‍

Welcome to the very first episode of Fleet Brief: Fast updates for the road!

Our goal is simple: keep you informed with quick, straightforward updates that matter to you as a driver. We’ll cover safety tips, compliance updates, regulatory news, and spotlight team achievements. Fleet Brief is proudly sponsored by Bridgeway, ATI Trucking, and Cyclone Services. I’m Samantha, and I’m thrilled to bring you our July edition.

Let’s get rolling with our safety and compliance highlights for July, violation data is courtesy of Bridgeway. We’ve got a three-way tie for the month’s top violations:

1. Lights failures are a common problem, so make sure every marker, headlight, and brake light is working properly before you roll out.
‍
2. Flat tires & audible air leaks continue to cause trouble; inspect tire pressure carefully and listen closely for leaks during your pre-trip.
‍
3. Air brake leaks remain frequent so remember, any hissing sound under pressure means you must stop immediately for repairs.

These are no-brainers, so flip on every light to ensure it’s working, check tire pressures, and listen for brake hisses. Spend just a minute at the beginning of your day and you’ll dodge these easy citations and keep your rig on the move.
‍
Moving into regional trends, inspections spiked this month for Bridgeway drivers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Florida led with 34 violations; South Carolina logged 28; and Georgia recorded 23. These hotspots often mirror seasonal traffic shifts and targeted enforcement, so keep an eye on your surroundings and stay sharp when running through these states.
‍
Looking ahead, mark your calendar for Brake Safety Week, taking place August 24 through 30: inspectors will be zeroing in on your brake drums and rotors so now is the time to look for cracks, metal-to-metal contact, rust or missing hardware. Knock out any issues now to avoid an out-of-service order,  check out the CVSA’s Brake Safety Week flyer for eight essential tips to keep your braking system in peak condition.

On the regulatory front, as of June 23 DOT medical exam results are now submitted electronically straight to your state agency. You do not need to carry a paper med card—though it’s still wise to keep a hard copy in your cab as states may need time to adjust to this new process. To stay ahead of the game, book your next exam at least two weeks before your current card expires, so you never miss a beat.

While you’re staying ahead on paperwork, don’t forget your equipment—especially with summer temperatures climbing. Your rig’s cooling system can end up working overtime. Before you roll out, top off your coolant, check hoses and belts for wear or leaks, and clear any debris from the radiator. Sitting in a hot, broken-down truck isn’t how anyone wants to spend their day.

Next up we’ve got this month’s ticket lesson: A driver ran a HazMat load through a metro area during morning rush hour, violating a local ordinance that prohibits hazardous material loads at peak times. When stopped, officers discovered he only carried electronic copies of his shipping papers and had his Emergency Response Guidebook stored inside a briefcase, resulting in a citation and nearly $1,500 in fines. HazMat carriers please take note: federal regulations require your shipping papers to be immediately accessible while seated at the controls, either in a document pouch on the inside of the driver’s side door or clearly visible in the cab to anyone entering the driver’s compartment. When stepping away from your vehicle, place shipping papers on the driver’s seat or keep them in the door-mounted holder. By carefully planning your route and storing your documents according to regulations, you’ll prevent costly penalties and unexpected stops.

All drivers, whether hauling HazMat or general freight, should perform a thorough check before each trip. Confirm that your permits, bills of lading, and inspection stickers are valid, current, and onboard. Take extra time to review your route for potential hazards such as low-clearance bridges, weight-restricted roads, and active construction zones. Staying proactive can prevent citations, delays, and expensive detours.

Before we wrap things up, let's celebrate excellence on our team with our Driver of the Month - Larry Bish! Larry has been part of the Cyclone Services family since 1998, and his commitment truly shines. Just last month, Larry logged 3,851 miles, spent 185 hours behind the wheel, delivered 27 loads safely and on time, and achieved a perfect Motive score. Larry sets the bar high, demonstrating what it means to be dedicated, professional, and safety conscious. Congratulations and thanks for all your hard work, Larry!
‍
That brings us to the end of our very first episode of Fleet Brief. We’re excited to kick off this monthly series and look forward to bringing you fresh content, safety tips, and driver highlights in every edition.
‍
We greatly appreciate your feedback, so keep your suggestions coming. Have an idea for a future episode? Send it our way. Until next month, stay safe, stay compliant, and keep those wheels turning. We appreciate everything you do out there on the road. Take care, everyone, and we’ll catch you next time!