Safety Information and Updates

Understanding Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Changes to Hours of Service Regulations

The transportation industry has experienced significant technological advancements over the past decade, with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) at the forefront of this transformation. ELDs are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) electronically, replacing the traditional paper logs. The primary purpose of ELDs is to ensure compliance with HOS regulations, which are designed to prevent driver fatigue, reduce accidents, and improve road safety.

The Role of ELDs in Enhancing Safety and Compliance

Before the ELD mandate, many drivers relied on paper logs to record their driving hours. This system was prone to errors, both accidental and intentional, leading to inconsistencies in compliance. The implementation of ELDs has addressed these issues by automatically recording driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, and other essential data. This automation reduces the likelihood of human error and manipulation, ensuring that drivers adhere to legal driving limits.

ELDs have also provided companies with better insights into their fleet’s operations. Through real-time tracking and data analysis, companies can monitor their drivers’ performance, manage routes more efficiently, and reduce operational costs. The transparency and accountability introduced by ELDs have contributed to safer roads, with fewer accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Recent and Upcoming Changes to Hours of Service Regulations

The FMCSA continuously reviews and updates HOS regulations to address emerging challenges and improve road safety. Several recent and upcoming changes to HOS rules are expected to impact the industry significantly.

1. Short-Haul Exception Expansion:

The FMCSA recently expanded the short-haul exception, allowing certain drivers to extend their maximum on-duty period from 12 to 14 hours and their operating range from 100 air miles to 150 air miles. This change provides more flexibility for short-haul drivers, particularly those in the construction and agricultural sectors, who often face unpredictable delays.

2. Adverse Driving Conditions:

Another notable change is the modification of the adverse driving conditions rule. Previously, drivers could extend their driving window by up to two hours if they encountered adverse conditions such as bad weather or traffic accidents. The recent change allows drivers to also extend their maximum on-duty period by two hours, providing more flexibility in managing unexpected delays while ensuring they do not exceed their HOS limits.

3. 30-Minute Break Requirement:

The FMCSA has also revised the 30-minute break requirement. Previously, drivers were required to take a 30-minute break after eight hours of continuous driving. The new rule allows drivers to count any non-driving time toward this break, offering more flexibility in meeting the requirement. This change has been particularly well-received by drivers who can now break up their driving hours more efficiently.

4. Split-Sleeper Berth Provision:

The split-sleeper berth provision has been updated to allow drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period into two segments: one of at least seven hours in the sleeper berth and another of at least two hours off-duty. This change provides drivers with more flexibility in managing their rest periods, enabling them to better adapt to their schedules and minimize fatigue.

Anticipated Impact on the Industry

These changes to HOS regulations are designed to offer greater flexibility to drivers while maintaining safety on the roads. However, the industry must stay vigilant in ensuring that these regulations are implemented effectively. ELDs will continue to play a crucial role in this process, providing accurate data that helps both drivers and fleet managers comply with the new rules.

As the transportation industry evolves, it is essential for companies to stay informed about regulatory changes and adapt their operations accordingly. With the ongoing advancements in technology and continuous updates to regulations, the future of the trucking industry promises to be safer and more efficient for all stakeholders involved.

This article provides an overview of the importance of ELDs in ensuring compliance with Hours of Service regulations and highlights the recent and upcoming changes that will impact the industry. These changes reflect the FMCSA’s commitment to improving road safety while offering drivers the flexibility they need to perform their jobs effectively.

One of the major items that we focus on when it comes to ensuring safe deliveries for our drivers and customers alike is ensuring that sites are assessed for conditions conducive to safety, and any issues that are present are corrected.

Our Sales & Safety departments work with new sites to ensure tanks are compliant, and there are no obvious or foreseeable risks to our drivers, our customers' site, or the environment that would occur in the event of a normal fuel or lubricant delivery. Additionally, drivers report back on site issues as they arise in the field. 

We thought it might be helpful to review some of the main issues we have seen or heard about in the field so they were easily accessible. So, below is a top ten list of site issues you can check for to make sure your vendor can deliver safely to your site

1) Safe access: Ensure there are no trip or fall hazards for drivers or delivery agents. In the winter, this includes making sure access ways are free of snow and ice and that markings are clearly visible and not obstructed by snow.  If your site has an elevated or difficult to reach fill, make sure there is a stable platform or ladder with appropriate railings for drivers to stand on. Pallets, buckets, or other makeshift fixes are not acceptable, as they are unsafe for drivers. 

2) Know your tank: We sometimes come across "blind fills". These are fills where there is no way for drivers to determine the current volume or ullage (aka: space inside) of the tank. A fill can be considered “blind” if its setup makes it impossible to stick to determine the height of product inside.  It could also be “blind” as the result of a malfunctioning/broken gauge, or lack of a tank chart to compare stick readings against. This is a major spill risk, and something to be mindful of when assessing your site compliance. 

3) Clean, empty spill or "overflow" buckets. Spill buckets are liquid tight containers around both underground and aboveground fill pipes. It is critical to ensure they are clean and dry, as the spill bucket is the last line of defense against small drips, or leaks caused by hoses and equipment during a delivery.  Ensuring any rain water that may have collected inside is a great way to help prevent water from contaminating your tank, and help to avoid spills.  (You can read more about spill buckets and their role in safe delivery here).

4) Ensure tank fittings are secure and properly sealed. Tank Fittings leaking small amounts of fuel during deliveries is an avoidable hazard for the environment and your site. 

5) Ensure you have the proper tank fittings and confirm that equipment with your vendor (hopefully us!) This includes Scully fittings, Ever-tite fittings, etc. As a reminder, Dennis K Burke drivers can never straight-pipe gasoline!

6) Ensure that your tank has proper venting and it is working properly. Vent issues are a major cause of spills, overfills, and other avoidable problems, it pays to double check!

7) Make sure your tank is PROPERLY Labeled. Improperly labeled tanks are a major risk for cross-drops, as potentially very unsafe generally. Always ensure you have compliant, correct tank labeling. If you need help procuring tank labels or guidance on what is required, reach out to your rep and they can help. 

8) Make sure overfill prevention devices are calibrated correctly and are in proper working order. Overfill prevention devices are crucial in preventing spills and ensuring the safe delivery of fuel or lubricants. These devices are designed to automatically shut off the flow of product once the tank reaches its maximum capacity, preventing overfills and potential environmental hazards. 

9) Know your tank size and it's maximum volume. Generally, tanks can be filled to up to 90% capacity (ie a 1K tank can take 900 gallons from empty, not 1000g). Keeping this in mind when ordering helps minimize risk of overfill. 

10) Tank maintenance:  Consult with your tank service company to determine the proper maintenance schedule. Like most things, routine maintenance will help ensure your storage tank has a long, safe life. 

Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) holds a weeklong International “Road Check” to both remind us all of how crucial safe driving and regulatory compliance is in the trucking industry, and to dial in on a topic with roadside stops to get a picture of the level of compliance nationwide, as well as removing from service vehicles or drivers in violation. Each year, the CVSA focuses on a specific topic or portion of regulations. This year, Road Check will take place from May 14-16^th in the US, and the focus topics are Tractor Protection Systems, and Controlled Substances. 

Tractor Control Systems will focus on tractor protection valves, trailer supply valves, and anti-bleed back valves. According to the CVSA, items like these are often skipped or missed in pre/post trip inspections because of how much time and effort they can take to properly inspect. This is the type of topic that Road Check usually focuses on, but they have added Controlled Substances to this years’ stop topic to highlight the importance of both having a controlled substance policy in place and managing strict adherence to it by personnel.

As we’ve discussed previously, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) instituted a “clearinghouse” or online database of CDL drug & alcohol violations, as well as if drivers have completed all required steps of the return-to-duty process in order to return to work legally after a violation. The emphasis in this years Road Check on confirming Controlled Substance regulations are followed, as well as that operators are aware of the rules around substances and reporting should serve as a good reminder of how important Controlled Substance policies and compliance are for safe driving.

If you're curious, this is the link to read the official announcement from the CVSA: CVSA's International Roadcheck is Scheduled for May 14-16th 

Gas stations are busy places. Cars and trucks fuel regularly, and most drivers fill their vehicles without giving it a second thought. How often have we all stood at the gas station and watched as another motorist filled their tank while talking on a cell phone, or was scrolling through social media, or doing some other mundane tasks while waiting for their tank to be full? When the nozzle clicked, and the process was complete, the driver would simply go on their way. For most, refueling is almost as routine as walking or chewing gum.

Boats need fuel too but their refueling process can be very involved. There are several regulations surrounding marine fueling, and many things to take into consideration. Spilling fuel on the ground is a big deal, and cleaning up a spill is a very complex process. Spilling fuel in the water and cleaning up after a marine fueling spill takes that to an entirely different level. For that reason, there are many additional considerations, regulations, and precautions.

If a vessel has a total capacity, from a combination of all bulk products, of 250 barrels or more, the refueling process is considered a Coast Guard regulated delivery. One barrel of oil is 42 gallons, so if the vessel has a total capacity for all bulk tanks, greater than 10,500 gallons, there are a lot of hoops to jump through, for both the vessel and the delivery vehicle.

Both the vessel and the delivery vehicle or “mobile facility” (as the Coast Guard calls it) are required to have a designated “Person in Charge” or “PIC”. PICs are required to receive annual training and must have specific experience making fuel deliveries.

Before a fueling operation is allowed to commence, the Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port (COTP) must be given advanced written notice in the form of an “Advanced Notice of Transfer”. This is required to be sent at least 4 hours before the delivery begins and must outline the time and place of the delivery, and prior history of any spills that may have taken place in the past.

PICs have specific duties and responsibilities during the transfer of fuel. They must communicate with one another prior to the transfer to ensure they’re on the same page and are each required to complete a thorough checklist to ensure the vessel and the mobile facility are in safe working order, and adequately prepared for the transfer to begin. Once both PICs have signed off, only then can the delivery process begin.

While vessels with an overall capacity of less than 10,500 gallons are not regulated by the US Coast Guard, they still require a great deal of vigilance and preparation.   Permits are required to fuel commercially, and there are several regulations and training requirements. In all cases, regardless of whether a fuel transfer is Coast Guard regulated or not, there cannot be any hose connections over the water. If multiple hoses are required, the connections must be either on land, or on the vessel. It’s imperative that any hot work, sparks, flames, or other heat sources be removed from the area or stopped during the transfer. This sounds like common sense, and like something that would be easy to accomplish, but for working vessels, often the only time they must make repairs is when they are at the dock refueling, so vessel staff often try to multi-task or “kill two birds with one stone”. Delivery drivers must always remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all involved.  

Optimizing Operations is a big part of how we maintain a culture of Safety at Dennis K Burke. That entails all sorts of things, from the obvious items like making sure trucks and drivers have proper permitting, licensing and hazmat, all the way out through the far less obvious things like upgrading tablets and servers in the office so drivers can work more effectively. Our Operations team includes Safety, Dispatch, Lube Ops, and Fuel Ops teams working together with drivers, Customer Service, finance and IT to always focus on the upgrades and process changes we think will have the maximum benefit for our customers, employees, and of course, enhance our drivers' ability to make safe deliveries. Upgrades we've made in the past few years that have made a major impact include:

• GPS Monitoring on Trucks. This enables real time route tracking and allows dispatch to adjust upcoming loads as needed without interrupting drivers
• Custom Dispatch program. This allows visibility into details of customer sites, and feeds delivery information and scheduling to driver tablets
• Barcode scanner systems for fueling. These slow detailed gallon reporting info on all tanks filled in addition to touch fueling. 
• Barcode systems for lubricant products 
• Electronic dispatching to driver tablets - eliminates phone calls and status updates, and allows easy tracking of products on the customer side

These are just a few examples that we think highlight some of the process improvements we've made to establish a working environment for our drivers that is as safe and efficient as possible. We believe that it is important to focus on making the day-to-day job of fuel transport drivers as painless as possible, and a substantial part of making that happen relies on the operations team, as well as the technology updates we implement. 

We went into more detail about the process updates we made and how we see them making an impact for this months issue of Oil & Energy Magazine. You can read that in full here: Optimizing Operations: Best Practices for terminal and fuel transport operators 

Since 2010, diesel vehicles equipped with “SCR” technology have been running cleaner, and friendlier to the environment thanks to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is a solution made up of approximately 67.5% purified water and 32.5% automotive grade urea. It is not flammable, non-toxic, and is not harmful to the environment. This key component of a diesel vehicle’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is sprayed into the exhaust stream causing it to react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) resulting in the release of harmless nitrogen and water.

Though not dangerous to the environment, or to people handling DEF, there are several precautions users should be aware of in order to avoid damage to the vehicle’s SCR system:

• DEF has an extremely sensitive spec, and caution must be taken to ensure product integrity and performance.
• DEF must only be stored or dispensed from closed systems to avoid any possibility of contamination.
• DEF should only be stored or transported in dedicated DEF containers.
• Foreign matter of any kind (sold or liquid) should never be added to containers.
• When topping off, never use equipment like funnels, jugs, or diesel equipment to fill the vehicle, as any of these could result in contamination and degradation of the product.

In addition to the precautions listed above, users of DEF should be aware that while not “required” to wear protective clothing, many users may prefer to wear gloves to protect sensitive skin. Additionally, DEF is corrosive to copper and brass, so should only be used with materials listed in the ISO 22241 standard.

Because DEF is made predominantly of water, it can freeze. In fact, it will start freezing at around 12º F. Freezing will not affect the quality of DEF, and after thawing, it will perform as required. Should the DEF freeze in a truck when the truck is shut down, simply start the truck as normal, and the SCR heating system will quickly thaw the DEF, returning it to liquid form, and the vehicle will run as intended. If you have any questions about DEF, please reach out to our Sales Team 1-800-289-2875!

The information contained above was obtained from the Dennis K. Burke, Inc and Yara websites.

At Dennis K. Burke, Inc. we consider Safety one of our top priorities. We aim to deliver products to our customers in as safe a manner as possible, while making sure our drivers make it home safely to their families at the end of each workday.

Winter weather brings a unique set of challenges to our industry, from making deliveries in inclement weather, winter driving, and safely accessing customer locations. Below are a few reminders from our Safety Department on how to ensure customers can ensure they’ll receive the products they need as reliably as possible.

If you’re a generator customer, please be sure the generator has a working gauge or whistle. Delivery drivers are not permitted to fill a tank without ensuring they know how much product will fit safely. Oftentimes our drivers arrive to fill generators and discover either the gauge is broken (i.e. not responding when fuel is delivered), or the tank is equipped with a whistle that does not sound. If the driver is unable to determine how much fuel is in the generator, the delivery will have to be stopped until the matter is resolved. This is to protect the customer’s property and avoid having a fuel spill.

We kindly ask all customers to provide safe access for our drivers, so they can gain access to the fills. This includes removing and or treating any snow and ice that may have accumulated, as well as other items that might be stored near the tanks we’re filling. Sometimes snow falls during the delivery, so there might be a fresh covering, making it difficult for a driver who might be unfamiliar with a location to locate a below ground fill. If possible, please mark fills with traffic cones or other objects to make them easy to spot!

Finally, a tip from DKB Safety - Remember to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle when traveling on the roadway. Motorists are responsible for anything that comes from their vehicle, including loose snow or ice. Clear the entire windshield so the driver has a clear field of vision while seated in the driver’s seat, and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid.   During winter travel it’s a good idea to bring an emergency bag just in case you get stranded. A change of clothes, bottle of water, and a snack, and even medication, in case of emergency could be the difference between a tragic outcome and a positive ending to a roadside emergency.

On behalf of DKB Safety we want to wish all our customers a Safe, Happy, and Healthy Holiday Season.

Fuel tanks play a pivotal role in various industries, providing the necessary storage for liquid energy sources. To guarantee their longevity and ensure the safety of both the storage facility and the environment, proper maintenance is paramount. Here are some crucial tips for the routine upkeep of fuel tanks:

1. Regular Inspection Routine: Initiate a consistent and comprehensive inspection routine for your fuel tanks. Regular visual checks can help identify potential issues such as rust, corrosion, or leaks. Pay close attention to seams, joints, and any external signs of wear and tear. Catching problems early on can prevent costly repairs and mitigate the risk of fuel spills.
2. Tank Cleaning: Over time, sediment, water, and other contaminants can accumulate at the bottom of fuel tanks, compromising fuel quality and leading to corrosion. Regular cleaning is essential to remove these impurities. Consider scheduling professional tank cleaning services to ensure a thorough and efficient process.
3. Fuel Quality Monitoring: Invest in a fuel quality monitoring system to assess the condition of the stored fuel. Regularly test for water content, microbial growth, and particulate matter. Addressing fuel quality issues promptly not only ensures optimal engine performance but also protects the tank from corrosion caused by contaminants.
4. Protective Coatings: Implement a proactive approach to corrosion prevention by applying suitable protective coatings to the tank's exterior. This is particularly important in regions where exposure to harsh weather conditions or corrosive substances is prevalent. A well-maintained coating acts as a barrier, extending the lifespan of the tank.
5. Leak Detection Systems: Install advanced leak detection systems to identify and address potential leaks before they escalate. These systems can provide real-time alerts, allowing for swift intervention and preventing environmental damage or safety hazards.
6. Ventilation & Pressure Control: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the tank. Excessive pressure can lead to structural damage or leaks. Implement pressure relief valves and regularly inspect them to ensure they are functioning correctly.
7. Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities and inspections. This documentation is not only crucial for tracking the tank's condition but also for compliance with industry regulations. Regularly review and update maintenance procedures to align with the latest safety standards.
8. Professional Maintenance Services: Engage qualified professionals for periodic maintenance and inspections. These experts possess the knowledge and skills to identify issues that might go unnoticed during routine checks. Their expertise ensures that your fuel tank remains in optimal condition.

By prioritizing proper maintenance, you not only extend the life of your fuel tank but also contribute to a safer and more sustainable operation. Regular attention to these key maintenance aspects safeguards the integrity of the tank and promotes the responsible storage and use of vital energy resources.

Our Dennis K. Burke Inc. dispatch team operates seamlessly through the integration of our advanced tank monitoring program, ensuring precise communication with our dedicated truck drivers. This technology enables real-time tracking of tank levels, guaranteeing that our drivers are equipped with the correct quantities of fuel and lubricants required. Once on a customer's site, our drivers must employ a secondary method to confirm that the correct product will fit the specific requirements. This includes utilizing tools like gauges and listening for characteristic whistles, ensuring an extra layer of accuracy and reliability. This dual-approach strategy not only exemplifies our commitment to precision but also underscores our dedication to meeting and exceeding customer expectations at every step of the process. Tank monitoring is a cornerstone of responsible and efficient operations across various industries. By providing real-time data and enabling early defect detection, it ensures both safety and sustainability.

1. Preventing Overfills and Spills
   One of the primary benefits of tank monitoring is its ability to prevent overfills. Overfilled tanks can lead to spills, which not only result in environmental harm but can also pose serious safety risks. Tank monitoring systems use sensors and technology to provide real-time data, allowing for precise control of filling levels and preventing accidents.

2. Minimizing Environmental Impact
   Environmental responsibility is a paramount concern across industries. Tank monitoring ensures that storage facilities operate within their designated capacities, reducing the likelihood of leaks, spills, and contamination of soil or water bodies.

3. Enhancing Operational Efficiency
   Efficient resource management is key to any successful operation. With tank monitoring, businesses can optimize their inventory levels, minimizing unnecessary refills and associated costs. Additionally, it enables timely scheduling of maintenance, ensuring that tanks are in good condition and preventing unexpected downtime.

4. Early Detection of Leaks and Defects
   Regular monitoring allows for the early detection of leaks or defects in tanks. Whether caused by corrosion or faulty equipment, identifying problems promptly can prevent costly repairs, safeguarding both the environment and personnel.

5. Improved Inventory Management
   Efficient inventory management is crucial for businesses dependent on stored materials. Tank monitoring systems provide accurate, real-time data on inventory levels, enabling timely reordering and avoiding shortages or excess stock. This, in turn, leads to streamlined logistics and cost savings.

6. Compliance with Regulatory Standards
   Many industries are subject to strict regulatory standards governing the storage and handling of materials. Tank monitoring helps ensure compliance with these regulations, providing documentation of tank levels, leak detection, and maintenance schedules.

8. Enhancing Worker Safety
   Tank monitoring minimizes the need for manual inspections, which can be hazardous for workers. By utilizing automated monitoring systems, employees are exposed to fewer risks associated with climbing tanks or working in potentially hazardous environments.
9. Real-time Data and Remote Monitoring
   Modern tank monitoring systems provide real-time data accessible from virtually anywhere. This remote monitoring capability allows for prompt decision-making and intervention, even when staff are not on-site.

Embracing tank monitoring not only safeguards the environment and personnel but also contributes to a more cost-effective and sustainable operation. It's a proactive investment in the safety, efficiency, and reputation of any business reliant on tank storage systems!

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) takes place each year in September and is organized by the American Trucking Associations. This annual tradition began in 1988 and continues each year, recognizing truck drivers as an essential part of the supply chain for their role in ensuring goods and supplies make their way to people all across the country. This year, NTDAW was celebrated September 10^th - 16^th.

According to the American Trucking Associations, in the United States alone, there are nearly 3.6 million truck drivers who safely and efficiently deliver goods nationwide. These truck drivers ensure shelves are stocked in the stores where we shop, hospitals have the needed medical supplies, and businesses have the equipment and supplies necessary to keep things running smoothly.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to identify a location in the United States not impacted by truck drivers. Nearly 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs. From food, clothing, and medicine to household products, construction materials and heavy-duty equipment, nearly everything and anything one can think of spent some portion of its existence on a truck, and we have truck drivers to thank for getting these items to their ultimate destinations.

According to US Cargo Control, “Truck drivers are the backbone of our society.” They play a critical role in, “keeping the gears of our nation’s economy turning smoothly.” Without truck drivers, “our economy would come to a grinding halt.”

There are plenty of ways to express gratitude to truck drivers for all they do, and this appreciation need not be limited to just NTDAW. A simple “thank you”, goes a long way. Recognizing a truck driver for their hard work at a truck stop, or when they are making a delivery to a store, gas station, or business not only shows the drivers they are appreciated, but also demonstrates recognition of the importance of their profession.  

At Dennis K. Burke, Inc. we’ll be hosting “Driver Appreciation” meetings next month. At these meetings, drivers will be recognized for their hard work and longevity with the company. We’ll provide a catered breakfast and give out some highly coveted DKB swag. I’m happy to report that 29 of DKB’s more than 90 drivers have been with us for over 10 years! We have another 5 drivers with over 20 years of seniority, and TWO who have been here over 30 years! Congratulations to our senior driver who celebrated his 38^th year with the company in August!

On behalf of the Dennis K. Burke, Safety Department, we thank all drivers for their hard work and dedication to ensuring all needed products are delivered safely and efficiently.

Stay safe!

(The video below we put together for the driver appreciation meetings this coming month - enjoy!)