Category: Safety

🚨 Severe winds are expected this weekend! 03/15/25 🚨 If you’re traveling through the affected areas, please stay alert and shut it down, especially if you’re hauling an empty trailer! Stay safe out there!

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CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability. It is the safety compliance and enforcement program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that holds motor carriers and drivers accountable for their role in safety.  Below are Marvin Keller’s current CSA metrics:

How are CSA scores calculated?

CSA scores are based on a carrier’s DOT Inspections. Every violation (citation or warning) noted on a DOT Inspection results in points added to the carrier’s CSA score. These violations fall into one of eight categories pictured above.

• Each violation is assigned a point value ranging from 1 – 10 with 10 being the most severe
• CSA Scores are updated every 28 days
• Points remain on a company’s CSA Score for 24 months
• Low CSA Scores = Safer Operation = Fewer Inspections

The Impact of CSA Scores: A higher CSA score indicates more violations, which can lead to more scrutiny, while a lower score signifies a safer operation.

Benefits of good CSA score:

• Strong Reputation: CSA scores are publicly accessible, meaning potential customers can view a carrier’s safety record. With a good score, they can trust that our fleet will deliver freight safely and on time. Low scores help us stand out among competitor carriers and can lead to more business opportunities.
• Fewer Inspections & Audits: The fleet will face fewer inspections and DOT audits – allowing us to spend more time on the road and less time at scales.

What can you do?

Honestly reflect and assess your safety behaviors:  

• Do I skip inspections?
• Do I tailgate?
• Do I frequently pass or change lanes?
• Do I engage in speeding and aggressive driving? 
• Where can I be more cautious and careful?
• Am I managing fatigue and getting proper rest?
• What do I need to do to improve?

At Marvin Keller, we pride ourselves on having top-tier CSA scores. This is a direct reflection of the safety-conscious drivers on our team. Keep up the great work! Here are some ways you can continue contributing to our success:

• Drive safely and follow the SMITH System Principles
• Conduct thorough Pre / Post-Trip Inspections
• Report any defects or potential safety risks before you hit the road

Your commitment to safety not only contributes to our excellent CSA scores but also keeps our roads safer for everyone. Let’s continue to work together to maintain our reputation as a trusted and reliable carrier!

Life on the open road can be full of surprises, and for truckers, these surprises can sometimes lead to challenges and uncertainties. From sudden weather changes to unexpected mechanical issues, staying prepared for emergencies is crucial for ensuring both your safety and a successful journey. Here are some tips from Ryan, our most tenured driver with 22 years on the road, to help you be prepared:

Stock Up on Essentials:

• Food and water. Always carry ample food and water. You might find yourself stranded away from stores or restaurants due to breakdowns or severe weather.
• Clothing:  Pack extra clothing suitable for various weather conditions, such as raincoats, waterproof boots, and work gloves. In winter, include additional winter coats, overalls, or bibs. Layering with hoodies and long-sleeve shirts is also a good idea.
• Cash: Keep some cash on hand; you never know when it might come in handy.
• Electronics: With our reliance on electronics, carrying a power bank is a good idea for emergencies.

Items to Keep in Your Truck:                                                                         

• Oil, Coolant, & Washer Fluid: Carry a gallon of oil, washer fluid, and a couple of gallons of extra coolant to address minor issues or top-ups.
• Winter Gear: For winter driving, bring salt and/or cat litter, a small shovel, and a bottle of rubbing alcohol to prevent frozen air lines. Before winter arrives, make sure your truck is equipped with new wiper blades.
• Tool Kit: Keep a basic tool kit with wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers for minor repairs. Including duct tape and a flashlight can also be very helpful.

Pre-Trip Inspections:

• Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure your equipment is in working order, minimizing the risk of roadside issues.

These are just a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s always good to be prepared for any type of emergency.  By staying proactive and ready, you’ll navigate the road with greater confidence and safety.

Marvin Keller is in the business of hauling freight. In order to be profitable, freight must make it to the correct location, intact, while following industry regulations. Everything you need to make sure your load is in order before heading out can be checked during your pre-trip inspection. The safest drivers follow these pre-trip checks:

• Scale your load. Overweight loads can cost a lot of money. Besides the cost of having to go back and get reworked, if you get pulled over and fined and/or put out of service, the costs add up. It also increases our CSA scores, making you more likely to get pulled in for inspections.
• Visually inspect your loads. Ensure they are loaded and secured properly for transport. Just as all hazmat loads should have at least two straps on the back, every load should be checked to make sure it’s loaded and secured to prevent load shifting. Load shifts can cause product damage, or even worse, a trailer rollover. Safety is the utmost priority and must be considered before everything.
• Check your bills before leaving the shipper. This is the simplest of activities that can prevent many problems. Make sure your bills have the correct destination, that the PO numbers, seal number, and trailer number match, and that the product on the bill is what you’re supposed to have. If your load is hazmat, ensure the bills are marked and you have the correct placards on the trailer.
• If you’re hooking a preload, always check to make sure you have the correct trailer number. Hauling a trailer 800 miles only to find out you’ve hooked the wrong trailer because the bill wasn’t checked before leaving is a complete loss of revenue on the load.

Customers expect us to deliver freight timely and in good condition. Following the simple steps above will go a long way to making sure we deliver on those expectations. If you have issues with your load or are concerned that it isn’t loaded properly or can’t be hauled safely, reach out to your Driver Manager. Safety is a value at Marvin Keller.