Trailwood Traveling Times

SafeStat results as of March 31, 2006, Trailwood had an Inspection Selection System (ISS) recommendation of ‘37’ which is passing.  Broken down there was 0 DOT recordable accidents; 0 drivers placed out of service for log violations and 0 vehicles placed out of service for equipment violations.  Our SEA (Safety Evaluation Areas) ratings for the past 30 months were: accident 25.74%; driver O/S 54.5% and vehicle O/S 23.29%.  These numbers attribute for the acceptable ISS score of 42.  (We need to be below 50 to be in the "Not Recommended for Inspection" category).

Reporting Trailer Damage

 We're getting more and more complaints from our drivers about the disrepair of our trailers. Not surprisingly, we are also at an all-time low with trailer write ups. The trailer complaints in particular have to do with rear doors that are sprung or don't shut properly, clearance lights that are out, tires that need replacing and reefer doors that are in need repair, to name a few.

 There is no one in the company who goes around and ‘writes up repair orders on the trailers’, it’s part of what we rely on you our drivers to do in your pre and post trip inspections.

 When you write repair items up, it keeps the fleet from falling into an otherwise ‘depreciated state’ and precludes unnecessary frustration for yourself and your fellow drivers, who, I might suggest have enough to deal with each day as it is.

Thank you for your help here.

Gary Miller

Increase in fuel consumption:  An ATA study found that for every on mile per hour over 55 mph, fuel consumption increases 2.2%.  That equates to about one mile per gallon from 55 to 65 mph.  This has become a problem even with today's electronic engines that are designed to provide the best fuel economy while running at lower RPMs.

Increase in overall maintenance costs:  The ATA study also found that increased speed increases operational costs.  The study also showed that fleets running at maximum speed limits can anticipate a 10-15% increase in maintenance costs and a 10-15% decrease in component durability.  The price paid for small gains in speeding is very large.

Exercising Protective Driving Technique:

• Driving the speed limit makes driving less stressful

• Driving the speed limit sets a good example for other drivers

• Speeding wastes fuel

• Speeding is hard on equipment

• Speeding causes freight damage

• Higher speeds increase crash costs

New Study Concludes

Driver Behavior

Causes Most Truck Crashes

Minnesota Trucking Association

Drivers of large trucks and other vehicles involved in truck crashes are ten times more likely to be the cause of the crash than other factors, such as weather, road conditions, and vehicle performance according to a new study released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Large Truck Crash Causation Study was commissioned by FMCSA to review the causes of, and contributing factors to, crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. While previous data focused on specific crashes and/or individual causes of crashes, this study was the first nationwide examination of all pre-crash factors.

 Terminal Fueling

For the month of March fuel purchased at the terminal was 34%.  Be mindful that there is a $.21 p/gal difference between a TA and our own fuel tanks.  Plan you fuel purchases such that you can get as much in Mounds View or at the Pilot in Oak Creek as possible