Trucking Equipment Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.799

Ohio

Qualifications

The qualifications which permit me to be a trucking industry expert and consultant are as follows.  I have 35 years of knowledge and experience in the trucking industry, enabling me to offer opinions regarding any issues arising from trucking related litigation.  I am able to analytically and concisely diagnose, report and testify on matters which may involve trucking company operations, operational errors, such as:  Safe and proper driving and maneuvering, proper load securement, safe loading and unloading practices and truck & trailer safety equipment.  I also possess an extensive mechanical knowledge, sufficient to address any mechanical issues involving truck equipment, including brake systems.  I am familiar with Federal DOT Regulations, which govern the operations of trucking companies.

I have operated commercial equipment approximately two million miles, to include the operation of the following types of equipment: Tractor-trailers, straight trucks, flatbed trailers, van trailers, reefer trailers, drop-deck trailers, detachable trailers, overseas container trailers, rail container trailers and end dump trailers.  I have a great deal of experience hauling steel coils, steel bars, steel beams, machinery, over-width loads, general freight, and hazardous materials.  The experience and knowledge, which I have accumulated in trucking, is my stock-in-trade as an expert.

Work History

1968 – 1975, The Malver Company
I consider this period as my indoctrination period into the trucking industry.  I became acquainted with truck equipment and trucking operations, this is a chemical hauling trucking company.

1975 – 1979, Kolleda Construction and Excavating
At this company, I had the great fortune of being professionally trained by operators and drivers with phenomenal skills and experience, learned proper and safe practices in the operation of excavating & tractor-trailer equipment and also developed a mechanical aptitude.

1979 – Present, Trucking Company
In the course of my tenure in the trucking industry, I have been an owner-operator, small fleet owner, well versed in the mechanical aspects of equipment, as well as a business manager, successfully involved in trucking operations. I remain active in my profession and continue to operate commercial motor vehicles.

1999 – Present, Trucking and Truck & Equipment, Expert
Providing opinions regarding trucking related litigation and consultation.  I have worked on a proportionate number of both defense and plaintiff cases.

Licenses & Certificates

I hold a current Class “A” CDL, with a hazardous material endorsement
I qualify as a commercial vehicle inspector

Awards Received

I have received safe driving awards for the safe operation of commercial vehicles, when leased to various motor carriers.  These companies include, Great American Lines, Landstar-Inway and T.L. Express.  I have also attended many motor carrier safety and orientation courses involving the safe operation of commercial equipment.

Expert Related Work

I have provided expert opinions in the following areas:

Truck accidents involving insecure cargo

Truck accidents involving mechanical / component failure

Accidents occurring during loading or unloading

Shipper / Consignee issues

Truck repair and downtime issues, involving income loss

Trucking industry documents

Towing issues

Product liability issues

Heavy construction equipment accidents

Equipment appraisals

Department of Transportation Regulations

Occupational Health & Safety Regulations