The Official Blog for Penske Truck Leasing, Truck Rental and Logistics

Penske celebrates National Technician Appreciation Week Sept. 22 – 28 to spotlight and thank the force behind our fleet.

Please join us in celebrating the more than 11,000 skilled Penske technicians and customer service representatives (CSRs) who keep our customers – and our world – moving forward in the safest, most well-maintained fleet in the industry.

The expertise and commitment of our technicians and CSRs keep Penske’s fleet running and our supply chains and economy moving. Together, our team maintains over 445,000 vehicles from more than 1,000 locations across the country.

“From maintaining industry repair standards to supporting state-of-the-art sustainable technology and innovation, our technicians and customer service representatives are the industry’s experts,” says Gregg Mangione, executive vice president of maintenance at Penske Truck Leasing. “They truly are the force behind our fleet.”

Hear more from Mangione, along with, Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing, and Mike Duquette, senior vice president of maintenance field operations, in the video below.

As of 3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 5, the following Penske locations have adjusted operating hours, due to Hurricane Debby.

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Due to Hurricane Beryl’s landfall prediction, the following Penske locations will be closed on Monday, July 8:

0545-10 5522 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas

0546-10 4001 North Cage, Pharr, Texas

0911-10 824 N. Expressway 77, Harlingen, Texas

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Sue Maier, vice president of sales systems and analytics for Penske Truck Leasing, has been named to the Women in Trucking Association’s (WIT) 2024 list of Top Women to Watch in Transportation. This prestigious list recognizes top performers who go the extra mile to advance gender diversity in transportation.

“I’m thrilled to accept this recognition alongside so many outstanding women in transportation,” said Maier. “I’d like to thank the talented and diverse team at Penske, who shares my passion for collaboration, mentorship and continuous improvement.”

Sue Maier

Maier assumed the brand-new role of vice president of sales systems and analytics in May 2022, and has since built a robust, cross-disciplinary team that has transformed the systems and processes underpinning Penske’s lease sales experience. Maier’s portfolio includes oversight of Penske’s customer relationship management software and management of Penske’s unique specification and rating system, sales support teams, and sales reporting.

Maier is proud to lead a highly visible, predominantly female team in a vertical that straddles sales and information technology, two historically male disciplines. She has also demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship by co-founding a highly successful sales mentorship program, which in its pilot year matched 37 diverse associates (including 24 women) with 18 sales leaders.

Each year, the Top Women to Watch list is selected by the editorial staff of Redefining the Road, WIT’s official magazine. It has previously featured Christiane Meyer, director of strategic accounts for Penske Logistics; Angela Tracy, vice president of sales for Penske Truck Leasing; Chavela Brown, area vice president for Penske Truck Leasing, and Amy Ilyes, vice president of logistics engineering for Penske Logistics.

A longstanding partner of WIT, Penske has been honored as a Top Company for Women in Transportation for the past five consecutive years.

By Emily Foreman

It’s been a dangerous and deadly summer for tractor trailers and trains. In June, a collision between a dump truck and an Amtrak train in Missouri sparked a derailment that caused four deaths and an estimated $4 billion in damages.

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If you haven’t recently checked all the components of your truck’s brake system, now is the time to get it done.

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As an estimated 480,000 school buses return to U.S. roads over the next few weeks, it’s time for professional drivers to brush up on their own lesson plan: How to drive with care during back-to-school season. Remember these 7 words that can help you avoid an accident and potentially save a life.

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You may think distracted driving and DUIs cause the largest amount of traffic accidents each year — and you'd be right. But did you know that speeding is #3 on the list?

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The annual 72-hour Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) International Roadcheck roadside inspection blitz includes more than 40,000 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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Accidents happen! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) most recent Traffic Safety Facts report, about 538,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported crashes in 2019. Those accidents led to 159,000 injuries and more than 5,000 deaths.

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Spring marks the start of road construction season, and with more road work projects planned nationwide, professional drivers can expect to navigate more than their fair share of work zones.

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Life on the road means lots of hours behind the wheel. It can also mean way too many high-fat, high-calorie truck stop and diner meals. And sadly, all those calories come at a cost. Studies show that 7 in 10 truck drivers are overweight, which raises their risk for serious heart disease.

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More than 70% of the nation's roads sit in regions that see over 5 inches of snowfall each year. That means there's a good chance you'll encounter slippery and downright dangerous driving conditions over the next three months.

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With holiday traffic volumes expected to be near pre-pandemic levels this year, professional drivers can expect to share the road with millions of motorists nationwide. But the highways won’t be the only crowded place. Truck stops and rest areas will be jam-packed, too!

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Did you know November is deer mating season? That means drivers run a high risk for collisions with deer and other wildlife. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that animal-vehicle collisions are two times more likely in November than in any other month of the year.

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At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, Daylight Saving Time will end. And while we'll all gain an extra hour of sleep, we'll also lose an hour of daytime driving.

Even though there's often less traffic on the roads at night, 50% of all traffic fatalities occur after sunset, according to the National Safety Council. The peak time of day for fatal crashes from October through March is between 4 – 7:50 p.m.

Get ready for the time change. Take this quick refresher on safe habits for driving in the dark.

1. Use your high beams – Make sure your truck's headlights are properly adjusted. When it's dark, use your high beams whenever it's safe to do so. High beams allow you to see twice as far ahead (500 feet) than low beams (about 250 – 300 feet). Switch to low beams whenever you're within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

2. Slow down – No matter how good your vision is, it's a simple fact that drivers can't see as much of the road at night as they can during the day. That means you should always drive the speed limit at night, and slow down even further if inclement weather or other conditions limit your visibility further.

3. Reduce glare – In just 5 seconds, a truck driving 55 mph travels the length of a football field. So, 5 seconds of blindness from glare can be dangerous. Cut down glare by keeping a clean windshield. Replace your wiper blades frequently. Dim your dashboard lights.

4. Look away from oncoming lights – Staring at the headlights from oncoming traffic can cause discomfort and reduce your reaction time. When bright lights come your way, look toward the center or the right-hand edge of the road until traffic passes. Also, adjust your mirrors so other drivers' headlights and high beams won't blind you.

5. Stay extra-alert – Night driving has many hazards, including an increased risk of collisions with wildlife, livestock, and impaired motorists. Know these risks and keep an eye out for them at all times.

6. Know your limits – According to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration, about 100,000 police-reported crashes occur each year due to drowsy driving, with peaks seen between midnight – 2 a.m. and 4 – 6 a.m. Aim for seven-and-a-half hours of sleep each night. Also, know when you start to get tired and pull over immediately and take a break.

7. Get your eyes checked. The American Optometry Association recommends getting an eye exam at least once every two years even if you don't wear glasses, and at least once a year if you wear glasses or if you are at risk for vision problems.

Minimizing over-the-road breakdowns and preventing out-of-service violations are two of the many benefits of pre- and post-trip inspections. Use this list of dos and don'ts to complete your inspections the right way.

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It's almost back-to-school time! Here are answers to seven of the most common questions professional drivers have when it comes to safe driving during the school year.

1. When must I stop for school buses?

You must stop on an undivided roadway whenever a bus has its yellow or red lights flashing or has its stop arm extended. You also must stop on a divided roadway if you're heading in the same direction as the school bus. Passing a stopped school bus is against the law in all 50 states.

2. How far should I stop behind a school bus?

Stop at least 20 feet behind the bus. This gives children the room they need to move to, from and around the school bus.

3. Do I have to slow down in a school zone even if the start of school is delayed?

If yellow traffic signals are flashing in a school zone, you must obey school zone laws no matter what. Drive the posted school zone speed limit. Obey traffic officers and crossing guards. Stop for children and pedestrians no matter where they cross – whether it's at a posted crosswalk or in the middle of a school zone.

4. What times of day have the most school bus traffic?

Expect heavier than normal traffic in cities and neighborhoods. Plan for congestion at key school opening and closing times, usually early in the morning and mid-afternoon. Use extra caution before dawn or in inclement weather, times when visibility is worse.

5. Are school zones the only areas I should worry about?

No. Remember to keep all crosswalks clear. Also, children are unpredictable. They may walk or run across the street from between two parked cars. They may ride a bicycle, scooter or skateboard on the side of the road or in the street. Stay alert and distraction free. Avoid turning the radio, texting, talking on the phone, eating or doing anything other than driving.

6. How can I avoid school bus traffic?

Look at GPS data prior to your route. Avoid neighborhoods. Choose highways and interstates instead.

7. What other safety tips should I take this school season?

Watch for an increase in the number of student drivers on the road. Look for bus stops and other areas where children might gather. And be patient. Never honk your horn at a bus or a child trying to cross the street; it could cause an accident.

Drug and alcohol violations bring serious penalties for holders of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs). A positive test will keep you off the road until you complete substance abuse counseling and receive a negative test. It may even cost you your job altogether.

That's why the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urges all professional drivers to exercise caution when considering the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products. While many are sold over the counter for pain relief, anxiety, and movement disorders, some can lead to a positive drug test. Here's why:

  • DOT lists all forms of marijuana as Schedule I controlled substances. That means drivers can't legally use marijuana for recreational or medical reasons, even in states where marijuana use is legal.
  • CBD products contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It's the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.
  • A THC concentration of more than 0.3% will take you off the road following a drug test.
  • CBD products carry misleading labels. Because CBD products aren't regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a CBD product could contain higher levels of THC than the product label indicates.

CBD is not a legitimate excuse for a positive lab test result. Medical Review Officers will verify any drug test at a concentration of 0.3% THC even if a driver claims he or she only used a CBD product. It is the responsibility of the CDL holder to understand and comply with all FMCSA/DOT regulations. This is the law.

Positive drug tests for marijuana remain a problem for drivers. On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched its Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. It's a secure online database that gives employers, drivers and government agencies real-time access to information about CDL and CLP driver violations.

From January 6, 2020, to May 1, 2021, the FMCSA recorded 69,565 drivers with at least one drug or alcohol violation. Marijuana is the No. 1 violation, accounting for 56% of all positive tests. Other commonly found illegal substances include cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. In all, positive drug tests accounted for 81% of the total violations reported.

The message is clear. Avoid any type of drugs or alcohol, including marijuana and CBD products, so you can stay on the road and keep yourself and others safe.

Drivers who want to view their clearinghouse record can register for the clearinghouse. Visit: clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register