Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, March 23, 2021:
California-based trucker shut down after crashing into house, falsifying med cert
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration effectively shut down a California-based truck driver after he crashed into a house in Arizona, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.
FMCSA’s imminent hazard order says trucker Daniel Tobon, also known as Daniel Moran, was driving a tractor-trailer on Dec. 31, 2020, when he crashed into a house in Mesa, Arizona. He was exiting U.S. 60 at Crismon Road when the truck failed to stop at the off-ramp intersection, crossed over a center curb, struck a signal pole and crashed through a masonry block wall before hitting the front entrance of the residence and destroying the house.
The crash report from the Mesa Police Department noted it appeared Tobon made no evasive maneuvering to avoid the crash, adding the possible influencing conditions for the crash was “illness or physical impairment.”
FMCSA investigators found that in September 2020, Tobon had fraudulently certified his medical certification. He also fraudulently certified the form in September 2018.
Failing to comply with the provisions of the federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $1,928 for each violation. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties.
Tobon may not operate a commercial motor vehicle until such time he is successfully completes a return-to-duty process including obtaining a valid medical certification issued by a certified medical examiner.
Truckstop.com acquires automated onboarding, monitoring firm
Truckstop.com has acquired Registry Monitoring Insurance Services (RMIS) to help brokers using the Truckstop.com freight marketplace better evaluate carriers for safety, industry and financial requirements.
"This acquisition marries the industry's two most respected compliance tools, RMIS and SaferWatch, to introduce Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS) to the freight world, furthering Truckstop.com's commitment to supply customers with the tools they need to successfully manage the entire freight lifecycle," said Paris Cole, CEO of Truckstop.com. "By combining our resources and expertise, we will undoubtedly bring even more value to brokers and carriers by simplifying workflow through automation – shortening critical steps to minutes rather than days."
Large flatbed carrier opens two new terminals
PGT Trucking (CCJ Top 250, No. 103) has opened two new locations in Phoenix, Arizona, and Fort Smith, Arkansas.
PGT, which is celebrating its 40th year in business in 2021, has more than 30 company and agent locations across the country.
The flatbed carrier says the addition of the Phoenix terminal and the relocation of its Poteau, Oklahoma, staff to Fort Smith, have provided PGT the opportunity to expand transportation offerings to meet the needs of current customers and new business.
Artur Express boosts team driver pay
Artur Express (CCJ Top 250, No. 120) is now offering a starting pay of 76 cents per mile for its company team drivers, plus a $10,000 sign-on bonus.
The company says it offers coast-to-coast routes and 90% drop-and-hook freight.
Artur says company teams can earn more than $200,000 in their first year with multiple lanes to choose from.
