An Accident in the United States, in New York State no less. The authorities found out the driver's license was suspended while in New York State. He paid the fines, but did not reapply for reinstatement of his driving priviliges. We are all sure there is a lesson here. Mainly, If you are going to drive in a jurisdiction other than your own, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW ALL THE RULES AND ABIDE BY THEM.
1) If a truck is involved in an accident in New York State, Transfer of Liability, says, the truck will be at fault, pretty well no matter what, it is just a matter of what percentage. ( No wonder so many Amublance Chasers down there)
2) If a truck is hauling a 53' trailer in ME. (Maine ) Make sure you abide by local restrictions and have the appropriate signs on the trailer, (Hint This vehicle makes wide turns).

No matter what we all do as Professionals in our industry it is the Backup Personnel's job to ensure we are there to help the driver in any way, shape, or form possible. If they call at night, assist them. Remember they are on the road on their own. If they are in accident, make sure we take the call, and ALWAYS ALWAYS, ALWAYS, try to remain calm and be the voice of reason for the driver. The Police will be on the scene soon, the Driver may be afraid, most Drivers in Canada, English is not their first language. Help them,.guide them, assist them. If as a company you are providing the drivers with someone's 24/7/365 cellphone make sure that person is reliable, dependable, and trustworthy enough knowing that the call will always get answered. The drivers need to know in time of need soemone will be there.

With ACE/ACI being fully implemented, it is incumbent on us as Responsible Companies to make a choice. That choice should be, are we paying someone to dispatch and have someone on site 24/7 or are we paying them to do ACE/ACI manifesting and Electronice Border processing. There are just so many choices, out there of services that can do the work for you, it can payoff in the long run to OUTSOURCE. Remember in todays day and age, we have to ensure for the best ROI we need to obtain MAXIMUM UTILIZATION OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES. This applies to people as well as equipment. If a driver says something does not work in the truck properly, don't argue try to have it repaired. They are on the road in that vehicle with no visible means of escape, HELP and ASSIST and give every driver, the same courtesy we want. Remember more nights than not we go home to our very comfortable beds, and sleep peacefully. The drivers on the other hand go to the bunk and get their regulated sleep, noise in the truck stops, food on the road and on the run, afraid of being held up, or robbed, while on the road, have to be all smiles, and cheery upon delivery at the customer first thing in the morning.

2 WEEKS AGo I had the pleasure of playing in the TRANSCORE LINK LOGISTICS, Golf Tournament. If anyone out there has ever had to arrange such an event, they know what LOGISTICS REALLY MEANS. Thanks to all the ladies at TRANSCORE LINK for another fabulous event.