July 2012 Glostone Newsletter
posted in Newsletter by Brian Gray
Don’t Despair – Drivers Care!
It’s a misconception to think that drivers are resistant to improving driving skills. As an example, in a survey carried out by Volvo on fuel efficiency, they uncovered that over 50% of drivers strive to drive as fuel efficiently as possible, while 40% are keen to learn more. Only a small minority remained resistant.
Top transport managers are using driver training schemes to tackle driving issues, improve safety and performance. And they’re smart to do so. The Volvo study further revealed that trained drivers achieved 5-10% better fuel economy from their trucks than those with no training. The savings on that issue alone was substantial. Training works!
There are many approaches to training. Well scripted, face to face meetings with drivers is deemed the best training but with around the clock operations, these training sessions can be difficult and expensive to coordinate. Many managers have begun supplementing face to face training with using the internet to reach their drivers.
The internet allows drivers 24/7 access to courses. All the driver needs is a computer with internet and audio capabilities. The best programs allow the manager to select common training modules for the entire fleet of drivers or specific training for those drivers with a specific issue. A good online program should record Driver participation so the manager knows what training was taken and how well the driver accomplished the training. These records can go a long way to document your company’s efforts to improve driver performance.
The best training programs also should have a whole library of video training courses available. The variety of training modules should cover all aspects of driving from speed awareness and concentration through correct breakdown procedures and economic driving.
Video training courses can prove invaluable in your fight to drive down costs and improve safety. Call us today to find out how our video training program can help you! 503-607-1088
IRS Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Deadline Approaches
Each HVUT tax year runs from July 1st through June 30th of the following year. The deadline to file and pay the tax to the IRS without penalty is August 31. The form for filing the tax is form 2290, making sure to use the correct year version. The correct 2290 form should read for the tax year 2012-2013. The forms are generally made available each July by the IRS.
The IRS is responsible for HVUT collections and taxpayer audits. States are required to obtain proof of HVUT payments when registering heavy trucks subject to the tax. Some State’s will not renew truck registrations without proof at the time of registration. Some Sate’s will allow a short grace period in which to fax the State a copy of the proof. However, if the deadline is not met, license plates can be suspended.
For more information you can go to the IRS website atwww.irs.govand search for form 2290. If you have questions or would like help filing your 2290, give Glostone Trucking Solutions a call at 503-607-1088.
The Facts About Reasonable Suspicion Training
We receive calls every week about a letter clients are receiving that appear to be from the FMCSA. The letters explain that the client is out of compliance and can be fined for not completing the DOT mandated Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors.
Only by reading the fine print at the bottom of the letter do you find out that it’s not from the FMCSA or any other government agency. The letter is a clever sales pitch trying to scare the receiver into taking this company’s expensive Reasonable Suspicion Training course.
The deceptive letter does contain some truth in that within the rules published by the DOT is the mandate for all motor carriers to implement Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors.
“Each employer shall ensure that all persons designated to supervise drivers receive at least 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and receive at least an additional 60 minutes of training on controlled substances use.” When the rule applies, the DOT auditor will look for training compliance.
If you are an owner/operator, you don’t supervise drivers so you would be exempt from having to have this training. However, if you lease on another Owner Operator to your company, you are now considered a supervisor and this training is required!
Note the use of the word ALL within the mandate. ALLemployees within your company that have any supervisory role over drivers are meant to have this training, not just the Safety Manager. The FMCSA’s intent is to get as many trained “eyes” looking for misuse of drugs and alcohol as possible.
The FMCSA considers the driver Supervisor a major line of defense in protecting the public from impaired drivers. Reasonable Suspicion Training is a guide to help aid supervisors in determining whether or not an employee may be under the influence of controlled substances and or alcohol. It gives the tools necessary to take the proper steps to determine if an employee should submit to a drug test. In addition, well used Supervisor Training will reduce the risk for the company of a liability claim should the driver become involved in an accident.
There are many companies offering Reasonable Suspicion Training with some, at a not so reasonable price. If you are in need of this training, give us a call at 503-607-1088. We have a cost effective Reasonable Suspicion Training programs available, both on-line and in CD formats!
Longtime CleanFleet Employee Retires
We are happy to report (for Kathy) and sad to report (for us) that longtime sister company CleanFleet employee Kathy Logue retired at the end of April. Kathy started with CleanFleet back in 2003 and has been an integral part of CleanFleet’s growth and success. “During her years with CleanFleet, Kathy has done everything from sales to bookkeeping to data entry to customer service and usually all in a day’s work” says Brian Gray, COO for CleanFleet. “She will be truly missed.”
Not one for a lot of pomp and circumstance, Kathy did allow for a small gathering of friends and co-workers to wish her well. At the Jubitz Travel Center event, Kathy expressed that she purposely did not make a lot of plans for things to do in her retirement. She just wanted to “relax”, care for her husband, and enjoy her grandkids. We wish her well!
