Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, July 20, 2021:
More than 1,100 trucks parked during unannounced brake inspection blitz
Commercial motor vehicle inspectors in the U.S. placed 1,151 vehicles out of service because of brake violations during a one-day inspection effort in May.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said authorities in the U.S. inspected 8,658 vehicles during its annual Brake Safety Day May 26.
“Inspectors conducted their usual inspections and reported brake-related data to CVSA for Brake Safety Day,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “We are sharing the results to call attention to the importance of commercial motor vehicle brake safety.”
In Canada, Mexico and the U.S., inspectors conducted a total of 10,091 inspections and placed 1,273 vehicles out of service for brake-related violations. The majority of inspections were conducted in the U.S., with 8,658 of the 10,091. There were also 946 inspections in Canada and 487 inspections in Mexico.
During the one-day enforcement effort, the brake-related out-of-service rate for all of North America was 12.6%. The rate in the U.S. was 13.3% (1,151 trucks placed OOS), while it was 11.4% (108 trucks) in Canada and 2.9% (14 trucks) in Mexico.
In addition, inspectors compiled and reported data specifically on brake hoses/tubing, the focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Day. There were a total of 1,725 brake hoses/tubing violations across North America, according to CVSA.
Brake Safety Day is the alliance’s unannounced brake safety initiative. However, CVSA also holds Brake Safety Week each year and announces those dates publicly well in advance. This year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 22-28.
[Related: The 14-state speed trap: Where speeding enforcement is highest priority]
CloudTrucks offering fuel discounts to owner-ops
Virtual motor carrier CloudTrucks has rolled out a fuel discount program in a partnership with Road Ranger, an Illinois-based chain of travel centers, truck stops and convenience stores.
The program offers CloudTrucks’ network of owner-operators a 20-cent discount per gallon at all participating Road Ranger locations across the Midwest.
“We recognize the imperativeness of maximizing drivers’ revenue and know that fuel is one of the largest costs associated with owning a trucking business,” said Tobenna Arodiogbu, CEO and co-founder of CloudTrucks. “Road Ranger is an incredibly valuable partner for this program, and we hope to continue expanding our partnerships to reach the entire country.”
CloudTrucks owner-operators are encouraged to use CloudTruck’s CT Cash, a free instant pay and cash card developed in collaboration with Visa, to purchase fuel at a partner location. Upon purchasing fuel at the retail price, drivers can see the discount applied immediately on their CT Cash balance.
[Related: Real success with a 'virtual' carrier: Jason Hurley's CloudTrucks experience]
I-10 weekend closure planned in Phoenix
The first phase of work for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is set to begin late Friday, July 23, with a weekend closure of westbound I-10. This marks the first of at least eight weekend highway closures planned for I-10 or U.S. 60 Superstition Freeway this summer.
ADOT advises drivers to expect delays and use alternate routes while westbound I-10 is closed between Loop 202 and U.S. 60 from 10 p.m. Friday, July 23, to 4 a.m. Monday, July 26. Drivers can use the eastbound Loop 202 Santan Freeway to the northbound Loop 101 Price Freeway as a detour.
Drivers bound for the West Valley can use the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway to bypass the work zone and connect with I-10 at 59th Avenue.
The westbound I-10 on-ramps at Loop 202, Chandler Boulevard, Ray, Warner and Elliot roads will also be closed. Drivers can use Baseline Road to access westbound I-10 while the ramp closures are in place.
ADOT anticipates this first phase of the project will continue through early September. Crews are removing the asphalt from I-10 in the project boundaries between Loop 202 and I-17, and from U.S. 60 at I-10 where ADOT will improve the interchange. The driving surfaces will be restored after construction is completed in late 2024.
Each of this summer’s weekend closures will occur in segments ranging from one to seven miles. Only one direction of travel – eastbound or westbound – will be affected at a time.
The second of the summer weekend closures is scheduled to occur on eastbound I-10 between U.S. 60 and Loop 202 from 10 p.m. Friday, July 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2.
