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The report details how the U.S. DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) should overhaul its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) carrier rating system to make it more fair and accurate in its assessment of motor carriers’ safety risk.
"We agree with many of the findings of this long-awaited report," said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso, CTIS. "This (CSA) program as a whole is a valuable tool, but as we have repeatedly noted, one in need of improvement."
The study, required by the FAST Act, evaluates the Safety Measurement System (SMS) that FMCSA uses to pick out motor carriers—both passenger and property carriers—it deems at greater risk of being involved in crashes. ABA has long believed the current system uses a flawed methodology because it doesn't take into consideration when an accident is not the driver's fault, compare like carrier operations (i.e. buses to buses), or what a company has done to enhance its safety.
According to the report, NAS found the current SMS implementation defensible, being fair and not overtly biased against various types of carriers, to the extent data from [the Motor Carrier Management Information System] can be used for this purpose. That information system is a collection of data from crashes, inspections, and other sources.
However, NAS also affirms ABA’s position that elements of the SMS can be improved upon, as much of what is now done is “ad hoc and based on subject-matter expertise that has not been sufficiently empirically validated," according to the panel.
The FMCSA now has 120 days to develop a corrective action plan to address the recommendations made in the report, and implementation of the plan will be overseen by both the U.S. DOT Inspector General and Congress.
"We believe the panel's recommendations to improve the implementation of the SMS and quality of the data, is the correct way to move forward," Pantuso said. "We welcome the opportunity to work with the FMCSA as they develop steps to address the identified deficiencies and improve safety."
ABA will be partnering with the California Bus Association for its Bus Industry Safety Council West event October 17 in Alpine, Calif. The ABA Annual Meeting & Marketplace 2018 will head to Charlotte, NC, January 26-30, 2018.
Visit buses.org for more information.
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Yacine Mafhoum has been promoted to dispatch manager, Yolanda Washington has been hired as client services manager, and Rosanna Velasquez has been promoted to business development and affiliate coordinator. Each of them will report to General Manager Lew Aflalo, who came to United Private Car in January, 2017.
“These additions will help streamline the company’s departments and allow me to oversee the daily operations with an additional layer of accountability. I am excited to grow the leadership team from both within and outside our company,” Aflalo said. “Having experienced leaders come on board will position us well for both organic and affiliate growth, as well as increase the efficiency of our business.”
Mafhoum has been at United Private Car for two years, most recently as dispatch supervisor. Washington comes to United with 10 years of industry experience, having worked at another Boston area operator. Velasquez, already employed part time at United as a CSR, brings her business administration and marketing background to the team.
Established in 2006 by co-owners Terry Murtaugh and Jason Dornhoffer, United Private Car has grown annually and has made the Inc. 5000 list the previous two years, making it one of America’s 5000 fastest growing private companies.
Visit unitedprivatecar.com for more information.
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Turtle Top, family owned since 1962, is widely recognized today as a leader in the luxury transportation industry. Turtle Top designs and manufactures buses and specialty vehicles for some of the most prestigious names in the motorcoach industry, as well as numerous state and government agencies. With dealer locations throughout the United States and Canada, Turtle Top is able to provide its customers with outstanding service and support.
“It is with much excitement that the Cripe and Tom families announce the acquisition of Turtle Top Bus by Forest River,” says Phil Tom, vice president of Turtle Top. This transaction will allow our fifth generation family-owned and operated company the opportunity to further expand in today’s fast evolving bus conversion industry. This very difficult decision was made easier knowing that the ownership, leadership, and innovation of Forest River parallels Turtle Top’s core values and what has blessed us with success for over 55 years. Turtle Top’s family of employees and our loyal and vast distribution network will benefit from Forest River’s financial strength and resources to help drive our collective future growth.
David Wright, president of Forest River’s bus division, says, “We are excited to welcome Turtle Top to the Forest River family. Turtle Top and their dedicated employees have built a history of integrity, quality, and innovation and enjoy one of the best reputations in our industry today. We are honored that they have chosen Forest River to continue the tradition that they have dedicated themselves to building for more than 50 years.”
Turtle Top’s current bus models include the Van Terra, VT3, Terra Transit, Odyssey, Odyssey XL, Odyssey XLT, and MPV. Turtle Top’s specialty division builds everything from limousines to bloodmobiles and prisoner transport units to mobile offices. Turtle Top has supplied the transportation industry with innovative conversions for more than 50 years.
“With the momentum of the past, and the support of Forest River team moving forward, Turtle Top’s legacy will continue to flourish with the same focus, commitment, and passion towards serving our clients, teams, and communities,” says Tom.
For more information about Turtle Top and Forest River, visit their websites at turtletop.com or forestriverinc.com.
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