On Sept. 13-17, 2015, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) held its 2015 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Boise, Idaho. Approximately 600 government officials, enforcement and industry members attended the Annual Conference in an effort to affect meaningful changes in transportation safety.
“CVSA prides itself on the fact that it provides year-round opportunities for our members to work together through program and committee conference calls, webinars, and in-person and online meetings,” said CVSA Acting Executive Director Collin B. Mooney, CAE. “However, the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition provides an effective and efficient way for key stakeholders to get together in-person to discuss, debate, cooperate and make tremendous strides in furthering CVSA’s mission.”
The general session, which kicked off the Annual Conference, included regulatory updates from the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators/Compliance & Regulatory Affairs (CCMTA/CRA), the Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT), and the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The general session also included a detailed presentation on the State of the Alliance. Award winners were acknowledged for the North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC), CVSA Academic Scholarships and FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP).
The International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA) winner, Ross Reynolds of Con-way Freight, was presented with a crystal trophy and monetary award – thanks to the sponsorship of HELP Inc. This was the first year CVSA offered this award, which recognizes one individual each year who goes above and beyond his/her duties as a commercial vehicle driver, distinguishing themselves conspicuously and beyond the normal call of duty through the achievement of safe operation and compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period of time.
There was also a full-day Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Technology Forum held during the Conference. The forum consisted of presentations, panel sessions and an interactive exchange on cutting-edge technology developments in the industry.
For the first time, as part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, an Advanced Infrared/Thermal Wheel End Screening Users Forum was offered at the Conference. Members who use thermal image screening shared and discussed their experiences. Thermal image screening indicates infrared heat signatures of wheel-end components to help locate possible violations, such as flat tires, bearing failure or inoperative brakes.
As one of his last duties as CVSA president, Maj. Bill Reese of the Idaho State Police gave the coveted CVSA President’s Award to four worthy recipients: Pat Crahan who recently retired from U-Haul; Donna McLean of Transport Canada; former CVSA Executive Director Stephen A. Keppler, and Doug Donscheski who will soon retire from the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division.
CVSA has transitioned to its new leadership team for the 2015-2016 term. Maj. Jay Thompson of the Arkansas Highway Police is the new president of the Alliance. Julius Debuschewitz of Yukon Highways and Public Works is CVSA’s vice president. Capt. Chris Turner of the Kansas Highway Patrol was elected by the membership to the position of secretary. Maj. Bill Reese is now the Alliance’s immediate past-president.
The 2016 CVSA Annual Conference & Exhibition will take place on Sept. 18-22, 2016, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.