Adoption of HOS Changes Eased with On-Board Computers

It seems like the industry news lately has been loaded with stories about changes to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Two of the most significant are the ongoing saga between the FMCSA and the DC Court of Appeals over the 34 hour reset and the 11 hour driving day and the abrupt change to the California intrastate rules. See http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2007/hos.pdf

Keeping track of these changes (dates of the changes, transition periods, etc) can be a daunting task. An automated on-board recording device like Cadec's Series 100 systems for Mobius TTS and PowerVue can be configured to track hours and compliance with the particular DOT rule a driver is utilizing, warning the driver as he approaches his maximum on-duty or driving hours.

Here at Cadec we pride ourselves on our ability to stay abreast of the DOT and MOT HOS regulations and provide those rules to our customers quickly and accurately, relieving the burden of trying to follow each nuance of regulatory change.

Author: Karl Olson

Everett, MA Tanker Accident Highlights Need for Roll-over Prevention and Driver Performance Management

The accident in Everett, MA yesterday morning grabbed national attention when a tanker truck carrying 9400 gallons of gasoline flipped and exploded. The burning fuel poured down residential streets, damaging multiple buildings and over 20 cars. The driver was cited for speeding and not having a federal medical certificate with him, which would certify him as fit to drive. Amazingly, no one was hurt in the accident.

The early news reports highlight the importance, particularly for private fleets, of on-board computers and fleet management systems as critical safety measures for roll-over prevention, communication, risk avoidance, and driver performance. Here are just a few examples:

Roll-over prevention – this is a technology that every petroleum carrier should be equipped with. The accident in Everett, MA happened when the tanker was traveling at a high rate of speed through a rotary, causing the truck to roll over. Today there are devices that can detect speed, center of gravity and turning ratios to provide drivers and fleet managers that a vehicle is approaching a potential roll-over situation. New technology in the more advanced on-board computer systems will leverage a software algorithm (patent pending by Heimir Sverrisson) to identify these situations as well as engine de-rate technology to shut down an engine if necessary.

Driver performance management – fleet management systems like those provided by Cadec offer real-time driver performance scorecards that identify high risk drivers based on their performance. Excessive speeds, rapid acceleration & deceleration incidents, HOS violations, and roll-over risks are regularly tracked to rank a driver’s performance. High risk drivers are easily identified to aid in behavior modification efforts. The driver in the MA accident had a record of driving offenses.

Compliance, Security & Safety - On-board computer systems have all pertinent driver file data, including medical physical due dates. The system can automatically flag the company with the need to update the driver file. If this driver does not have all the proper endorsement to meet the Hazmat criteria the on-board unit will inform the driver and the office this driver is attempting to sign in to a vehicle the driver is not eligible to operate.

Pre-trip inspections - Was the vehicle properly inspected during the pre-trip? Cadec will be offering an inspection function that will make it immediately known to anyone at the transportation company that the driver properly preformed their inspection. Each check point will be confirmed by the driver, and anything that is skipped or missed will be flagged immediately with alerts to those that need to know.

Off-route alerting - Was the driver taking a route off limits to hazardous materials? Cadec’s mapping functions can proactively identify the route the driver should take and/or avoid.

These are just a few of the important benefits that petroleum and hazmat haulers can take advantage of with on-board systems. For more information on roll-over prevention, driver performance scorecards and fleet management systems drop me an email at info@cadec.com.


Author: Frank Moreno