Texas-based Trucking Operation, REDCO Transport, Ltd. shut down by the FMCSA.  Company determined to present an “Imminent Hazard to Public Safety”.  

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) flexed its muscles on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, and ordered REDCO Transport, Ltd., a trucking company which operates a fleet of approximately 112 trucks, to be shut down.

The FMCSA’s decision reportedly arose from its investigation into an August 12, 2013, crash in which a REDCO truck smashed into a van which was stopped on the shoulder of I-20 in Louisiana, causing the deaths of 3 people.  During its investigation into the deadly crash, the FMCSA found evidence that REDCO had “routinely failed to ensure its drivers comply with federal hours-of-service regulations designed to prevent fatigue, including limitations on daily driving and maximum on-duty hours”, and that the company also “failed to ensure its drivers complied with controlled substances and alcohol use and testing regulations, and failed to ensure its drivers were properly qualified”.  The FMSCA concluded that the company, which is based out of Laredo, Tx (USDOT No. 1670585), presented an “imminent hazard to public safety”.

In support of the decision, U.S. Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx, was quoted to say:

“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 S. Ferro was quoted to say:

“Blatant disregard of federal rules compromises the safety of every traveler on our roadways.” Ms. Ferro further stated, “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.”

A copy of the imminent hazard out-of-service order can be viewed at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/about/news/2013/REDCOTransport.pdf