Fleet Management, FMSCA, VLC
Human trafficking is a global catastrophe that affects millions of lives every year. It is a heinous crime that preys upon the vulnerability of individuals, exploiting them for forced labor, sex work, or other forms of servitude. Recognizing the need to address this grave issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States has taken a proactive stance by launching an a-inclusive Human Trafficking Prevention Campaign. At Vehicle Licensing Consultants, we support the work of the FMCSA and applaud their efforts to combat human trafficking in the transportation industry.
Understanding the Serious and Widespread Issue of Human Trafficking
Before exploring the details of the campaign, it is essential to understand the magnitude of human trafficking. It is a secretive practice that operates across borders, exploiting victims from various backgrounds and age groups. The transportation sector, with its vast network and mobility, unfortunately becomes an easy tool for traffickers to move victims, often unnoticed. Realizing the unique role it can play in curbing this crime, the FMCSA has taken important steps to raise awareness, educate stakeholders, and enhance reporting mechanisms.
The FMCSA’s Human Trafficking Prevention Campaign
The FMCSA’s campaign encompasses several key initiatives and partnerships designed to combat human trafficking effectively. Some of the primary components include:
Education and Training for Industry Professionals
The FMCSA recognizes the importance of educating transportation industry professionals about the signs of human trafficking and how to report suspicious activities. Through its campaign, the FMCSA has developed training resources and materials to raise awareness among truck drivers, carriers, and other stakeholders. This educational component equips individuals with the necessary tools to identify potential trafficking situations and empowers them to take appropriate action.
Public and Private Partnerships
The fight against human trafficking requires a collaborative approach. The FMCSA actively engages with various stakeholders, including trucking associations, law enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to build partnerships. By fostering these alliances, the campaign leverages collective efforts to effectively identify and prevent human trafficking incidents.
Outreach and Public Awareness Programs
The FMCSA’s campaign emphasizes the importance of outreach and awareness in order to combat human trafficking effectively. It actively participates in public events, conferences, and industry gatherings to engage with transportation professionals and the wider community. By spreading the message through various different channels, the campaign aims to reach as many individuals as possible, fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
Simple Reporting Practices
To facilitate reporting of potential trafficking incidents, the FMCSA provides channels for individuals to share information securely. The agency encourages transportation professionals to utilize the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), a vital resource for reporting suspected cases and seeking assistance. By promoting a culture where reporting is normal and encouraged, the campaign strengthens the collective fight against human trafficking.
Regulatory Framework
In addition to awareness and education, the FMCSA works within its regulatory framework to address human trafficking. It collaborates with law enforcement agencies and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening laws, regulations, and penalties related to human trafficking within the transportation industry. This proactive approach ensures that traffickers face serious consequences for their actions.
Partnering Together to Prevent Human Trafficking
By supporting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Human Trafficking Prevention Campaign, we at VLC hope to serve as a leader in the transportation industry to combat human trafficking. By prioritizing education, awareness, partnerships, and reporting mechanisms, the campaign empowers transportation professionals to play a crucial role in identifying and preventing human trafficking incidents. Together, through collective efforts of the FMCSA, companies like VLC, and the support of drivers and the public, we can make a significant impact in the fight against this terrible crime, ensuring a safer and more compassionate future.
How Can VLC’s Driver Qualification Fleet Management Software Help the Transportation Industry?
At Vehicle Licensing Consultants we help transportation companies with driver compliance through driver qualification fleet management software and other tools. Driver compliance is one of the most important and overlooked spokes in the wheel of a successful fleet company and our driver qualification fleet management software is comprehensive, assisting your company with everything from keeping driver qualification records to preparing everything needed for a DOT audit. Our dedicated staff and inventive technology joins forces to enhance your driver compliance procedures and support you every step of the way as you grow your business.
If you are interested in learning more about VLC’s driver qualification fleet management software or our other helpful services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at: 530-637-1696 or email us at info@im4trux.com.
Uncategorized
The future of the trucking industry has arrived with the new Tesla semi truck being released this year. Tesla semis were first revealed by Elon Musk in 2017 and experienced quite a few delays getting to the market. The brand new electric truck has finally arrived however, and the Pepsi Company (PepsiCo) is the first carrier company to use it.
PepsiCo originally ordered 100 Tesla semi trucks, and 15 of the vehicles will be launched first in the Modesto area. Following Modesto, PepsiCo will launch 21 more of the Tesla semis in Sacramento. The Pepsi Company owns one of the largest private semi fleets in all of North America and hopes to reduce their carbon footprint with these new energy efficient vehicles. The trucks can supposedly run for up to 425 miles using a single charge, making them the most sustainable semi on the market today.
The Pepsi company will begin transporting its famous Frito-Lay products from their Modesto California facility and will also send trucks on 100 mile daily routes, delivering Pepsi cola from the Sacramento warehouse. It also plans to test out the new trucks’ long range capabilities using the Sacramento facility, driving Pepsi from the Sacramento branch to other stores and warehouses located between 300 and 400 miles away.
The California Air Resources Board is working with PepsiCo to transition the facility in Modesto to be able to demonstrate all of the benefits of zero, and near zero emission technologies on both current and future sustainability. According to a CNBC interview with Mike O’Connell, the vice president of the supply chain for PepsiCo., the Tesla semi project has already delivered a 91% reduction in greenhouse gasses. This energy savings is an excellent first step which the company then plans to filter down into their other operations.
Transitioning to Electric Semis Means Updated Trucking Fleet Management
As more and more companies start transitioning to sustainable models such as the Tesla semi, they will need trucking fleet management services more than ever. What fleet management means is the ability to maintain accurate records and licensing documentation for an entire fleet of vehicles. Trucking fleet management can be overwhelming for a company to manage in-house since many companies are already at capacity with their staff and resources.
What fleet management means when you choose to hire a company like VLC, is less stress and more streamlined trucking fleet management from an entire team of professionals. At VLC we want to take the headache and hassle of trucking fleet management off of your plate so that you can focus on your routes, employees, maintenance, and all of the other day-to-day things that come with running a successful carrier company.
We also believe what fleet management means is more than just driver compliance. We have been serving customers for more than 50 years and are experienced at providing solutions to the entire trucking industry not only for driver compliance, but also for fleet optimization and vehicle compliance as well.
Choose VLC to Provide Optimum Trucking Fleet Management and Customer Service
At VLC we have an entire team of experts who have dedicated their careers to understanding the challenges of the trucking industry and are always working to both improve trucking fleet management and provide innovative and comprehensive solutions to each carrier company’s fleet of vehicles.
Along with basic trucking fleet management we also can assist businesses with driver safety and compliance, permitting and reporting, IRP registration, licensing, and operations’ costs. Whether your company is thinking about transitioning to electric fleets in the near future, or whether that is way out on the horizon, we will be ready to assist you in optimizing your trucking fleet management whenever you’re ready. This way, you can rest assured knowing an entire team of professionals is providing a foundation of safety, security, and optimum customer service for your business. Give us a call VLC today by dialing 530-637-1696 or emailing us at info@im4trux.com
Fleet Management, Geotab
At Vehicle Licensing Consultants (VLC), we commonly get questions about Geotab and how it can benefit carrier companies. But what is Geotab exactly and how can it help you make better informed decisions for your business? At VLC we want to help our clients understand the ins and outs of the industry and offer tools that can help make it simpler to increase your company’s efficiency.
What is Geotab?
Geotab is a commercial telematics vendor that offers GPS tracking solutions for vehicles along with other non-vehicle asset tracking. Geotab has been rated number one by the ABI research group for commercial telematics vendors, and it continues to impress the international community with innovative and creative solutions combined with top-of-the-line technology.
Whether you are a small company that has only a single vehicle or a large company that has an entire fleet, when you go to your Geotab login the “My Geotab” program can help you stay abreast of what is happening with your fleet at any time.
What kinds of things does Geotab offer?
The solutions that your Geotab login offers are many and the Geotab Data Insight Solution program can provide you with essential data analysis to organize and empower your company. The Geotab marketplace uses a variety of products that can help with efficiency, allowing you to know the location of all of your vehicles at any time.
Geotab offers the following benefits to carrier companies across the globe:
- increased optimization through fleet maintenance
- fleet benchmarking
- fleet management
- asset tracking and management
- routing and dispatching services
- driver tracking and reporting
Geotab also offers safety and compliance in the following areas:
- driver coaching through a Geotab login
- electronic logging device (ELD)
- driver/vehicle inspection reports
- driver safety reporting
- dash cams
- compliance within the international fuel tax agreement (FTA)
Finally, Geotab offers both sustainability and expandability through:
- hardware integration
- data insights to companies
- EV fleet management software integration
- greenhouse gas and emission reductions
What is the Geotab GO?
The Geotab GO is a small vehicle tracking device that is a leader in the worldwide marketplace in GPS services. The Geotab GO easily plugs into your vehicle’s OBDII port if one is available, and if not, an adapter can be used as well.
There is no lengthy installation process and installing the Geotab GO does not require a professional installation expert or any specialty tools at all! Data can be sent from a variety of sources within the vehicle including:
- the instrument panel
- the drivetrain
- the engine
- other subsystems
By using a variety of internal networks, the Geotab GO is able to provide rich data at all times. There is also a Geotab GO “rugged” telematics device that is perfect for heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, oilfield equipment, and any yellow iron vehicles. It is hearty and near indestructible, can be installed in a location where it will be exposed to the elements, and has all of the benefits of Geotab for your heavy machinery.
Reach Out to Learn More About Geotab Today!
If you are interested in learning more about how Geotab can help you contact us at VLC today by calling 530-637-1696 or emailing us at info@im4trux.com
Driver Qualification File Management
The ELD mandate’s purpose is to reduce the overall number of accidents, but there is much more to it than just tracking the service hours. Now, it’s possible to integrate Geotab data with your driver files for comprehensive driver tracking and reporting.
Having Accurate ELD Data for IFTA and IRP
Both the IFTA and IRP need to know the exact miles driven in each state. Geotab data can be used to accurately track mileage so that tax is allocated correctly and fuel costs are properly accounted for.
ELD Data for Detention Evidence
ELD data can be used for evidence when it comes to driver detention. Many times, shippers and receivers will not pay for the extra time that drivers must wait to be loaded or unloaded. Using Geotab data, you can easily see when the truck arrived, when the driver left, and how long they were detained.
Load Location Tracking Using ELD Data
ELD data can also be used to track load location. Geotab data can be used to calculate the time of arrival at the destination and the exact location of the truck at any given time. This is especially helpful for trucking companies who are trying to ensure their loads are delivered on time.
Trucking Software and ELD: Data Management
Integrating Geotab data with your trucking software and driver file management like DQMConnect can be a great way to manage ELD data. This integration allows for easy data management, and makes it easier to determine the total miles driven, the total fuel consumed, and the hours of service for each driver.
Integrate Geotab Data and Driver Files With DQMConnect
Integrating driver files with Geotab data has never been easier thanks to DQMConnect and Vehicle Licensing Consultants. Our software is the leading driver file management system for trucking companies, and it allows for easy integration with Geotab data. With our system, you can manage your driver files and Geotab data in a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
Additionally, you can stay compliant with IFTA and IRP regulations, while being prepared for a DOT audit if necessary. In the case that you are audited, you can easily access any driver information and Geotab data you may need to prove your compliance with the regulations.
Integrating Geotab data with your driver files is the key to staying compliant and improving the efficiency of your trucking operations. With DQMConnect, you can easily manage all of your Geotab data and driver files in one system. Contact us today to learn more about DQMConnect, or schedule a discovery call for a live demo.
DQMConnect™, Driver Qualification File Management, FMCSA
The FMCSA has been conducting offsite audits for over 3 years. Starting in 2019, they were largely focused on safety reviews. However, the number and types of offsite audits have been on the rise. The pandemic encouraged the transition while the ease and cost effectiveness of offsite audits are continuing the trend upward.
In 2020, nearly 5 times the number of offsite audits were conducted as compared with 2019. Last year, 2021 saw a rule change enabling the FMCSA to issue safety ratings after an offsite audit. More motor carriers are receiving a “conditional” safety rating than “satisfactory”, despite so many audits being done remotely. This is something the agency could never do before.
Given the trend of the past 3 years and the fact that offsite audits appear to be working, they will likely remain part of the agency’s approach for years to come.
Let’s examine the audit numbers for 2021.
6% increase in audits; 95% resulting in violations
30% increase in audits that uncovered severe violations
37% increase in audits with critical violations such as missing records
The rise in conditional safety ratings is an important consideration for any HR manager or Fleet Manager. Conditional safety ratings can have costly consequences, including lost customers, higher insurance rates, and increased liability in court.
The Transition to Offsite Audits
As we can see, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is relying more heavily on offsite audits. It is time for you to embrace a DQM File Management tool to help ensure your compliance and facilitate these offsite audits. DQMConnect has a truly unique approach to DQM File Management. You maintain control of your files and it presents you with your compliance status and prepares the necessary audit files right from the Dashboard. No waiting. No loss of control. The data is yours and is accessible 24×7. For you and for the auditor should you need it.
Let us show you why more carriers are moving to DQMConnect to stay in control, in compliance, and audit ready!
