2024 State of Trucking Research Report Available Now. Learn More.
Veterans make great truck drivers. And Centerline is seeking veterans who have recently obtained their Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
Centerline Drivers is partnering with FastPort to help veterans find meaningful work in their civilian life. Through our VA-registered Veteran Apprenticeship Program, you can put your newly obtained skills to work as a Military Apprentice Truck Driver.
Interested in applying? Click here to get started
Not all accidents are the same. The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT), which oversees the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), requires carriers to follow certain procedures for keeping track of serious accidents involving commercial motor vehicles.
If an accident meets a certain criteria then it gets recorded as a DOT recordable accident.
Because most carriers operate across state lines or otherwise affect commerce in more than one state, the federal government has jurisdiction over these accidents.
Carriers must maintain records, such as accident reports, for three years. The DOT uses this data to determine the number of accidents per 1 million miles driven. DOT recordable accidents are used to determine your company’s safety rating.
It may also impact a carrier’s CSA score. Frequency of accidents can send a carrier into intervention status and these crashes may linger on your CSA Snapshot for 24 months or longer.
DOT-recordable accidents are required to be recorded on accident reports.
To be considered a DOT recordable accident, an incident must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Fatality: If an accident involving a CMV results in the death of any person within 30 days of the incident, it is considered a DOT recordable accident.
Injury: If an accident involving a CMV results in an injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene or bodily harm severe enough to prevent the injured person from performing their usual work, it is considered a recordable accident.
Disabling damage to a vehicle: If a CMV involved in an accident requires towing due to disabling damage, it is considered a recordable accident.
Regardless of who’s at fault, these accidents are DOT recordable accidents.
A DOT Recordable accident does not include
• An accident involving only boarding and alighting from a stationary motor vehicle.
• An accident involving only loading and unloading of cargo.
DOT recordable accident rules do not apply to every driver on the road. They apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating higher than 26,000 lb for intrastate driving or 10,000 lb for interstate.
They also apply to passenger vehicles that are designed to transport more than 15 people (including the driver) and vehicles operating under DOT hazardous materials regulations.
Any carrier that receives an overall “unsatisfactory” rating will face sanctions and restrictions, including a prohibition on transporting hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers.
It’s important to know what qualifies as a DOT reportable accident so you can take the proper steps on the accident report and accident register.
Earlier this week the Centerline team opened their first-ever office space in Columbus, Ohio. The fun-filled day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by lunch and a presentation by Truckers Against Trafficking with existing customers, drivers, and Centerline team members in attendance.
Guests enjoyed food and drink while having the opportunity to tour the new space, learn about our transportation services, apply for jobs, and network. Lucky attendees took home some amazing prizes from the raffle giveaway.
“We are thrilled to be opening our Centerline office here in Columbus. We are bringing plenty of work opportunities for professional truck drivers in the region. This location made perfect sense to recruit top talent,” said Shane Keller, Managing Director of Recruiting for Centerline. “We are thankful for our drivers, and existing customers and are looking to grow our offerings in the area.”
The office will house Centerline’s recruiting and business services, welcoming driver applicants and interviews for open positions. Centerline continues to offer a range of transportation solutions, including driver management services, mobile drivers, flexible drivers, and driver compliance—all of which are customizable for company needs.
The new space is located at 4251 Diplomacy Drive Columbus, Ohio. Next time you are in the area be sure to stop by. There is semi-truck parking available!
Earlier this month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a Notice of Enforcement Policy intended to increase awareness of sexual assault against commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and to emphasize federal law requires that persons who are convicted of using a CMV to commit a felony must be disqualified from operating a CMV requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
The safety of CMV operators is a critical aspect of FMCSA’s safety mission. Sexual assaults have occurred at truck stops, fueling stations, and in connection with CMV driver training.
Truck drivers whose personal safety is at risk cannot devote their complete attention to the safe operation of a CMV and the performance of other safety-sensitive functions.
In December 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, a significant regulatory change aimed at improving safety and transparency in the trucking industry.
ELDs were introduced to replace paper logbooks, ensuring that drivers accurately record their hours of service (HOS) and reducing the potential for fatigue-related accidents. Now, four years after the mandate’s full enforcement, it’s time to assess how ELDs have impacted the trucking industry.
The transition from paper logbooks to ELDs wasn’t without its challenges. Trucking companies had to invest in ELD technology, and drivers had to adapt to the new electronic recording system.
While there was initial resistance and apprehension, the industry has, for the most part, successfully made the transition. Here are a few benefits that we’ve seen in trucking since ELDs were implemented.
One of the primary objectives of the ELD mandate was to improve HOS compliance. By automating the logging process, ELDs have reduced the risk of drivers falsifying their logbooks.
This has led to more accurate tracking of driving hours, rest breaks, and duty statuses, resulting in a significant reduction in HOS violations. As a result, the overall safety of the trucking industry has improved.
ELDs have also brought about efficiency gains in the trucking sector. With real-time data on driver activity, fleet managers can optimize routes, monitor driver behavior, and reduce idle time.
This not only increases productivity but also reduces fuel consumption and operational costs. Moreover, the data generated by ELDs can be used to analyze driver performance and implement targeted training programs.
Safety is paramount in the trucking industry, and ELDs have played a crucial role in improving it. By accurately tracking driving hours and ensuring drivers take mandatory rest breaks, ELDs help reduce driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of accidents on the road.
Additionally, ELDs have contributed to better accident reconstruction and investigation by providing electronic records of a driver’s activities leading up to an incident.
ELDs have not only benefited trucking companies but have also improved customer satisfaction. Real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities allow shippers and receivers to have greater visibility into the location and status of their shipments.
This transparency leads to better communication, reduced delivery delays, and enhanced customer service.
While the adoption of ELDs has been largely successful, some challenges persist. Issues like cybersecurity, device compatibility, and data privacy need continued attention. Also, some small carriers and owner-operators have faced financial burdens in implementing ELDs, which has prompted discussions about support and incentives to ensure equitable adoption across the industry.
All in all, four years after the implementation of the ELD mandate in the trucking industry, the benefits are evident. While challenges remain, the overall impact of ELDs has been positive, and they are likely to remain a fundamental tool in the industry’s ongoing efforts to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the role of ELDs in shaping the future of trucking.
To learn more about safety and technology trends, visit our safety stream here.
Centerline Drivers, a TrueBlue company, has launched a new Veterans apprenticeship program through a partnership with FastPort.
Military Veterans have valuable and transferable skills and are great candidates to become Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers. Through this partnership, Veterans are able to accelerate their CDL application with FastPort. After receiving their CDL license, Centerline will help these Veterans complete the on-the-road training they need to become a certified truck driver.
Centerline is seeking veterans who have recently obtained their Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Through our VA-registered Veteran Apprenticeship Program, you can put your newly obtained skills to work as a Military Apprentice Truck Driver.
What does the program include:
What are the requirements?
Program specifics:
Centerline is here to support your transition and is ready to hire veterans to be qualified truck drivers.
Interested in applying? Click here to get started
For the fifth consecutive year, Centerline Drivers has been named one of the Top Companies for Women to Work For In Transportation by the Women in Trucking (WIT) Association.
The list includes companies from across the commercial freight transportation marketplace, including carriers, logistics companies, and equipment manufacturers. The honor reflects Centerline’s commitment to promoting women in trucking while keeping America moving with skilled drivers.
Centerline is dedicated to nurturing the growth of future female transportation leaders. They are constantly working towards developing the next generation of women leaders in the transportation industry. Women hold 50% of leadership positions and makeup two-thirds of Centerline’s workforce.
“I’m so incredibly honored to win this award for the fifth year in a row,” said Jill Quinn, President of Centerline Drivers. “It’s such a testament to the hard work our team does each day to promote diversity and inclusion among our drivers, staff, and clients. Having more women in the trucking industry only makes it better.”
“Many companies in the transportation industry take serious steps to recruit and retain a diverse workforce,” said Brian Everett, Group Publisher and Editorial Director. “Redefining the Road, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association is pleased to name Centerline Drivers as a 2023 Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation. This organization has demonstrated that it places a significant importance on gender diversity as part of its business strategy and is to be commended for the work in diversity that it is doing.”
Nominations for the award focused on corporate culture, work flexibility, competitive compensation and benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement opportunities. The 113 companies on the list were chosen from nearly 27,000 votes by professionals in the industry. The list was announced in WIT’s official publication, Redefining the Road.
Click here to read the full release.
The transportation sector has continued to face a variety of disruptions this year. A few major labor disputes and the folding of industry leaders have caused more waves within the industry.
And probably not a surprise to anyone but everything has become more expensive. Everything from stamps to freight has jumped in price in Q3.
All in all, a variety of issues have been plaguing the industry into Q3.
At Centerline, our people make everything possible. Our Driver Management Service is the most hands-on with our customers and drivers because we’re managing an entire driving program.
We spoke with John Trahan, Vice President-DMS Sales and Operations, to learn more about why our driver management service solution is different and how our team brings next-level expertise and service to our customers and drivers.
1. What’s your background and how did you get into this business?
I went into the Air Force right after high school and became a security policeman. I served four years on active duty in the Air Force. After I left, I ended up going into third-party logistics and held a bunch of different roles in that industry from a warehouse manager to an ops/logistics manager. I ran warehouses and fleets for about 18 years and then transitioned over to driving leasing and transportation. My last position in the 3PL space was as a corporate HR manager. And I worked with the recruiting department and managed a lot of driver staffing vendors. So I came into the space with a lot of familiarity and experience with Centerline and what we do. Plus, the 3PL industry has some pretty strong similarities to driver staffing in the sense that you’re not providing any functions for yourself—but providing those services for a customer.
2. Tell us a little bit about how you built this solution and team?
Jill Quinn, now president of Centerline, actually built the driver management service solution before I came on board. But about 12 years ago, she offered me the opportunity to build a dedicated team. With her guidance, we put together a structure and a plan and hired the teammates that we have today. We’ve really built this team with a solid foundation of taking care of clients, drivers, and our company—all while working safely.
3. What’s your favorite thing about driver management services?
My favorite thing about driver management is getting into work with great professional drivers around the country and connecting them with fantastic career opportunities with private fleets. On our team and at Centerline, we’ve always kept our drivers top of mind every single day as we’re looking to connect them with good opportunities to provide for their families.
4. What’s one thing you wish people knew about driver management services?
The one thing I wish people knew about driver management is what a great opportunity it is to strengthen the driver staffing part of their operation without adding a ton of overhead. I always like to say our driver management is a solution that provides a fully competent compliance, recruiting, and safety team without adding any personnel to your company because we’ll handle it all.
5. What makes this different from other solutions?
I think what makes us different is the level of expertise and hands-on service we provide. Our team and your drivers are a full-time dedicated resource to your company. You get the flexibility of working with the driver staffing company with the additional benefit of knowing the drivers are yours and only yours. And our driver management service solution is supported by our flexible staffing solution and our mobile driver solution—to ensure your fleet has the drivers needed at all times.
I also think our drivers are some of the best out there. We’ve had multiple drivers win NPTC Hall of Fame and All-Star awards. And it’s very common for our drivers to be with the same customer for many years. We have a few driver management drivers who have helped the same account for over 30 years.
On top of that, our driver management service team is world-class. Each member has decades’ worth of experience in this industry and works hard each day to use that to the benefit of our customers.
To learn more about our Driver Management Solution, get in touch with our team below.
According to our State of Trucking 2024 survey, 40% of truck drivers say they are looking to change jobs in 2024. While 41% of employers say they plan to increase hiring because of anticipated growth.
However, in today’s market, the difference between a good company and a great company for truck drivers can be as simple as your onboarding program.
It’s critical for operations to have a well-structured and comprehensive training process for their new hires. Here are 6 key components of a good truck driver onboarding program.
Effective communication is really the foundation of a successful onboarding process. Prior to their start date, you should establish clear lines of communication and let them know any necessary requirements. Clearly outline your expectations, policies, procedures, and job requirements at the beginning of training. This can help set the right expectations up front and minimize any misunderstandings.
A good truck driver training program should start with a thorough orientation program to familiarize new truck drivers with the company culture, values, and safety protocols.
A good place to start is an overview of your operations, routes, and schedules. Additionally, ensure that drivers receive proper training on the use of equipment, technology systems, and any specialized procedures.
Safety training should also be top of mind when onboarding new drivers. If you need a few ideas to get you started, here’s how to build an effective safety program.
Another good idea to include in your onboarding plans is implementing a mentorship or buddy program where new drivers are paired with experienced ones. This allows new hires to learn from seasoned professionals, more deeply understand your company policies and quickly acclimate to the job.
Consider implementing a mentorship or buddy program where new truck drivers are paired with experienced drivers. This approach allows new hires to learn from seasoned professionals. Mentors can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support during the initial stages, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
You can also leverage technology to streamline the onboarding process and enhance efficiency. Using electronic documentation systems can eliminate paperwork and make it easier for drivers to submit required forms. Providing drivers with access to user-friendly mobile applications can assist them with route planning, navigation, communication, and logging their hours of service.
Onboarding should not be a one-time event but rather an ongoing process. You should be offering continuous support to new drivers, particularly during their first few weeks on the job. Assign a point of contact who can address any concerns, provide guidance, and offer feedback.
Regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and open lines of communication will help drivers feel supported and valued, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Successful onboarding of truck drivers is crucial for the overall success of transportation and logistics companies. By implementing a well-designed onboarding process that emphasizes clear communication, thorough training, mentorship, technological support, continuous feedback, and recognition, companies can set their drivers up for success.
A positive and comprehensive onboarding experience fosters driver satisfaction, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to increased productivity and profitability.
Want more recruitment tips and tricks? Check out our recruitment content library here.
Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released early estimates of traffic fatalities for 2023 so far, estimating traffic fatalities declined for the fifth straight quarter.
As a professional truck driver, what can you do to keep this trend moving in the right direction?
Here are some steps to avoid aggressive driving.
In the world of transportation, the success of your fleet depends on more than just the vehicles you operate and the routes your drivers take.
A key, often overlooked, factor in the industry’s success is the development of a strong and unique driver culture. A driver culture encompasses the values, behaviors, and attitudes shared among the drivers and personnel in a fleet.
It’s a key aspect of any successful fleet management strategy. Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize driver culture within your organization.
Safety should always be the foremost concern in any operation. A strong driver culture that prioritizes safety can significantly reduce accidents and incidents on the road.
When drivers are united by a shared commitment to safety, they are more likely to adhere to established safety protocols, operate their vehicles responsibly, and take proactive measures to avoid risky situations. In turn, this not only reduces the likelihood of accidents but also lowers costs and minimizes downtime due to accidents.
Efficiency is the lifeblood of any successful fleet. Drivers who understand and buy into your goals and values are more likely to take better care of their vehicles, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and fewer breakdowns.
Moreover, when drivers feel like part of a team, they’re more inclined to communicate and collaborate effectively, leading to improved route planning, better fuel efficiency, and optimized load management.
The driver is often the face of the fleet to customers. A unique driver culture can set your fleet apart from the competition.
When drivers are not just skilled but also personable, courteous, and committed to delivering exceptional service, customers are more likely to have a positive experience. Happy customers are more likely to become loyal customers, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.
A strong and unique driver culture can help attract and retain the best talent in the industry. Talented drivers are more likely to be drawn to fleets that offer a supportive and positive work environment.
Additionally, a strong driver culture can contribute to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, reducing the costs associated with recruiting and training new drivers.
In the heavily regulated world of transportation, compliance is so important. A unique driver culture that emphasizes adherence to rules and regulations can help fleets maintain a stellar compliance record.
When drivers are committed to complying with industry standards and regulations, the risk of costly violations and fines decreases.
A strong and unique driver culture is not an optional extra in fleet management; it’s a necessity for success in the competitive world of transportation and logistics. It’s the glue that binds drivers and personnel together, fostering safety, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and compliance.
Our Driver Management Service (DMS) team works to not only a quality driver culture but a custom full-service process for your fleet, with everything from hiring and onboarding to driver compliance files and safety training.
To learn more about our Driver Management Services solution or get in touch, click here to see all our team has to offer your fleet.
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