It’s Time to Raise that CSA Score

trucking safety Archives - Interstate

It’s Time to Raise that CSA Score

Improving CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores isn’t about one fix; it’s about tightening operations across drivers, equipment, and oversight. The fleets that consistently score well treat safety like a system, not a checklist. Start with the basics: inspections. Most CSA issues come from roadside violations that could’ve been prevented. Drivers should be trained to take

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Parking Lot Safety Practices for Truckers

Fleets tend to concentrate most of their safety training on preventing highway accidents—and for good reason. High-speed collisions involving large trucks can lead to severe damage, injuries, and fatalities. But there’s another risk area that often flies under the radar: parking lots. Nearly two-thirds of delivery-related accidents occur in these lower-speed environments. While typically less

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Regional Climate Impacts on Truck Maintenance Practices and Costs

Regional climate plays a critical role in commercial truck maintenance by influencing wear, failure rates, service frequency, and overall costs. As a result, fleets in different regions adopt distinct maintenance strategies tailored to their environmental conditions. Temperature extremes significantly impact operations. In cold climates, thickened oil, battery weakness, diesel gelling, and frozen air brake lines

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How to Prepare for CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual International Roadcheck for May 12–14, 2026. This 72-hour, high-visibility enforcement campaign spans North America, targeting commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and drivers to ensure adherence to safety regulations covering vehicles, cargo, and driver qualifications. During the event, certified inspectors at weigh stations, roadside locations, and temporary

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Trucking Safety Best Practices: What to Do When You Arrive

G.O.A.L. — Get Out And Look.When backing into a parking space or positioning at a dock, don’t hesitate to get out and check your surroundings as often as necessary. Taking extra time to ensure proper alignment is far better than risking a preventable accident. If previous tire tracks are visible, use them as a guide

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Pre-Trip Trucking Safety Tips

Pre-Trip: 5 Safety Tips to Follow Before You Hit the Road 1. Prioritize your health.You are the most valuable asset in your truck. Stay at your best by: Getting quality sleep while on the road Adding regular exercise and stretching to your routine Preparing healthier meals in your truck Using comfort items like sunshades and

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Well Rested Drivers Are Safer and More Productive

Many truck drivers begin their shifts before sunrise, while others continue driving late into the night. It’s common to see exhausted drivers grabbing coffee at rest stops to push through fatigue. But chronic tiredness isn’t just unhealthy — it’s dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 100,000 police-reported crashes each year

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Understanding the 4 Types of Distracted Driving Affecting Your Fleet

Distracted driving is a significant problem that contributes to a staggering number of collisions and fatalities each year. It is crucial to recognize the four categories of distracted driving to address this issue effectively: visual, manual, auditory, and cognitive. Understanding these distinctions is essential for developing strategies to reduce distracted driving within a fleet. Visual

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Driver Beware: Common DOT Violations

Violating US Department of Transportation regulations can prove dangerous, stressful, and costly. Keeping common types of violations in mind can help you avoid them and keep everyone safer. Here are some of the most common DOT violations: Operating Without Physical Qualification:Truck driving is physically demanding, and all drivers must pass a medical exam at least

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What Are the Costs of Poor Maintenance in Trucking?

Successful fleet management requires a delicate balance between operational efficiency and driver safety while remaining cost-effective. Preventative maintenance can achieve all three goals by keeping operating expenses low and reducing downtime. Preventative maintenance has other benefits that aren’t obvious at first glance. For example, drivers’ behavior often improves if the fleet vehicles receive regular and

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