Latest News
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The June 2013 edition of the Super Service Newsletter is now available and can be viewed by clicking here. Enjoy!
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Meet Ron Cooper
May 31
Meet Ron Cooper! Ron recently celebrated his 28th year of employment with Super Service! He hails from Lake City, South Carolina and has been working for Super Service since May 1985! Ron started his driving career when he was in the military; he loved it so much he decided to stick with it. He has driven many different types of runs during his time with Super Service; he currently works for our Do It Best Dedicated operation. “I enjoy knowing where I will be each day and getting to know our customers on a more personal level” he says.
Besides driving, Ron loves music and playing the drums. He also plays the guitar and the bass. He enjoys attending a mens group at his church and also enjoys performing music there as well. Ron is married with 3 children and 3 grandchildren!
Congratulations Ron on your 28th Anniversary with Super Service!
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Proper Pre trip Procedures - Trailer
Condition of wheels and rim- no cracks, missing or bent rims, broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugs
Condition of tires – properly inflated; valve stems not touching wheels, rims or brake drum; valve caps in place; no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear, or any signs of misalignment and no debris stuck between them
Tires same type, e.g., not mixed radial and bias types on the same axle
Tires evenly matched (circumference)
Wheel bearing and hub – no obvious leaking
Tandem Axles
If equipped with sliding axles, check position and alignment; look for damaged, worn or missing parts; all locks present, fully in place and locked against fallout
Flexible air lines not cracked, cut, crimped or otherwise damaged; secured against tangling, dragging or chafing
Suspension
Condition of spring(s), spring hangers, shackles and U-Bolts
Axle alignment
Condition of torque rod arms, bushings
Brakes
Condition of brake drum(s)
Condition of hoses, lines, valves
Check slack adjusters
Check air chamber mounting
Check spring brakes (if so equipped)
Drain moisture from air tank, close petcock
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Proper Pre trip Procedures
Behind cab
Fuel tanks
Securely mounted; no leaks or major damage
Crossover line protected; other fuel lines secure
Sufficient fuel supply
Securely capped
No fuel leaks in lines or fittings
Batteries
Batteryholder securely attached
Batteryproperly secured in holder and covered
No excessive corrosion at terminals
Other visible components
Engine/transmission – no leaks
Driveshaft – no obvious defects
Exhaust – secured, no leaks, no contact with air lines, fuel lines, wiring or other combustible materials
Frame/cross members – not bent, cracked or broken
Air lines/fuel lines/wiring – properly routed, secured against damage, undamaged
Battery
Batterybox securely mounted to vehicle
Box has secure cover
Batteries secured against movement
Battery case(s) not broken or leaking
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ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS
Make sure you have your driver’s license and current medical card on you at all time.
Make sure you have a copy of the Qualcomm instruction sheet to provide to the officer if requested. It is CSA violation if you don’t have it.
Be sure you know how to request your logs to be faxed to the officer.
Make sure your equipment is not defective. Some of the most common defects are brake issues, lights not working and damaged tires.
If hauling a hazmat load, you must make sure your bills are correct and readily accessible, the trailer is properly placarded, the load is secure, and that you have your emergency response guide with the bills.
Turn in or send your roadside inspections to safety ASAP. If have zero violations on a roadside inspection, the company will pay you a $50 bonus.
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Roadcheck 2013 June 4 – June 6
Prepare today to avoid any violations.
Check all the permits in your book to be sure they are all valid.
Check the registration on your tractor and trailer. Is it expired? Does it match the plate on your vehicle?
Do you have the DOT Quick Reference Card for the Hours of Service e-logs and the E-VIR? The instruction cards are required by the regulations and you may be asked for them.
Is your dashboard clean? Is your GPS blocking your view?
Do you have your valid CDL on you? Do you have your valid med card?
Check the annual inspection your tractor. Is the sticker legible?
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Roadcheck 2013 June 4 – June 6
The top five vehicle Out-of-Service violations are:
1. Inoperative turn signals
2. Flat tire or exposed fabric
3. Inspection or repair and maintenance of parts and accessories
4. Inadequate brake tubing and hoses
5. Stop lamp violations
If you have any question regarding how to prepare for Roadcheck, please see the Safety Department
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During thisholiday weekend we need to remember there will be extra cars with drivers pushing their limits. They want to get to their families and start enjoying their time off with too much sun, food and alcohol. The police will be a heavy presence trying to protect the public. Make sure you take your time to do it right. Give yourself plenty of space, slow down and have an extra measure of patience this holiday weekend. Be safe so everyone makes it home safe.
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Memorial Day
Memorial Day serves as the start for the busy summer driving season and AAA estimates over 31 million motorists will travel this holiday weekend. Memorial Day Weekend is the first big vacation weekend of the summer. There are additional motorists on the highway, with many in unfamiliar areas. For the sake of safety, all drivers need to slow down, follow the rules of the road and be patient.
Tips to stay safe on your trip:
Perform a pre-trip inspection on any vehicle you will be driving.
Plan your trip – don’t just blindly follow your GPS. Know where you going and be prepared to exit. Indecisivive driving is a major cause of traffic problems.
Slow Down – Chances of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic.
Keep extra water in your vehicle – Just as you keep a winter driving kit in your vehicle, it is important to be prepared when driving during the summer months. Keep plenty of extra water, sunscreen and non-perishable snacks in your car in case you are stranded.
Buckle Up – Safety belts save lives.
Abide by Traffic Rules – Follow traffic signs and signals – paying special attention to work zones.
Be Careful Backing Up – One in four preventable collisions involve backing up. Be sure to look before backing up; walk around your vehicle prior to departure.
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Spotlight on CSA
Driver Fitness
The most common violations written in this BASIC for Super Service drivers are:
1. No/expired medical certificate/waiver in driver’s possession – 44% of the violations
2. Driver lacking physical qualifications – 16% of the violations
3. Driving a CMV while medically disqualified – 16% of the violations
4. Driving a CMV while CDL is suspended or disqualified – 18% of the violations
5. Operation of a CMV while not in possession of CDL – 6% of the violations
You must have your current medical card on you at all times. If you misplaced yours, please let your Driver Manager or safety know immediately. It can easily be faxed and a faxed copy is as valid as the original. You must always be certain that you have your CDL with you. If you have received any citations, be sure that they are paid on time. You do not want to find out a citation was not paid when you are shut down at a scale for a suspended license.