December Driver of the Month
Congratulations Tommy Aldrich of Warren Transport, Inc for being selected December Driver of the Month! Tommy has been driving for 32 years with about 4,000,000 miles on the road. Thanks for helping keep our roads safe!
Clearwater Junction Safety Improvements
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has been evaluating the intersection of Highway 200 and Highway 83, more commonly known as Clearwater Junction. This busy intersection has been identified as a conceptual roundabout design by the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) as needing safety and operational improvements.
Feel free to contact Duane at 406- 202-2950 or dwilliams@ mttrucking.org if you have any comments or feedback. You can also attend the open house(see below for detail) put on by MDT.
Clearwater Junction Safety Improvements
OPEN HOUSE
Seeley Lake Community Foundation
Thursday, February 27
4:30 to 7 p.m.
Hwy 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868
If you are unable to attend the public open house but would like to provide feedback, please email kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com. For more information on the Clearwater Junction Intersection Improvements project, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/clearwater/.
Trump Admin Suspends National EV Charging Program
The American Trucking Associations and fuel stop organizations issued statements broadly supportive of the pause.“We appreciate the Trump Administration’s efforts to evaluate the NEVI Program, and we look forward to working with them to advance a plan that addresses the trucking industry’s needs," Mike Tunnell, ATA's senior director of energy and environmental affairs, said. Read More
Inflation Rose 3% in January on Sticky Price Pressures
U.S. inflation accelerated last month as the cost of groceries, gas, and used cars rose, a trend that will likely underscore the Federal Reserve’s resolve to delay any further interest rate cuts. Read More
ATRI Releases Annual List of Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks
The American Transportation Research Institute released its 14th annual list highlighting the most congested bottlenecks for trucks in America, with the interchange of Interstate 95 and State Route 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, ranking as the most congested freight bottleneck in the country.
As Congress prepares to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation programs, this timely analysis can help local, state, and federal governments target funding where it is needed most. ATRI’s analysis also quantifies the value of infrastructure investment through a spotlight on Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange. Once the number one truck bottleneck in the country for three years in a row, the recently constructed interchange saw rush hour truck speeds improve by nearly 25 percent after construction was completed. See Link for full report
Will's Safety Message
In this series, we’ll explore practical ways to prevent these injuries, ensuring our truckers stay safe, healthy, and upright. Each week, we’ll tackle a specific aspect of manual material handling to empower drivers and promote a culture of safety. Let’s keep Montana moving forward, one safe step at a time.
Part 2: Twist, Turn, Trouble
The trucking life is full of twists and turns—on the road and in the work, you do every day. But when it comes to your body, twisting while lifting, carrying, or setting down loads can lead to serious injuries. The spine isn’t designed for heavy, twisting motions, and these movements can strain muscles, ligaments, and even discs in your back. Fortunately, with a few simple adjustments, you can avoid unnecessary strain and stay in peak condition.
Why Twisting is a Problem
When you twist your torso under a load, you’re putting uneven pressure on your spine. This increases the risk of strains, herniated discs, and even long-term back issues. Twisting also reduces the control you have over the load, which can lead to dropped cargo or sudden shifts that throw you off balance.
Safe Movement Strategies
Pivot, Don’t Twist: To avoid twisting, always face the direction you’re moving. If you need to turn, move your feet instead of rotating your torso. This keeps your spine aligned and stable while carrying a load.
Align Your Body: Keep your shoulders, hips, and feet facing the same direction when lifting or carrying. This alignment distributes weight evenly and minimizes stress on your lower back.
Plan Your Path: Before you lift or carry a load, look at your surroundings. Is there anything in your way that might require an awkward turn? Clear the area and create a straight path to your destination.
Use Mechanical Aids: Tools like dollies, pallet jacks, and forklifts are your best friends when moving heavy or bulky items. These tools let you steer and maneuver without compromising your body.
Take Your Time: Rushing often leads to shortcuts like twisting or improper lifting. Slow, deliberate movements are safer and more effective in the long run.
The Bigger Picture Avoiding twists and turns in your movements isn’t just about injury prevention—it’s about staying in control. Safe, deliberate motions keep you confident and effective, ensuring every delivery gets made without setbacks.
Montana’s Truckers: Leading the Way
As the backbone of Montana’s economy, our truckers set the standard for safety. By committing to better movement practices, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re building a culture of safety that inspires others. Let’s keep Montana moving, one careful pivot at a time!
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