Welcome back to Fleet Brief: Fast Updates for the Road, your go-to monthly rundown of safety insights, compliance updates, and industry trends for Bridgeway drivers. Fleet Brief is brought to you by CycloneServices, Bridgeway, and ATI Trucking.

I’m Samantha, and I’m happy to have you back for our October edition. Fall is officially in full swing with cooler mornings, pumpkin-spiced everything (at least for me), and plenty of freight on the move. Let’s jump right into what’s been happening on the road.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

The top violations we are seeing this month are speeding and running red lights. These are two of the easiest to avoid and most expensive mistakes to make. In Florida alone, we saw 33 speeding violations. Whether it’s that extra minute you think you will save or a yellow light that looks just long enough, remember that no load is worth risking a crash or your record.Slow it down, stay alert, and give yourself plenty of space to stop safely.

On the HazMat side, the most common issue continues to be incomplete or incorrect paperwork. It may not seem like much, but a missing signature can put a load and your day on hold. Double-check your shipping papers before departure and make sure all the information matches your placards and bill of lading.

October is also PedestrianSafety Month, and that is a great reminder for everyone, especially when driving through cities, terminals, and customer facilities. People on foot can be unpredictable, and they do not always see you coming, even though you are in a seventy-foot truck roughly the size of a small house. Maybe they are on their phone, maybe they think they are in a video game, but either way, keep speed slow in high-traffic areas and stay alert when backing up or turning.

We are a little late getting this month’s episode out, which means we missed the official National Slow Down Move Over Day. But hey, safety tips never expire. So, whether it is tow trucks, emergency vehicles, or anyone stopped on the shoulder, make it a habit to slow down and move over. A few extra feet can make all the difference and keep everyone safe to drive another day.

On the compliance side, it is business as usual at the FMCSA. The recent government shutdown has not affected operations or enforcement, so inspections and audits are continuing as scheduled.

TICKETS & OFFENSES

As I mentioned earlier, speeding and red-light violations continue to be some of the most serious and costly issues we are seeing on the road. Law enforcement in several states, including Florida and Texas, have stepped up enforcement efforts targeting aggressive and distracted driving.Officers are keeping a close eye out for tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and cell phone use, so keep your eyes up and drive smart. Because, if you are juggling a burger, a phone, and the steering wheel at the same time, you are just asking for a ticket.

This month, we had a tough reminder of just how serious speeding violations can be. A driver was ticketed for going 20 miles per hour over the limit in their personal vehicle. Rather than fighting the ticket, they chose to pay it. Because speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit is considered a major violation, their lease with Bridgeway was terminated.

So my best advice to you is to slow down and if you receive a speeding ticket, always fight it. That includes camera tickets. CDL Legal isa great resource to help contest violations and protect your record. Taking a few extra steps now can save your job and your CDL later.

OPERATIONS & BEST PRACTICES

Now that we have covered the serious stuff, let’s look at the freight market.

Trucking activity picked up sharply in September, signaling stronger freight demand heading into the fourth quarter. Spot load posts rose18.8 percent month-over-month and 45.5 percent year-over-year, showing that shippers are pushing more freight into the spot market. Truck postings edged up3.6 percent but are still down 26 percent from last year, tightening capacity.

Both van and flatbed freight saw notable gains. Van load-to-truck ratios climbed 12.4 percent, while flatbed ratios surged 26.8percent compared to August. That means increased competition for available equipment, but also more opportunities for drivers running those lanes.

Spot rates were steady across the board, with vans unchanged and flatbeds holding firm. Fuel prices decreased 1.1 percent in September, offering a little relief even though they remain slightly higher than last year. Overall, the market looks healthy heading into the holiday season.

With freight picking up and rates holding steady, there has never been a better time to expand your opportunities. One area that continues to see strong demand is HazMat. We are currently facing a shortage of qualifiedHazMat drivers, which means more high-paying freight is available for those who are certified. Getting your HazMat endorsement is a smart way to increase your income and help keep those specialized loads moving. The process is simpler than most drivers think, and Bridgeway’s safety team can help guide you through it.

If you are interested in getting your HazMat certification, talk to your dispatcher. Anyone at Cyclone Services or ATI Trucking would be happy to answer questions about current rates and lanes so you know what to expect. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the types of loads available and how certification can open doors to higher-paying freight.

DRIVER OF THE MONTH

Now my favorite part - Our Driver of the Month for October is Sergio Guerra.

Sergio has shown what true dedication and professionalism look like. When his truck broke down, he didn’t let that stop him from delivering freight. Instead of sitting it out, he went the extra mile and rented a truck to keep his loads moving. That kind of determination shows what it means to be a dependable professional driver.

Sergio is consistently responsive with our dispatch team, never misses a delivery window, and maintains a great attitude no matter what challenges come his way. His safety score is an impressive 93, and he achieved100 percent compliance in September for his logs.

Our dispatcher Jasmine summed it up perfectly: “Sergio is the kind of driver you can always count on. No matter what happens, he finds away to get the job done safely and on time. He’s a true team player.”

Congratulations, Sergio, and thank you for setting the standard for reliability, safety, and professionalism.

 As we wrap up October’s Fleet Brief, here are your key takeaways:

• Slow down and stop completely. Speeding and red-light violations are costly and dangerous.
• Double-check HazMat paperwork before every trip.
• Watch for pedestrians and roadside workers this month and every month.

That is all for the October edition of Fleet Brief. Thank you for tuning in and for everything you do to keep freight moving safely and professionally.

If you have feedback, a story to share, or a driver nomination, we would love to hear from you. Until next time, stay safe, stay focused, and keep those wheels turning.