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Exceptional Roadside Inspection
Daniel Palmer, Unit 34598, received a Level 3 Roadside Inspection on February 21, 2002, while traveling through Missouri. No violations were discovered during the inspection, and in fact, the officer performing the inspection was so impressed with Dan and his tractor/trailer that he took the time to make the following notations on the inspection form: "In my opinion this was the epitome of a perfect DOT Level 3 inspection. Driver reported within 90 seconds of parking. Driver was neat, clean, well groomed and polite. He was wearing a uniform shirt with his company logo displayed. His logbook was perfect - neat and easy to read. All DOT paperwork and permits were neatly placed (in order) in the front page of the permit book. We can only wish there were more drivers of this caliber on the road today."
Roadside inspections are covered in the first quarter safety training. As discussed in the training video it is important to be ready for a roadside inspection at any time. Logbooks should be up to date to the last change in duty status. The working order of your unit as well as the visual appearance of your truck, your cargo and yourself, play a large part in how you are viewed by the inspecting officer, as well as anyone else, including our customers, who come in contact with you while on the road. Attitude is also a key-determining factor in how well your roadside inspection will go.
As a reminder, it is important to mail all roadside inspections in your next Trip Pak Envelope. Roadside inspections must be signed by ATS and mailed back to the inspecting state within 15 days of the inspection. It is also important to remember to log all roadside inspections.(67,732,320)
Many thanks and congratulations to Daniel Palmer on a job well done!
Winter Driving
 With the recent death of Isaiah Fort, we are reminded of just how fragile life is and that we should not take a moment for granted. Each driver is the captain of his own ship and the only one who can control how that ship is handled and responds to the conditions around it.
Some guidelines to remember for winter driving are:
Reduce speed
Increase following distance
Signal well in advance
Be prepared
Avoid sudden braking, accelerating and steering
Give yourself plenty of time
Check the weather before you head out
Check tires, wipers, washers, mirrors and lights
Don't drive in extreme weather.
Be aware of your surroundings. As you move in traffic you are always entering new areas and situations. It's up to you to be sure you are getting the complete picture of what is going on around you. Your surroundings include every conflict that can happen. Depending on where you are, your surroundings include unpredictable people in vehicles and on foot, stationery objects, instruction signs, warnings and traffic control devices. Concentrate on the job of driving and what is going on around you. Remember, you are the captain of your ship.
Hazmat Training
 A training video and practice test are available at the Gary Terminal, Bldg 1 and at the St. Cloud main office, so you can brush up on your hazmat knowledge.
This is recommended for anyone about to take their Hazmat test or just wanting to enhance their Hazmat knowledge.
As always a practical study guide is the state CDL Hazmat guide available at your local license bureau.
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