Dive Brief:
- New Jersey hauler Green Coast Logistics owes the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission more than $678,000 in unpaid tolls, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Green Coast led the list of repeat offenders with 7,631 outstanding violations. The commission is owed more than $1.5 million unpaid tolls overall.
- The commission is now looking for legislation to be passed that would suspend vehicle registrations for repeat offenders.
Dive Insight:
Whether these unpaid tolls are company policy or the result of delinquent drivers is unknown, but either way they have an effect on Green Coast's image. Collection trucks are also mobile advertisements and it's important for drivers to make sure they're being good stewards of the company name.
Driver training is a key part of the industry's ongoing safety efforts and has been the focus of multiple events this year. When it comes to identifying drivers who may need more coaching on proper practices, companies have been finding in-cab camera technology to be useful. Newer collection vehicles have also begun to feature the cameras a built-in feature.
Hiring qualified drivers remains difficult as the overall trucking industry continues to experience a shortage. While the job can be enjoyable for the right person, both young people and women still aren't drawn to it in large numbers. A new federal rule that makes it easier for military personnel to obtain commercial driver's licenses is expected to play a role in filling these gaps.
