A trucker was placed out of service by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), who cited his social media posts as a reason for concern.
The FMCSA announced the out-of-service order of truck driver Shawn Roberts in a press release on December 7th.
“Shawn Roberts has been cited for operating a CMV in violation of conditions of his CDL learner’s permit; operating a CMV without a valid CDL; being on-duty while under the influence of a narcotic drug/amphetamine, and; possession of an intoxicating beverage while on-duty or driving. Roberts is also facing drug-related criminal charges in both Arizona and Wyoming,” the press release states.
The most notable mention in the release, however, wasn’t the actual violations, but the mention of his social media history — which indicates that the FMCSA is paying attention to online behavior.
“In May 2017, Roberts reportedly posted a photograph on social media of a 12-year-old operating a CMV. In July 2017, Roberts reportedly posted a photograph on social media of a clamp attached to the gas pedal along with the caption, ‘When your cruise control brakes [sic] the fix,'” the press release added.
Because of these incidents and violations, Roberts has been banned from operating a commercial tractor trailer.
“Knowing and/or willful violation of the order may also result in criminal penalties,” the press release states.
Separately, Robert’s employer, Washington-based Even Flo Logistics, has also been deemed a hazard to public safety by the FMCSA after the company was found allowing its drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles without the proper certifications. The press release explains the violations:
“Numerous serious violations of federal safety statutes and regulations were discovered, including:
Failing to comply with certain driver qualification requirements, including ensuring that its drivers were properly licensed to operate a CMV.
Failing to properly monitor its drivers to ensure compliance with maximum hours-of-service (HOS) requirements prohibiting fatigued operation of CMVs.
Failing to ensure it has negative pre-employment controlled substances/alcohol tests results prior to allowing drivers to operate CMVs; failing to ensure its drivers are tested within the required period when selected for controlled substances/alcohol random testing; failing to require post-accident controlled substances/alcohol testing of its driver.”
Roberts now faces $1,811 in fines for “each violation of operating a commercial motor vehicle in violation of the imminent hazard order,” while his employer, Even Flo Logistics, faces fines of up to $26,000 for each violation of the out of service order.