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Enhancing Fleet Safety with Cognitive Assessments: Bison Transport’s Innovative Approach

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Bison Transport

Rethinking driver assessment methods has paid off significantly for Bison Transport, enabling the company to save $266,000 in just a year by reducing training washouts and making better use of their invaluable resource: instructors.

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Traditional credentials like CDL licenses, road tests, and standard DOT physicals are increasingly viewed as insufficient legal protections. To address this, Bison Transport, ranked 37th in the CCJ Top 250, has implemented a data-driven, individualized decision-making strategy centered around cognitive assessments. These assessments, age-normed and set by the Winnipeg-based organization, shift the emphasis towards functional fitness for drivers.

Rather than employing personality tests for cultural fit, Bison Transport’s five-minute cognitive evaluation focuses on assessing key mental faculties: reaction time, attention, executive function, control, and baseline quality.

Stephanie Fensom, Senior Manager of Safety, describes how applicants are grouped based on their performance into pass, range of inquiry, or fail categories. New drivers must pass to be hired, while experienced drivers in the “range of inquiry” may still join with tailored development plans. “It helps them align their training with potential on-road scenarios,” Fensom explained.

Through cognitive data, Bison Transport has significantly improved the orientation process. According to Garth Pitzel, Associate Vice President of Safety and Driver Development, the company has not only enhanced safety but also operational efficiency, reducing the training washout rate from 26% to 7%. Each avoided washout represents a $14,000 saving, culminating in annual savings of about $266,000.

“The in-cab instructor is our most crucial resource. Losing four weeks of their time is irreplaceable,” Pitzel remarked. By ensuring instructors work with drivers possessing the necessary cognitive skills, Bison Transport is building a more efficient, assured, and safer fleet.

While personality assessments have traditionally assessed cultural fit within the trucking sector, Pitzel notes that cognitive testing offers an objective measure of essential driving capabilities, like reaction time and executive function.

“Our primary aim is to ensure the right person is behind the wheel,” Pitzel stated. “Attitude is easier to gauge, but aptitude requires careful assessment.”

The cognitive assessment system utilizes strict anti-cheating protocols, such as identity verification and star mapping, to confirm the authenticity of test-takers. Bison is expanding this program across its fleet and plans to introduce remote testing options for U.S. operations. These cognitive assessments also play a role in helping drivers returning from medical leave to ensure ongoing fitness for duty.

Pitzel emphasizes that beyond operational gains, the core motivation for adopting this technology is enhancing fleet safety. Research from Impirica indicates that cognitive decline can begin as early as age 30, but age alone is not a reliable risk indicator. For instance, a 24-year-old recovering from a concussion could be a higher risk than a cognitively sharp 68-year-old.

“We have some 63-year-olds outscoring 23-year-olds in these tests,” Pitzel shared. “Age isn’t the focus.”

The assessments adjust for factors like age and colorblindness, concentrating solely on key mental capabilities: memory, executive function, reaction time, hazard avoidance, and pattern recognition. This enables hiring based on current cognitive ability rather than generational stereotypes.

Additional industry updates include the Texas Attorney General’s investigation into trucking schools over English proficiency and safety standards, and the financial challenges presented by high diesel costs impacting fleets with older trucks.

For more insights tailored to owner-operators, trucking professionals, contractors, dealers, distributors, and those interested in clean trucking technologies, explore our resources and updates.

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Oil Prices Steady as Trump Arrives for China Summit

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Mark Hill of PCS Software joins us to discuss logistics as TT releases the Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.  

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Wall Street was mixed in premarket trading May 13 as oil prices steadied and the technology sector appeared ready to bounce back from widespread losses to start the week.

Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.3%. Futures for the technology-heavy Nasdaq jumped 0.7%.

Intel rose 3.1% after a 6.8% decline on May 12, while Micron clawed back all of its 3.6% loss from a day earlier, jumping more than 5% before markets opened. The artificial intelligence boom has sent both chipmakers soaring this year, with Intel shares more than tripling and Micron shares more than doubling.

Prominent U.S. executives from Big Tech and other industries will join Trump on his trip to China, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, according to a White House official.

“Corporate earnings and AI momentum are acting as the market’s primary shock absorbers, but the road is getting significantly rougher,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

“With oil prices becoming entrenched at elevated levels and a diplomatic breakthrough between the U.S. and Iran remaining elusive, the easy bullish narrative is becoming much harder to maintain.”

The price for a barrel of Brent crude inched down 46 cents to $101.72. Brent crude, the international standard, slipped 17 cents to $107.60 a barrel. 

The war has essentially shut the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, keeping them stuck in the Persian Gulf instead of delivering crude to customers worldwide.

The resulting leap for crude oil prices, with Brent up from roughly $70 per barrel before the war, caused inflation in the United States to worsen last month by more than economists expected, the government reported May 12. In another discouraging signal, price increases accelerated by more in April than economists expected even after excluding gasoline and food costs.

The Fed has paused any interest rate cuts so far this year, as it waits to see how high inflation will go because of the war with Iran and Trump’s tariffs. That’s because lower rates can worsen inflation even while boosting the broader economy.

Traders still largely expect the Fed to keep its main interest rate steady this year, but they’re now betting on a better than 1-in-3 chance that it could hike rates by December, according to CME Group. Higher rates tend to push down on stock prices, while also slowing the economy.

Elsewhere, in Europe at midday, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.4%, while the German DAX added 0.6%. Britain’s FTSE 100 was little changed.

South Korea’s Kospi index surged 2.6% to 7,844.01, recouping recent losses. The Kospi sank 2.3% earlier in the week from an all-time high after a senior figure in the administration suggested the government may redistribute windfall AI profits from companies to citizens. Analysts said some investors were snatching the shares that got sold as the actual impact of the remarks was still unclear.

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Oil Prices Steady as Trump Arrives for China Summit

Mark Hill of PCS Software joins us to discuss logistics as TT releases the Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.  

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Qualcomm also rebounded May 13, gaining 4% after a steep 11.5% drop a day earlier.

Trump and Xi met last fall in South Korea. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.5% to 8,630.40. The Hang Seng gained 0.2% to 26,388.44, while the Shanghai Composite rose 0.7% to 4,242.57.

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Trucking Groups Stand Against Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

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Trucking Groups Stand Against Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

“Without replacement funds, fuel tax revenues supporting critical investments in highway safety and infrastructure projects would evaporate, hindering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country.”

— American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers

Three U.S. trucking associations—American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers—opposed proposals to suspend federal fuel taxes. President Donald Trump has urged Congress to pause the gasoline and diesel taxes to ease fuel costs, but industry groups argue the suspension would provide negligible benefits and might impact highway safety and infrastructure funding.

What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles

Suspending the federal fuel tax may seem like a quick fix to reduce fuel costs, but the trucking associations believe the savings won’t significantly reach drivers like you. They estimate that a suspension might save an average motorist only about 30 cents per week.

Without the fuel tax revenue, crucial infrastructure projects and highway safety investments could face funding shortages. This could impact the quality and safety of roads, which are vital for your hauls.

While it might appear that pausing the tax could lower your operating expenses, the trickle-down effect of these savings is expected to be minimal, offering little relief on your bottom line.

Maintaining a steady flow of infrastructure funding is crucial for ensuring that you have safe, reliable routes to take your loads on time and efficiently without facing road-related disruptions.

  • Keep an eye on any legislative developments from Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna regarding the fuel tax suspension.
  • Monitor statements and decisions from Sen. James Lankford, who currently opposes the suspension.
  • Watch for any announcements from the American Trucking Associations and other trucking advocacy groups for further guidance.
  • Will suspending the fuel tax lower my fuel costs significantly?

    No, according to trucking associations, the proposed suspension would likely translate into minimal savings for drivers, around 30 cents weekly.

    How does the fuel tax impact highway safety and infrastructure?

    Fuel tax revenues are critical for funding highway safety and infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and efficient routes for your operations.

    Who is supporting the suspension of the federal fuel tax?

    President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna are advocating for this temporary pause to alleviate fuel costs.

    What happens if the fuel tax is suspended without replacement funding?

    Suspending the tax without alternative funding could lead to reduced investments in critical highway and infrastructure projects, potentially affecting road conditions.

    Where can I find updates on this issue?

    Stay informed by following announcements from trucking associations and legislative news related to federal fuel tax discussions.

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    Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

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    Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

    “Without replacement funds, fuel tax revenues supporting critical investments in highway safety and infrastructure projects would evaporate, hindering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country.”

    — American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers

    Three major U.S. trucking associations oppose proposals to suspend federal fuel taxes. President Donald Trump has proposed a temporary pause on the 18.4-cent gasoline tax and the 24.4-cent diesel tax, with some congressional support. However, there is concern over the impact on federal debt and infrastructure funding.

    What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles

    If federal fuel taxes are suspended, the immediate impact on your fuel costs might be minimal. The savings are estimated to be about 30 cents weekly, not significant enough to change your bottom line.

    The trucking associations argue that the suspension could lead to reduced funding for highway safety and infrastructure, potentially affecting the conditions of the roads you drive on.

    Without proper funding for maintenance and infrastructure projects, the quality and safety of your routes could decline, potentially impacting your efficiency and vehicle maintenance costs.

    Stability in infrastructure funding ensures that you can continue to move goods safely and efficiently across the country, maintaining your load availability and job security.

  • Keep an eye on congressional discussions and decisions regarding the suspension of the federal fuel taxes.
  • Watch for any legislative developments from Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna related to fuel tax suspension.
  • Stay informed about any statements from the Senate Finance subcommittee on energy issues, as they impact future infrastructure funding.
  • Will the suspension of federal fuel taxes lower my fuel costs significantly?

    No, the potential savings from a federal fuel tax suspension are estimated to be about 30 cents weekly, which is not a significant reduction.

    How might the suspension affect road conditions?

    The suspension could reduce funds for infrastructure projects, possibly leading to poorer road conditions over time.

    What is the trucking associations’ stance on the suspension?

    They oppose the suspension, arguing it delivers negligible consumer benefits and reduces critical infrastructure funding.

    Who supports the fuel tax suspension?

    President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna have shown support for the suspension proposal.

    What should I do to stay updated on this issue?

    Monitor news from Congress and statements from key senators and representatives involved in energy and infrastructure discussions.

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