving treatment in central Indiana area medical facilities.

All of Medallion Transport Holdings companies will collect donations for distribution to the Ronald McDonald House through the company’s heavy haul division, NHH Services’ corporate office in Kokomo Indiana.  Medallion Transport Holdings is also the parent company to Medallion Transport & Logistics, Medallion Hospitality and ACE Heavy Haul.

Each location will be be collecting items in the following categories: food and pantry needs, cleaning items, family and house items and special items which fall under  “Christmas Wish List,” and includes board games, puzzles and Legos.

Items collected from all offices will be shipped to the NHH Services’ office by the second week of December. At that time company officials will deliver the goods to the Ronald McDonald House. The company is also allowing a monetary deduction in lieu of donations. The amount raised will also be matched up to $500 by the company, and will be used to purchased supplies and items needed.

Medallion Transport Holdings has been known for giving back to the local communities surrounding its corporate offices.

This month, with the efforts of the company’s COO, Director of Agent Development and staff at the Kokomo, IN office, the company donated boxes of canned and packaged goods to the Kokomo Rescue Mission. The donations will help feed over 900 families this Thanksgiving.

For the past two years, the company has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House during the holidays, including the location in Charlotte, NC.

This year’s involvement with the Ronald McDonald House will mean helping families who have to travel far and for long periods of time while a young family member receives treatment. The expenses families incur to sleep, eat and live day-to-day lives are all out of pocket. With Medallion’s partnership with the Ronald McDonald House, some of the families may have a better holiday season.

More About the Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House provides a safe, affordable and caring “home-away-from-home” for as many as 5,000 families of children receiving treatment in medical facilities each year. Families are stronger when they are together, and this is never more important than when a child is sick or injured. By offering families a haven less than one mile from our partner hospitals, we increase their ability to spend more time with their child, interact with their clinical care team and participate in critical medical decisions.