Tag Archive for: COVID-19

Iowa waives hours, weight regulations for fuel haulers.
THE PRIVATE MOTOR TRUCK COUNCIL CLARIFIES ARRIVECAN FOR THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY

The PMTC (Private Motor Truck Council) has worked to clarify ArriveCAN as it pertains to Trucking: 

As you know, The Government of Canada has utilized various tools at its disposal to help limit the spread of COVID-19 across the border. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBSA has been working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and other federal partners along with provincial partners to ensure that the required measures to limit and reduce the spread of the virus into Canada were put into place. As the situation evolved, so did the CBSA posture. The Agency has continued to increase these measures on the advice of PHAC to help mitigate and contain the spread of the virus.

Submitting your information 


Accordingly, as of February 21st, 2021 at 11:59:59 PM, it will be required for all travelers to submit their information electronically before or when entering Canada. Commercial transporters will continue to be able to submit the mandatory information before or when entering Canada. For travelers who have not submitted their information in advance, they will be asked to provide it on entry.

While it is not mandatory for the information to be submitted in advance of crossing the border at this time, the use of ArriveCAN for travelers to submit their information in advance of the border is strongly recommended. ArriveCAN is a secure and user-friendly tool to help travelers comply with Canada’s enhanced border measures. ArriveCAN is available as a free mobile app available for download from Google Play or the App Store or by signing in online via Canada.ca/ArriveCAN.

We understand that not all truck drivers will have access to the ArriveCan App at this point and so I would like to remind you that Travellers can either use the mobile App or sign in online on any personal computing device (e.g. tablet) to use the non-app version of ArriveCAN.  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html

If you don’t submit your information…


Moreover, rest assured that Canadian citizens, who don’t submit their information through ArriveCAN, will not be denied boarding or entry at the land border, but may:

  • face additional delays at the border for public health questioning;
  • be subject to enforcement action.

Foreign nationals essential workers such as commercial truck drivers will not be denied entry if they do not have their ArriveCAN submission as long as they meet the requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Operational guidance has been provided to our front-line officers in this regard, as well.

As we have more information on the next steps, the Government of Canada will be sure to engage with the industry to allow for the appropriate measures are in place to allow for a seamless implementation, to the greatest extent possible.

Thank you and your members for your/their ongoing efforts throughout the pandemic.

For More Information 


To receive further clarity, we just had a phone call with CBSA officials. Below are some tips and guidance.

  1. If a driver does not have a device capable of downloading the ArriveCan App, they can access the web version from any device that has internet capabilities and sign in that way. The link to both is above and here. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html
  2. A driver may enter their information into the ArriveCan App before they begin their trip out of the country. As an example, they are leaving Winnipeg on Sunday to go to Laredo, Tx. The driver can log in to App, enter their travel information and other required information before they leave Windsor. The info entered is valid until they begin their next trip out of the Country.
  3. Although you are required to enter your travel information, contact info etc, as you are an essential worker, you will not be required to complete the quarantine portion of the ArriveCan App questionnaire.
  4. In conversations with CBSA, they have ensured us that operationally their directive remains the same, to help facilitate the industry towards compliance. They are not looking to begin laying fines right out of the gate, but instead educate our drivers and our industry towards compliance. That being said, officers do have the capability of laying fines as off Monday, so although unlikely, it is possible.
  5. As mentioned in the message above from CBSA, Canadian Drivers and foreign nationals will not, and cannot be refused entry into Canada.
  6. This ruling and requirement does affect all US Drivers/citizens who are entering Canada as well. US Drivers/citizens will need to download the ArriveCan App, or use the Web version, prior to entering Canada, the same as a Canadian Truck Driver. The one exception is, if the driver is a US Citizen, they can be denied entry into Canada for not complying with the act.

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TEXAS-BASED COMPANY CREATES COMPLIMENTARY “DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER” TRAINING COURSE IN HONOR OF FATALITIES IN RECENT CRASHES.

55 THINGS WE LEARNED FROM AN EXPERT INSURANCE UNDERWRITER

INFINIT-I UPGRADES: NEW GEN PLATFORM I3 AND PARTNERSHIP INTEGRATION WITH DRIVERREACH

SNOW, ICE, AND PANIC. DRIVER AND DISPATCHER ABANDONMENT.

INFINIT-I PRESENTS: OPERATION WARP SPEED

BREAKING: VACCINATION TRANSPORT INFO YOU CAN’T MISS

Hello again! Lindsay Presley here, Industry Marketer at Infinit-I. I have some very exciting news to share with you all.

Bootcamp Seminar


If you were not able to attend our first-ever Remote Bootcamp, you truly missed an amazing event full of expert advice, strategic development tools, and professional networking.

Expert Advice

Special ‘Thank you’ to Attorney Peyton Inge, Certified Safety Professional Phillip Wigginton, Award-Winning Safety Director Alisa White, and our very own Craig Hart, Mark Rhea, and Nakisha Luckey. You all brought actionable, timely, and relevant information to our attendees along with advice that will change the industry as we know it.

Strategic Development Tools

The strategic development tools were a huge hit! I heard from several attendees say they couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with all the key takeaways.

  • Boot Camp Action Plan Workbook
  • Day 1 – Insurance Benefit Calculator
  • Day 2 – Opportunity Cost Formulas
  • Day 3 – Crash Response Checklist
  • Day 4 – 2021 Game-plan

Feel free to use these tools however is most helpful for you.

If you did come to Bootcamp, but missed something, or would like to circle back, ask me for the replay link.

For those who were unable to attend but would like to experience our training management boot camp and Infinit-I, let’s make a deal. Simply request a training management demo, ask Lorenzo for access to Boot camp, and I will make sure you get an all-access pass to every, single, inspiring, motivational, actionable moment of our first-ever Remote Engage Boot camp!

Professional Networking

The networking was my favorite part. I truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with other professionals through email, the daily live Q&A sessions, and, of course, the chat window. We talked, we laughed, we connected. Thanks to everyone who attended and made Bootcamp an unforgettable experience!

Just look what they said about Boot Camp:


“Thanks for the training! I love to stay on top of safety topics, and it was great to network with other safety directors to get ideas on how to implement a better program in my office!”  

– Katie Wathen Director of Safety, Robbie D Wood, Inc.

“Today was AWESOME!  The content was spot on.  Cody and I are getting all kinds of ideas to share with upper management!  Thank you for having us.” 

– Renea Dearing Safety Director, Norton Transport

Fast Forward Series: Industry Expert Series


After an extremely successful Engage Bootcamp in November, we are back to work on our Fast Forward Series: Looking Ahead with Industry Expert Series.

In this Expert Roundtable Series, we have covered absolutely everything you need to know. My favorites, in no particular order, include:

WOW! After reviewing all these special guests and topics, even I am impressed. And I was there!

Up Next


We are bringing you, perhaps, the most interesting episode of them all. If you work in transportation and logistics, DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT!

Operation Warp Speed: As COVID-19 vaccinations become available for public consumption, truckers will become front-line heroes. Distribution is happening soon, and it will take all of us. Registration is open now.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 @ 10:30 am

Special Guest:

 Hosted by:

  • Mark Rhea, Industry Consultant
  • Infinit-I Workforce Solutions

Group for Trucking Safety Professionals Linkedin group. And of course, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Linkedin.

Ok, back to the event: Sit in with experts during this high-level overview of procedures, regulations, and industry-wide opportunities. We are packing so much information into this presentation, I am truly wondering if we can even get to it all.

HOT TOPICS:

  • – How, When, and Where?
  • – The Big Players
  • – What’s a truckload worth?
  • – Qualifications and Regulations
  • – Load Security Requirements
  • – Getting Involved
  • – Truck Driving Heroes

We have limited space to register. Again, I say: If you work in transportation and logistics, DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT! This will be an Expert Roundtable discussion with live Q&A.

Bring your notepad, bring your questions, bring your colleagues.

Check out more great training management webinars to register. See you there!

Infinit-I Presents: Operation Warp Speed Webinar


·         Tractor-Trailer ·         Over the Road
·         Reefer/Dry Van ·         Local
·         Medium Duty ·         Regional/Dedicated
·         HazMat ·         Student Transportation
ITS BRAKE SAFETY WEEK AND WE CAN’T STOP… TALKING ABOUT BRAKES!

Brake Safety Week

Fast Forward Webinar Series – Infinit-I Workforce Solutions hosts a bi-weekly webinar series focused on delivering leadership skills to trucking companies in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each webisode offers expert advice from industry leaders. Special guests include:

Hit The Brakes! Webinar – August 20, 2020


This week’s webinar was dedicated to Brake Safety Week and we can’t stop… talking about brakes! CVSA utilizes this week to detect maintenance issues regarding brake systems in commercial vehicles and educate drivers on proper requirements. During inspections, enforcement officers will take a close look at the braking system of every tractor-trailer they inspect to ensure highway safety.

Any vehicles found in violation of operational regulations will be placed out of service until the violation is corrected. Last year, 13% of CMVs inspected were found to have some type of regulation severe enough to warrant the vehicle nonoperational. This could mean a portion of your fleet could face a shutdown if the braking systems are not up to standard.

CVSA provides these education videos to help trucking companies prepare for Brake Safety Week. Please contact CVSA or Infinit-I Workforce Solution if you would like further information. Click here for information videos: CVSA Brake Safety Week “Inspection Bitz”

Inspection Bitz include:

  • External Brake Stroke Indicator – The US and Canada require pushrod stroke indicators. Make sure your indicators meet the regulation requirements.
  • Air Leak – Is your audible air leak a violation, OOS condition, or just a minor inconvenience? Learn how to detect, identify, and document audible air leaks before you’re placed out of service.
  • Caged Brake NAIC – Only to be applied after an air brake failure should not be used for normal operation. Arizona DPS explains operational requirements.
  • Plastic Hoses – Air tube chafing out of service identification.
  • Brake Adjusters – Identify whether your trailer has manual slack adjusters and whether they are in compliance.

Upcoming Webinars


Check out the schedule of upcoming webinars. Each participant will receive helpful tricks and best practices to not only survive but thrive throughout the rest of the pandemic and beyond. The schedule is listed below. Registration is always free.

September 10, 10:30 am CST

American Trucking Association – Industry Updates and International Road Check

September 17, 10:30 am CST

FMCSA Hours of Service – industry changes

October 1, 10:30 am CST

Dealing with Fog and Adverse Weather Conditions

October 15, 10:30 am CST

Intersection Awareness – Intersection Hazards for Drivers

October 29, 10:30 am CST

Reduce Critical Events that trigger reporting

Free Expert Safety Consultation


Future Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Clients: Get a free expert safety consultation and in just 30 minutes, we can show you how to enhance your safety culture and create safer drivers.

More Articles


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What Your Drivers Need to Know About CVSA’s Upcoming Brake Safety Week

Nuclear Verdicts Entice Fraudsters in New Trucking Exploitation Scheme

Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies – Know Your Risk

MICHAEL SHIPMAN DONATES HUNDREDS OF MASKS TO SMALL FLEETS

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions proudly introduces Michael Shipman. Michael is an account executive with Infinit-I. He spends his days bringing in new businesses and overseeing renewals. His favorite part of the job, he tells us, is going out to visit the fleets.

At Infinit-I, we aim not only to provide stellar service, but also to build true relationships with our clients. By getting to know our clients, we can better understand their needs. That’s how we drive you to success.

As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Michael began researching different ways to support his clients. As face masks were becoming scarcer, several smaller trucking companies were struggling to get their hands on any.

The Challenge


Michael has worked hard to build relationships with each of his clients. He sees his role not only as Account Executive, but also as a supportive player in the continuity of their business. The pandemic presented new challenges, however, in limiting the amount of face time with clients which he had become accustomed to.

Michael recognized this as a major issue. And as mass panic grew, it because increasingly difficult for truckers to perform their job duties. They were denied bathrooms and showers. They had to go hungry as fast-food restaurants closed their dining area.  Some were forced to sit on a load for weeks due to overwhelmed warehouse workers and piled up inventory.

The Motivation


Back in May, you couldn’t find masks, hand sanitizer, or gloves in any retail store. Even Amazon, the biggest retail store of all, was on backorder. America’s front-line workers were being dealt an injustice, especially if they couldn’t obtain the proper equipment, namely PPE.

That’s when Michael decided to step in and do something. He began searching for the needle in the haystack of medical supplies, face masks. The first struggle was, in fact, finding any available masks that he could get his hands on. Since they weren’t available in stores, he took a different route.

The Deal


The plan was simple, but the means were challenging. Thinking creatively, Michael contacted the American Trucking Association, with whom he had built a solid relationship throughout his five years with Infinit-I Workforce Solutions.

Michael explained intentions and desire to our ATA partners. The ATA felt compelled to get involved as well and arranged a deal. Michael was able to purchase face masks from the ATA’s inventory. Because of his dedication to overcome the improbable, he was able to purchase a shipment of face masks.

The Delivery


Since he was working from home at the time, Michael had several boxes of face masks delivered to his home. After counting, sorting, and organizing hundreds of KN95 masks, Michael was ready. Masked and prepared to social distance, Michael hit the road. He visited 8 of his 5-50 truck fleets across the state of Indiana. He took the proper precautions when visiting the terminals, as not to contribute to their exposure risk.

“We were trying to help fleets out because a lot of them weren’t able to get the supplies they needed, especially the smaller ones. We wanted to show our support, that we are by their side, and there for whatever they need” – Michael Shipman

Watch the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Mask Donation Project.


Michael’s advice to those who want to help is simply to get involved. Search the internet for ways to give back to your hometown. Most state trucking associations hold events and drives to support truckers. You can also contact the American Trucking Association for further reference.

Thank you to Michael for your diligent effort in keeping your clients rolling. And thank you to America’s truck drivers. Your sacrifice and dedication to the job keeps us on our feet.

Drive safe and don’t forget to wear a mask.

Additional Resources


Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies – Know Your Risk

Chuck Norris Says “Thank You, Truckers!” In This Touching Video

Go Green: How Online Training Saves You Time, Money, and Resources

Increase Fuel Efficiency and Lower Maintenance Costs – Legislation Passed to Improve U.S. Highways

CHUCK NORRIS SAYS “THANK YOU, TRUCKERS!” IN THIS TOUCHING VIDEO

Kudos to Truckers! Thank you for keeping America going through the pandemic


The coronavirus has challenged sectors across America, but one sector has proven the lifeblood of the American economy and kept it going: American truckers. They have risked their own personal safety, and they have done a lot of hard work; keeping the U.S. economy rolling while putting products in motion to businesses across the nation. Without them, we’d be in for a lot of hurt.

Action Star Chuck Norris Thanks Truckers


Chuck Norris, an action star famous for his role in Walker Texas Ranger, recognizes the role that American truckers have played in keeping America supplied throughout the extended crisis. Norris teamed up with GP Transco, an American trucking carrier out of Illinois, to send a message of gratitude to those who have served on the frontlines of this crisis.

Norris even acted a role in the 1977 classic “Breaker! Breaker!” Chuck Norris continued in saying that without American truck drivers, we wouldn’t have medical supplies, food on the store shelves, or many of the other things that we require. Norris’s grateful message sends goosebumps up your arm.

 

Social Media: Thank a Trucker


Truckers have had such importance that social media has turned the gratitude spotlight toward them with the hashtag #ThankATrucker. These people have been the real heroes in the COVID-19 crisis among others, but we shouldn’t forget how they have helped us to stave off further disasters that could have caused greater harm.

Without truckers, we’d have empty shelves across the nation, and there would be people who would starve. It’d make our situation far more dire. We have seen people from diverse backgrounds on Twitter thanking truckers for their service. Team Penske, for example, was one example of a professional motorsports organization that was thanking truckers, and you had others as well like eCapital Corporation, Blackburn Energy, and even President Donald Trump has reminded America to thank truckers for keeping the United States moving.

Tough Job That Deserves a Thanks


TOUGH JOB THAT DESERVES A THANKSTruckers do a tough job, and many times, they don’t even receive recognition for it. They stay on the road sometimes for weeks or even months at a time away from family. Truckers work for up to 11 hours per day, day in and day out. This takes its toll, and we have to recognize the sacrifice that truckers make every day helping to keep the American economy in blossom. We have to salute those on the frontlines because, without them, our way of life would change greatly.

Many times, you see these harsh stereotypes about truckers that make people even look down on them, but if it wasn’t for truckers, we would have no food on our shelves or medical supplies in our hospitals right now.

Essential at All Times


One of the things that we should keep in mind is that truckers matter at all times. The work that they do matters, not just during a crisis. Without them, the American economy would grind to a screeching halt. An important thing that we have done has been to promote unity across the nation. We don’t want divisions at a time like this. You have many people who put their lives on the line with this pandemic, and they have done it selflessly to help other people.

We should also take the time to honor the other essential workers even above and beyond the truckers like:

  • Police officers
  • Grocery store workers
  • Hospital workers
  • Farmers
  • Home health aides

Everyone who has worked during the pandemic as an essential worker deserves recognition for their hard work and serving the nation in a time where it is vulnerable. As the coronavirus cases within the United States hit 4.11 million people, we have seen an increased risk that people will get exposed to it. Without taking the right precautions, this will harm our nation.

Who All Has Said Thanks to Truckers?


You have a few different businesses that have given their thanks to the truckers on our American highways. Some of the other businesses that have noticed what truckers do for America include:

  • Peterbilt Motor Co.
  • Pilot Flying J
  • TravelCenters of America
  • FMCSA
  • Bestpass

Essential to the Economy and Our Lives


What semi-trucks do for America is keep the economy rolling, but they also protect our lives because society couldn’t operate this essential job. We need people who can deliver the goods to businesses across the United States. You have short-haul truckers who might spend one night out on the road per week at a minimum, but you have other truckers who are known to spend months at a time out on American highways.

Running in and out of COVID-19 Hotspots


Truckers go everywhere. You’d be hard-pressed to identify a single place in the United States where truckers haven’t been. In fact, some have even gone into Canada and Mexico. The job takes you all over the nation, but during a pandemic, this means running in places where you might have a high number of COVID-19 cases. That increases the risk that you will catch COVID-19 while on the job, and these American heroes do it selflessly and without complaining.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week


From September 13th to September 19th, we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in honor of the truck drivers who continue to operate on the road today. An estimated 3.5 million truck drivers on the road help to supply this demand, and not only do they deliver goods, they usually do it securely and on time. Americans in all 50 states have recognized the importance of truckers, and we have seen a number of things done for truckers. For example, you have kids passing out meals to truckers, and at other times, you have people holding signs that say, “I heart truckers.”

We love our trucker

How can we observe this week in honor of truckers? To show our appreciation, you might send a simple thank you note to a trucker. You’d be surprised what a simple thank you means to them. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week first began in 1998, and they have continued it ever since.

Awareness of Resources


During this time of difficulty, we should understand where to get the necessary resources as truckers. Groups like the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association posts on social media about the different places that you can go to get takeout, showers, and laundry facilities. We want to go the extra mile to make things as easy for truckers as we possibly can during this time. We would not be able to survive the current crisis without the esteemed help of our brothers and sisters on the highway.

Some truckers have decided not to even come home because of how they fear that, with their job, they might bring something home to the family. That shows selflessness and commitment. A lot of truck drivers aren’t accustomed to receiving acts of kindness, so it can be unusual when they experience it from someone. Small gestures of kindness to our trucking brethren can go a long way to boosting their morale and making the long and lonely drive a little more comfortable than what it would have been otherwise. If you know a trucker in your life, please give them a thank you.

 

Thank you

Check out this great post dedicated to all the truck drivers that need some love so lets thank a trucker today

IT’S A TRAP! SAFE DRIVER WEEK – SPEEDING BLITZ

Guest Speaker Spotlight

Safe Driver Week is upon us once again; this year’s focus is speeding. The industry expects to see an increase in the number of citations and warnings issued this week compared to normal. Especially since excessive speeds have become common during the pandemic.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is working to support trucking companies throughout speed week by getting advice directly from the source. We assembled a panel of experts whose advice will drive us to success.

Webinar Sign Up

A live webinar will take place July 9th, 2020 at 10:30 am CT featuring the following speakers:

Mark Rhea, CDS  Mark Rhea, CDS  

  • Truck Transportation Executive, 34 years
  • Certified Safety Director (NATMI and TXTA)
  • Licensed CDL and CMV Inspector, Texas DPS
  • Freight/Logistics Advisory Board, Council of Governments for North Texas/Cedar Valley College
  • Commissioned Officer, U.S. Army
  • Trucking Industry Consultant

Christopher J. Turner, Esq.

Christopher J. Turner, Esq.

  • Director of Crash and Data Programs, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
  • Past President, CVSA
  • Former Kansas Highway Patrol Officer

Major Chris Nordloh

Major Chris Nordloh

  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Coordinator, Texas DPS
  • 20+ years in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service of the Texas Highway Patrol
  • Secretary, CVSA

Their credentials alone should be more than enough to prove that you need to be here.

But if you need more proof, here you go:

Speeding


Looking for the most efficient way to slow your drivers down without sacrificing profitability? Keep talking about it.

Speed is a constant factor that takes continual adjustment. Your drivers must be hard-wired to think about speeding as soon as they climb in the tractor. There are two main reasons why a truck driver feels the need to operate at an excessive speed:

  • Indifference or Lack of training – Some drivers out there just don’t care about speed limits. And they will admit as much. When they see their speedometer reaching the upper limits, the only thing on their mind is, “more miles, more money.”

However, they fail to recognize that being pulled over for speeding or a traffic accident will slow them down. A severe accident could slow them down for days, if not forever.

  • Pressure from Dispatcher – The relationship between a driver and dispatcher requires a delicate balance of management, cooperation, and friendship. When the balance is disrupted, you may have drivers or dispatchers intentionally underperforming.

The relationship between a driver and dispatcher

Are your dispatchers and drivers friends or simply acquaintances? It is difficult to maintain a healthy relationship over the phone or through dispatch messages. A healthy relationship will not only improve employee morale but will also enhance your safety culture. You will experience an increase in productivity when everyone is committed to working together.

And Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has two solutions:

  • – Our 850+ training videos are an effective way to drive the right behaviors over time. It has been proven that frequent and consistent training keeps safety top-of-mind.
  • – Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers a 52-week course that focuses directly on improving the relationship of your drivers and dispatchers. You will see immediate results in communication and cooperation with The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program. Learn more here.

And Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has solutions

Seatbelts


Is there ever an excuse to operate sans-seatbelt?

Simple answer: NO!

We know it’s illegal. We know it’s unsafe. We know the likelihood of injury or death is much higher without one. So why do some drivers choose to go without? Accountability.

“I didn’t know I was supposed to wear a seatbelt.”

How well do you think that would go over with a DOT officer, especially during Safe Driver Week? The good news is: Infinit-I Workforce Solutions recognizes this as a real, conquerable issue. We have training ready and available to be assigned today.

Our learning management system will allow you to assign training videos based on the areas of your company you would like to strengthen. We will automatically track all training, testing, and acknowledgment in our database. You will have immediate access to all your training records anytime, anywhere.

Seatbelts

Cellphones


Since the adoption of touch screen technology, large truck occupant fatalities have maintained an upward trend. Correlation, in this case, may not necessarily mean causation. We do know, however, that mobile phone usage is a huge problem.

Officers will be on the lookout for “cellphone drivers” during the blitz. Make sure your drivers are aware of your company’s cell phone/mobile device policy as soon as possible.

Ideally, you would like to have their signature on file as proof of acknowledgment of your policy. This practice not only encourages safe driving, but also reduces your company’s liability in case of an accident. Readily available documentation will prove your due diligence and mitigate risk.

Cellphones


You MUST prepare for Safe Driver Week. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions already has a process in place to help you accomplish these goals. Don’t worry about developing a training plan, getting it approved, and maintaining participation after deploying it to your fleet.

We’ll do it for you.

An enhanced safety culture is just a few minutes away. Call today. We’ll walk you through it.

Keep Reading…


Gearing Up for Safe Driver Week; Preparing Drivers for Speeding Blitz

7 New Social Responsibilities of Truckers; COVID-19 + July 4th

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

7 NEW SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUCKERS; COVID-19 + JULY 4TH

Happy Fourth of July! As we roll into the weekend, let’s keep in mind the importance of this holiday.

The lingering presence of the Coronavirus is overwhelming. We thought it would be over by now. We were told that months of ‘shelter-in-place’ restrictions would flatten the curve for good. And that preventative practices, like gloves and masks, would slow the spread of the virus. Now, we are seeing the number of positive cases on the rise.

So, how do we celebrate “Independence Day” while still respecting these abnormal government recommendations?

Just keep rolling.

Some people will be sitting this holiday out. You may not get to attend a family BBQ or head out to the lake for the long weekend. It definitely won’t be your typical 4th of July. The most important thing, as always, is your safety.

Watch out for these top hazards during this unique holiday weekend.

Hazards


Crowded Highways

While the unique circumstances of 2020 make it difficult to predict traffic patterns, Independence Day usually shows a massive increase in highway traffic. In addition, air traffic has slowed significantly in the last few months, meaning travelers are more likely to hit the highway.

Highway Closures

With road construction in full swing, it is likely you will run into some lane closures and detours. These closures added to the increased holiday traffic could be disastrous. Expect the unexpected but be prepared.

Unusual amounts of summer rain have closed some smaller back roads. Always check local conditions before you leave the main highway.

The Federal Highway Administration offers a resource tool regarding national traffic and road closure information. Use this tool during your pre-trip to avoid adverse weather, bad road conditions, and highway closures.

Protesters

In the last few weeks, we have seen people gathered on highways and bridges as demonstrators. They are stopping traffic to gain a larger impact.

While there has been a decrease lately in the number of protests, the upcoming 3-day weekend gives plenty of opportunity for another round. Stay up to date on the news to determine if delays are possible within your route.

Fireworks Displays

Commercialized fireworks displays, previously a longstanding tradition, are being canceled all over the country for social distancing.

People still want to celebrate, so they are bringing the show to their neighborhoods. Across the country, fireworks sellers are reporting sales of up to 200% over this time last year.

“We’ve had a lot of new customers coming in. People want to get out of the house: They want to celebrate.”

Greg Spencer, Store Manager, Big Bang Boom (fireworks store)

If you happen to see a fireworks show lighting up the night sky, proceed with caution.  Stop to enjoy it if you’d like, but please, find the nearest safe haven. You can take that time to celebrate the holiday and take your DOT break.

Distracted Drivers

Don’t expect to see a huge fireworks display in localized areas. Instead, you will likely experience small, spread out shows from private properties.

Keep in mind, others on the road will be distracted by the same things. Every flash, bang, and “oooh, ahhh,” is a moment that a driver’s eyes are off the road. Watch for signs that a driver is distracted on the highway.

Signs a driver may be distracted:

  • – Frequent, Quick Corrections
  • – Lane Drifting
  • – Oversteering
  • – Varying Rate of Speed
  • – Last Second Braking
  • – Checking the Rumble Strips
  • – Holding a Cell Phone
  • – Eating/Drinking
  • – Tending to Children
  • – Dancing

Drunk Drivers

The Sutliff and Stout Law Firm conducted a traffic data analysis regarding the Fourth of July patterns. Their results show an increase in drunk driving all over the state of Texas. In one city, drunk driving occurrences increased as much as 90% over normal rates.

The increase in drunk driving correlates with a 28% increase in crashes and a 34% increase in fatalities.

Another chart shows the cities where an accident involving a drunk driver is most likely to occur. Most of these cities are major hubs for trucking activity. While preplanning, look out for major cities and plan accordingly. Stay off the roads if you can, at least for the night.

Speeding

CVSA’s Safe Driver Week is coming up. Law Enforcement Officers will be gearing up for a weeklong blitz, this year focused on speeding.

Speed has been a common denominator in more than 25% of CMV crash fatalities since 2008, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Last year, commercial motor vehicle drivers were issued 1,454 speeding tickets and 2,126 speed warnings during Safe Driver Week. Speeding was the top issued citation and warning category for CMVs and personal vehicles alike.


Above all, keep your drivers, and yourself, safe out there. We have been faced with many unknowns throughout the pandemic. Each new crisis brings even more unforeseen challenges.

The trucking industry quickly adapts to changes, we always have. Keep your eyes open, put down your phone, get out and look, and always drive safely.

Enjoy your 4th!

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28 THINGS EMPLOYERS SHOULD DO WHILE EMPLOYEES ARE HEADING BACK

After a very informative webinar this week, we’ve decided to dive deeper into your strategic reopening. In case you missed the meeting, check it out here.

We spoke with Attorney Monica Narvaez about all the things employers should consider as employees return to work. While all her suggestions were thought-provoking, some were downright surprising.

Our expert advisory board has developed a checklist for Strategic Reopening. Use the checklist to determine which of these issues could be a potential threat or opportunity for your business and plan accordingly.

Here’s a breakdown and explanation of some things to consider while planning your reopening strategy.

CDC Flowchart


Download the CDC flowchart to determine if opening is an option for your business, school, or public space. This document asks yes or no questions to help you decide if reopening too soon will put your customers or employees at risk of infection.

OSHA Requirements


Research Osha requirements to determine your responsibilities in reopening. You are now liable for the health of your employees regarding COVID-19. Research your states employer requirements in sanitization, documentation, monitoring, and response planning.

OSHA Requirements

Develop a Reopening Playbook


Have a plan in place before issues arise. Impromptu response can lead to emotional decisions.

Include Communication Plan – What information and how often will you communicate with your employees? The goal is to eliminate fear and doubt they may feel as not to hinder their work performance.

Determine Reassignment Structure – Does your business need to maintain its previous staffing structure? Many companies have focused on productivity and efficiency. In streamlining, they realized the cost-cutting potential of downsizing.

Identify Unemployment Triggers – If you do decide to reduce your workforce, check the Fair Labor Standards Act’s Fact Sheet regarding furloughed employees and pay reductions.

Work from Home Options – WFH options have the potential to drastically reduce your overhead costs. If employees are still as acceptably productive, it is worth looking at remote workstations as a permanent solution.

Develop a Reopening Playbook

Health and Safety Considerations


Sanitization Plan – Before the mass return of employees, it is recommended to sanitize all office equipment, surfaces, floors, and bathrooms to limit the spread of germs.

PPE Requirements – Decide whether or not employees will be required to wear gloves, masks, etc. when returning to work. If you deem PPE necessary, your state may require you to provide it to your employees.

Cleaning Protocols – Determine what items need to be cleaned and how often. Think about commonly touched surfaces such as coffee pots, doorknobs, copy machines, time clocks, etc.

Health and Safety Considerations

Health Requirements – Will you check your employees’ temperatures daily before they enter the building? What will you do if they have symptoms of COVID-19? Make sure you document all data and keep the information private.

Social Distancing Effort – To keep employees as comfortable as possible, make necessary accommodations to comply with social distancing protocols. Do not require employees to maintain a distance closer than 6 feet if it is not their choice. You can allow employees to spread apart their workstations or provide plexiglass barriers to protect them from airborne spread.

Employee in Contact with Positive Test – The CDC recommends that anyone in contact with a positive COVID-19 patient should stay at home and practice social distancing. Employers should notify everyone there has been a potential for contact so they can self-monitor for symptoms.

Employee Tests Positive – According to the CDC, that employee should self-isolate and follow the CDC recommended steps. Employers must inform their employees of possible exposure to COVID-19. You may not, however, reveal the identity of the employee who tested positive.

Employee Tests Positive

Develop a Response Plan


Staffing Level Changes – Assess the level of productivity achieved after layoffs and furloughs. Adjust your staffing level accordingly

Re-instate vs. Re-hire – Furloughed employees can simply be reinstated. Laid-off employees will need to be re-hired.

Decrease/Increase Wages – Some employees are currently making more money on unemployment benefits than they did when working. It may be necessary to increase wages to encourage them to come back to work.

Refusal to Return to Work – Know your rights as an employer. If you offer a laid-off employee their job back and they refuse, they may no longer be eligible for unemployment.

Re-establish Benefits Level – Will employees that are hired back be eligible for the same health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off plan as before?

Develop a Response Plan

Create Rationale to support Layoffs – Use what you learned to base your rationale on what job duties are still necessary. Some job duties may no longer be necessary.

Determine Severance Payouts – Consider whether WARN or COBRA apply. By state, some employees have a right to severance or paid leave accrual payouts.

Moving Forward


Preparation for Second Wave – If you did not have a business continuity plan before the pandemic, create one now. If you did have a continuity plan, examine what worked and what needs to be improved.

Shelter in Place #2 – You now have a better idea of what positions in your company are essential and which ones are not. If the country is hit with a second shelter in place order, act quickly to transition essential employees back to remote work.

New Essential Employees – Do your essential employees have the technology required for extended remote work. Make accommodations for data storage, cybersecurity protections, and any other reasonable requests.

Renegotiating Contracts – Consider any employment contracts to consider, renegotiate, or terminate. There may be collective bargaining agreements in place that need to be followed.

Moving Forward

Legal Precautions


COVID-19 Worker’s Comp – Employees are still covered for injuries at home under Workers Compensation and OSHA. In some states, if an employee contracts COVID-19, it will be immediately assumed to have been contracted at work. They will be entitled to Worker’s Comp.

OSHA – Negligence – You must be aware of all state requirements. Know your liability, follow guidance and torts for negligence.

Whistleblower Response – Create a response plan if you are accused of not providing the required PPE, requiring non-essential employees to work, or having previous knowledge of known hazards.

Legal Precautions

Extras


For more information, replay the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions webinar entitled Navigating the Unknown.

You can download this easy-to-read checklist that will help you keep track of your strategic reopening. Use it for your business or send it to your manager.

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