Steve Vaughn

2 months ago | fleetowner.com | Steve Vaughn

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: “Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” As a fleet manager, you have warned your drivers of the dangers of distracted driving: • Put that cellphone away! A mere five...

Jan 23, 2025 | fleetowner.com | Steve Vaughn

The eyes of the trucking industry are on Washington as a new presidential administration begins, and a new Congress tackles federal legislation. But already we have passed an important day: January 1, 2025. New Year’s Day. That is often when changes in state laws and regulations, made last year in 2024, become effective. You may be familiar with changes in your home state, but what about the new laws in the 49 other states and the 10 Canadian provinces?

Nov 12, 2024 | fleetowner.com | Steve Vaughn

The snow may not be falling and the ice may not be building up along the shoulders of roads, but Old Man Winter will arrive soon. Do you remember what he taught us last year? We learned last winter which roads proved difficult in winter weather; which of the usual parking spots were filled when the snow fell; and which customer locations took a little longer to reach. Now is the time to remember those lessons and adjust schedules and routes.

Sep 17, 2024 | fleetowner.com | Steve Vaughn

It was the regular monthly safety meeting, and the fleet manager asked the assembled truck drivers, “Who are you driving for?” As he went around the room driver by driver, their responses were, ”Jones Trucking Company,” “You, sir,” “My wife and kids,” and “The VISA credit card folks”–that one got a laugh of recognition. The fleet manager turned on the big screen TV in the room, knowing that the morning traffic report would be on the local news station.

Aug 29, 2024 | fleetowner.com | Steve Vaughn

Call it a “Rite of Fall.” August, September, and October of each year bring hurricanes and tropical storms to the Gulf and Southeast, while forest fires often ravage the West. Truckers, drivers, and motor carriers alike are well-versed in perseverance and achieving their goals. But during natural disasters, completing the mission must take a back seat to safety.