It’s that time of year again. The midwest, northeast, mountain areas in the west and more are already experiencing winter weather, including snow, sleet and hail which make driving conditions challenging, especially for truck drivers.

Medallion Transport & Logistics put together some tips to help keep truck drivers and owner-operators prepared and safe on the road.

Pre Trip Inspections are Crucial

It is always important to do a proper pre trip inspection, especially tire inflation due to constant changing temperatures during wintry conditions. Slow down and give yourself plenty of space.

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 Leave Without These

When traveling in colder climates you never know what you may encounter.
Here are some things to remember/bring:

• Carry and wear proper clothing
• Bring an extra flashlight (or two)
• Extra food and water
• A bag of salt or sand
• Jumper cables
• Tire chains (especially if running in the northwest)
• Try to keep your fuel tanks full

More Tips

Here are more winter trucking tips from our COO, Jesse.

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.

Pilot Flying J is taking proactive steps to prepare its travel centers and team members for Hurricane Ian. They’ve initiated Pilot’s Emergency Response Team and are having daily calls to track the storm and guide operations.

The following locations will be temporarily closed due to mandatory evacuations and safety protocols:

• #94 Pilot, Punta Gorda, FL
• #89 One9, Ellenton, FL
• #352 Pilot, Fort Myers, FL
• #625 Flying J, Seffner, FL
• #1128 Pilot, Bartow, FL
• #471 Pilot, Haines City, FL

Currently, Hurricane Ian has hit Florida and knocked out power to about 2.6 million. 
Supply Conditions:
Pilot’s logistics team has been working to build up inventory levels in these markets and its fleet of drivers are positioned to help prevent any service interruptions. At this point, they believe to have ample supply in the impacted areas to keep drivers and fleet fueled.

Important Information:
Pilot Flying J Severe Weather Updates: https://pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates· 
Pilot Flying J Store Locator: https://locations.pilotflyingj.com/search
National NOAA storm track:  https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/024746.shtml?tswind120 
US Power outages: https://poweroutage.us/
Florida Emergency Management (Evacuation Orders/Curfews/Emergency Preparedness): https://www.floridadisaster.org/
Florida Governor’s Office: https://www.flgov.com/
Florida Road Conditions/Closures/Contraflow: https://fl511.com/

Please reach out to a Pilot Flying J sales representative with any questions.

NHH Services and sister company, Medallion Transport & Logistics are showing their appreciation for professional truck drivers during this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation (NTDAW) Week, Sept. 11 – 17, 2022.

NHH and Medallion are giving all drivers in their network a free meal during this period, showing their appreciation for their owner-operators and all their hard work, especially the last few years. Simply put, “when the world stopped, we kept moving.” NHH and its affiliate companies recognize the dedication of all drivers.

Here is a list of how other companies are thanking, recognizing and rewarding drivers during NTDAW 2022.

Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J is celebrating the hard work and commitment of professional drivers with exclusive offers and more points.

Their promotion says “Your drivers go further for America, so we’re going further for them” The following are available for a limited time:

• Three free drinks every week! Drivers can choose between a free Pilot fountain drink or coffee, and free cooler category beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and waters from the top brands they love. Drinks are redeemable Monday-Sunday each week.
• New in-app challenges where your drivers can earn 500 bonus points by completing tasks like mobile fueling, shower reservation and activating PushForPoints™ up to 2.5 points​​​​​​​
• Discounts on various deli food items all September using the myRewards Plus^TM app, including a 50% discount during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week* (Sept. 11 – 17, 2022)
• Free Safe and Road Ready Checks in September by Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J.  With every check completed, drivers will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of three sets of Bridgestone premium steer tires
• One bonus point automatically applied to Canadian professional drivers when fueling with their myRewards® card at participating Shell Flying J travel centers throughout September

Drivers can get these deals and more in the myRewards Plus^TM app by simply saving the offer and stopping at any participating travel centers.

More details about these offers can be accessed at Pilot Flying J’s Driver Appreciation page.

Love’s Travel Stops

The company is giving away a record breaking 23.5 million My Love Rewards (MLR) points (worth more than $230,000) to professional truck drivers during the month, including hundreds of daily and weekly winners and a 1-million-point winner at the end of the month. The company is also celebrating the launch of Amarillo Supply Co., a brand focused on keeping drivers safe while on the road, with discounts and giveaways.

Each time drivers swipe their My Love Rewards card during the month of September, they will be entered for a chance to instantly win 1,000 or 2,000 My Love Rewards points. Thousands of instant winners will be selected daily. They will also be entered for a chance to win weekly My Love Rewards points and a grand prize of1 million My Love Rewards pointsat the end of the month. Winners will be notified by email.

My Love Rewards Points weekly giveaway:

• Sept. 9 one customer will win 250,000 MLR points ($2,500 retail value).
• Sept. 16 one customer will win 500,000 MLR points ($5,000 retail value).
• Sept. 23 one customer will win 750,000 MLR points ($7,500 retail value).
• Sept. 30 one customer will receive a grand prize of 1,000,000 MLR points ($10,000 retail value).

“We look forward to National Truck Driver Appreciation Week each year because it’s one way we say, ‘thank you,’ to professional truck drivers who are essential to the country’s success,” said Jon Archard, Love’s vice president of fleet sales. “This year is special because it’s our biggest points giveaway ever and we’ve launched a brand focused on keeping drivers and their trucks safe on the road.” 

Amarillo Supply Co. includes key items that professional truck drivers need to maintain their trucks while delivering essential goods across the country. The brand will initially feature a variety of air hoses and a blow gun kit and be sold at all travel stop locations across the country. In spring 2023, the brand will grow to include around 40 additional items.

Additional Driver Appreciation Month deals include:

• Fresh food and drink deals Sept. 12-16.
• Free hot sandwich or fresh salad with an oil change Sept. 12-16.
• Discounts on Amarillo Supply Co. products throughout September and October.
• Free Amarillo Supply Co. hat with the purchase of a 3-pack of gloves for $9.99, or any of the six Amarillo Supply Co. safety items promoted at 15% off, throughout the month and through October.

As always, only My Love Rewards provides drivers with free drinks and showers all 12 months of the year. Click here for more information on the My Love Rewards program. For a full list of promotions and deals, which can be redeemed by swiping a My Love Rewards card or by scanning the barcode on the Love’s Connect app, clickhere.

TA Petro

TA Petro is celebrating drivers with “A Week of Winning” which takes place Sept. 12 – 17. Prizes can be won throughout the six-day period. More info will be available on Sept. 12.

The 2022 Operation Safe Driver Week is set for July 10-16 and this year’s emphasis is again on speeding.

During Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in risky driving behaviors. Identified unsafe drivers will be pulled over and issued a citation or warning.

CVSA selected speeding again as its focus this year because despite a drop in roadway travel in recent years due to the pandemic, nationally, traffic fatalities increased. According to the CVSA, speeding of any kind was the most frequent driver-related crash factor for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles.

In addition to speeding, law enforcement personnel will be tracking other dangerous driver behaviors throughout Operation Safe Driver Week, such as reckless or aggressive driving, distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane change, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to use a seat belt, evidence of drunk or drugged driving, etc.

Learn More About Safe Driver Week

CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Program was created to help reduce the number of crashes, deaths and injuries involving large trucks, buses and passenger vehicles due to unsafe driving behaviors. Operation Safe Driver week, which begins Sunday, July 10 and ends on Saturday, July 16, is sponsored by CVSA, in partnership with FMCSA. This initiative aims to improve the behavior of all drivers operating in an unsafe manner – either in or around commercial motor vehicles – through educational and traffic enforcement strategies.

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 765-650-4164.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced Aug. 21-27 as the dates for this year’s Brake Safety Week.

Brake Safety Week is an annual commercial motor vehicle brake-safety inspection, enforcement and education initiative conducted by law enforcement jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

During Brake Safety Week, inspectors will conduct their usual North American Standard Level I and V Inspections and capture and report brake-related data to CVSA, specifically inspectors will also capture and provide data on brake hose/tubing chafing violations – the focus area for this year’s brake safety campaign.

The results will be released in the fall.

Commercial motor vehicle inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. inspected 35,764 commercial motor vehicles during last year’s event.

Combined, for a North American total, 35,764 commercial motor vehicles were inspected last year. Twelve percent of those vehicles were restricted from travel because inspectors found brake-related critical vehicle inspection item conditions and placed those vehicles out of service, using CVSA’s North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

Brake-related violations comprise the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks and buses, which poses a serious risk to driver and public safety.

What Will Inspectors Focus On?

A CVSA news release cited the following regarding what inspectors will focus on during the brake portion of a vehicle inspection.

“During the brake portion of a vehicle inspection, inspectors will look for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system, and non-manufactured holes (such as rust holes and holes created by rubbing or friction) and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake.”

“They will listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines, and ensure the air system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa). Inspectors will also check for S-cam flip-over and measure pushrod travel. They will 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. They will also inspect required brake-system warning devices, such as ABS malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices. In addition, inspectors will ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer, and inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer.”

In addition to reporting total inspections and brake-related out-of-service violations, inspectors will also capture and provide data on brake hose/tubing chafing violations – the focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Week.

“Poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of large trucks and motorcoaches, which poses a serious risk to driver and public safety,” said CVSA President Captain John Broers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “In those split-second emergency situations, the proper functionality of the brake systems on large commercial motor vehicles is crucial.”

More About Brake Safety Campaigns

Outreach and educational efforts by inspectors, participating motor carriers and others in the industry also take place during CVSA’s brake safety campaigns and are integral to the success of the campaign.

Operation Airbrake is a CVSA program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

More than 3.4 million brakes have been inspected since the program’s inception in 1998.

The Medallion Transport team and the Kenworth company truck will arrive in Springfield, IL in June for the next truck show on the schedule.

The National Convention & Truck Show put on by the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) will take place June 10 -11 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This year, show producers are expecting over 1,000 trucks and that includes Medallion and sister company NHH Services’ 1980 Kenworth W900A.

Truck showtimes are Friday, June 10th from 8am-5pm, and Saturday, June 11th from 8am-4pm.

To view a full schedule of events, including a show map, click HERE.

Show registration is required whether you are registering a truck or not. Ticket pricing and packages can be viewed online.

More Truck Shows in 2022

Here’s a full list of all shows Medallion Transport and NHH Services will attend in 2022. More information will become available for each as the show dates get closer.

June 25-26 – Texas Trucking Show – Houston, TX

July 29-31 – Top Gun Large Car Shootout – Rantoul, IL

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

Sept. 8-10 – Big Iron Classic Truck Show & Pull – Kasson, MN

Oct. 21 -22 – Draggin & Pullin in the Pines – Lufkin, TX

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. 

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