Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85450
SPONSORED INFORMATION Mexican carriers' e-logs reveal virtual violations Mexican carriers' electronic onboard recorders have shown logs of driving in Mexico that would violate U.S. hours of service rules, says the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA Associate Administrator for Enforcement Bill Quade presented that information during his assessment of the cross-border trucking program for the Cross-Border Subcommittee of the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee Aug. 27. "When they get to the border we're making sure they haven't driven so long [in Mexico] that they are outside of compliance with our rules." However, Quade added, the EOBRs "have flagged times when they've violated the 11-hour rule and 14-hour rule in Mexico — we don't have any authority to enforce that." Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Executive Vice President Todd Spencer called such violations a bad indicator of future performance. While drivers in Mexico don't have a formal federal log book requirement, state and federal work hours rules can dictate more restrictive schedules. "I would generally think that if there wasn't any real level of compliance with the regulations that are applicable there," Spencer said, "it wouldn't be much of an indicator of compliance on this side of the border." Since the last update on the program at the MCSAC's May meeting, some progress had been made in the number of Mexican carriers approved for long haul in the United States. Of the total 112 crossings conducted in the program, Quade said, almost half resulted in carriers going no farther than the commercial zone. (See VIOLATIONS, page 103) mobildelvac.com After 15 Years, Veteran Owner- Operator Still Relies on Mobil Delvac for Long Engine Life Born and raised in Bay City, Mich., and now a resident of Port Huron, Mich., Matt Saller has been trucking for 15 years. Becoming an owner/operator after just two years in the industry, Saller is a successful driver and businessman who has traveled through all 48 continental states. Recently, we caught up with Saller to ask him about how using Mobil Delvac diesel engine oil has helped him become a successful owner-operator. Q: What kind of truck do you drive and what routes do you run? Saller: I drive a 2001 Kenworth T2000 with just about 1,120,000 miles on it. During the winter, I run from Georgia to Florida, and throughout all 48 continental states the rest of the year. Saller: equipment. At the end of the day, your truck and its engine is your livelihood. You also need to have common sense and a little bit of luck. Q: What does it take to be successful in this industry? extending the life of my engine and knowing every day that my truck is protected by Mobil Delvac. Q: How has using Mobil Delvac diesel engine oil helped you become a successful owner-operator? Saller: Q: What maintenance advice would you share with younger drivers? Saller: Always ask as many questions as possible. Questions are free and will save you money in the long run. Using high quality brands like Mobil Delvac also helps. some games and activities that let us stay inside and keep warm. Q: What do you do to keep busy when you're not on the road? Saller: We have a few horses, so we like to go horseback riding or horse ©2012 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil, Mobil Delvac and the Mobil logotype are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. This Testimonial is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment/ vehicle used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used. October 2012 | Overdrive | 15 Text INFO to 50298 or visit ovdinfo.com