Info from FedEx
NOTES FROM FEDEX
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SafetyThis page contains information posted on the contractor Ground Biz.com website that we feel will be of benefit. Please check here weekly for updates from FedEx Corporate. Thank you!
Where FedEx as a whole can do better.
Top violations in Driver Fitness BASIC
Two areas account for at least 80% of violations and 70% of total CSA points in the in the Driver Fitness BASIC across the network.
Proper licensing
• Operating a CMV without a CDL (383.23(a)(2))
• Driver operating a CMV without proper endorsements or in violation
of restrictions (391.11(b)(5)-DEN)
• Driving a CMV while CDL is suspended for safety-related or
unknown reason & outside the driver’s license state of issuance
(383.51(a)-SOUT)
• Driving a CMV while CDL is suspended for a safety-related or
unknown reason & in the state of driver’s license state of issuance (383.51(a)-SIN)
Driver lacking physical qualifications
• Driver not in possession of medical certificate (391.41(a))
• Operating a property-carrying vehicle without possessing a valid
medical certificate (391.41(a)-F)
• Not wearing corrective lenses as restricted on medical certificate
(391.11(b)(4))
• Not wearing hearing aid(s) (391.11(b)(4))
New Speed restrictions
As you may have noticed, our trucks have been governed at 65MPH. This is the new FedEx Ground requirement.
Operating Agreements obligate Linehaul CSPs to assign two drivers for team runs
The Operating Agreements obligate Linehaul CSPs to assign two drivers to all team runs, and two drivers are usually necessary for team runs to comply with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.
FedEx Ground employees at the Linehaul dispatch window will verify that two of a CSP’s drivers are present at the dispatch window at the point of origin for every team run via the following steps.
· Verify at all points: At all points of a team run, FedEx Ground Linehaul personnel will ask for the ID badges as well as the CDLs of both CSP’s drivers. If one of the CSP’s drivers is in the sleeper berth during a mid-point stop, then the ID and CDL for both drivers can be presented by one of the drivers at the dispatch window. The names on the IDs and CDLs must match names/IDs on all dispatch paperwork (e.g., hook slips).
· If a CSP’s driver objects: If a CSP’s driver objects to presenting IDs and CDLs, or says he/she does not have it, then dispatch staff will ask a FedEx Ground manager to intervene. The manager and/or Contractor Relations will then contact the authorized officer or business contact to resolve the situation.
· See something, say something: Report any incident where you suspect or are aware of situations where a single driver is taking the wheel for a team run.
To make this as simple as possible please keep your ID and CDL in your Id holder. It's double sided so it will keep all credentials in one place. Also, The driver in the sleeper needs to leave his IDs in the cab so your co-driver can check you in and out of terminals without waking you.
I realize that leaving your ID and CDL with your co-driver seems scary. That being said, if we work together and treat everyones IDs with respect we can make getting in and out of terminals smooth and efficient.
This has been one of the most brutal winters in 40 years, and it’s the first time I recall 49 states and Canada having snow on the ground on the same day. Despite this, businesses like yours didn’t let weather disrupt a focus on safety and commitment to an outstanding customer experience. This helped strengthen the FedEx brand, which helps both our business and yours.
As we warm into spring, please remember that being safe – at all times, not just during winter’s harshest conditions – demands vigilance. A continued – and even sharpened – focus on safety, quality and the customer experience will help your company and ours stand out in the eyes of customers and the industry.
Thank you again for your company’s patience and perseverance this winter.
Sean O’Connor
Vice President, Contractor Relations
FedEx Ground
Breaking the engine idling habit
Engine idling can have several negative effects, from polluting the air to unnecessary consumption of fuel to excess wear and tear on individual engines, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Harmful to human health
The most damaging result of vehicle idling, however, may be to human health, especially when idling indoors. Diesel exhaust emitted from vehicles is harmful to breathe, according to the EPA. Diesel exhaust is a highly complex mixture of toxic particles and gases, including diesel particulate matter (DPM), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Even momentary idling can result in harmful emissions, which elevate the risk of lung cancer, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with a 40 percent increase in the relative risk of lung cancer, as estimated by the California Department of Public Health.
Symptoms from exposure to diesel exhaust listed by the EPA also include irritation of eyes, nose, throat; chest tightness, wheezing, pulmonary function changes; headache, lightheadedness; heartburn and vomiting. It can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and allergies, and can worsen heart and lung disease.
Risks that engine idling can create for the workplace, customers, the environment and communities are reflected in many state laws that regulate idling time.
Reducing potential exposures
In efforts to protect worker health, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set permissible exposure limits for some components of vehicle exhaust. However, the agency encourages motor carrier employers to go above and beyond its standards by striving to achieve best practices, as it recognizes that the current adopted limits may not be sufficiently protective of worker health.
The California Department of Public Health recommends a number of methods to reduce the amount of diesel exhaust that workers breathe. Potential exposures can be reduced by:
Completing all pre-trip activities prior to starting engines
Shutting down the engine when encountering delays
Ventilating indoor work areas
Installing exhaust treatment devices, such as filters and oxidation catalysts
To prevent exhaust build-up and protect the health of individuals within FedEx Ground facilities, engine idling is not permitted indoors. Many docks have systems in place to avoid potential exposures. For example, some van lines are equipped with systems that use sensors to detect exhaust gases, automatically activating mechanical ventilation systems to remove harmful exhaust emissions.
While the EPA and other agencies continue to evaluate idling reduction technologies and strategies, behavior change among drivers is cited as an important simple step in eliminating unnecessary idling and improving air quality, especially indoors.
Being a Physically Qualified Driver -
Reducing FedEx Ground’s score in the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, AccountabilityDriver Fitness BASIC is a high priority for the company.
Drivers lacking physical qualifications [49 CFR Section 391.11(b)(4)] is a major cause of increased FMCSA Compliance, Safety, Accountability Driver Fitness points.
If required by law to do so (as indicated on a driver's license and/or medical certificate), wearing corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) or a hearing aid(s) at all times while on duty can help minimize the issuance of points associated with Driver Fitness violations.
What to do during an inspection -
FMCSA recommendations Behavior is Important during a Compliance, Safety Accountability Inspection.
The FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability initiative (formerly referred to as Comprehensive Safety Analysis) assigns points for every violation that occurs during roadside inspections. These points impact both the motor carrier and driver.
Source: US DOT FMCSA presentation: What to do if Pulled Over by Authorities in the United States.
Many measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of inspection and help ensure a smooth process for both law enforcement and driver should an inspection occur. The FMCSA recommends conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection before each trip, including:
.Conducting vehicle overview
.Starting engine and inspecting inside of cab
.Turning off engine and checking lights
.Performing a walk-around inspection
.Checking signal lights
.Starting engine and checking brake system
