Driver Newsletter
December 11, 2020
Celebrate Buchanan Shout Outs! with us!

We appreciate all that everyone on our team does every day. Sometimes, we have a a big win to celebrate and other times, someone deserves a shout out because they make our days a little brighter. Join us as we celebrate each other and take a moment to give a fellow Buchanan team member a shout out!
Please take a look at the attached CSA update for November.

  • Still in Hours of Service Alert/Intervention status with FMCSA…However- GOOD NEWS!
  • BHRI 7% CLOSER TO DOT THRESHOLD GOAL OVER LAST MONTH!
  • ZERO NEW VIOLATIONS FOR HOURS OF SERVICE FOR NOVEMBER!
  • ZERO DOT RECORDABLE ACCIDENTS FOR NOVEMBER!
  • 39 CLEAN INSPECTIONS FOR NOVEMBER!
  • REMEMBER: 
  • MAKE COACHING * PERSONAL * TIMELY * CONSISTENT *
 
  • REMIND DRIVERS THE IMPORTANCE OF * ON TIME EQUIPMENT SERVICE CHECKS * THOROUGH PRE/POST TRIP INSPECTIONS ON EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT *
 
  • REMOVE OBSTACLES / AVOID VIOLATIONS * SHUT DOWN ELDS WEEKLY FOR BETTER OPERATION * FLAG ALL ON DUTY STATUS CORRECTLY * COMMUNICATE *
 
  • 18 New Violations for November
  • 15 New Violations / 204 New CSA Points for VEHICLE MAINT.
  • 3 New Violations / 54 New CSA Points for UNSAFE DRIVING
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM SAFETY

Due to recent CSA SCORES and new FMCSA Regulations, beginning in October, Buchanan went to work to implement new auditing procedures to combat the rising risk to our Safety record and CSA scores.
Measures focusing on areas in need of attention to ensure compliance both with Buchanan Policy as well as FMCSA Safety Regulations.

*Verbal Warnings have been in effect since October 1, 2020
*Written Warnings will go in effect January 1, 2021

Listed below are the procedures implemented by Buchanan Hauling and Rigging

PRE/POST TRIP INSPECTIONS
1)     Drivers are expected to thoroughly pre trip their truck at the beginning of their shift and any trailers they pick up during the day – FMCSA Reg 396.13
2)     Drivers are expected to thoroughly post trip each vehicle operated at the end of each shift (including trailer, if you have a trailer at the end of the day) – FMCSA Reg 396.11
3)     A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report or DVIR must be completed on a commercial motor vehicle (including all trailers used) confirming that a driver has completed an inspection (pre & post trips) – FMCSA Reg 396.11
4)     Daily, a Pre-trip inspection and a Post-trip inspection of the tractor and trailer is required by DOT and THIS MUST BE DONE WHILE “ON DUTY”. 
5)     Remarks MUST be added to on duty statuses
HOS VIOLATIONS
Drivers are allowed 3 violations within a month only if said violation did not accompany a roadside inspection violation or citation. If a violation or citation occurs on a roadside inspection it will be treated as a 4th Violation.

PERSONAL CONVEYENCE PROCEDURES
YOU MAY USE PC:
1)     You may ONLY use PC if in a BOBTAIL MOVE.
2)     You may use PC if are relieved of all duty per dispatch (IF YOU HAVE NO TRAILER)
3)     You must return to prior location.
4)     You many only use 2 hours of total time.
You MAY NOT USE PC:
1)     To advance current load.
2)     To advance to the next load.
3)     To achieve more driving hours.
4)     To Drive to a Shop (or return from the Shop.)
5)     If directed by dispatch to move to another location.

ELD SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE
Drivers need to be sure they are Logging OUT of their Qualcomm at minimum 1 time per week. This will give your unit time to perform the proper updates and system checks for better performance during operation/travel.


Please call the Safety Department with any questions
Buchanan is made up of so many tremendous individuals celebrating milestones and achievements. Allow us to celebrate with you by sharing via the button below!

2020 has been full of challenging news. Let's celebrate big in the next six weeks - share anything you've celebrated in 2020!
Don't let this be you!

Winter has begun for most of the U.S., consider the following precautions to reduce your risk of injury.

  • Use the flashlight on your phone to scan the surface you're walking on and see any ice / uneven surfaces.
  • Wear proper footwear for the conditions.
  • Be cautious and allow for extra time.
  • Carry a small container of kitty litter or sand in your vehicle to sprinkle on ice if needed.
  • Adjust your walking style to allow for greater stability.
IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM SAFETY:
VEHICLE TURNING POLICY


  • Vehicle turns are one of the most important aspects of a driver’s responsibility. Many motorists are unaware of the space requirements for a commercial motor vehicle to turn. Drivers should always slow down and apply the appropriate turn signals to give motorists in front and back ample time to see your intentions and provide the appropriate space for your turning requirements.

  • Drivers should be particularly cognizant of wide right turns. Should you be required to make a wide right turn, slow down and put your turn signal on well in advance. 
  • Pull wide to the left without hindering traffic. Remember, your wide spot is to your right. Lean over, look out the window and at your fender mirror and ensure there is no oncoming traffic in the right lane. If so, honk your horn and let them go. Then gradually begin maneuvering through the turn.

  • Company policy prohibits U-Turns. They present a high risk which could lead to an accident, property damage, or loss of cargo due to roll-over. If a driver needs to turn around it should be somewhere safe. Any accident, incident, and/or fine arising from an improper U-turn will be reviewed and the driver will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or cancellation of the contract.
  • If you miss a turn or an exit, pass the turn and find a safe way to change direction. Do not take shortcuts. Trying to suddenly correct a missed turn or exit may result in you performing an illegal or unsafe maneuver which may threaten your safety and the safety of the vehicles around you.
One of our very generous drivers saves his Loves fuel points for the entire year and donates them this time of the year in exchange of toys for children.

We've heard a couple other drivers are going to follow in his generous footsteps.

We share this today not to recognize him, in fact he was very mindful to not have his last name included in this post, but to encourage everyone to consider what you can do to brighten this season for someone.

Allow God to use you in blessing another this season regardless of how big or small the gift may be.

In the month of December, Safety will offer TWO Virtual Driver Safety Meetings.

The SAME content will be covered at both meetings - you only need to select ONE meeting.

The December meetings will be held on Zoom. Registrants will have Zoom login information for the meeting sent to the email listed in their registration the day prior to the meeting.
From the Desk of John Flick, BHRI CFO
All drivers should use Love’s whenever possible as our fuel discounts and their added driver benefits are greater than other options.
Update on Driver Recruiting