First published by FMCSA
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared Alvarez Transport LLC, USDOT No. 2484230, a motor carrier located in Orange, CT, to be an “imminent hazard” to public safety and ordered the motor carrier to immediately cease all interstate and intrastate operations. The motor carrier was served the Federal order on June 23, 2022.
FMCSA’s imminent hazard order states that the basis for finding that Alvarez Transport, LLC, “pose[s] an imminent hazard to the public is [its] continued widespread noncompliance with Federal safety regulations including regulations in 49 CFR Part 382 (Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing), 49 CFR Part 383 (Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties), 49 CFR Part 391 (Qualifications of Drivers), and 49 CFR Part 396 (Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance).”
During a Compliance Investigation that began on May 25, 2022, FMCSA safety investigators discovered extensive acute and/or critical violations in almost every part of the FMCSRs that they reviewed, including 49 CFR Parts 382, 383, 391, and 396. Cumulatively, these violations demonstrated the motor carrier’s lack of effective safety management controls and significantly increased the likelihood of death or serious injury if not discontinued immediately.
Moreover, while the Compliance Investigation was ongoing, on or about June 2, 2022, Alvarez Transport, LLC dispatched driver Dante C. Elliott to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for which a commercial driver’s license is required in interstate commerce from New Haven, CT to Williamstown, VT. At the time of dispatch, the motor carrier had in its records a copy of Mr. Elliott’s driver’s license that showed it was expired. While attempting to navigate a sharp curve on Vermont Route 64 in this CMV, Mr. Elliott left the traveled portion of the roadway, the CMV slid into a ditch, overturned, and then came to a position of uncontrolled rest on its roof. Both Mr. Elliott and his passenger were killed in the crash. Witnesses reported that the CMV’s brakes were smoking before the crash, and a post-crash inspection discovered several out-of-service vehicle conditions. Local law enforcement is still in the process of investigating this crash.
Failing to comply with the provisions of the Federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $29,893. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties.
McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.
Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.