FMCSA Shuts Down Two Firms for Safety Violations
A carrier involved in the spilling of canola oil onto Interstate 75 in Georgia last month and a fireworks display company in Illinois were shut down for various safety violations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced June 15.
The agency said Prudential Carriers, based in Hampton, Georgia, failed to ensure its leased and company-owned vehicles were routinely inspected, repaired and maintained. It also failed to ensure drivers followed federal hours-of-service regulations as well as comply with driver-qualification requirements.
If the firm complies with FMCSA’s safety regulations, it will be allowed to resume operations. A message with the firm for a request for comment was not immediately returned.
In May, investigators started an investigation of Prudential after the firm was found to be involved in a May 12 incident where the company instructed one of its driver to continue operating a truck that was transporting a damaged, leaking load of canola oil onto I-75. Four vehicle accidents were linked to the oil on the road.
FMCSA also shut down Payson, Illinois-based Rhino Displays, a fireworks display company. Last month, investigators determined that the firm transported packages of fireworks that were improperly secured. The firm also failed to have a federally required fire extinguisher in the vehicle, and a driver was not in possession of a commercial driver license, among other violations.
“These widespread violations substantially increased the likelihood of serious injury or death to Rhino Display’s drivers and the public,” the agency noted.
The firm may be allowed to resume operations if it complies with federal safety guidelines, such as establishing safety management controls and procedures that ensure drivers comply with cargo securement requirements.
The firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
