Category: Safety

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Maintenance & Equipment Safety

New Breakdown Vendor

We want to inform you of an important update regarding OTR breakdown and repair services.

We have officially transitioned our breakdown service from Canxxus to Franco Fleet Services. Effective immediately, please use the vendor and process below anytime you experience a breakdown while on the road.

New Breakdown Vendor

Franco Fleet Services

800-419-7685

[email protected]

[email protected]

Note: All repair requests must be initiated using a @marvinkeller.com email address. Personal emails will not be accepted.

New Breakdown Process for Over-the-Road Repairs

During Business Hours:

  • Call the office or the shop first
  • Our team will assist you and open a repair ticket on your behalf

After Hours:

  • If your truck breaks down outside of Central IL, call the Call Center at 217-258-4506
  • They will open the ticket and coordinate repairs

Using the correct vendor and process helps ensure faster service, proper authorization, and accurate billing. Please save this information and follow these steps anytime a breakdown occurs.

If you have any questions, please contact your Driver Manager. Thank you for your cooperation and for keeping safety and communication a top priority.

Sincerely,

Marvin Keller Trucking

Categories
Announcement & Hot Topics Safety

Winter Truck Maintenance: Keeping Drivers Safe When Temperatures Drop

Winter brings some of the most challenging conditions truck drivers face all year, including icy roads, freezing temperatures, reduced visibility, and increased wear and tear on equipment. Proper winter truck maintenance isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for safety, reliability, and preventing costly downtime. Whether you’re an experienced driver or new to winter driving, preparing your truck before the cold hits can make all the difference

Winter Survival Kit

In case of an emergency or breakdown, keep a winter survival kit that should include:

  •  Shovel & ice scraper
  •  Bag of sand, salt, or litter
  •  Jumper cables
  •  Flashlight
  •  A high-visibility jacket
  •  Winter gloves & boots
  •  Warm blankets & extra clothing
  •  Extra food & water

Winter Truck Inspections: What to Watch Closely

Thorough pre and post-trip inspections matter year-round, but they’re critical during winter.

Cold weather affects nearly every part of your equipment, so pay extra attention to:

  1. Tires – Check wear, pressure, & balance. Cold air causes pressure drops; monitor closely.
  2. Wiper Blades – replace worn blades and make sure wipers can clear heavy slush and ice.
  3. Fluids – Check coolant, oil, windshield fluid, and fuel levels often.
  4. Defrosters – Confirm your defrosters are functioning properly for safe visibility.
  5. Keep equipment clear – remove snow from lights, mirrors, windshields, and steps. Buildup affects visibility, traction, and safe vehicle operation.

Idle-Free Heater

Our trucks are equipped with shore power, which charges the batteries and powers the Idle-Free Heater. This helps to keep the coolant warm and provides warmth during idle times. With a fully charged battery, our Idle-Free Heater can run for about a week.

If you cannot plug in, turn the Idle-Free heater on but leave the fan off; it will serve as a block heater.

Trucks have a main disconnect switch located by the driver’s seat. If you plan to be away from the truck for more than a couple of days, turn off the switch to shut off all power. The Idle-Free heater will still run to keep the coolant warm.

Preventing Frozen Brakes

Frozen brakes are a common winter issue, but are preventable with the right steps:

  • Before parking, lightly drag your brakes to build heat and evaporate moisture. This helps prevent freezing.
  • If brakes are already frozen:
    • Tap the brake drums with a heavy hammer to break up ice.
    • Rock the trailer gently, if possible, to free stuck components.

Winter weather doesn’t wait, and it doesn’t forgive unprepared equipment. Taking a few extra minutes to inspect, clear, and prepare your equipment can prevent breakdowns, protect your load, and keep you safe on the road.

If you ever have questions or notice issues with your equipment, please contact your DM right away. Your safety always comes first.

Categories
Safety

Stay Sharp: Fatigue Awareness on the Road

You can have the best route plan, a perfectly maintained truck, and years of experience, but none of that matters if fatigue takes over behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous risks professional drivers face, and the scary part is, it can creep up without warning. Fatigue doesn’t just tire you; it slows reaction time, dulls focus, and impairs judgment, just like alcohol.

Recognize the Warning Signs


No one knows your body better than you do. But fatigue isn’t always obvious until it’s too late. Watch for early signs like heavy eyelids, zoning out, drifting from your lane, or missing exits. If you catch yourself rolling down the window or turning up the radio to stay awake, that’s your cue to pull over and rest. Listening to your body is the best safety tool you’ve got.

Rest Is Part of the Job


Professional drivers know that rest is not a luxury; it’s a responsibility. Getting proper sleep before your shift, taking breaks when needed, and using your sleeper berth time wisely are just as essential as checking your tires and brakes. A well-rested driver is an alert, safe driver. Remember, fatigue-related crashes don’t just endanger you. They endanger everyone sharing the road.

Plan Ahead and Prioritize Health


Long hours and unpredictable schedules can make consistent rest challenging, but a little planning goes a long way. Try to create a routine that allows your body to recharge. Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and limit caffeine late in the day. Taking care of your health off the road directly impacts your performance on it.

Communicate When You Need Support


If you ever feel too tired to safely finish a run, don’t hesitate to contact your Driver Manager. Open communication is key to keeping everyone safe. We’d rather have you arrive a few hours late than risk your safety or anyone else’s by pushing past your limits.

Stay Professional, Stay Safe


Fatigue isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a reality of the job. What separates a true professional is the ability to recognize when it’s time to rest and to make safety-driven choices even under pressure. Your professionalism sets the standard for our industry and helps keep America’s highways safe.

Categories
Performance Recognition Safety

MK Elites – Q2 2025

We would like to present the MK Elites for July to September 2025! Congratulations to the following drivers! Your dedication to prioritizing safety and upholding these high standards is deeply valued.

  • Dave Bruchman
  • Deb Coleman
  • Dan Schmitt

The Pro-Formance Scorecard is designed to evaluate your driving skills based on 12 different risk factors. Breaking down your performance into specific categories helps you identify the areas you need to improve. These factors are divided into these sub-categories: Safety, Compliance, and Performance, each rated out of 100. The goal is to score green in all three categories to achieve MK Elite Status!

A driver can earn 1,000 Pro-Points for each green score in Safety, Compliance, Performance, and MK Elite (green in all three categories). This means you can get up to 4,000 Pro-Points!

You can find the Safety Scorecard in the Resource Library.

Keep up the great work and strive to improve your driving performance! We’re here to help in any way we can!

Categories
Announcement & Hot Topics Safety

Mandatory Safety Campaign

Hello Drivers,

Due to recent hazmat violations, participation in our Load Securement Safety Campaign is now mandatory for all drivers.

We’ve recently seen a sharp increase in our CSA Hazmat score—from no score to 75%—as a result of these violations. As a reminder:

  • All hazmat loads must be secured with at least two straps
  • Paperwork must be verified
  • Proper placards must be displayed on all four sides of the trailer
  • Plan the trip, taking into account any hazmat route restrictions
  • Shipping papers – must be within arm’s reach when in the truck or in the driver’s seat when out of the cab
  • Emergency Response Guidebook and Hazmat Compliance Book should be in the pocket of the door

​​

Load Securement Safety Campaign

To complete the campaign, review the required materials and fill out the Google Form by October 31, 2025. Doing so will also earn you 200 Pro-Points.

Campaign Materials:

Load Securement – Flyer

Load Securement – Video & Google Form

So far, 38 drivers have completed the campaign. If you haven’t yet, please make it a priority.

Categories
Safety

Think It Won’t Happen to You? The Top Triggers of Trucking Accidents Revealed

As professional drivers, we know that nothing matters more than your safety and the safety of those you share the road with. Every mile you drive represents both your skill and your responsibility. While accidents can happen, most of them are preventable. By understanding the most common causes, we can take proactive steps to reduce risk and keep everyone safe.

Top Causes of Truck Accidents

1. Distracted Driving

Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming can pull attention from the road. A split second of distraction at highway speeds can have serious consequences.

Prevention: Keep your eyes and mind on the road at all times. If you need to use your phone or grab something, pull over safely first.

2. Fatigue

Long hours and tight schedules can make fatigue a real challenge. Drowsy driving slows reaction times and affects judgment, making it just as dangerous as impaired driving.

Prevention: Take a 15 to 45 minute nap during your break, get quality rest, and speak up if you’re too tired to drive. Your health and alertness come first.

3. Speeding and Following Too Closely

Driving too fast for conditions or tailgating reduces the time you have to react. For a fully loaded truck, the stopping distance is much greater than for passenger vehicles.

Prevention: Always adjust your speed for weather, traffic, and road conditions. Maintain a safe following distance to give yourself time to respond.

4. Improper Lane Changes

Blind spots and quick maneuvers can lead to sideswipe accidents.

Prevention: Signal early, check mirrors twice, and be patient. Remember—four-wheelers may not realize how large your blind spots are.

5. Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, fog, or ice can make roads slippery and visibility poor.

Prevention: Slow down, increase following distance, and use extra caution in bad weather. If conditions become unsafe, it’s always okay to stop and wait it out.

6. Equipment Failures

Tire blowouts, brake issues, and other mechanical problems can cause accidents—often preventable with proper inspections.

Prevention: Complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, report issues immediately, and never take chances with faulty equipment.

What to Do After an Accident

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in this situation:

  • Prioritize Safety:  Pull over to a safe area, engage emergency flashers, place triangles as required, and call 911 if needed.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicles, damage, and surroundings.
  • Exchange Information: Gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
  • File an Accident Report: Complete all required documentation accurately.
  • Notify Dispatch Immediately: Keep us informed so we can respond quickly and support you.

The Bottom Line

Safe driving is about awareness, preparation, and making the right choices—even when it takes extra time. Every safe mile is a win for you, our customers, and the motoring public. Thank you for your commitment to safety every time you get behind the wheel.

Categories
Safety

Safety Campaign: Earn 200 Pro-Points

Review the campaign materials and fill out the Google form correctly to earn 200 Pro-Points. Be sure to complete the materials by October 31st, 2025.

Campaign Materials:

Load Securement – Flyer

Load Securement – Video & Google Form

Categories
Announcement & Hot Topics Safety

CVSA Brake Safety Week

CVSA Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 24 -30, so we can expect to see an increase in DOT inspections with a focus on brakes.

For more information, please visit:

Brake Safety Campaigns
Categories
Safety

CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week Scheduled for July 13-19

“The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced July 13-19 as this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, a safe-driving enforcement and outreach initiative aimed at improving driving behaviors through education, traffic-enforcement strategies, and driver interactions with law enforcement.

During Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, drunk or drugged driving, etc. Drivers engaging in such behaviors will be pulled over by law enforcement personnel and issued a warning or citation.”

Read more about Operation Safe Driver Week here: https://cvsa.org/news/2025-osd-week/

Categories
Safety

Think Skipping That Inspection Is No Big Deal? Think Again.

Safety isn’t just a checklist, it’s a promise we make to each other, our families, and everyone we share the road with. As professional drivers, you know the importance of doing the job right. But in the hustle of daily routines, it can be tempting to cut a few corners or skip a step “just this once.” Here’s why that’s never worth the risk.

Common Shortcuts That Put You at Risk

Here are a few examples we’ve seen (or heard about) that highlight why taking the “quick way” isn’t worth it:

  • Skipping the Pre-Trip Inspection: That 10-minute check might seem like a hassle, especially when running behind. But skipping it could mean missing a low tire, a broken light, or a loose strap — all things that could shut you down or worse, cause a wreck.
  • Ignoring HOS Regulations: It might feel harmless to push past the legal driving limit to meet a deadline. But fatigued driving is just as dangerous as distracted or impaired driving. DOT violations also put your license and our reputation at risk.
  • Rushing through securement: One missed strap can lead to a load shift, a rollover, or serious injury. Slowing down to double-check your work can prevent a major accident.

Why Shortcuts Are Never Worth It

  • Safety First, Always:  Accidents hurt people. That’s the bottom line. No load, schedule, or delivery is worth risking a life.
  • Protecting Your Livelihood: Cutting corners often leads to violations, accidents, or consistent equipment damage. These can affect your ability to stay employed and earn a living.
  • Company Reputation & Trust: Customers rely on us to deliver safely, responsibly, and on time. When one person takes a shortcut, it reflects on all of us.

What You Can Do

  • Always Do Your Pre-Trip Checks: It’s not just a checklist. It’s your first defense against preventable problems.
  • Follow the Rules: Hours of Service, weight limits, speed limits. They’re in place to keep you and everyone else safe.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions, stay off your phone, and keep your eyes on the road.

Remember This

You’re not just a driver, you’re a professional, and that means doing it right every time. Every strap you check or every inspection you do, that’s what separates a job from a career, and an accident from a safe return home. Your family, your team, and the people you share the road with count on you to make the right decisions.

Let’s keep safety at the wheel. No shortcut is worth a life.