Current Newsletter
March 2010
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
MICHAEL CORDIELLO
I am pleased to announce that attendance at our General Membership meetings are up. Despite the downturn in our economy, we have managed to bring in a good amount of new Members thanks to the efforts of our present Members and the determination of 2nd Vice President Michael Cafiero.
The Executive Board and I are responding to the voice of our Society's Membership and we are bringing you informative presentations based on the vehicles that the majority of our Members’ companies use. In addition, at many General Membership Meetings (you may have already seen them) we showcase a new "Spotlight Supplier" each month.
Additionally, because you told us, we are presently working on moving our Annual Scholarship Awards Diner back to the month of December along with searching for a new location to hold it.
Thank you, our Membership, for your suggestions. We hear you loud and clear!
Hope to see all you all at our next General Meeting on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.
TREASURER’S REPORT
FRANK CARPENTER
Due to the increasing number of bounced checks that the Society has been receiving, we must institute a fee equal to double the amount of the bank fee charged to us by the bank. In the past we have absorbed many of these fees but because of the current economic situation, we can no longer continue to do so. Thank you for your cooperation.
ARRANGEMENTS
FRANK ALMONA
The Society’s next general meeting is March 17th and I am looking forward to seeing you all there. We are at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, NY through the May meeting on the third Wednesday of each month.
Please remember that our Cocktail Hour begins at 6:00 PM and the door to the Membership will open at 6:00 PM.
It was good to see the six students from SUNY Farmingdale in attendance at the February meeting. We hope that they continue their interest in the Society and one day help perpetuate the Society.
Please remember that we are offering the “Spotlight Supplier” program to anyone who is interested in displaying their wares at a meeting. You also receive a full page ad in our monthly Newsletter. Please contact me or Richie Chan.
Thank you to Jack Deasy, District Sales Manager, of Hastings Premium Filters, James Pape, General Manager and Marc Holtzman, Sales Manager, of Riegel Resources for sponsoring our “Spotlight Supplier” for February. The team brought valuable information on Hastings Filters and we also thank them for the raffle prizes of a model car and two wall clocks.
BYLAWS
TIM HARTE
This is the last call for all Bylaw change proposals. Please send me your change proposals in writing by email or regular mail and must be received no later than the deadline at the March meeting.
Excerpts from our Constitution and Bylaws:
Bylaw XIV Accountant Services (Added 5/20/92)
The Executive Committee shall retain the services of an accountant each year at or about the January Board meeting, to file all governmental responsibilities for the Society. (Amended 5/17/06)
DATA SERVICES
RICHARD CHAN
3rd notice and final dues letters have been mailed out on March 1, 2010. If you haven’t received your dues letter, please contact me as we may not have your current address.
Our present Membership is comprised of:
Members 109
Life Members 19
Editorial Members 0
Associate Members 37
Honorary Members 3
Original Equipment Manufacturer 3
Apprentice Fleet Supervisors 0
Student Members 4
Total Membership 175
Attendance at the February meeting:
Members 45
Guests 23
Total 68
Current CONSECUTIVE attendance records are:
Member Robert Lagnese – 104, 1/97 –
Honorary Member Bill Misita – 99, 9/92 – 2/05
Member George Pastor – 70, 5/94 – 5/03
Member Carl Orza – 70, 3/97 – 2/06
Life Member Nuno Tardo – 63, 3/89 – 1/97
Member Leonard Huffmire – 57, 11/02 –
Member John Cigna – 50, 2/94 – 3/00
Life Member Nuno Tardo – 48, 1/02 –1/08
Member Robert Spiotto – 47, 11/01 –9/07
Member Pat De Martino – 44, 10/90 – 2/96
EDUCATIONAL
CLEMENT DRUMMOND
Agency Takes a ‘Fresh Look’ at Electronics in Toyota Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun what it calls a “fresh look” at electromagnetic interference in modern auto throttle systems as a possible cause of the unintended acceleration problem that promoted the recall of millions of Toyotas.
As Micheline Maynard of The Times reported, Representatives Henry A. Waxman and Bart Stupak, members of a House committee that will hold hearings Feb. 25 on unintended acceleration, are seeking assurances that the problem is caused by sticking pedals and floor mats (the subject of the recalls) and not by the cars’ computer systems. In a letter, they asked that any relevant analyses and documents be provided to the committee by this Friday.
N.H.T.S.A., which along with Toyota has been skeptical about electronic interference as a cause of runaway cars, described its new investigation in a statement as “a background examination of the underlying technological issues.” It said it would meet with manufacturers and suppliers to “gain an even fuller understanding” of their electronic throttle control systems.
The new query will include a look both at the control systems in general and the effect of electronic interference. According to the agency, “This is not a defect investigation, because the agency has no reason at this point to believe there are safety defects in these systems or in their ability to function when exposed to electromagnetic interference.”
In opening its new inquiry, the agency said its earlier and “very limited” testing had not shown a link between the acceleration cases and electronic interference. But it said that if its conversations with automakers and independent experts revealed the need, it would introduce a test that included subjecting a variety of vehicles to electromagnetic exposure. “If extensive testing becomes necessary, this examination could take at least several months,” the statement said.
In 2008, N.H.T.S.A. issued a memorandum following an investigation that included testing a 2007 Lexus ES 350 for unintended acceleration. After subjecting the car to multiple electrical signals, the agency concluded, “The system proved to have multiple redundancies and showed no vulnerabilities to electrical signal activities.”
But the report also said that magnetic fields “were introduced in proximity to the throttle body and accelerator pedal potentiometers and did result in an increase in engine revolutions per minute of up to approximately 1,000 revolutions per minute, similar to a cold-idle engine RPM level.”
As Ms. Maynard reported, “Toyota has insisted numerous times that the computer was not the reason for consumers’ complaints that their cars speed up unexpectedly. But lawyers, safety advocates and industry analysts continue to raise questions about the cars’ electronic systems.” The Toyota Motor Sales president, James Lentz, reiterated in several television appearances this week that he does not believe that electronics are an issue.
One safety advocate, Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, said in an interview that it is difficult for investigators to identify electronic interference as a cause of a vehicle failure “because when one examines the vehicle there is no failed part — such as a stuck accelerator — to find.”
But one thing Mr. Ditlow finds extremely troubling about that test of the Lexus’s computers is how the safety agency conducted it. He requested the test protocols from the agency under the Freedom of Information Act.
Late last month the agency responded, saying it could find no records of such test protocols. The protocols would show precisely how the tests were conducted. Mr. Ditlow says that without them it is impossible to gauge the quality of the research. That, he says, leaves open the question of whether electronic malfunctions are a problem.
An agency spokesman did not have an immediate response.
Article by JIM MOTAVALLI AND CHRISTOPHER JENSEN / The New York Times.
?JOURNAL
SAL AZZARITI
The Journal Ad Committee congratulates Leonard Huffmire on being named the 2010 Society of Fleet Supervisors, Member of the Year.
Although, we of the Journal Ad Committee realize that the deadline to submit your ads and upgrades is over eight months away, we'd like to remind you that it's never too soon to secure your page in the 2010 Journal.
Don't Wait, Don't Procrastinate!
Make your voice heard and place your Journal Ad or make a commitment NOW!
Leonard Huffmire, our most worthy honoree has given our Society his time and effort and it is our time to show him and the Society of Fleet Supervisors that we are grateful for his efforts.
So please, take the time to fill out a Journal Ad Form that you can download online by visiting the Society of Fleet Supervisors web site at www.sfsny.org or pick up a Journal ad form at our next General Meeting and be sure to fill it out and mail it back to us today!
Thanking you once again in advance for your anticipated cooperation and generosity.
LEGISLATIVE
RICHARD CHAN
FMCSA Launches Pre-Employment Screening Web Site
By Oliver B. Patton, Washington Editor
?The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration yesterday launched a web site where trucking companies can register for access to a safety database they will be able to use for screening applicants for driving jobs.
?The data is not available yet and probably won't be for another couple of months, according to Michael Johnsen of the agency's Analysis Division. But carriers and third party driver service providers can start registering for the Pre-Employment Screening Program that the agency is creating.
?The program will give employers access to five years of an applicant's crash history and three years of his inspection history - with the driver's permission. The data will be drawn from the Motor Carrier Management Information System and will include the same information that is used by agency staff and state police for enforcement. Drivers will have access to the information, as well, and can make the report a part of their application if they wish.
?Regulators and the trucking industry alike view this program as a significant step forward for safety.
?"Making this information more transparent will make our roads and highways safer for everyone," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said when he announced the program last fall.
?David Osiecki, senior vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at American Trucking Associations, is one of the group of trucking representatives who began advocating for the program in 2002. "This is a step forward," he said when LaHood announced the program last fall. "I've been calling this opportunity a real potential benefit for safety. It's another tool that carriers have not had access to previously. If carriers take advantage of it they will see a more complete safety picture of each person that's been in the industry."
?The program is voluntary but one veteran predicts that it will quickly become standard practice. "It will become the standard of care in pretty short order," says former FMCSA Administrator John Hill. "What'll happen is, after a few episodes (in which agency) auditors ask carriers whey they aren't using the (program), pretty soon it will become the de facto driver qualification verification."
?Judging from attendance at the FMCSA webinar announcing the new registration site yesterday, industry interest is strong. Close to 500 carriers and others tuned in and asked questions for an hour.
?Some key points:
?* Registration is free but there will be a charge to use the system. Carriers with fewer than 100 power units must pay a $25 annual subscription fee and $10 for each record retrieved. Companies with more than 100 power units must pay a $100 subscription fee, plus the $10 per-record fee. Both are limited to 10 users. The agency will not charge a carrier that comes into the system through a third party provider, although presumably the provider will charge its own fee. Individual drivers will not have to pay a subscription fee but will have to pay the $10 charge to retrieve their record.
?* The data is protected by a number of federal laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. FMCSA will audit the program to confirm driver and company identity, and the accuracy of driver permission forms. The program is being administered by a contractor, National Information Consortium Technologies, which does not have access to the content of the reports.
?* The agency encourages drivers to look at their records. If a driver does not want to wait for the program to get up and running, he may seek his records through the Freedom of Information process, although that can be time-consuming, Johnsen said. Incorrect information can be challenged through the agency's DataQs system:
https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/login.asp.??The next step in setting up the program will be publication of notice in the Federal Register asking for public comments on the agency's plan to make to make the records available. Johnsen said he expects the program to go live in the spring.??The registration web site is at www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov. The site includes a list of frequently asked questions.
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
VANESSA MERCADO
We thank Jim Brown, Parts Sales Manager, of Blue Diamond Parts, LLC who put on an excellent program on maintenance and service of Ford Power Stroke Diesels and for sponsoring the February Cocktail Hour.
The winner of the Big Draw of $50.00 was Member Michael Cordiello who donated his proceeds to the Scholarship Fund.
MEMBERSHIP
MICHAEL CAFIERO
Inducted at the February meeting:
Paul Chernosky, NYC Assistant Maintenance Supervisor for Atlantic Express, Inc. of Jamaica, NY as a Member. Paul is responsible for the supervision of maintenance and repairs, oversees purchasing, DOT inspections, night shifts for eight locations of the school bus vehicle fleet.
Anthony Borsellino, Parts Manager for Atlantic Express, Inc. of Ridgewood, NY as a Member. Anthony is responsible for all engine, transmission and repairs done by outside vendors for 33 locations of the school bus vehicle fleet.
Cory McKibbin, Parts Director for Stevens Ford, Lincoln, Mercury of Patchogue, NY as an Associate Member. Cory provides parts and service to wholesale and fleet accounts.
PROGRAMS
SUSAN DENARO
Many thanks go out to Jim Brown of Blue Diamond (Ford Motor Company) for his interesting and informative presentation at our February meeting. Jim has asked me to share his contact information with the members. As you may recall, Jim is happy to come to your facility and conduct training sessions with regard to Ford Diesel motors upon request. You can email Jim at jim.brown@nex21.com.
Please join us for our general meeting on March 17, 2010 at which time we will welcome Mr. Jack Schroeder of Designline, USA. Designline is responsible for the development and manufacture of hybrid buses now being used by NYC Transit. The hybrid bus is environmentally friendly, reducing both air and noise pollution. It boasts a sleek, space age design and an electric motor powered by a battery pack charged by a turbine engine. This type of hybrid has far fewer engine parts than the standard diesel bus. Parts that will never need repair or replacement include the transmission, alternator, starter and water pump.
Jack’s presentation will be informative and offer us all a glimpse at the current and future trends in mass transit. Mark your calendar, and be sure to join us on the 17th!
RETIREES
MICHAEL IANNIZZI
I received a letter from Life Member Henry Consiglio who just had his 90th birthday and is doing as well as expected for his age. Henry states that his wife Margaret and he will be going on a cruise that Margaret had booked for Henry’s birthday. He also ran into Life Member Ralph Provisiero in December in Florida and that Ralph reports that his wife, Anna, just underwent knee surgery. Henry sends his best wishes for all the Members of the Society.
SCHOLARSHIP
CARL ORZA
The Executive Board has approved for 2010 scholarships two $1,000.00 scholarships for the Hank Hasiwar Scholarship and six $1,000.00 scholarships for the Society of Fleet Supervisors, Inc. Scholarship. Please remember that you have an attendance requirement to meet in order to be eligible for a scholarship. Society scholarship applications are available to download on the Society’s website or you can see me for a copy.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
TOM MUNNO
Hi everyone. I have just a few short words to let you know what's going on this month with the Special Activities committee. First, we're planning to change the date we hold our Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner to a date in the month December. Second, we are also looking to change the location for the Scholarship Awards Dinner. More information on these changes will be given next month.
Our next event will be the Kiddy Picnic which will be held in June. The date will be announced as soon as arrangements are made with the Parks Department.
WELFARE & EMPLOYMENT
JOHN GUARRIELLO
Get well and speedy recovery wishes go out to Honorary Member Alan Klebanoff who underwent a hip replacement. Alan reports he should be up and around in three weeks and can actually feel the bone graft weaving.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes for our following Members and their spouses:
04/02 Phyllis Kodner (Mark)
04/04 Anna Provisiero (Ralph)
04/06 Josephine Logan (Robert)
04/12 Richard Fevang
04/12 Michael Schuler
04/14 Laura Candela (Vincent Cinotti)
04/14 Marion Taub (Alan)
04/16 Carmen Ceville (Antonio)
04/20 Gino Arbasetti
04/23 Richard Sciortino
04/23 Nuno Tardo
04/25 Kenny Morris
04/25 Mortimer O’Sullivan
04/26 Jennifer Mucciacciaro (Mario)
04/30 Robert Johanson
04/30 Theologo Maratos
Meetings
Wednesday, Mar. 17 2010
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, NY 11362
For directions, click here.
Cocktail Hour at 6 PM - 7 PM
Dinner and Meeting at 7 PM
Members - $35 Guests - $45