Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023:
Brake Safety Week nets 2,375 out-of-service orders
During the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week inspection blitz focusing on brake systems and components, more than 87% of the commercial vehicles inspected were free of brake-related out-of-service violations.
Of the 18,875 total commercial motor vehicles inspected, 2,375 (12.6%) were removed from roadways because inspectors discovered brake-related out-of-service violations.
Some examples of brake-related out-of-service violations that automatically place the vehicle out of service include broken brake drums, loose air tanks, corroded holes in a spring brake housing, inoperative tractor protection valves and more.
Service brake violations, such as cracked linings, brake adjustment or loose chambers, may combine to put the combination of vehicles out of service under the 20% brake criterion, which states that a vehicle is out of service if the number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination. Certain service brake violations are automatically placed out of service when found on the steering axle.
Of the 2,375 commercial motor vehicles that were placed out of service, 295 (12.4%) had steering axle brake violations, 1,127 (47.5%) had stand-alone brake violations and 1,394 (58.7%) failed the 20% defective brakes criterion.
The focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Week was lining/pad violations. Throughout the week, and just as they do normally when inspecting the vehicle components of commercial motor vehicles, inspectors checked brake lining/pads for cracks, voids and contamination. They also looked for loose, missing or worn brake lining/pads. A total of 379 power units and 261 trailers had lining/pad violations.
Although lining/pad violations are not necessarily out-of-service violations, CVSA selected lining/pads as the focus for this year’s Brake Safety Week because brake lining/pad violations still affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. If left unaddressed, brake lining/pad violations may lead to more serious problems and can be out-of-service violations if they are on the steering axle or combined with other brake violations for the 20% brake criterion.
Next year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 25-31, 2024.
J&R Schugel unveils new breast cancer awareness rig
J&R Schugel has partnered with a local non-profit organization, B The Light, founded by breast cancer survivor Amber Melby, as part of its breast cancer awareness truck wrap.J&R Schugel
The truck features a bold, eye-catching design that displays the pink ribbon, the symbol of breast cancer awareness. J&R Schugel has partnered with a local non-profit organization, B The Light, founded by breast cancer survivor Amber Melby. Their mission is to offer connection, support and hope to local breast cancer survivors and their families.
“Our first wrapped truck was breast cancer in 2017. Since then, we have wrapped trucks for autism and mental health awareness,” said Courtney Antonsen, director of human resources for the company. “What makes this one different is the collaboration with a local organization to support our mission. Breast cancer has had an impact on so many lives and we are honored to raise awareness by wrapping a truck and having it travel across the nation.”
J&R Schugel plans to assign the unit to one of their professional truck drivers in the near future.
ContainerPort Group relocates Atlanta terminal
ContainerPort Group (CCJ Top 250, No. 72) is relocating its Atlanta terminal to Fairburn, Georgia, which the company said is a significant milestone in its commitment to serving its customers efficiently while expanding its presence in key regions.
The new Fairburn facility, made possible through a collaborative effort with real estate developer Simi Capital Group, features an expanded and secure yard, along with a new terminal office. This relocation not only enhances CPG's operational capabilities but also brings over 100 jobs to the city of Fairburn, contributing to the local economy and supporting the area's rapid growth as a logistics hub, CPG said.
Situated within a half-mile of the CSX rail ramp and surrounded by numerous existing distribution centers, the Fairburn terminal offers convenient access to critical transportation infrastructure.
"The move was a no-brainer,” sais Kevin Hayes, CPG Regional Vice President of Southeast Operations. “With easy access to Interstate 85, the new terminal allows us to efficiently serve the local Atlanta rail ramps and strengthen our connections to the Georgia Ports Authority in Savannah."
