Avoiding Tickets and Insurance Claims

California Highway Patrol Provides Commercial Industry Education Program

By Kurt Glaeseman

Log truckers in California are looking seriously at a free program offered by the California Highway Patrol. The Commercial Industry Education Program (CIEP) is a new informational program regarding transportation and safety. In February, 75 people showed up at the Sierra- Cascade Logging Conference (SCLC) for a two-hour session that offered two pro-logger credits. Funded by a Federal grant, the program is presented by CHP personnel and can be tailor-made for specific transportation issues.

Driver Update Cal Platt, CIEP Coordinator, says that seminars of from two to six hours can be scheduled at a company’s facility or at some other agreed upon location. The purpose is to provide an update on commercial transportation requirements and enforcements. The SCLC outline included basic information on the Commercial Driver’s License Program (CDL) with discussion led by Rich Liembach of the California Trucking Association. Barry Foster, a 13-year CHP veteran, explained the Rules for Regulated Loads, with an emphasis on log trucks.

He covered the following:
• Binder Requirements
• Chain Inspections
• Webbing and Wire Rope
• Definition of What Constitutes a Regulated Load

Applications For Every Driver Does this apply only to California log truck drivers? Platt says definitely not; his group can prepare programs for parties in Oregon and Nevada as well as in California. Knowledge of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) makes crossing state lines much easier. It is not uncommon for a truck to haul logs from a California site to a mill in Oregon. Operators are increasingly aware of the need for better driver education to reduce insurance claims and to ensure better overall safety. Arefresher course in what might be expected at an inspection terminal could well stimulate proactive maintenance.

Since it is the driver, not the loader, who gets a log load violation citation, it is wise for the driver to pay attention at the loading deck. Periodic reviews about sharing the road, deadly distractions, driving dangers, rules of the road, foul weather driving, and emergency supply kits remind the driver that he or she has a responsibility to be a true professional. The bottom line is a dollars-and-cents savings for everyone.

Tailoring Your Course If your company is interested in a CIEP seminar or program, it could include any of the following:
• North American Standard Level 1 vehicle inspection
• CVSA sticker issuance
|• Daily vehicle condition inspection
• Hours of service regulations (Intrastate/Interstate)
• Size, Weight, Bridge Laws and Loading regulations
• Fraud
• Compliance with the Biennial Inspection of Terminal
• Compliance with Controlled Substance and Alcohol requirements
• Driver Safety
• Rules of the Road
• Hazardous Materials Transportation requirements
• Facility Security/Terrorist Prevention
• Proper Use of California 911 System and Reporting Highway Emergencies
• New Laws regarding Commercial Vehicles
• Farm Labor Vehicle requirements

Anyone interested in receiving such training, or who would like to request more information, is invited to contact Cal Platt, CIEP Coordinator at (530) 225-2097.

TW

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