To help everyone bring home treats — not tragedies — follow these tips for a safe Halloween:

• Focus on your driving. A single distraction could lead to a tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what’s happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all lights on their vehicle are working properly.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They may be dropping off children.
• If you’re driving a group of children but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• If you’re driving to a Halloween party, put your mask on after you park the car.

Parents can help motorists, too:

• Make sure drivers can see the children. Give them flashlights and glow sticks, and dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup rather than masks, so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street — look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick-or-treat.

Safely Getting In or Out of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

Now is a good time to remind drivers to follow the Three-Point Rule when getting in and out of their trucks. During the winter months, footing conditions are often compromised, and the chance of slipping or falling increases.

The Three-Point Rule simply means keeping three of your four contact points (hands and feet) secured at all times to prevent slips and falls.

For example, when exiting a truck:

• Keep one hand on the cab handle,
• One hand on the interior door handle, and
• One foot on a step while the other foot is in transition.

By doing this, you always maintain three points of contact.

We were honored to support such a fantastic fundraising event, which took place on Monday, August 4 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. Proceeds from the event support the Hospitality House at McLaren, an organization that provides vital support to families and patients in need. We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful cause and look forward to continuing our support in the future.

This annual initiative is a high-visibility, high-volume enforcement event focused on commercial motor vehicle inspections and regulatory compliance across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

During the 72-hour period, CVSA-certified law enforcement officials will conduct inspections at weigh stations, temporary inspection sites, and through mobile patrols. These inspections are designed to verify compliance with federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. The data collected will be analyzed and shared later this summer.

Focus on your driving. A single distraction could lead to tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what's happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention; you need to take that responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all the lights on their car are working.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped on the roadway; they could be dropping off children.
• If you're driving a group of children while staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.

• And if you're driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car.

Parents can help motorists, too:
• Make sure drivers can see the children by giving them flashlights and glow sticks. Dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup rather than masks so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street: look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick-or-treat.

Safely getting in or out of a Commercial Motor Vehicle:
Now is a good time to remind drivers to follow the 3-Point Rule when getting in and out of their trucks. During the winter months, footing conditions can be compromised, increasing the chance of slipping or falling. The 3-Point Rule simply states that you should keep three out of four of your contact points (hands and feet) secured to prevent slipping or falling. For example, when exiting a truck, one hand should be on the cab handle, one hand gripping the interior door handle, and one foot on a step while the other foot is in transition. By doing this, you always maintain three points of contact.

The International S13 Integrated Powertrain Mobile Training Tour began on April 2 and will visit Tri-County International Trucks on August 20. To date, the trailers have visited more than 48 dealer locations, trained more than 486 sales professionals, and educated more than 1,311 customers.

Doug Bradley on the Sales Enablement team was the key architect behind the S13 trailer tour with input and support from numerous stakeholders across Navistar. The preparation for the tour began in 2022 and encompassed:

1. Designing and selecting a vendor to build the trailers.
2. Selecting drivers and facilitators.
3. Developing the learning content and training facilitators.
4. Managing the logistics to visit more than 100 locations across North America.

During the customer portion of the ongoing training, a mix of fleet owners, state and municipal highway superintendents and technicians, dealers, and other customers are given the chance to explore the advanced powertrain and its components hands-on.

When walking through the training trailers, various components of the S13 engine, T14 transmission, and dual-stage aftertreatment system are highlighted so customers and dealer sales professionals could learn more about the intentional design of the powertrain. International subject matter experts and sales professionals are on-hand to provide interactive training exercises for dealer sales professionals and fleet end users. And the key part of it all is that at some locations customers had the chance to get behind the wheel and experience the powertrain’s performance first-hand.

Dealer Sales Professionals Weigh In

Since the start of the tour, Navistar’s Sales Enablement team has been collecting feedback from International dealer principals and sales professionals. Overall, dealers are very satisfied with the training, noting that the tour is a positive representation of both their dealerships and Navistar. They also indicated that the training equipped them with the information needed to inform customers about the benefits of the S13 Integrated Powertrain.

Pliler International, for instance, said: “We really enjoyed the training/trainers/trailer, etc. All the guys received great takeaways, gave them confidence to sell the product, and generated some excitement behind the new powertrain. Also, it proved to be extremely beneficial to showcase to the customers!”

A representative from Rechtien International Trucks said: "What I really like is the T14 transmission. It's going to crush competition product line, especially in the line-haul application."

Kyrish Truck Centers of Houston pointed out that they would have had more customers attend if they had a better understanding of how impactful the training was going to be. This is the “best training that Navistar has had in years,” according to Kyrish.

Waters Truck and Tractor in Columbus, Mississippi, provided some constructive feedback, calling for better planning, communication, and coordination among the trainers and back-office staff.

“There was some disconnect in communication between back-office staff and the dealership and the trainers. It worked out, but that could have been better,” Waters noted.

“I liked that it was hands-on training, that we weren't just watching a slideshow or a video,” Waters added. “I like how the instructors kept it entertaining and informative. The component breakdown was very helpful.”

Customers Tout Fuel Efficiency, Performance

During one stop at International dealer Arkel Motors in New Windsor, New York, current and potential customers in the area stopped by the dealership to explore the S13 Integrated training trailer and have their questions answered. Arkel Motors is an authorized, full-service International dealer located in the southeastern part of the state. The dealership carries the complete line of new International trucks, tractors, and chassis, as well as a full inventory of used trucks, full-service leasing, and rental trucks.

Keith Watts, a third-party consultant for Navistar, who helps facilitate training events like last summer’s S13 Bootcamp, and is one of four facilitators assigned to the S13 Training Trailer Tour, has ensured the training is consistent on both units going around North America. Keith explained that the point of this training is to educate the sales professionals on the components of the S13 engine, T14 transmission and dual-stage aftertreatment, and how these components contribute to superior operating economy, stellar performance, simplicity, and serviceability. This information helps sales professionals develop talking points based on their customers' “hot button” needs and enhance their credibility when talking to current and prospective customers.

“It’s about pulling off valve covers and explaining to people along the tour why we don’t have certain parts anymore,” Keith said. “They are seeing what we have simplified and why.”

“The S13 Integrated powertrain is new to this market, but not the world,” Keith added. “Truckers here know that Scania is synonymous with quality, and I am hearing them embrace this powertrain.”

One International customer who attended the Arkel Motors event is Dane Mannese. Dane owns Mannese Distribution in Milton, New York, and runs a fleet of International HX 520 Series trucks that haul general freight across five states in the Northeastern part of the U.S. Mannese’s less-than-truckload freight operations generally run about 85,000 lb. of loaded weight every day.

This summer, Dane ran the Arkel Motors rental LT equipped with the S13 Integrated Powertrain to compare with the fuel usage he sees in his current fleet powered by a competitor’s engines. He was immediately impressed by the early fuel savings he experienced with the S13 Integrated Powertrain.

“We run the same lanes and I see the report at the end of every day,” Dane said. “When my drivers leave, my computer tells me how many miles the truck had on it. And when they fill up, the computer tells me how many miles the truck has. I get immediate reports to my phone, and when I saw the S13 numbers, I texted my Arkel rental representative and said, ‘I think something’s wrong. This truck is getting 8.8 MPG today.’ Then, I ran it again the next day and it got 9 MPG.”

Dane added that a typical run to Allentown, Pennsylvania, from Milton, New York, takes 43 gallons of diesel for every truck in his fleet. With the S13 Integrated, the run took just 28 gallons.

When it comes to purchasing, however, although Dane said he is impressed with the fuel savings the S13 Integrated Powertrain delivers, he needs to make sure that savings will outweigh vehicle depreciation when it comes to resale value or any other potential loss that can occur on the backend.

“I’m curious about what International is offering for the S13 warranty,” Dane said. “My fleet doesn’t do all that much mileage, so we have been doing the Cummins six-year, 600,000-mile warranties. We have been selling the truck after about four years, with a little more than 200,000 miles on the warranty left for the resale. Someone is more apt to buy a four-year-old truck with 200,000 miles still covered than they are with a truck that’s got no miles covered.”

Although Dane had already tested the S13 Integrated Powertrain, he attended the mobile training tour at Arkel Motors to learn more about vocational offerings and warranties for the product.

Another potential customer, James Vananden, owner-operator of JVE Trucking, was also interested in spec’ing the S13 Integrated Powertrain for the HX Series. He hauls products like stone and topsoil via a 48-ft. drop-deck flatbed and needs the power the HX 520 offers. That said, James tested the rental LT to see what the S13 Integrated Powertrain was all about.

“I’ve been at this 37 years and I am set in my ways,” James said. “I have driven them all—name an engine. That truck right there [he pointed to the LT equipped with the S13 Integrated Powertrain]—it’s the engine and transmission combined—I have never driven anything in my life with an engine brake that good. Ever.”

Tri-County International Trucks, along with American Trucking Associations and the entire trucking industry, will begin a weeklong celebration of the millions of professional truck drivers who deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day.

Celebrated annually, this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 10-16. Professional truck drivers always step up when they are needed most and have kept the economy on its feet despite facing unprecedented obstacles.

There are roughly 3.5 million professional truck drivers nationwide – delivering the essential goods our families rely on – from food to fuel to medicine to clothing. The hardworking men and women behind the wheel safely transport almost 11.5 billion tons of goods and products every year, which account for more than 70% of America’s total annual freight. 80% of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking to deliver goods.

This year, Tri-County International Trucks asks you to join us and ATA in recognizing the significant contributions our professional truck drivers make to our lives. Their efforts contribute greatly to our quality of life and truly move America forward.

To learn more about how essential the trucking industry is, and for more information on NTDAW 2023, please visit www.ntdaw.org.

Idealease Safety Seminar
Tuesday, September 26
8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Idealease of Detroit/Flint will host a one-day transportation safety and compliance seminar at the Hilton Garden Inn. This event will provide you with the most current industry safety rules and regulations, and help you prepare for federal compliance interventions and reviews. Attendance to the Idealease Safety Seminar is valued at $395, but we are offering free admission to all attendees. Lunch and snacks will also be provided, and we'll have giveaways and raffles as well! All you have to do is click here to register in advance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Employment Opportunities

If you're ready for a career in the transportation industry, click here to view our job openings. We're hiring drivers, managers, mechanics and more at all Tri-County Locations.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

September 10-16 is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! Read our blog and follow @tricotruck on social media for more information and announcements.

We at Idealease of Detroit/Flint are thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the 32nd Annual McLaren Golf Classic! We were honored to support such a fantastic fundraising event, which took place on Monday, August 7 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. Proceeds from the event support the Hospitality House at McLaren, an organization that provides vital support to families and patients in need. We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful cause and look forward to continuing our support in the future.

Free Idealease Safety Seminar

(Dearborn, Michigan, Monday, July 27) – Idealease of Detroit/Flint is sponsoring a truck fleet safety and compliance seminar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 26000 American Dr. in Southfield. The one-day seminar will help truck fleet professionals maintain a safe fleet, provide current best practices training to their managers, reduce violations and accidents, and satisfy annual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance requirements.

The seminar is presented by Idealease, Inc. in partnership with the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). Idealease is a fully integrated transportation solutions provider that delivers expertise, responsiveness and stability to the truck transportation industry. Idealease is the leader in comprehensive safety and compliance seminars for private fleets.

The seminar provides a simplified, step-by-step approach to help attendees understand how to comply with FMCSA regulations, manage commercial motor vehicle safety, and control liability exposures. Virtually all aspects of commercial truck operation are covered, including: FMCSA driver screening tools, driving qualifications, hours of service (drivers’ daily logs), drug and alcohol testing rules, vehicle maintenance and inspection, accident recordkeeping and CSA.

After attending the seminar, private truck fleet professionals will have current information to help manage fleet safety for all major areas scrutinized during state and federal compliance interventions and reviews. The seminar’s step-by-step approach simplifies compliance with federal and state regulations, hours of service (drivers’ daily logs), drug and alcohol testing rules, vehicle maintenance and inspection, accident recordkeeping, and driver qualifications. Attendees also learn about new and proposed regulatory changes and how to enhance their safety programs above and beyond regulation requirements.

All seminar attendees receive the Idealease Guide to Transportation Safety and Compliance, a manual that assists fleet managers with safety and compliance documentation, the Idealease Pre- and Post-Trip Inspection DVD for driver education, and a subscription to the Idealease Safety Bulletin, a weekly safety and compliance e-mail publication. The seminar, valued at $395, is free for attendees who register in advance.

About Idealease of Detroit/Flint

Idealease of Detroit/Flint is a subsidiary of Tri-County International Trucks with locations across southeastern Michigan. Idealease provides commercial truck full-service lease and rental, mobile and dedicated maintenance services, and a complete portfolio of support services including: 24/7 roadside assistance, safety and compliance information and training, fuel tax reporting, licensing and permitting, and more. Idealease of Detroit/Flint operates and maintains a fleet of more than 200 vehicles with locations in Dearborn, Warren, Jackson, Flint and Livonia. Additional information is available at tricotruck.com and facebook.com/tricotruck.

 

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Register Online

 

Idealease of Detroit/Flint Safety Seminar
Tuesday, September 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
26000 American Drive, Southfield, MI 48034

Read Our Flyer for Event Details

Don't miss our FREE seminar!

Idealease of Detroit/Flint will host a one-day transportation safety and compliance seminar at Hilton Garden Inn on Tuesday, September 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will provide private truck fleet professionals with the most current industry safety rules and regulations, and help them prepare for and federal compliance interventions and reviews. The seminar's step-by-step approach simplifies compliance with federal and state regulations, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing rules, vehicle maintenance and inspection, accident recordkeeping and driver qualifications. Attendees also learn about new and proposed regulatory changes, and how to enhance their safety programs above and beyond regulation requirements.

We had a great day supporting the Flint Children's Museum at their Summer Party, which included great food, drinks and fun with one of the best organizations in metro Flint.

Idealease of Flint gives children all around Michigan, especially in the Flint area, an opportunity to see exhibits. This helps to that expand their horizons and inspire them to learn about fields they never knew existed. Idealease employees benefit from living, working and learning in a community that is viable and has positive things for young people to do.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set May 4-6 as the dates for this year’s International Roadcheck. Over that 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers.

Each year, CVSA asks its member jurisdictions to capture and report data focusing on a certain category of violations during International Roadcheck. This helps bring awareness to certain aspects of a roadside inspection. This year, inspectors will capture data on two categories, corresponding to the two main inspection categories of the North American Standard Level I Inspection – driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. For the driver category, hours of service will be highlighted this year, and for the vehicle category, inspectors will be paying special attention to lighting.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the lighting violation “lamps inoperable” (Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations 393.9) was the number one vehicle violation in fiscal 2020, accounting for approximately 12.24% of all vehicle violations discovered that year. And during last year’s International Roadcheck, the top driver out-of-service violation category in North America was hours of service, accounting for 34.7% of all driver out-of-service conditions.

Learn more about International Roadcheck.

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Driver Tip Sheet

CVSA published this tip sheet for carriers and drivers in preparation for this year’s Roadcheck that you can print off as a handout for your drivers.

Question of the Week
My driver has gone through a roadside inspection, how long do I have to keep this documentation on file?
Answer: Copies of all roadside inspections are to be kept by the motor carrier for 12 months. The driver is required to turn in the inspection to the motor carrier within 24 hours. If they are not going to return to the terminal they are to mail in the inspection. If the inspection resulted in violations they are to be corrected or repaired and the inspection form is to be signed and certified that the repairs were completed and sent back to the state of inspection within 15 days.