September 5, 2006

Note: To print this newsletter in its entirety, simply press the print button on your web browser.

CLICK HERE to send us your comments about this newsletter.

Headline News

Three Schools Located in Idaho, Arizona, and North Carolina Have Received Initial Certification of Their Truck Driver Training Courses and Six Additional Schools From Wisconsin to Tennessee Have Received Program Recertification For Five Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2006
Contact: E. Nancy O'Liddy, Director of Public Relations & Marketing
703/838-1950 or noliddy@truckload.org

PTDI Certifies Truck Driver Training Courses at Nine Schools Across the United States

Alexandria, Virginia – The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) is proud to announce that three schools located in Idaho, Arizona, and North Carolina have received initial certification of their truck driver training courses and six additional schools from Wisconsin to Tennessee have received program recertification for five years. The schools receiving first-time program certification are Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory , North Carolina ; Swift Driving Academy in Phoenix , Arizona ; and Swift Driving Academy in Lewiston , Idaho . Receiving five-year recertification are All State Career, Baltimore , Maryland ; Baker College of Flint, Owosso , Michigan ; Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Schnecksville , Pennsylvania ; Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis ; and Tennessee Technology Center at Nashville .

“There are lots of programs in the state of Tennessee offering truck driver training, but not many are certified by PTDI. The recruiting benefits are exceptionally good for us,” explained Russell Shelton, program director, Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis , who added that having a PTDI-certified program, “gives us a step up on the competition.”

In addition to recruiting benefits, those who seek PTDI certification often do so for the high level of employability and training their students receive as a result. According to Mark Morris, director of Swift Driving Academy in Lewiston , Idaho , “The PTDI structure is beneficial for our students in that everyone is treated equally, everyone gets the same hours of training, and the documentation during the whole process is better [in that] it shows how we can improve individual students' performance.”

Students recognize the quality and value of the program, as evidenced by the fact that they come from all 50 states to attend Swift Driving Academy .

Van Staley, department head at Catawba Valley Community College , also noted employment advantages for PTDI-trained graduates. “Some companies require PTDI training, and I thought this would give my students more employment opportunities,” he said. “We pursued PTDI certification for credibility as much as anything. It says this isn't a licensing mill.” Staley plans to use the certification not only as a recruitment tool to attract students, but also to attract companies seeking well-trained drivers.

Credibility is a significant reason why many seek PTDI certification. “We understand the value of PTDI—it lends credibility not only to our institution but to our employees,” Shelton said. “They are going through a standardized program developed by professionals in the field, the program is recognized nationally, and there is employer confidence in our graduates.”

In addition, properly training prospective drivers pays off, as evidenced by the supporting comments of these professionals. “Through our carrier, Swift Transportation, we have hired students from other facilities that are not PTDI trained and we have had complaints,” Morris said. “I think that shows they are not trained properly.”

“Trucking is a tremendously large industry, especially in our area,” Shelton added, “so the more training, and especially standardized training, we can give drivers, the better drivers they will be and the safer our roads will be.”

Staley agreed. “I think the standards that PTDI uses are a lot more stringent than people realize. To be honest, I think it ought to be mandatory for all truck driving schools to receive PTDI certification. It would better prepare students for their future careers and make the highways safer.”

PTDI is a national, nonprofit organization established for the twofold purpose of developing uniform industry skill, curriculum, and certification standards for entry-level truck driver training and motor carrier driver finishing programs, and certifying entry-level truck driver training courses at public and private schools and driver finishing programs at carriers for compliance with PTDI standards. PTDI is based in Alexandria , Virginia .
# # #

Top

Pumps Are Primed and Clean Diesel Will Deliver Cleaner Air

( Washington , DC ) Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), the single, most far-reaching environmental and public health achievement since lead was removed from gasoline, is now available for consumers at the pump. This clean-burning fuel has 97 percent less sulfur and will deliver billions of dollars in environmental and public health benefits. Under the administration's clean diesel rules, ULSD combined with new engine technology will not only enhance environmental protection, but will also prevent nearly 20,000 premature deaths and tens of thousands of cases of respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma.

“ America 's pumps are primed to deliver on President Bush's goal of clean diesel and cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Over the last century, diesels have been our nation's economic workhorse – reliable, fuel efficient and long lasting. Today, through the president's investment in clean fuel technology, America 's economic workhorse is also becoming America 's environmental workhorse.”

The availability of cleaner-burning diesel at the pump will allow for the use of new pollution control technology in cars, trucks, and buses. The Bush Administration's clean diesel rules are addressing diesel fuels and engines as a single system that will reduce air pollution from diesel engines by more than 90 percent -- or about 13 million -- of today's trucks and buses. Once fully implemented, ULSD will result in the annual reduction of 2.6 million tons of nitrogen oxides and 110,000 tons of particulate matter.

This new fuel will help to open up markets to clean diesel passenger cars, pickup trucks, and delivery vehicles that are 30 percent more efficient than current fleets with similar reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to the fuel economy and carbon emission benefits, a new fleet of clean diesel vehicles will have lower maintenance costs, longer engine life, and typically lower fuel costs.

On June 1st , refiners and fuel importers were required to start producing ULSD, which contains 15 ppm sulfur, down from 500 ppm. The rollout of clean diesel fuel is smart environmental and fiscal policy. When fully applied, clean diesel fuels and engines will result in more than $70 billion annually in environmental and public health benefits at a fraction of the cost ($4 billion per year). Expanded use of ULSD also will enhance energy security since diesels tend to be more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines.

In keeping with its efforts to ensure smooth implementation, EPA is a member of the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance, a stakeholder group dedicated to providing the public ULSD-related information.

Top

Drivers With Seizures Seek Exemptions

Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the receipt of applications from four individuals for exemptions from the prohibition against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), operating trucks and buses in interstate commerce. In accordance with these applications, FMCSA is requesting public comment on whether such an exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with seizure disorders to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

Currently, FMCSA's medical advisory criteria includes a recommendation that individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and taking anticonvulsant medication to reduce the likelihood of seizures are at high risk for further episodes and should not be considered for medical certification. Drivers diagnosed with epilepsy and taking anticonvulsant medication that helps control their seizures may be at low risk, however, these individuals are exposed to conditions that place them at increased risk for loss of consciousness and therefore, increased risk for seizure occurrence. Drivers diagnosed with epilepsy, seizure free and off medication for 10 years may be medically certified to operate CMVs.

To comment, visit http://dmses.dot.gov and follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.

To review the summaries of exemption applications as they appeared in the Federal Register , click here.

Top

MRB Meeting Will Be Open To Public

FMCSA has announced that its Medical Review Board (MRB) will hold a public meeting, on Wednesday, November 1 st , beginning at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 400 Seventh Street, SW , Nassif Building , Rooms PL-6244 and 6248, Washington , DC 20590-0001 . The MRB members will continue deliberations about current FMCSA medical standards, as well as consider recommendations for new science-based standards and guidelines to ensure that the physical condition of drivers is adequate to enable them to safely operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

The preliminary agenda for the MRB meeting will be as follows:

0900-0920 Call to Order, Agenda Review
0920-1000 Methodology of Meta-Analysis
1000-1200 Evidence Report Consensus Statement Presentation Commercial Driving with Diabetes Mellitus
1200-1245 Lunch Break
1245-1330 Preliminary Report on Schedule II Medications
1330-1415 Data Sources
1415-1500 Public Comment Period
1500-1530 Agenda Setting-January 10, 2007, Other Business
1530 Adjournment

For further information on this meeting, contact Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, at the following phone number: (202) 366-4001.

Top

List Includes Reasons For Delay and Expected Completion Date

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published the following list of special permit applications that have been in process for 180 days or more. The reason(s) for delay and the expected completion date for action on each application are provided in association with each identified application.

Application Number

Applicant

Reason for Delay

Estimated Date of Completion

New Special Permit Applications

14229-N Senex Explosives, Inc. 4 11-30-2006

14239-N Marlin Gas Transport, Inc. 1 11-30-2006

14237-N Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. 1 12-31-2006

14257-N Origin Energy American Samoa, Inc. 4 11-30-2006

14285-N INO Therapeutics LLC 4 11-30-2006

14318-N Lockheed Martin Technical Operations 4 12-31-2006

14314-N North American Automotive Hazmat Action Committee 4 11-30-2006

14310-N Praxair 4 10-31-2006

14316-N VOTG North America , Inc 4 12-31-2006

14341-N Baker Petrolite 4 10-31-2006

14337-N NKCF Co. , Ltd 4 11-30-2006

14343-N Valero 4 10-31-2006

14330-N Chemical & Metal Industries Inc. 4 12-31-2006

14298-N Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 4 10-31-2006

14266-N NCF Industries, Inc. 3 11-30-2006

14277-N Ascus Technologies, Ltd. 3, 4 12-31-2006

Modification to Special Permits

12677-M Austin Powder Illinois Company 1 10-31-2006

5749-M E.I. DuPont de Nemours 4 12-31-2006

12277-M Indian Sugar and General Engineering Corporation 4 12-31-2006

10481-M M-1 Engineering Limited 4 12-31-2006

11202-M Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company (NNS) 4 10-31-2006

Reasons for the delay are the following:

Awaiting additional information from applicant.
Extensive public comment under review.
Application is technically complex and is of significant impact or precedent setting and requires extensive analysis.
Staff reviews delayed by other priority issues or volume of special permit applications.

Top

Discussion on Unified Carrier Registration Plan

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced, through the Federal Register, that the Board of Directors Meeting on the Unified Carrier Registration Plan will occur on October 11 th . The meeting, open to the public, will take place at the Holiday Inn Capitol in Washington , DC and last from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Slated for discussion is an overview of the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement requirements set forth under SAFETEA-LU, and the administrative functioning of the Board. In addition, the BOD will continue its work in developing the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA) procedures and toward recommending UCRA fees to the Secretary of Transportation.

For further information, please contact Shannon Watson, (202) 366-0702, Office of Safety Programs, FMCSA or Bryan Price, (412) 395-4816.

Top

45 Drivers Seek ITDM Exemptions

FMCSA has announced, through the Federal Register, the receipt of forty-five applications for exemptions from the prohibition of operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) while afflicted with Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM). If granted, the drivers will be allowed to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. The agency will evaluate each individual application to ensure that the exempted applicant will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the statute that allows them to exempt such individuals.

Click here for a complete list of all 45 exemptions as it appears in the Federal Register .

Top

Ten Helpful Tips To Increase Driver Retention

This list below provides 10 tips that could increase your driver retention. Clearly, there are many other methods and actions that could be added to the list. Please make note of each action and determine whether it would work at your company. If you are already doing them—great! If not, then think about how they could be implemented, according to the Daily Dispatch Challenge Training Guide.

Interview each new driver who is assigned to your fleet.
Learn about their lives, preferences, goals, personal needs, and family situations. It works well to have an interview guide that covers all the main subjects you should discuss with a new driver. If you are a new fleet manager, it is important to have this get-acquainted interview with each driver in your fleet. Remember to ask probing and clarifying questions. Then make sure to use the information you have gathered about the driver's perspective to help you establish a positive working relationship.
Establish and maintain up-to-date files on each driver.
Know and use each driver's preferred method of communication whenever possible. Use the files to track driver performance data.
Talk with each driver personally every day.
Many times in this high-tech world we get so focused on mobile-communication messages that we lose track of the person at the other end. By talking directly to the driver you can assess her condition, situation, and needs; provide assistance; and identify any issues that could develop into future problems. Make sure to speak in clear, unambiguous terms. Look for every opportunity to give credit and offer thanks. Make sure to accept responsibility for your own actions.
Require high standards of driver performance and behavior.
Make sure these are communicated clearly in your initial interview (tip 1). Make sure you know what the driver can expect from you. Recognize successful driver performance and behavior whenever it occurs. When behavior is recognized in a positive way, it tends to be repeated.
Correct and coach drivers in areas where they need assistance.
Stay focused on the performance expectations. Provide corrective feedback as soon as possible after a poor performance event occurs. Ask the driver for her plan to prevent the situation from occurring again. Provide input to the corrective action plan if necessary. Remind the driver of the agreed-on performance expectations.
Assess the information you obtain from drivers.
Ask questions, clarify information, and read nonverbal clues to ensure that you understand the information you are given.
Respond to driver needs in scheduling and load assignments.
Do so as often as possible within the constraints of the business and the company dispatch policies. It is important to review these needs with the driver and make sure they fit the productivity requirements for both the company and the driver. It is challenging to do this, especially with newer drivers. Newer drivers don't know the system and senior drivers can get the advantage.
Respond to driver requests quickly, honestly, and fairly.
Follow through on requests in a timely fashion. Attempt to resolve the issue or get the information needed while the driver is still on the phone. Maintain honesty in dealing with drivers even when you're delivering bad news. Avoiding an issue or delaying a response only tends to escalate the driver's reaction from disappointment to anger.
Explain company policy and expectations to drivers.
This should be done as part of the initial interview and orientation process. Be sure that the driver understands the expectations. As a fleet manager you must be knowledgeable about company policies.
Respond to both the content and emotional meaning (feeling) of what is being said to you.
This skill will establish that you are paying attention to the driver as a person because you are acknowledging how the person is feeling. It creates a more personal connection and helps to build positive rapport and respect. This is a significant way to acknowledge the individual differences among drivers in your fleet.

Learning Exercises

Review the list of 10 tips. Are you currently using any of them? Why? How well do they work for you? Which ones are you not using? Why?

Make a list of other driver retention methods you think would be effective. Think of as many as you can.

For more information on the Daily Dispatch Challenge Training Guide (ISBN 1-4018-3227-X, $24.95 List) or CD-ROM (1-4018-5498-2, $495 List), please contact Eric Purdy, National Sales Manager by calling him at (518) 348-2581 or by e-mail: Eric.Purdy@thomson.com

Top

New TCA and PTDI Headquarters Address

In case you missed the news, TCA and PTDI have moved their headquarters as of August 21, 2006 to the following address:

NEW TCA and PTDI HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS

555 E. Braddock Road
Alexandria , VA 22314
PTDI Main line: 703-647-7015
Fax: 703 836-6610

Please note that at the present time, we no longer have individual extensions, so if you need to reach a staff person, please contact them at the main number 703-838-1950.

Top