Companies who produce, distribute, sell or recycle hazmat must have strict internal operations and security plans, that ensure safe processing and handling of all chemicals – they must also arrange for safe transportation of their chemical components. This often requires the assistance of a 3rd party transportation provider, who has their own transportation restrictions. When combined with the compliance requirements set forth by the DOT, a detailed hazmat safety and security plan must be in place.

July 17, 2013 | Earlier this month, a Montreal, Main, and Atlantic Railway train with 72 tank cars carrying crude oil derailed in eastern Quebec – causing devastation, death, and destruction to the town of Lac-Mégnatic.

According to reports, the train’s breaks disengaged after a mandatory rest stop. Upon the break disengagement, the train continued on the track for over an hour before hitting the tourist town.

July 12, 2013 | Following up from our post earlier this week highlighting the new HOS Rule, another important component of your driving safety plan is your CSA Score.

CSA scores are updated on a monthly basis. They measure the carrier’s safety accountability and rely on various components for measurement. The FMCSA relies on the following to calculate scores:

- Unsafe driving

- Fatigued driving/hours of service

- Driver fitness

- Controlled substances/alcohol