The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) focused on hours-of-service (HOS) compliance during its 2018 International Roadcheck (Roadcheck). The annual enforcement campaign was held June 5-7 during a 72-hour inspection blitz of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) and drivers in jurisdictions throughout North America.

CVSA-certified CMV inspectors performed level one inspections during the event. The procedures for a roadside inspection are the same as any other day of the year, but the likelihood of being stopped for the comprehensive driver and vehicle inspection increases.

Congratulations to the following Saia drivers who were awarded a backpack for receiving a clear inspection during Roadcheck 2018:

CVSA uses the annual event to emphasize a specific category of violations as it did this year with HOS compliance. It was the top reason drivers were placed out-of-service during last year’s event. The 2018 event allows enforcement a medium by which to educate drivers on the topic.

“Although the electronic logging device (ELD) rule that went into effect on Dec. 18, 2017, does not change any of the underlying hours-of-service rules or exceptions, the ELD mandate placed a spotlight on hours-of-service compliance,” said CVSA President Capt. Christopher Turner of the Kansas Highway Patrol. “We thought this year would be a perfect opportunity to focus on the importance of the hours-of-service regulations.”

MPS Regional Safety Manager Herbie McCabe recently retired and was honored for his contributions to the company with a celebration at the terminal. He had worked at Saia since 2010. All who knew and worked with Herbie will miss him! Congratulations and best of luck on your new adventure in life!

More than 30 candidates, from the CGO, GLK, MKE, and SBN terminals, participated in the event this year. All who competed did so for the opportunity to take home a personal trophy as well as the CGO Regional Team Trophy, which honors the best average terminal score.

The contestants were joined by terminal managers, dispatchers, dock supervisors, regional staff, sales support personnel, account executives, and dock-to-driver trainers who were in town for meetings with Saia Director of Safety Karla Staver.

After the written examinations began, all the contestants walked to their respective courses. That’s when the obstacle challenges and trash talking really began!

At the conclusion of the day, children of the participants started the awards ceremony off with the Saia cheer with CGO Regional Claims Prevention Manager Denise Modglin assisting.

Then, CGO Regional Safety Manager Pat Flynn announced the roll call of champions for the freight handlers, who completed their required skills while their forklifts sported a cone holding a tennis ball at the top. The ball had to remain in place throughout the competition.

The winners were:

First Place– SBN Dockworker Cartaya Alexander
Second Place – CGO Dockworker Alberto Cervantes Anaya
Third Place – CGO Dockworker Salomon Barrera

The winners of the driving championship were then announced:

First Place – MKE City Driver Tim Burger
Second Place – CGO City Driver Ralph McComb
Third Place – CGO City Driver Fergie Reed

Outside of the competition, participants and those in attendance enjoyed hot dogs and, in honor of Cinco De Mayo, nachos! There were games for the kids and a visit by a representative from the Chicago Wolves hockey team, who brought along some hockey gear that provided for some great photo opportunities! Additionally, an appearance by Megatron, Saia’s four-door trainer tractor, courtesy of CGO Dock-to-driver Instructor Jason Calcagno, provided for some terrific interaction and pictures. It was a great day that everyone, including all the family members in attendance, enjoyed being a part of.

“Every employee who participated in the competition were winners. I am grateful to all who helped put together the event,” explained CGO Regional Manager Phil Mott. “It was a true team effort.”

Congratulations to ACO HR Project Specialist Courtney George for being named to Women in Trucking’s "Top Women in Transportation to Watch" by the editorial staff of the association’s Redefining the Road magazine. Women were nominated and chosen based upon accomplishments in their careers and personal lives, and will be featured in a future edition of the magazine.