The FMCSA has declared REDCO Transport, Ltd. (USDOT No. 1670585), a Laredo, Texas-based company to be an imminent hazard to public safety.
This declaration was spurred by an incident in Louisiana on August 12, 2013 when a REDCO truck crashed into a van which was stopped on the side of I-20. Three people – the driver included – were killed in the accident. Within a few hours after the accident, an investigation was launched by the FMCSA.
It was realized that the company had routinely failed to make sure that it’s drivers were following HOS regulations to prevent driver fatigue – these failures included both limitations on daily driving and maximum on-duty hours. REDCO also failed tonsure that their drivers complied with regulations regarding testing for alcohol and controlled substances. Additionally – REDCO was found to have neglected to make sure that all of their drivers were properly qualified. – Some had even been dispatched before the company had received results for the mandatory pre-employment drug screening.
U.S. Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx stated that, “It is unacceptable for commercial truck and bus companies to disregard critical safety regulations that serve to protect the motoring public. Companies that choose to needlessly endanger innocent lives will be blocked from operating on our highways and roads. There is no higher priority than safety.”
FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro commented that REDCO’s “Blatant disregard of federal rules compromises the safety of every traveler on our roadways. We will continue our vigorous enforcement efforts and our close collaboration with state and local authorities to further improve roadway safety every day, every mile, everywhere.”
REDCO Transport, Ltd. has been ordered to immediately cease operations. The company operated a fleet of 112 trucks, and transported general freight.
Sources
U.S. Department of Transportation | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration