Kansas City here we come!
Driving Ambition is proud to announce the Grand Opening of our 6th CDL driver staffing branch office.
In addition to Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville, and Nashville, Driving Ambition will now also be helping trucking companies and professional CDL truck drivers in the great city of Kansas City, Missouri!
If you know of anyone who could use Driving Ambition's professional CDL truck driver staffing services - whether they’re in need of safe, qualified truck drivers, or if they’re a professional truck driver looking for a home with a solid company – please refer them to Driving Ambition. We genuinely enjoy helping people find the right “fit”!
Driving Ambition's Kansas City office address is:
4016A S. Lynn Court Dr.
Independence, MO 64055
Phone: (816) 463-2801
Toll Free: (877) 259-4963
info@da-drivers.com
As demand for safe, experienced CDL drivers continues to grow, Driving Ambition looks forward to meeting that need with further expansion into the following areas:
Dallas / Fort Worth, TX
Atlanta, GA
St. Louis, MO
Memphis, TN
Oklahoma City, OK
Driving Ambition’s growth and continued success will always hinge on its commitment to providing Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service to the trucking industry.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Earlier this month, President Obama signed the Highway Reauthorization bill known as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21.
The fully-funded 27 month bill (running through the end of FY 2014) allows more than $100 billion to be spent on highway, mass transit, and other transportation programs. MAP-21 represents a bi-partisan compromise, ending nearly three years of deadlock and delay, with nine extensions, since the last comprehensive funding law expired in September 2009.
The bill stipulates that all federal taxes on diesel fuel and gasoline, and all excise taxes on trucks, tractors, and tires, will remain unchanged through September 30, 2016, and the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax will remain unchanged through September 30, 2017. In addition, the bill focuses on several significant changes to the FMCSA’s safety programs, including:
- 34-hour Restart Study – FMCSA must complete a field study by March 31, 2013 to determine the efficacy of the changes to the hours-of-service 34-hour restart provision, due to go into effect in July 2013. The language does not prohibit the agency from putting the restart changes into effect based on (or pending) the results of the study.
- Electronic Logs (EOBRs) – DOT must establish regulations mandating electronic logging devices within one year. This controversial issue was further complicated by the passing of a recent House amendment that would strip funding for the EOBR mandate. More to come on this topic in August.
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse – Within two years, the DOT must establish, operate, and maintain a national clearinghouse to capture drivers’ positive drug/alcohol test results and records of refusals to test. Motor carriers will be required to query the clearinghouse when screening new driver applicants.
- Employer Notification System – Within one year, FMCSA must establish standards for state systems that automatically notify motor carriers of drivers’ moving violations, suspensions, etc. Motor carriers may use these systems to meet the current annual motor vehicle record review requirements. Within 2 years, FMCSA must develop recommendations, and a plan, for implementing a national system to perform these functions.
- New Entrant Testing and Audits – DOT must require new motor carriers entering the industry to complete a proficiency test on safety regulations and to complete a DOT safety fitness review within 12 months
- Broker Bond – The broker bond is increased to $75,000 and applies to freight-forwarders, as well.
- Freight Policy – A new National Freight Network is established, requiring DOT to create a national freight plan, which will include an assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight network and identification of highway freight bottlenecks
- Truck Size and Weight – There is no increase to the size and weight limits, other than an increase in allowable weight for idling reduction devices (from 400 lbs to 550 lbs). However, DOT is required to conduct a comprehensive size and weight study within two years, and to compile a list of the existing truck size and weight limit laws in every state.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has prepared a section-by-section summary of the relevant trucking-specific portions of MAP-21. See it here.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
With record heat torching virtually every corner of the country, it is important to fully understand what you can do to protect you and your equipment from the higher temperatures and humidity.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are created when our body is unable to regulate our heat production at a safe level. The first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms for these conditions.
According to the National Safety Council, heatstroke is the most serious and life-threatening heat-related illness. In certain circumstances, your body can build up too much heat, your temperature may rise to life-threatening levels, and you can become delirious or lose consciousness. If you do not rid your body of excess heat fast enough, it "cooks" the brain and other vital organs. It is often fatal, and those who do survive may have permanent damage to their vital organs.
Symptoms of heatstroke:
- The victim's body feels extremely hot when touched.
- Altered mental status (behavior) ranging from slight confusion and disorientation to coma.
- Conscious victims usually become irrational, agitated, or even aggressive and may have seizures.
- In severe heatstroke, the victim can go into a coma in less than one hour. The longer the coma lasts, the lower the chance for survival.
What to do?
- Move person to a half-sitting position in the shade.
- Call for emergency medical help immediately.
- If humidity is below 75%, spray victim with water and vigorously fan. If humidity is above 75%, apply ice packs on neck, armpits or groin.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy perspiration with normal or slightly above normal body temperatures. It is caused by water or salt depletion or both (severe dehydration). Heat exhaustion affects workers and athletes who do not drink enough fluids while working or exercising in hot environments.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.
- The affected person often mistakenly believes he or she has the flu.
- Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heatstroke.
- Profuse sweating
- Clammy or pale skin
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
- Normal or slightly above normal body temperature
What to do?
- Sit or lie down in the shade.
- Drink cool water or a sports drink.
- Stretch affected muscles.
- If persistent, gently apply wet towels and call for emergency medical help.
Heat cramps are painful muscular spasms that happen suddenly, affecting legs or abdominal muscles. They usually happen after physical activity in people who sweat a lot or have not had enough fluids.
These conditions can be further escalated by your physical condition. People at a greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke are those with heart disease, skin diseases, endocrine disorders such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, insomnia, or that are overweight.
What can you do to prevent heat related diseases?
- Be prepared and use common sense.
- Limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible. Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic); do not drink fluids that contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar. Sport drinks are good as they replace electrolytes and salt in your body. Avoid extremely cold fluids as these can cause stomach cramps. Drink often throughout the day 4-6 ounces at a time.
- Wear light-weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing that does not create a safety hazard for your work environment. If outdoors, wear a hat to reduce direct exposure to the sun.
- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. They add heat to your body.
- Consider packing a cooler with water for the day. Also, keep an umbrella in the truck if you are operating in extreme conditions (desolate, desert, etc.), this will allow you to move to an area with breeze and still be protected from the sun.
Next month, we will take a look at how to ensure your truck is ready for the high heat. Until then, stay cool and safe.
Article provided by the National Private Truck Council as one of their monthly safety letters for truck drivers.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.