Con-Way Transportation is one of the largest freight companies in North America. As such, the company has annual revenue in the billions. This transportation company offers full truckload delivery (FTL), LTL delivery (less-than-truckload), logistics, warehousing, and supply chain services. They operate in over 500 locations across 20 countries. 

Anyone who experiences Con-Way freight accidents understands the catastrophic nature of truck collisions. If you experience an accident of this kind, you have advocates at AP Law Group. We provide personalized attention and aggressive representation to maximize your settlement. 

As truck accident lawyers, we commit ourselves to success. Schedule a free consultation to learn more. 

Con-Way Freight has an extensive history. Founded in 1929 in Portland, Oregon, it began as Consolidated Truck Lines. Through the 1930s, it grew from a local transportation company to a regional cargo service. In this time, the company expanded its routes across the nation. In 1996, they renamed as Consolidated Freightways until it filed for bankruptcy in 2002. 

In 2004, the company reopened under a new brand – Con-Way Transportation. Today, the headquarters is in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Based in Ann Arbor, Con-Way Freight operates across the United States as an LTL carrier. The company utilizes 8,906 vehicles to facilitate deliveries across the country. Unfortunately, 1 in 8 vehicles has a citation for a safety violation. These citations range from inadequate maintenance and low oil to breaking rules regarding hazardous materials.

Moreover, the company carries a severe collision record per a 2018 report from the FMCSA. The report covers a 2-year period that offers an enlightening look at the importance of safety standards. In that time, Con-Way Freight accidents included 634 collisions with 258 injuries. Sadly, it also included 24 fatalities.  

In order to maintain safety on the roads, the FMCSA and U.S. DOT require routine inspections. At one time, these organizations removed 280 trucks from the service fleet. Moreover, they removed 35 drivers. This represented 7.8% of the total fleet, which fell below the national average of 20%. 

From lesser-known trucking companies to FedEx and Amazon, commercial vehicles pose a danger to other drivers. Let’s take a look at 2017. In that year alone, there were 150,000 collisions with large trucks. Among these accidents, over 4500 people died. Additionally, over 75,000 people sustained injuries. 

Unfortunately, many of these accidents occurred in Texas. Why are Texas roads so dangerous? How do commercial truck accidents cause so much loss? When large trucks account for less than 5% of the vehicles on American highways, how do they cause up to 11% of the deaths on the road?

Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Accidents

The main issue for truck accidents is the sheer size difference. Oftentimes, commercial trucks weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds. Conversely, the average sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. 

The average car on the road is no match for a commercial vehicle. Even modern cars with excellent safety features don’t stand up to the size difference. Typically, companies design cars for collisions with other passenger vehicles. 

Unfortunately, this means the majority of truck-related deaths involve the occupants of passenger vehicles. Those fortunate enough to survive rarely do so without a catastrophic injury. 

Con-Way Freight accidents are not the only concern for drivers. Similar trucking companies tend to design their hiring practices to burn out drivers. Often, drivers ignore time-consuming or restrictive regulations to stay on the road. Why? 

Oftentimes, truck drivers receive pay based on mileage, not time. This means that drivers who stop for regulatory breaks take longer but don’t earn more. Moreover, they often have tight deadlines.

When a company forces workers to earn their paycheck in miles, they award long hours and a lack of sleep. Per regulations, truck drivers need to limit their time on the road. Regulated breaks keep them fresh and aware. 

Because drivers receive pay-by-mile agreements, they often skip these breaks. Additionally, they cut corners as they load cargo, often causing sudden shifts in weight distribution on the road. 

Essential Non-Driving Tasks

While non-driving tasks seem minimal, they are vital for safety. The following are examples of essential tasks that drivers receive no pay for. 

• Mapping out routes 
• Waiting for crews to load/unload cargo 
• Mandated rest breaks 
• Rig inspections 
• Picking up new loads

When drivers skip breaks, it leads to fatigue. On the road, fatigue leads to truck accidents. Con-Way Freight accidents are no different. Generally, experts attribute about 1 out of 7 truck collisions to fatigue. Additionally, about 1 in 4 fatalities in truck accidents occurred after a driver spent over 17 hours on the road. 

Sleep researchers also believe that moderate fatigue causes noticeable impairments in drivers. Still, lobbyists for truck companies refuse to allow doctors to screen drivers for certain conditions. This includes sleep apnea. 

Unfortunately, shipping companies like Con-Way design this culture of hard-driving on purpose. It ensures drivers improve their profitability at the expense of their own health. Moreover, they do so at the expense of others on the road. 

Among the 4,500 or so deaths that occur yearly due to large vehicles, roughly 700 are truck drivers themselves. 

At AP Law Group, we help Texans rebuild their lives after commercial vehicle accidents. Whether they experience Con-Way Freight accidents or a collision with another brand, they have rights. 

When you sustain an injury from a truck wreck, you have rights. Our truck accident attorneys are ready to help you rebuild without costing you a dime upfront. How do we do this? 

Our legal team covers the cost of your case from start to settlement. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. With the costs of the investigation and filing covered, you have nothing to lose. 

If you sustained an injury in a Con-Way Transportation accident, you have rights. Moreover, you have legal options. The negligent practices that led to your injury make someone responsible. When you work with us, our job is to hold them accountable. 

Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about the potential of your settlement. Contact our team today.