Overdrive - July 2010
TRUCK SERVICE NEWSFLASH : CSA 2010 Information Update
WHAT IS A LOADING OR SECUREMENT VIOLATION?
A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) incident resulting from shifting loads, spilled or dropped cargo, or the unsafe handling of hazardous materials.
HOW IS THE LOADING & SECUREMENT BASIC MEASURED?
Using violations of certain federal safety or hazardous materials rules as recorded during roadside inspections over the past 3 years.
HOW WILL IMPROPER LOADING & SECUREMENT AFFECT ME?
Aside from facing cargo claims, drivers who fail to properly load and/or secure their cargo can affect their — and their company’s — safety rating, which could get the attention of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This could lead to a warning letter, more roadside inspections, an audit, or even an out-of-service order. The more violations, the higher the BASIC score and the higher the likelihood the FMCSA will intervene, even if you switch employers. Your grade on this BASIC will be updated every 30 days. When measuring your performance, the FMCSA will consider: • Violations from the past 36 months — or 24 months for your employer’s grade. • The types of violations committed — some are worse than others (see table). • The age of the violations — more recent violations bear more weight. • The number of inspections — the more “clean” inspections the better.
EXAMPLES OF LOADING & SECUREMENT VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY
The higher the severity, the more crash risk and the more your grade on this BASIC will be affected. Being placed out of service increases the severity by 2 points.
VIOLATION Inadequate securement of hazardous materials Failing to secure load properly Failing to inspect cargo while en route Failing to use flag on projecting load Using damaged securement systems (tiedowns, anchor points, dummage, etc.) Using too few or no tiedowns Parking brake not set while loading/unloading hazmat Size or weight violations Driving with obstructions to view or movement Pushing or towing a loaded bus Improper warning flag placement SEVERITY 10 10 10 10 10 10 7 7 7 7 7
icians Avail Petro Techn 24/7/365
Don’t let safety violations cost you! able
Possible violations under this BASIC: 506 • Number that could affect driver’s grade: 249 (average severity = 5.4)
*Courtesy of and © J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
SOME ITEMS THAT MAY BE INSPECTED BY THE DOT OFFICER:
• Lighting Devices, Reflectors, and Electrical Equipment • Brakes • Windshield Condition • Fuel Systems • Tires • Horn • Emergency Equipment • Cargo Control • Wheels • Suspension Systems • Steering Wheel Systems
Check Future Editions of This Magazine for CSA 2010 Updates.