Welcome to SARAI TRUCKING LTD the following are your employment terms. When operating a motor vehicle with SARAI TRUCKING LTDand/or its divisions or subsidiaries, you must read and agree to the following conditions of employment:
I hereby authorize the Company to request an annual driver’s abstract, as well as additional copy whenever necessary (this can include up to 10 years of driving history).I recognize that failure to comply with the above could result in my being in violation of the Highway Traffic Act and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in addition to company policy and that I be disciplined by loss of entitlement to benefits under company, private and/or public insurance plans, as Workers Compensation (WSIB) is adjudicated according to provincial legislation, or even be dismissed without notice.
Please fill first name & last name.
The SARAI TRUCKING LTDFleet Safety Program implements guidelines and procedures to meet our highest priority: The preservation of health and safety.Mutual commitment of management and employees to protocol is critical to the success of this program.Moreover, clear communication of, and strict adherence to,its guidelines and procedures are essential.
The primary goal of the Fleet Safety Policy is to maintain the highest possible levels of safety awareness through responsible driving behavior. Driver safety awareness and responsible driving behaviorsignificantly decrease the frequency of motor vehicle accidents and reduce the severity of personal injury, fatality and property damage. Drivers must follow the requirements outlined in this program. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
To ensure that all drivers are qualified to operate a CMV, it is the responsibility of drivers to informSARAI TRUCKING LTD Immediatelyof any failure to meet Canadian qualification standards. Drivers shall advise the company immediately of the following:
Drivers disqualified from operating CMVs will be subject to disciplinary action. Each year on the anniversary of their hire date, they must provide full disclosure toSARAI TRUCKING LTDof all violations of motor traffic laws and ordinances in which they’ve been convicted, or of forfeited bonds or collaterals, including any violations inpersonal or commercial motor vehicles.Any driver who fails to disclose any violation of any motor traffic law and/or ordinance will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.In addition, the Company maintains the right to conduct periodic and random reviews of MVRs at its discretion.
A driver will be classified as a "High Risk Driver" if his/her abstract confirms one or more of the following violations within the last 5 years:
Other violations incurred in the last 3 years include:
If an employee is identified as a "High Risk Driver", senior management must choose one option below as a mode of protocol:
The Company will place the "High Risk Driver" on probation (ending 2 years from most recent violation) and obtain mandatory personal and professional CVOR abstracts from the MOT every 6 months for the duration of the probationary period. The driver will notify senior management of additional violations while on probation, and his/her driving privileges will be immediately suspended if repeat violationsoccur while on probation, as described in the “Identification of High RiskDriver” governance.
Senior management must be informed of stipulations or operating limitations, such as:
The terms of probation must be presented in writing, and the driver will be required to signify that s/he has been informed of probationary terms, as well as provide signed copy of documentation for respective employee files. Once the probationary period has been served and driving privileges reinstated, senior management will sign off.
The Senior Director of Risk Management must suspend all company driving privileges, and the "High Risk Driver" will NOT be authorized to drive a CMV at any time on company business. This action may result in transferring the employee to a non-driving position, if such position exists, or the employee may be subject to dismissal procedures.
The employee may re-apply for company driving privileges after one year of suspension. Application should be made to the Senior Director of Risk Management, and upon approval, warrant a change in driving status from Suspension to Probation. Reinstatement of driving privileges by the Senior Director of Risk Management does not constitute a formal offer by the Company for any position, and regular job posting procedures must be followed.
SARAI TRUCKING LTDis required under HTA Regulation 555/06, Hours of Service, to monitor drivers and ensure that all regulations are met. Management is required to document all corrective action taken to address incidents of non-compliance.
Below are required and recommended items associated with MOT facility audits that should be kept in every operator’s file:
SARAI TRUCKING LTDuses the aforementioned information, in addition to extensive training and testing, to decide whether or notemployees are fit to drive. This list applies to all employees; those who might drive even occasionally, as well as to full and part-time and temporary drivers. Management will ensure that similar records are kept by all agencies referring, providing and/or subsidizingdrivers.
SARAI TRUCKING LTD will administer a program of progressive discipline for company personnel who violate hours of service and other regulations. This program is consistent with federal and provincial legislation, and all disciplinary policy and procedure will be clearly outlined, listing all steps up to and including termination. For example, this could entail a4-step process involving a verbal warning, a written warning, a suspension and, ultimately, termination.
The operator should record each event and be sure that:
The philosophy of SARAI TRUCKING LTDis to treat all drivers and contractors in a friendly, assertive and fair manner. Further, SARAI TRUCKING LTDfully exercises the guidelines of progressive disciplinary actions wherever applicable.
Any driver who has committed an infraction will be subject to the following consequences, and they will be documented and contained in the violation file: First Offence: Verbal Warning Second Offence: Written Warning Third Offence: Suspension and final written warning; last reprimand before termination Fourth Offence: Termination of Employee
SARAI TRUCKING LTD may, at its discretion, determine an incident or situation is severe enough to warrant suspension or termination and will exercise that option.
Progressive disciplinary action will be executed for breach of company policies, procedures, and regulatory violations, out-of-service inspections, collisions, incidents or any other behavior which SARAI TRUCKING LTDdeems unacceptable.
Persons receiving this warning report are hereby put on notice of a violation of our organization’s rules and/or standards of conduct. Further violation(s) of such conduct may result in further discipline including the possible termination of contract.
Any combination of a motor vehicle and towed vehicle, where the towed vehicle exceeds a gross weight of 4600 kilograms
SARAI TRUCKING LTDdrivers are to have a company-provided High Security Pin Lock available at all times. In the event where a trailer must be repowered (due to breakdown or accident), the Companymust be notified immediately from location.Trailers that must be disconnected from a power unit must have a company-provided High Security Pin Lock attached to the kingpin of the trailer until trailer is repowered.
Drivers cannot go home with a loaded SARAI TRUCKING LTDtruck, and under no circumstances should any truck and trailer be separated without prior approval of SARAI TRUCKING LTDmanagement. All SARAI TRUCKING LTDloaded trailers must be dropped in the company-secured yard or a company approved secure location. There are no exceptions.
In the event that you are waiting for repower to arrive and must leavethe vicinity of the load, as ordered by law enforcement and/or civic authority, you must advise dispatch. Please also advise authorities of load sensitivity, so that adequate protection can be provided to the load being dropped.
The dangers of distracted driving are a serious concern to SARAI TRUCKING LTD Which recognizes that distracted driving can impair safe driving and contribute to vehicle crashes. Because of this concern, management has established this policy to protect the safety of our employees, the safety of the general public and our company’s assets and reputation.
This policy applies to all commercial drivers operating company equipment, independent contractors operating their own equipment under a lease or owner-operator agreement and to non-commercial drivers, including sales and management personnel and all others operating company owned equipment or their personal vehicle while on duty.
This policy is intended only to define certain prohibited activities, prescribe certain practices, and make recommendations to help employees safely operate company equipment or perform work for SARAI TRUCKING LTD Any activity which would cause drivers to take both hands off the wheel at the same time or their mind entirely off their driving responsibilities is prohibited. Driving distractions include devices with voice command or voice to text capability, objects inside the cab, as well as conversations with passengers or co-drivers or interactions with pets. Distractions may also be caused by objects or occurrences outside the cab, such as signs, billboards, “rubbernecking”, etc.
SARAI TRUCKING LTD Prohibits the use of mobile telecommunications devices or In Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) while driving. A vehicle being driven on company business must be parked in a legal and safe location before using or interacting with a communications device or an IVIS. Conversely, no calls are to be made to drivers while trucks are moving. Drivers may only read text messages when truck is stationary.
Although a list of activities that could be considered distractions would be numerous, the following actions by the driver are specifically prohibited while the vehicle is in motion:
Drivers are also expected to observe the following safe practices:
The prohibited activities and required practices listed above apply to:
If a driver is involved in a crash or other incident, and a significant causal factor is driving while distracted, the driver will be subject to retraining and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination. A driver who is observed engaged in any specifically prohibited conduct will be subject to retraining and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Additionally, certain federal and provincial regulations prohibit the use of cell phones or texting while driving a motor vehicle and violation of this regulation may result in fines. Drivers will be responsible for the payment of any fines resulting from a violation of distracted driving laws.
I have read and will comply with the SARAI TRUCKING LTD Policy on Distracted Driving as stated above.
I understand that violations of this policy will be considered a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of my employment with SARAI TRUCKING LTD
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this policy including the Statement of Acknowledgment.
The maximum permissible speed ever allowed in any vehicle licensed by SARAI TRUCKING LTD is 100 km/hr. on cruise up to 105 manual pedal as per law. Drivers should never exceed posted speed limits or operate at a speed that is not consistent with poor road conditions and weather conditions. Moreover, proofs of speed limitation are required by SARAI TRUCKING LTD to be kept in each Truck Maintenance File.
SARAI TRUCKING LTDconsiders its company CVOR a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. The Company will take all necessary steps to ensure all persons running under its authority understands local laws, as well as the rules outlined in this Speeding Policy. As a driver for SARAI TRUCKING LTD,you are required to fully understand and follow policy as it pertains to speeding.
Drivers are always required by law to follow posted speed limits. Following the posted speed limits requires that all drivers be aware that entering or leaving different areas will involve changes in posted speed limits. Attention must be paid to areas such as highway zones, construction zones, city or safety zones, school zones or areas that could be subject to changes in speed limits.
Drivers must also exercise good judgement where speed is concerned, based on close attention to driving conditions. Conditions such as weather and traffic are major factors that must be considered.
There are no exceptions to this speeding policy. Drivers in violation will bedealt with in accordance with SARAI TRUCKING LTD If speeding violations occur, SARAI TRUCKING LTD has the right to seek representation on behalf of drivers, but all legal costs are the responsibility of the driver. Failure to report any violation to SARAI TRUCKING LTD is grounds for immediate dismissal. SARAI TRUCKING LTD will spare no expense when it comes to investing in its drivers, and it demands that in return, drivers pay close attention to speeding policy.
This policy provides guidance regarding employee use of social media, which should be broadly understood for purposes of this policy to include blogs, Wikis, micro-blogs, message boards, chat rooms, electronic newsletters, online forums, social networking sites, and other sites and services that permit users to share information with others in a contemporaneous manner.
The following principles apply to professional and personal use of social media on behalf of SARAI TRUCKING LTD:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding anything noted in this policy, please speak to the HR Department or your Supervisor. Employees are expected to adhere to said policies at all times.
Both the Highway Traffic Act and the Federal Carrier Safety Association require that commercial drivers conduct pre-trip inspectionson their equipment at the outset of each trip and once within each 24 hours while on the road.SARAI TRUCKING LTDrequires drivers follow all laws contained in the Highway Traffic Act and the Federal Carrier Safety Association with respect to pre-trip inspections.
Every SARAI TRUCKING LTD Driver or Owner-Operator is expected to follow the National Safety Code Standard 13 “Vehicle Inspection Procedures”, with regards to conducting proper pre-trip inspections. There are no exceptions. Drivers running under SARAI TRUCKING LTD are required to both understand and follow Schedule 1 of The National Safety Code 13, with regards to minor and major defects, as outlined below:
Minor Defects: As part of this policy each driver is expected, as per Schedule 1, to note minor and major defects found during pre-trip inspections, on their Daily Inspection Report. Minor defects must be noted and repaired at the earliest opportunity. Note: the law states that minor defects must be repaired prior to the next dispatch.
Major Defects: As part of this policy each driver is expected, as per Schedule 1, to note on their Daily Inspection Report, any equipment that may have major defects. Any equipment found with major defects must be put out of service until repairs have been completed and signed off on by a person qualified to do so. Note: the law states no truck or trailer with a major defect found will be allowed to be operated until properly repaired.
As part of this policy, drivers are required to use Schedule 1 as a guide while conducting their Pre-Trip, Post Trip and En Route Inspections. Drivers are required to note all defects found during pre-trip inspections on the Daily Inspection Report. It’s also the driver's responsibility to ensure minor or major defects found on trucks or trailers returning to our facility or to any other location are reported to the Company, in order to expedite repairs prior to the next dispatch.
The Highway Traffic Act and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association require SARAI TRUCKING LTD have accessible copies of MTO Inspections, Violations, Traffic Tickets or Citations for review upon request.
It is the policy of SARAI TRUCKING LTD that everyone running under its authority report all MTO Inspections, Violations, Traffic Tickets or Citations directly to SARAI TRUCKING LTD at the time received.
As soon as possible, each driver or owner operator must communicate any MTO/DOT Inspection, Violation, Traffic Ticket or Citation to dispatch. Notification to dispatch of good MTO or DOT Inspections is equally important.
Paperwork associated with any MTO/DOT Inspection, Violation, Traffic Ticket or Citation must be forwarded to SARAI TRUCKING LTDMTO Inspections, Violations, Traffic Tickets or Citations must be added to the trip sheets submitting to the office.
*Do not take it upon yourself to pay fines. Paying fines pertaining to the above is an automatic admission of guilt.
On a monthly basis, SARAI TRUCKING LTD reviews its CVOR. All MTO Inspections, Violations, Traffic Tickets or Citations show up on these reports. SARAI TRUCKING LTD reserves the right to fight any violation at its discretion.
Trucks or trailers that have had wheels removed for maintenance or repair must have them retorqued within 160km. of travel following. Wheels requiring a retorque will be identified with a Red Safety Indicator attached to one lug nut of said wheel/s. Associated retorque paper work will be located in a visible location on the truck or trailer requiring the retorque. Drivers are required to complete retorque paper work for any wheels could have been retorqued on the road (i.e. roadside assistance or breakdowns that may require a wheel to be retorqued). Completed documentation must be submitted to theoffice. Wheel Torque Policy is as follows:
As of July 1, 2018, drivers of vehicles requiring an A -F class license, vehicles requiring a Commercial Operator’s Registration (CVOR) are prohibited from having any presence of alcohol in their blood when behind the wheel of these types of vehicles. These drivers are also prohibited from having any presence of cannabis in their system as well as other drugs that can be detected by an oral fluid screening device. If authorities determine that you have the presence of cannabis or alcohol in your system and / or that you are impaired by any substance including illegal drugs, prescription drugs or over the counter medications, commercial drivers may face severe consequences and potential criminal charges.
If you are legally authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes, you will not be subject to Ontario’s zero tolerance drug requirements. However, if authorities have determined that your ability to drive has been impaired you will face penalties and possible criminal charges.
Even if you have been authorized to use cannabis or another drug by a health care professional, it is your responsibility to ensure you are not impaired while driving.
A driver must not report for or remain on duty performing a safety-sensitive function while having a blood alcohol concentration of greater than 0.00 BAC.A driver must not use alcohol while performing safety-sensitive functions or use alcohol within twelve hours prior to performing a safety-sensitive function. A driver must not use controlled substances (unless under direction of a licensed medical practitioner who has advised the driver the substance will not adversely affect safe driving).
A driver must not refuse to submit to a required alcohol and/or drug test involving post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, or follow-up testing or it will be considered a positive test result. All infractions of prohibited conduct policy will result in the enforcement of consequence and penalty, as mandated by SARAI TRUCKING LTD
Possession of Alcohol or Recreational Drugs are strictly forbidden in any company or owner operator tractor or trailer. Under the regulations in both Canada and the U.S., unless manifested, Alcohol or Recreational Drugs may not be transported. Drivers or owner operators entering or returning from the U.S. may not purchase Alcohol at Duty Free shops and transport it for personal use. Drivers or Owner Operators may not purchase Alcohol at any LCBO, Beer Store or equivalent and transport for personal use.
At any time, the transportation of Alcohol and or Recreational Drugs in a commercial vehicle is consider to be a crime and drivers or owner operators in violation of this policy could lose their ability to work with SARAI TRUCKING LTD. and their ability to maintain a commercial driving license.
Driver Initial Required
SARAI TRUCKING LTD has a Zero Tolerance Policy pertaining to the use of Drugs or Alcohol
It is the policy of SARAI TRUCKING LTD that all power units receive the following, with regards to company owned or leased equipment:
Trailer maintenance is imperative, and it’s the policy of SARAI TRUCKING LTD that trailers receive an annual inspection that includes an “A “Service grease-and-brake. Each Trailer will receive an “A” Service at intervals of 90 days. Included in each “A” Service is Grease-and-Brake.
In order to be compliant with Schedule 1 of the National Safety Code Standard 13, each chassis will receive service and repairs as required. Copy of annual inspection certificates are kept in the Company Equipment Binder, located in the Safety & Compliance Office. For each “A “or “PM” Service a company approved PM Checklist must be used.
Periodic inspections are required for CMVs, trailers and converter dollies, in order to reduce accidents due to mechanical defects and improve highway safety throughout Canada. The annual and semi-annual inspection requirements are the minimum under the law. Management may find that, in order to properly maintain on-road standards, additional inspections and maintenance are required. The following is a brief overview of periodic CMV inspections:
Legislation regarding periodic mandatory inspections varies between jurisdictions. Ontario’s inspections are accepted in other jurisdictions, and Ontario accepts inspections from other jurisdictions, provided they are recognized as meeting a similar standard. Vehicles are subject to periodic mandatory inspections.
Trucks, trailers and converter dollies, independently, or in combination, with a total gross weight, registered gross weight or manufacturer’s GVWR, exceeding 4,500 kilograms, require a minimal annual inspection. "Truck"includes, but is not limited to, truck tractors, straight trucks, pickup trucks, curb side/cube vans, trade vans/panel trucks. "Trailer"includes, but is not limited to, boat, snowmobile, livestock and general-purpose utility trailers. "Trailer" does not include devices such as tar pots, portable welders, cement mixers,compressors and farm implements such as wagons and so on.
Once the vehicle has passed inspection at a motor vehicle inspection station, a sticker must be applied to the vehicle, to identify the successful completion of inspections and the expiry date of them. The inspection station must also provide inspection certificates and reports. The process is outlined below based on vehicle type:
SARAI TRUCKING LTD will ensure that annual inspections will be carried out in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Drivers must include PMCVI as part of their daily circle check items.
The MOT monitors the condition of CMVs operating in Ontario and, when necessary, takes corrective action to remedy disrepair and lack of safety. One method of accomplishing this task is through CVSA vehicle inspections, which can be performed by ministry enforcement staff or police officers. Ministry enforcement officers perform inspections at truck inspection stations or on the side of a highway.
Truck inspection stations are found at various highway locations in Ontario. Signs indicate whether or not a station is open. If a station is open, trucks must enter and stop for inspection duration.
Vehicles and loads are checked for weight, height, length, width and axle spacing. Registration permits and licenses are checked to ensure that a “for hire” carrier has the authority to transport the goods carried.
Driver licenses are also checked for validity and proper class of license for the vehicle. Drivers are required to produce documents to show that they meet regulatory and legislative requirements such as daily trip inspections, log books indicating hours worked, and proof of commercial vehicle operator registration.
Vehicles are subject to safety checks (of brakes, lights and couplings, for example). In addition to permanent truck inspection stations, mobile inspection units may be set up for varying lengths of time at any location.
Any police officer or appointed ministry officer may require drivers go to the nearest inspection station or other designated location. If requested, drivers must assist in the truck inspections. Inspections may be done on a highway at any time.
Refusal or failure to proceed to a location designated by law enforcement is an offence liable to a fine of $200 to $1,000. Drivers who refuse or fail to redistribute or remove part of a load, or make arrangements to do so, or who obstruct a weighing, measuring or examination, are guilty of offence and liable to a fine of $100 to $200.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has developed uniform inspection procedures to be used by the MOT, and it’s important that drivers view roadside inspections positively. Although poor results from a single roadside inspection can affect the driver, fellow drivers, and the Company, drivers who keep their rigs clean and well-maintained, conduct conscientious pre-trip and post-trip inspectionsand keep their logbooks current inspect well.
The best way to successfully pass a roadside inspection is to be prepared and to becooperative. Inspections are a critical part of everyday duties of CMV operators nationwide and should never be viewed negatively, but rather as beneficial to everyone. Further, drivers who exercise conscientiousness over their craft and work not only take pride in achieving consistently excellent inspections, but sometimes even reap the rewards of acknowledgement, bonuses and promotion!
As a condition of employment, drivers must ensure that at all times they are operating in accordance with the Hours of Service Regulations as pertinent to CMV driver legislation in Canada (Regulation 555/06 of the Highway Traffic Act).
SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill monitor driver compliance with the Hours of Service regulations, and in the event of non-compliance, drivers will face disciplinary action. Drivers who are not in compliance will initially receive remedial training and upon discovery of repeated violations drivers may be subject to dismissal.
All details regarding Hours of Service requirements are contained in the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario Regulation 555/06.
The rules define four categories of duty time for commercial vehicle drivers:
On duty activities include driving, as well as performing other activities, such as inspecting, cleaning or repairing vehicles, travelling as a co-driver (not including when in sleeper berth), loading and unloading vehicles, waiting at inspections while unloading or loading is completed, due to unforeseen occurrences, such as accidents
These four categories are used to determine the minimum off-duty required and the maximum on-duty times allowed for CMV drivers.
If drivers indicate that they deferred time, SARAI TRUCKING LTD will verify:
Local driver daily log/time records must meet the following requirements:
The following is a breakdown of the rules pertaining to Hours of service in the U.S. and define simply what drivers can do based on rules.
Under the U.S. regulations log book falsification is a criminal offense punishable with large fines and up to 3 years in prison.
Observe the laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle scrupulously and make every effort to follow good driving practices and safety rules.
Today's truck drivers are among the most visible citizens on the highways, and the motoring public tends to criticize some of their driving practices. So it’s up to responsible truck drivers to influence the public’s opinion. Be a defensive driver-- anticipate what other drivers might do and compensate for them, where possible.
* At night and in weather conditions such as rain, snow or fog, you cannot see far ahead, so slow down, especially on unlit roads and whenever weather conditions reduce visibility.
You are over driving your headlights when your stopping distance is farther than you can see with your headlights. This is a dangerous thing to do because you may not give yourself enough room to make a safe stop. Reflective road signs can mislead you as well, making you believe you can see farther than you really can. This may cause you to overdrive your headlights if you are not careful.
Glare is dazzling light that makes it hard for you to see and be aware of what others around you are doing.It can be a problem on both sunny and overcast days, depending on the angle of the sun’s rays and your surroundings. It can also be problematic at night, when you face bright headlights or reflections in your mirrors.
When meeting oncoming vehicles with bright headlights at night look up and beyond and slightly to the right of the oncoming lights. In daytime glare, use your sun visor or use a pair of good quality sunglasses. When you enter a tunnel on a bright day, slow down to let your eyes adjust to the reduced light. Remove your sunglasses and turn on your headlights.
Cut down glare at night by following the rules of the road for vehicle lights. Use your low beam headlights within 150 m. (500 ft.) of an oncoming vehicle or when following a vehicle within 60 m. (200 ft.). On country roads, switch to low beams when you come to a curve or hilltop so you can see oncoming headlights and won’t blind oncoming drivers. If you can’t see any headlights, switch back to high beams.
Fog is a thin layer of cloud resting on the ground. Fog can reduce visibility for drivers, resulting in difficult driving conditions.
The best thing to do is to avoid driving in fog. Check weather forecasts and if there is a fog warning, delay your trip until it clears. If that is not possible or you get caught driving in fog, there are a number of safe driving tips you should follow. If visibility is decreasing rapidly, move off the road and into a safe parking area to wait for the fog to lift.
Before you drive--and during your trip--check weather forecasts. If there is a fog warning, delay your trip until it clears, if possible. If you are caught driving in fog, follow these safe driving tips:
Rain makes road surfaces slippery, especially as the first drops fall. With more rain, tires make less contact with the road. If you are going too fast when there is too much water on the highway, your tires may ride on top of the water like water skis. This is called hydroplaning. When this happens, control becomes very difficult. Make sure you have good tires with deep tread, and slow down when the road is wet.
Rain also reduces visibility. Drive slowly enough to be able to stop within the distance you can see. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. If your wiper blades do not clean the windshield without streaking, replace them.
In rain, try to drive on clear sections of road. Look ahead and plan your movements. Smooth steering, braking and accelerating will reduce the chance of skids. Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead in case you have to stop. This will also help you to avoid spray from the vehicle ahead that can make it even harder to see.
Avoid driving in puddles. A puddle can hide a large pothole that could damage your vehicle or its suspension, or flatten a tire. The spray of water could splash nearby pedestrians or drown your engine, causing it to stall. Water can also make your brakes less effective.
Avoid driving on flooded roads — water may prevent your brakes from working. If you must drive through a flooded stretch of road, test your brakes afterwards to dry them out.
Test your brakes when it is safe to do so by stopping quickly and firmly. Make sure the vehicle stops in a straight line, without pulling to one side. The brake pedal should feel firm and secure, not spongy — that’s a sign of trouble.
If you still feel a pulling to one side or a spongy brake pedal even after the brakes are dry, you should take the vehicle in for repair immediately.
A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. Skids can involve the front, rear or all wheels and can cause your vehicle to jack-knife. Most skids result from driving too fast for road or traffic conditions. Sudden, hard braking, going too fast around a corner or accelerating too quickly can cause your vehicle to skid or roll over.
If you do find yourself in a skid, look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction. Be careful not to over steer. If you are on ice, skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.
Threshold braking should bring you to a reasonably quick controlled stop in your own lane, even in slippery conditions. Remember to brake as hard as you can without locking up or skid the wheels. Press down on the brake pedal, trying to get as much braking power as possible. Then, if you feel any of the wheels locking up, release the brake pressure slightly and re-apply. Don’t pump the brakes. Continue braking this way until you have brought the vehicle to a complete stop. Some vehicles have anti-lock brake systems that give you a maximum threshold stop automatically.
If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, practice emergency braking to understand how your vehicle will react. It is a good idea to practice doing this under controlled conditions with a qualified driving instructor.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABSs) are designed to sense the speed of the wheels on a vehicle. An abnormal drop in wheel speed, which indicates potential wheel lock, causes the brake force to be reduced to that wheel. This is how the anti-lock braking system prevents tire skid and the accompanying loss of steering control. This improves vehicle safety during heavy brake use or when braking with poor traction. Anti-lock braking systems help to prevent wheel lock, you should not expect the stopping distance for your vehicle to be shortened. Under normal driving conditions, on clean dry roads, you will notice no difference between vehicles with anti-lock braking and vehicles without anti-lock braking.
Drivers unfamiliar with anti-lock braking are usually surprised by the vibration that happens the first time they brake hard in an emergency. Make sure you know what to expect so you can react quickly and effectively in an emergency!
Snow may be hard-packed, slippery as ice, rutted, full of hard tracks and gullies, or smooth and soft. Look ahead and anticipate what you must do based on the snow conditions. Slow down on rutted snowy roads. Avoid sudden steering, braking or accelerating that could cause a skid.
Blowing snow may create whiteouts where snow completely blocks your view of the road. When blowing snow is forecast, drive only if necessary and with extreme caution.
Before you drive--and during your trip--check weather forecasts and road reports. If there is a weather warning, or reports of poor visibility and driving conditions, delay your trip until conditions improve, if possible. If you get caught driving in blowing snow or a whiteout, follow these safe driving tips:
As temperatures drop below freezing, wet roads become icy. Sections of road in shaded areas or on bridges and overpasses freeze first. It is important to look ahead, slow down and anticipate ice.If the road ahead looks like black and shiny asphalt, be suspicious:It may be covered with a thin layer of ice known as black ice! Generally, asphalt in the winter should look gray-white in color. If you think there may be black ice ahead, slow down and be careful.
Snow removal vehicles are equipped with flashing blue lights that can be seen from 150 m. (500 ft.).Flashing blue lights warn you of wide and slow-moving vehicles. Some snow plows have a wing that extends as far as three meters to the right of the vehicle. On freeways, several snow plows may be staggered across the road, clearing all lanes at the same time by passing a ridge of snow from plow to plow. Do not try to pass between them. This is extremely dangerous because there is not enough room to pass safely, and the ridge of wet snow can throw your vehicle out of control.
When you see an emergency vehicle stopped with its red or red and blue flashing lights, in a lane or on the shoulder, in your direction of travel, you must slow down and proceed to pass with caution. If the road has two or more lanes, you must move over into another lane to allow one lane clearance between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle, if it can be done safely. Failing to follow these rules can result in a conviction, demerit points on your driving record, a driver’s license suspension of up to two years and a fine of $400 to $2,000 for a first offence and $1,000 to $4,000 for a ‘subsequent’ offence (asubsequent offence is when you are convicted again within five years). The court can order you to spend up to six months in jail, or you may have to pay a fine.
“Personal Use” under the Hours of Service is permitted in accordance with Hours of Service regulations only under the operating authorities of SARAI TRUCKING LTD Drivers may not operate any equipment unless under direct dispatch by the Company. Violation of this policy is considered grounds for immediate dismissal.
It is the responsibility of all drivers to inspect their equipment, (truck and trailers) for any damage on a daily basis. Damage must be reported to the management of SARAI TRUCKING LTDimmediately!
Drivers who discover any damage to SARAI TRUCKING LTD equipment must complete a damage inspection report. Failure by a driver to report damage will result in assuming you caused the damage and appropriate disciplinary action will apply.
Any damage which occurs must be reported immediately. Drivers who try to hide or deny damage to equipment will face disciplinary action as per SARAI TRUCKING LTD
As a SARAI TRUCKING LTD Employee /driver, it is expected you know and comply with the Accident Reporting Policy. Timely and accurate reporting of all accidents is imperative and greatly affects CVOR ratings as well as our operational authorities.
All accidents must be reported to dispatch immediately. If it is a major accident (defined as causing fatalities, personal injury, or major vehicular damage – i.e. multi¬-vehicle, rollover, jack¬knife, cargo damage), please call the company owners.
Once you call in to a management and/or dispatch you will be asked a series of questions in order to get pertinent information expediently. Following the interview, the Operations Department will determine best course of action and provide advice.
When you are in an accident involving a third party you MUST call police immediately. Simply exchanging information with the third party is NOT acceptable. Do not leave the scene until police have arrived. If they clearly decline visiting the scene, get the officer’s name, detachment and badge number. Once an officer has attended the scene, ensure you get a copy of his report and/or an information card containing the incident number and reporting information for follow-up.
Any accidents whereby a vehicle is required to be towed or there are bodily injuries, a post-accident drug test MUST be performed. Once you confirm to dispatch that the scene has been cleared and you can leave, you’ll proceed under advisement to have the drug/alcohol test performed. Testing must be performed within 2 hours of incident, but can be acceptable for up to 8 hours.
Ensure while you are at the scene to take any pictures of the vehicles and area in order to help document the situation. Please note in some cases police officers may advise you not to take pictures, if this request has been made – please comply. All units contain and accident kit, but you should ensure at start of each trip that your unit has one. Fill out the form while you are at the scene and the information is fresh in your mind. Get as much information you can from the third party and/or any witnesses. The accident report and any pictures should be handed into dispatch within 24 hours, or immediately upon your return to your home terminal.
At the scene of a collision, you are not required to make any type of statement concerning what occurred. Do not admit any fault, let professional figure that. The law states you must provide your driver’s license, ownership documents, certificate of insurance, shipping documents, CVOR certificate and log book.
Collisions are extremely stressful and human nature is to explain what happened and try to prove the collision was not your fault. It is imperative that drivers understand anything they say to a police officer, witness, 3rd party, adjuster or anyone else can be used against them in laying charges and in determining liability in a civil lawsuit. Therefore, it is imperative that you not make any type of a statement to anyone other than SARAI TRUCKING LTD
At the scene of a collision, it is imperative that you contact SARAI TRUCKING LTD immediately using the emergency phone number. You will be directed on what to say and whom you should speak to, including the names of the insurance adjuster who has been dispatched to the scene of the accident. Do not speak with anyone unless authorized to do so by SARAI TRUCKING LTD
All SARAI TRUCKING LTDtrucks are equipped with an accident camera. All collisions must be photographed by the driver at the scene. Please take as many pictures as necessary.
SARAI TRUCKING LTD, in accordance with provincial and federal laws, will provide a safe and well-maintained workplace. It will take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from injury or illness and will provide proper training and safety equipment and provide first aid training and first aid kits where required.
SARAI TRUCKING LTD will tell you about hazardous materials or equipment used in your workplace. You will also receive training before using any such materials or equipment.
You are an important part of workplace safety and if you have any questions, ask us to find out how you can help. We have information and materials you can use to make a difference.
If you believe your work is unsafe, you can refuse that work until the situation is corrected. You must, however, tell your supervisor immediately. In the meantime, you should remain in a safe place near your work station. You cannot be suspended, fired, or docked pay for refusing unsafe work.
As a worker, you have the responsibility to NOT take risks! You might injure yourself or another worker. If you see anything that looks unsafe, tell us immediately. Don’t wait until someone gets hurt!
Wear your protective clothing and equipment, and get trained to use it properly. We need to address all concerns and questions about health and safety issues and take the necessary measures to avoid injuries.
For more information, we can provide you with a copy of the “Occupational Health and Safety Act”.Any employee who is found to be in violation of the Health and Safety Guidelines or who fails to report a health and safety issue will face disciplinary action which may include termination.
Any driver who is injured during the course of their duties must report the injury as soon as reasonably possible to SARAI TRUCKING LTD In the event of a personal injury, you are required to seek medical attention if necessary and immediately report the injury to SARAI TRUCKING LTD If you are unable to report the injury, you must appoint someone to contact SARAI TRUCKING LTD with the details of injury and where you are being taken for medical treatment. Once you have received medical attention, you will be required to furnish SARAI TRUCKING LTD with all information regarding the injury.
SARAI TRUCKING LTD is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Workplace harassment will not be tolerated, and it’s critical for new employees to clearly understand and exercise this mandate.
Workplace harassment is a form of discrimination and entails engaging in a course of vexatious comments or conduct against an employee or co-worker. It refers to any unwanted physical or verbal conduct or commentary that offends or humiliates another during the course of work or vexatious, unwelcome comments. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, sexual harassment (i.e., unwanted physical touching, using terms of endearment) and offensive comments or conduct pertaining to a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender, or marital status.
Workplace harassment is unacceptable from anyone, and this policy applies to all SARAI TRUCKING LTDemployees, independent contractors, customers, suppliers, and persons with whom SARAI TRUCKING LTDemployees have contact throughout their employment. Everyone is expected to uphold this policy and to work together to prevent workplace harassment. Managers, supervisors, and employees are held accountable by equal standards, regardless of station/duty.
SARAI TRUCKING LTDhas a workplace harassment program that implements policy. It includes procedures that protect employees from workplace harassment, as a means of summoning immediate assistance and a process for employees to report incidents or raise concerns. SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill ensure that policy and supporting programs are implemented and maintained and that all employees and supervisors have appropriate information and instruction to protect themselves from harassment.
Upon learning of a situation that may violate this policy, SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill promptly conduct an investigation. All information regarding the alleged incidentis confidential, as permitted by the investigation process. If it is determined that violation of this policy has occurred, SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill take appropriate steps to remedy the situation, which include disciplinary action from verbal warnings to termination.
The management team will adhere to this policy and all supporting programs. Employees must work in compliance with policy and supporting programs. All employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about workplace harassment and to report allincidents. If you have questions regarding this policy, consult your manager for further guidance.
SARAI TRUCKING LTDis committed to the prevention of workplace violence and is ultimately responsible for employee health and safety. SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that our employees are protected from workplace violence from all sources.
Workplace violence can be defined as any action, conduct, threat or gesture towards an employee in their workplace that causes harm, injury or illness. This definition applies to individuals who enter work in the workplace as well as those who may enter the workplace to conductbusinessonbehalfof SARAI TRUCKING LTD(i.e.,customersites).
Violent behavior in the workplace is unacceptable from anyone. This policy applies to all SARAI TRUCKING LTDEmployees, independent contractors, customers, suppliers, and persons with whom SARAI TRUCKING LTDemployees have contact throughout their employment. Everyone is expected to uphold this policy and to work together to prevent workplace violence.
SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill not tolerate any form of violence of or by its employees and has a workplaceviolenceprogramthatimplementsthispolicy, whichincludesmeasuresandproceduresthat protect employees from workplace violence, a process to summon immediate assistance, and a procedure for employees to report incidents, or raise concerns. SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill ensure this policy and the supporting program are implemented and maintained and that all employees and supervisors have appropriate information and instruction to protect them from violence in the workplace.
Upon learning of a situation that may violate this policy, SARAI TRUCKING LTDconduct a prompt investigation. All information regarding the alleged incident of violence will be kept as confidential as permitted by the investigation process. If it is determined that a violation of this policy has occurred, SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill take appropriate steps, which may include disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. SARAI TRUCKING LTDwill not tolerate retaliation against an employee for making a complaint of violence or cooperating in an investigation, and the management team will adhere to this policy and supporting programs. Employees must work in compliance with this policy and the supporting program. All employees are encouraged to address concerns about workplace harassment and to report all incidents or threats.
*If you are an employee with questions regarding this policy, please consult your manager for further guidance.
*If you are a manager and need assistance interpreting the policy, please contact the HR Department.
As a driver, you are responsible for making sure loads are evenly balanced and properly secured against shifting. Any cargo that breaks loose or shifts during a sudden stop or sharp turn could cause a collision. All loads carried on a motor vehicle or trailer must be bound, covered or otherwise securely fastened or loaded so that no portion of the load can fall off the vehicle or trailer.
The Highway Traffic Act states that any load overhanging the rear of a vehicle by 1.5 m (5 ft.) or more should be marked by a red light when lights are required (one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise) and, at all other times, by a red flag or red marker.
Before moving a load, you should know the type of cargo you are carrying. Many commodities now being hauled require safety devices for the driver such as protective bulkheads or special lading. Before starting a trip or after unloading, check that doors are latched or that racks, tarps and other equipment are properly secured.
Ontario has adopted National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 10 for Cargo Securement, developed and published by the Canadian Council for Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). Standard 10 provides detailed instructions for operators and drivers to follow when securing different types of loads to CMVs. Every commercial vehicle carrying cargo on Ontario’s roads must comply with the rules set out for cargo securement in this national standard.
To ensure loads are secure from movement at all times while in transit, and to remain in compliance with the North American Cargo Securement regulations.
All drivers will be trained to the requirements of the North American Cargo Securement Standards.
*To remain in compliance with the North American Cargo Securement regulations, SARAI TRUCKING LTD must comply with the following regulations:
Cargo transported by vehicles shall be contained, immobilized or secured so that it cannot leak, spill, blow off, fall from, fall through or otherwise be dislodged from the vehicle, or shift upon or within the vehicle to such an extent that the vehicle’s stability or maneuverability is adversely affected.
2(1). This standard applies to a vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting cargo on a highway, and exceeding a registered gross vehicle weight of 4500 kilograms 2(2). This standard applies when an intermodal container is used for transporting cargo.
3(1).The driver of a vehicle shall: a) Inspect the vehicle to confirm that the vehicle’s tailgate. Tailboard, doors, tarpaulins and spare tire, and other equipment used in its operation, are secured. b) Ensure that the cargo does not interfere with the driver’s ability to drive the vehicle safely, and, c) Ensure that the cargo does not interfere with the free exit of a person from the cab or driver’s compartment of the vehicle.
3(2). The driver of a vehicle shall inspect the vehicle’s cargo and the cargo securement system used and makes necessary adjustments: a) Before driving the vehicle, and b) Not more than 80 kilometers from the point where the cargo was loaded.
3(3)a) The driver of a vehicle shall re-inspect the vehicle’s cargo and the cargo securement system used and make necessary adjustments to the cargo or cargo securement system as necessary, including adding more securing devices, at the earliest of the time a) There is a change of duty status of the driver, b) The vehicle has been driven for 3 hours, or c) The vehicle has been driven for 240 kilometers.
Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to a driver where: a) The cargo is sealed in a vehicle and the driver has been ordered not to open it to inspect the cargo, or b) The vehicle is loaded in a manner that makes the cargo, or portions of the cargo, inaccessible.
4(1). Cargo Securement Systems and each component of the system, used to contain, immobilize or secure cargo on or within the vehicle shall be strong enough to withstand the forces described in section 5(1) 4(2). The components of the cargo Securement system of a vehicle, Shall be in proper working order, Shall be fit for the purpose for which they are used, Shall have no knots, damaged or weakened components that will adversely affect their performance for cargo securement purposes, and Shall not have any cracks or cuts. 4(3) A securing device or integral locking device used to secure cargo to a vehicle shall itself be secured in a manner that prevents it from becoming unfastened while the vehicle is on a highway.
Vehicle and Cargo thefts present a major concern and it is the policy of SARAI TRUCKING LTD that each driver understand the risk associated with both vehicle and cargo theft. As a driver for SARAI TRUCKING LTD you are always required to ensure the following;
The above is Sarai Trucking policy pertaining to Vehicle and Cargo Security. Your adherence to this policy is both expected and appreciated.
SARAI TRUCKING LTD has a vital interest in the safety and wellbeing of any person, driver or otherwise working under our authorities. At some point in your career you may have to deal with a breakdown or an accident. Should the unexpected occur knowing what to do will help you stay both safe and legal. For this policy SARAI TRUCKING LTD will follow the guidelines as stated by Section 393.95 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
Section 393.95 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires that a commercial motor vehicle be equipped with at least three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles. As part of this policy all SARAI TRUCKING LTD tractors are required to have the emergency equipment available if so required.
Should a breakdown occur in an area that you may consider to be high risk contact local law enforcement for assistance
In any situation whereby, it is required that Warning Devices be put in place it is company policy that you wear a High Visibility Reflective Safety Vest or Equivalent (PPE)
When placing the devices, hold them in front of you to increase your visibility to traffic. Also, be alert for other drivers who may not see you on the road.
Note: The placement of devices varies depending on where the vehicle is stopped
The other two should be placed according to the rules for two-lane or divided highways
In addition to carrying the required warning devices, you should also have an accident report kit in your vehicle. In the event of an accident, all of the items are available in one place. The accident report kit should include:
The above is SARAI TRUCKING LTD policy on Warning Device Placement (Emergency Triangles) in the event of a Breakdown or an Accident. Company Drivers, Owner Operators or any person working under the authorities of SARAI TRUCKING LTD are required to follow this Warning Device Placement Policy.
Under the existing regulations it is mandatory that all trucks running into the U.S. be equipped with Electronic Driver Logging Devices. It is extremely important for all drivers to understand the liability concerning Electronic Driver Logs. The same Hours of Service rules apply to E-Logs as they did with paper Logs. The following is SARAI TRUCKING LTD ELD Policy. Under the regulations it is our responsibility to ensure that each driver understands and follows the ELD Policy.
As a basic requirement all drivers using E-Logs are always required to;
In the event that your ELD system does fail you may use a paper log and a paper pre-trip until the end of your current dispatch. A faulty ELD system must be repaired or replaced prior to further dispatch. No exceptions.
The same Hours of Service rules apply to E-LOGS as they did with paper logs. It’s extremely important that you understand the ELD system measures every move the truck makes whether you are logged into the system.
It is extremely important that each driver running under the authorities of SARAI TRUCKING LTD understand that each time the truck starts moving or stops it is logged automatically. Driving time reports being created by the ELD system cannot be edited by the driver or the company. Under the regulations SARAI TRUCKING LTD is required to review each drivers daily E-Logs to ensure compliance with the regulations. Drivers found to be in violation of this policy will be held accountable. SARAI TRUCKING LTD will follow its Discipline Policy to deal with any E-Log related issues. Under the ELD Regulations drivers with trucks equipped with ELD systems may only make use of paper Logs in the event an ELD system malfunction. Dispatch must be notified immediately of any ELD system malfunction. The above is SARAI TRUCKING LTD ELD Policy. Your attention to this policy is both expected and appreciated.
This Fleet Safety Policy Manual is the property of SARAI TRUCKING LTD and must be returned upon the end of your employment.
