Navigating Risk is Tricky Business!

The Paladin Group strives to supply clients with the knowledge and coverage they need to keep their business protected, insured and thriving. Our experienced team is ready to answer any questions you have about risk management. Each week our Safety Consultant Channing Puls provides safety solution tips and blogs that are helpful in the trucking industry.

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319-582-6735

CHANNING PULS
Safety Consultant

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE:

Safety, Compliance, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, Loss Control/Prevention, Transportation Technology

Channing’s career in the trucking industry has provided in-depth experience and success in managing motor carrier safety programs. He has experience as a recruiter, fleet manager, and as an operations manager where he supervised Safety, Risk Management, and Compliance. His understanding of the industry brings a versatile and experienced perspective as a Safety Consultant at The Paladin Group.

Channing has been an integral part of successful trucking companies through implementation of safety and compliance best practices. He is passionate about partnering with clients developing fresh ideas that provides solutions for a variety of challenges to achieve high end results.

Navigating Winter Weather Challenges

December 1st, 2023 by Channing Puls
As winter season sets in, commercial truck drivers face a unique set of challenges on the road. The fluctuating temperatures, snow, and icy conditions demand a heightened focus on safety in the face of changing temperatures during winter driving. Tire Maintenance and Pressure: Fluctuating temperatures can impact tire pressure. Drivers need to regularly check and…
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Post-Holiday Safety:

November 30th, 2023 by Channing Puls
Post-holiday safety remains essential for commercial semi-drivers as they navigate the roads during the holiday aftermath. Here are some tips and recommendations for Post Holiday safety: Be Cautious of Fatigue: After the holiday, there may still be increased traffic or tired drivers on the road. Be especially mindful of signs of fatigue in yourself and…
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False Log Violations

November 17th, 2023 by Channing Puls
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data indicates that false logs are a pervasive issue within the realm of commercial transportation. False logs, which refer to inaccuracies or deliberate misrepresentations in the recording of driving hours and activities, consistently emerge as one of the top five violations identified during both roadside inspections and compliance…
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Safety Scores: A Motor Carriers Lifeline

November 10th, 2023 by Channing Puls
When it comes to being pulled over by the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) as a commercial truck driver, several factors come into play. Let’s begin with the ISS scores. Beyond specific primary or secondary reasons or violations that might prompt a stop, your overall ISS score plays a crucial role. You can access your ISS…
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Daylight Saving Time Safety Tips

November 3rd, 2023 by Channing Puls
Daylight savings time is November 5th, and historical data reveals an average 6% increase in accidents during the twilight hours of this day each year. This rise in accidents can largely be attributed to driver fatigue. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), driver fatigue contributes to 30 to 40 percent of all heavy…
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Calculating Your DOT Accident Rate

October 27th, 2023 by Channing Puls
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) calculates a motor carrier’s DOT (Department of Transportation) accident rate as part of its efforts to monitor and improve safety in the commercial motor vehicle industry. The DOT accident rate is an important metric used to assess a carrier’s safety performance. To calculate your DOT accident rate, you…
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Improving Your Safety Rating Through Corrective Actions:

October 20th, 2023 by Channing Puls
If you’re aiming to enhance your safety rating, there’s an alternative path to elevate it from a rating below “Satisfactory.” This entails submitting an upgrade request with corrective actions in accordance with 49 C.F.R. 385.17. Carriers have the ability to file upgrade requests at any time following their specified safety rating, but it’s advisable to…
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How a Carrier is Notified of Their Safety Rating…

October 13th, 2023 by Channing Puls
According to the FMCSA, motor carriers will receive a written notification of their safety rating from the FMCSA within 30 days following the compliance review. This notification will be in the form of a letter issued by the FMCSA’s headquarters office. It will contain a list of compliance deficiencies under FMCSR and HMR regulations that…
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Factors That Determine Your Safety Rating

October 6th, 2023 by Channing Puls
According to the FMCSA, they consider the following factors, outlined in 49 CFR 385.7, in determining a safety rating: Adequacy of safety management controls. Frequency and severity of regulatory violations. See list of critical and acute violations in Appendix B to 49 CFR 385, VIII.  Frequency and severity of driver/vehicle regulatory violations identified during inspections…
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Downgraded Safety Rating

September 29th, 2023 by Channing Puls
DOT safety ratings mirror a motor carrier’s adherence to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) at the time of the FMCSA audit that determined the rating. In cases where an audit uncovers significant non-compliance, the carrier will be assigned an Unsatisfactory rating, leading to the eventual closure of the carrier’s operations. Additionally, beyond the…
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