Honoring Earth Day: Trucking Towards a Sustainable Future with SmartWay Transport Partnership

Did you know, "​Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation account for about 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor of U.S. GHG emissions."

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At Veltri, Inc., we're committed to delivering essential goods while safeguarding our planet. Earth Day serves as an important reminder of our environmental responsibility, and we're proud to partner with the SmartWay brand to achieve a more sustainable transportation future.

The SmartWay Transport Partnership program recognizes businesses that take concrete steps to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. By incorporating SmartWay practices into our operations, we're demonstrably lessening our environmental impact.

Here are some of the ways we're working towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow:

• Investing in Fuel-Efficient Trucks: We're continuously upgrading our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient vehicles that meet stringent EPA standards.

• Optimizing Routes: Utilizing advanced software allows us to plan efficient routes, reducing unnecessary miles and minimizing emissions.

• Repurposing Resources: Since recycling tires is illegal in most states, we have our tires retreaded to utilize as much of our resources as possible to help reduce waste. 

• Regular Maintenance: By prioritizing regular maintenance, we ensure our trucks perform optimally and reduce emissions.

Our SmartWay Transport Partnership is a testament to our dedication to environmental responsibility. We're committed to continuous improvement and believe that a sustainable future is achievable for the trucking industry.

This Earth Day, let's all recommit to protecting our planet. Together, we can make a significant difference!

2024 CVSA Roadside Inspections: What You Need to Know

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts roadside inspections throughout North America to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and drivers. These inspections help to identify and address potential safety hazards, reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

When is this year's CVSA Roadside Inspection?

This annual 72-hour event will be May 14th-16th, 2024 .

What to Expect During a 2024 CVSA Roadside Inspection

During a roadside inspection, a CVSA inspector will typically:

• Review the driver's credentials such as their commercial driver's license (CDL), medical certificate, and hours-of-service (HOS) documentation.

• Inspect the vehicle for any safety violations, such as brake system problems, tire issues, or cargo securement failures.

• Ask the driver questions about their travels, cargo, and vehicle maintenance.

2024 Focus Areas

In 2024, CVSA is focusing on two key areas during roadside inspections:

• Hazardous driving behaviors: This includes speeding, distracted driving, and following too closely.

• Critically important vehicle violations: This includes brake system problems, tire issues, and cargo securement failures.

How to Prepare for a CVSA Roadside Inspection

To help ensure a smooth roadside inspection, drivers and carriers should:

• Be familiar with CVSA regulations.

• Maintain all required documentation in the vehicle.

• Conduct regular vehicle maintenance and inspections.

• Get enough rest and avoid fatigued driving.

By following these tips, drivers and carriers can help to ensure a safe and compliant roadside inspection.

Learn more about CVSA and this year's Roadside Inspection here!

Paving the Way: Celebrating Trailblazing Women in Trucking

The trucking industry has long been a male-dominated field, but that doesn't mean women haven't played a crucial role in its history and continue to shape its future. From early pioneers who defied stereotypes to modern leaders shattering glass ceilings, these women have paved the way for countless others.

Pioneering Spirits:

• Mary Fields: Nicknamed "Stagecoach Mary," she became the first Black woman to start a public stagecoach business in the 1880s, defying racial and gender barriers. Fields was an American mail carrier who was the first Black woman to be employed as a star route postwoman in the United States. Fields had the star route contract for the delivery of U.S. mail from Cascade, Montana, to Saint Peter's Mission. A fellow U.S. mail carrier like Veltri, Inc.!
  

Stagecoach Mary - Photo courtesy of Google Images

• Lillie Drennan: Starting in the 1930s, she built a trucking empire, becoming one of the first women to own and operate a major trucking company. Lillie Drennan was the first licensed female truck driver in Texas and owned the Drennan Truck Line in Hempstead for almost twenty-four years fighting inequality and unfair competition.
  

Lillie Drennan - Image courtesy of Google Images

• Adriesue "Bitsy" Gomez: A true maverick, she defied expectations by becoming a long-haul truck driver in the 1970s, inspiring others to follow their dreams. If you ever used a female restroom at a truck stop, you can thank Bitsy who demanded equality for female truck drivers. Starting with 150 members, she was Founder of the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers (now Women in Trucking Association) to bring awareness and change to the discrimination and sexism within the trucking industry.

Above are just a few examples of the many incredible women who have made their mark on the trucking industry. Their stories serve as a reminder that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, even in traditionally male-dominated fields. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's honor these pioneers and continue to work towards a more equitable future for all in the trucking industry.

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