Fatal Accident Exposes Trucking Company's Pattern of Hiring Unlicensed Drivers

 

In a tragic incident on June 11th near Aspen Park, Colorado, 47-year-old truck driver Ignacio Cruz Mendoza lost control of his vehicle, causing it to overturn and spill a load of metal pipes.  This accident led to the death of 64-year-old motorist Scott Miller and inflicted serious injuries on another individual.  The investigation into this crash has revealed unsettling details about both the driver and the trucking company, Monique Trucking LLC, that employed him.

Background and Incident Details

Ignacio Cruz Mendoza, a previously deported driver, was operating the truck involved in the fatal wreck.  On the day of the accident, Cruz Mendoza departed from Cheyenne, Wyoming, around 10 a.m., though he was unsure of his exact destination, which was noted on his paperwork.  He told Colorado State Troopers that his brakes failed just before the crash, leading to the accident.  However, he admitted that he did not know when the truck was last inspected.

Investigations at the crash site revealed skid marks, suggesting that the truck's brakes were at least partially functional at the time of the accident.  Furthermore, it was disclosed that the truck had not undergone an inspection since 2020.  These findings raise serious concerns about the maintenance practices and operational standards of Monique Trucking LLC.

Company Violations and Regulatory Concerns

A deeper investigation into Monique Trucking LLC uncovered a troubling history of regulatory violations.  The company had previously been cited for four violations related to Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and three violations for employing drivers without commercial driver's licenses.  These infractions highlight a pattern of negligence in adhering to safety and regulatory standards, which directly impacts the safety of their operations.

Immigration and Legal Issues

Adding to the complexity of this case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Denver reported that Cruz Mendoza was first arrested and deported to Mexico in 2002.  Since then, he has been ordered to leave the U.S. at least 16 times.  Currently, Cruz Mendoza is being held at the Jefferson County Jail on a $50,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on June 18th.

Lessons for Shippers: The Importance of Due Diligence

This incident highlights the severe consequences of inadequate due diligence in the transportation industry.  Shippers have a responsibility to ensure that the carriers they hire adhere to all safety and compliance standards to protect their shipments and the general public.   Choosing a carrier with a history of violations or non-compliance can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in this case.

Shippers should take the following steps to mitigate risks and ensure they are partnering with reliable and compliant carriers:

1.     Verify Licensing and Compliance: Ensure the carrier has up-to-date licenses and complies with all relevant regulations.  Check their safety records and compliance history.

2.     Conduct Regular Inspections: Confirm that the carrier conducts regular vehicle inspections and maintains proper documentation.

3.     Review Safety Ratings: Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) to review a carrier’s safety ratings and past performance.

4.     Check Driver Credentials: Ensure that all drivers employed by the carrier have valid commercial driver's licenses and have undergone necessary training and background checks.

5.     Assess ELD Compliance: Verify that the carrier complies with ELD regulations to ensure accurate tracking of driving hours and adherence to safety standards.

6.     Request References: Speak with other businesses that have used the carrier’s services to get firsthand feedback on their reliability and compliance.

By diligently vetting carriers, shippers can help prevent accidents, avoid legal and financial repercussions, and ensure the safety of their goods and the public.

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