FMCSA Seeks Comment on Medical Review Report Filed for Proposed Diabetes Rule

Another step has been completed in a proposed rulemaking that would allow CDL drivers with controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce without first obtaining an individual exemption for that medical condition from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Sixteen months ago, the agency proposed that the rules be changed to simplify the obtaining of exemptions by drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin.

The proposed rule would let drivers with ITDM obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) at least annually to operate in interstate commerce if the treating clinician— the healthcare professional responsible for prescribing insulin for the driver's diabetes— provides documentation to the Medical Examiner that the condition is “stable and well-controlled.”

FMCSA said in its notice of proposed rulemaking that it believes this new procedure would “adequately ensure that drivers with ITDM manage the condition so that it is stable and well-controlled, and that such a regulatory provision creates a clearer, equally effective and more consistent framework than a program based entirely on exemptions.”

The agency added that its own evidence reports as well as ADA studies and other data “indicate that drivers with ITDM are as safe as other drivers when their condition is well-controlled.”

The public comment period on the NPRM closed back on July 6, 2015. That same month, FMCSA requested that its Medical Review Board (MRB) review and analyzie the over 1,250 comments received and provide recommendations the agency “should consider when making a decision about the next steps in the diabetes rulemaking.”

Now, FMCSA has announced the MRB report is available and that it is seeking public comment on the board's recommendations.

In its notice published in the Federal Register for Sept. 9, the agency said it “believes that public comment on the [MRB] recommendations will assist it ...Read the rest of this story

GM Recalls Multiple Models for Air Bags

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is among the recalled models. Photo courtesy of GM.

General Motors is recalling approximately 3.64 million 2014- to 2017-model-year vehicles in the U.S. because a software defect in their sensing and diagnostic modules may result in air bag malfunction, the automaker said.

The recall includes certain:

The sensing and diagnostic module controls air bag and pretensioners deployment. The software defect may prevent the deployment of frontal air bags and pretensioners in “certain rare circumstances when a crash is preceded by a specific event impacting vehicle dynamics,” GM said in a released statement.

Dealers will update the software, free of charge, to resolve the problem. To learn whether any of your vehicles are involved, fleet managers can click here to search by VIN.

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Engagement key to lowering early driver turnover rates

Getting newly-hired truck drivers engaged is “positive feedback” loops early on in their tenure with motor carriers is critical to preventing what's being dubbed “hire and retire” syndrome or “early turnover” within 90 days, research firm Stay Metrics suggests.

Based on its analysis of 24,000 drivers employed at 80 carriers using its loyalty and engagement programs, Stay Metrics found that out of 100 drivers, 33 will leave 90 days after being hired, with 22 leaving by the 180 day mark.

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Swift Founder/CEO Jerry Moyes to Retire by Year’s End

Swift Transportation Company announced the retirement of founder and CEO Jerry Moyes, effective Dec. 31, 2016.

He'll be replaced by Richard Stocking, who has been president and chief operating officer of the Phoenix-based company since 2010. During the transition period, Moyes and Stocking will serve as co-CEOs, but daily responsibilities will be transitioned to Stocking immediately.

Moyes, who started the business in 1966 with a single truck, was one of the last of a group of trucking leaders who led the rise of the truckload industry after trucking was deregulated in 1980.

However, as the Wall Street Journal reports, in the past year, the 72-year-old executive has come under fire for pledging Swift shares as collateral for personal loans.

“I want to thank everyone at Swift for helping me build this great company over the last 50 years,” said Moyes. “I am proud of all of Swift's employees who drive the performance of this company, and I am confident that Swift will continue on its successful path.”

As of Jan. 1, Moyes will serve as founder and chairman emeritus and a member of the board of directors.

Stocking has been with Swift since 1992 with experience managing all facets of the business including operations, sales, marketing, safety and recruiting. He served in other leadership capacities including executive vice president of sales and regional vice president of operations.

“Beginning 50 years ago, hauling steel with a single truck, Jerry Moyes created a strong, enduring company and built Swift into one of the largest truckload providers in the U.S.,” said Richard Dozer, chairman of the board of directors. “We are deeply grateful to Jerry for his innumerable contributions to Swift's growth and success. We wish Jerry all the best in his well-deserved retirement and look forward to his continued guidance and experience on the Board.”

Swift is ...Read the rest of this story