Memorial Day Holiday

With the Memorial Day weekend coming up, it's important to make sure your facility is safe and secure. Check out the safety bulletin and sign up to get more of these helpful tips sent directly to your email!

Every May, many of us kick off summer with barbecues, beach trips, or town parades. But regardless of our plans, it's crucial to remember the true purpose of this holiday. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom.

Here are a few quotes that remind us of the daily sacrifices made by our soldiers, past and present, and help us honor those who have inspired such powerful words. These quotes simply say thank you. We should honor and recognize their service every day, not just on this occasion.

"Memorial Day: Celebrate, honor, remember."

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." –Ronald Reagan

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." –Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." –Adlai E. Stevenson II

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived." –George S. Patton

"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me." –Lee Greenwood

On May 3, 2000, President William J. Clinton designated 3:00 pm on Memorial Day as a time for all U.S. citizens to observe one minute of silence in respect and reverence for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom of the United States of America. Additionally, keep in your thoughts and prayers the well-being of the men and women currently serving in our armed forces. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Important Security Preparations for Memorial Day Weekend

It's important to get your terminal facility ready for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. This holiday weekend is often targeted by thieves, especially at truck terminals and dealerships. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in vehicle break-ins and theft of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which are valuable because of their precious metals. Thieves are stealing DPFs using battery-powered saws, which can result in significant costs and long downtimes if parts need to be ordered. They see holiday weekends as an opportunity because facilities may have less staff present.

Here are some security tips:

- Take extra precautions to secure trucks and valuable items at your facility.

- Instruct drivers not to fill units at the end of the day if they lack anti-siphon fuel devices or locking fuel caps.

- Ensure all security alarms and cameras are functional.

- Verify the security fencing around your yard perimeter is in good condition.

- Move units and materials away from fences to prevent them from being used to climb over.

- Review and ensure security lighting is operational and unobstructed.

- Confirm that the security alarm system is operational and cameras are properly adjusted.

- Consider blocking entrance and exit points to prevent vehicle theft.

- Assign management personnel to check the terminal randomly throughout the three-day weekend.

- Using prevention and common sense can deter thieves and protect your facility from disruptions!

Cargo Theft Up 41% This Year, Expected to Spike Over Memorial Day Weekend

In 2024, there has been a significant surge in cargo theft, with a 41% increase reported by CargoNet, a cargo theft recording firm. Truck drivers and supply chain professionals are being cautioned by CargoNet about the likelihood of an even greater rise in theft activity during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend.

CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week: July 7-13

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week for July 7-13. This initiative aims to improve driving behaviors through a combination of educational efforts, traffic enforcement strategies, and driver interactions with law enforcement.

During Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement officers across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will be monitoring both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers for unsafe driving behaviors. These behaviors include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Drivers found engaging in these behaviors will be pulled over and may receive a warning or citation.

Focus for This Year: Reckless, Careless, or Dangerous Driving

The primary focus for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week is on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving.

• Reckless Driving: Defined as driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
• Careless/Dangerous Driving: Defined as operating a vehicle without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other motorists or pedestrians.

By targeting these hazardous driving practices, Operation Safe Driver Week seeks to promote safer driving habits and enhance road safety.

Registration Now Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!

Driving Safety in 2024

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) are excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2024 Safety Seminars. These one-day seminars will focus on crucial topics such as safety data analysis, basic safety and compliance, regulation changes, and CSA.

Who Can Attend: These seminars are open to all Idealease customers, potential customers, and NPTC members, and are provided at no charge.

Seminar Highlights:

• Gain insights into safety practices and compliance regulations.
• Learn about the latest advancements in safety technology.
• Understand CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) and its impact on your operations.

Why Attend: Whether you're a novice or an experienced transportation professional, these seminars offer valuable information to enhance your safety practices.

Registration Details: Seminars are currently available for registration, with venues secured for the following locations:

Spring 2024

• 4/10/24: Sun Prairie, WI
• 4/18/24: Frankfort, KY
• 5/9/24: Tampa, FL
• 5/21/24: Portland, OR
• 5/23/24: Santa Rosa, CA

Fall 2024

• 10/1/24: Eugene, OR
• 10/3/24: San Leandro, CA
• 10/9/24: Baltimore, MD
• 10/17/24: Nashville, TN

• 10/28/24: Stockton, CA

Note: If you don't see a seminar in your area listed yet, don't worry. Registration availability will be updated weekly as venues are secured. Keep an eye on this bulletin for the latest updates. To register for an upcoming seminar in 2024, click on the following link: Safety Seminar Registration. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your safety knowledge and practices in 2024. Register today!

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.