Planning ahead will help you address winter driving headaches, the worst of which is the low temperatures. Fuel line freeze is a winter nightmare; ways to avoid it are to (1) buy winter-formula fuel, (2) add fuel additive/ anti-gel – yes, even to the winter mix, (3) park so that wind does not flow directly…
Some of the surest ways to protect your bottom line are SIMPLE. Key to avoiding unforeseen costs after a delivery is making good use of the bill-of-lading. If the vehicle you are picking up has a bent stack, several holes in the roof of the cab, and a missing mirror, PROTECT YOURSELF by listing all…
The conversations continue from contract drivers who read in their monthly log letters that they have been guilty of “speeding”. Let’s clear the air on this subject: The MTI log audit system identifies a driver who averages more than 60 mph as a “speeder”. There are two reasons for this: (1) the USDOT believes that…
There has been a recent epidemic of new trucks and tractors delivered to their proud owners smelling like an ash tray. If you have ever bought a brand new vehicle, you know that part of the thrill is the new vehicle smell. Our customers who have paid $40,000, $60,000, $70,000 or more for a new…
Before driving a CMV ( commercial motor vehicle), a driver must “be satisfied that it is in safe operating condition.” This is the law. The point of your pre-trip inspection is to examine service brakes, parking brakes, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear-vision mirrors, and coupling devices where applicable. All…
Despite the legislation, commercial drivers will be required to carry their medical certificates ( or entire USDOT physical exam copy) for another year, until Jan 31, 2015. Alabama, California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York have failed to have systems in place to show the medical information of drivers on their motor vehicle…
On Tuesday, January 14, 2014 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended by one year the deadline for states to become compliant with requirements to show self-certification and medical compliance on the motor vehicle reports of CDL drivers. This means that all commercial drivers must continue to carry either the medical certificate or complete USDOT…
We have all read about the 100 and 200% increase in price of tolls on the east coast. Be prepared. That bridge toll that was $15 the last time you paid it, may now be $40 or much more – depending upon the kind of vehicle you are driving. Two critical things to remember if…
In this time of year when it is winter one day and almost spring the next, the best way to avoid fuel line freeze is to keep the fuel tanks full – or as nearly full as makes sense. Empty space in the fuel tank and lines is filled with condensation when weather gets warmer,…
Owning and operating a tow vehicle can be a big advantage to a drive-away contractor. The speed with which you can move between A and B is the primary advantage of the investment you have made in a tow vehicle; however, using a tow car comes with responsibilities as well as advantages. Recently a customer…