WASHINGTON – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared Alvarez Transport LLC, USDOT No. 2484230, to be an “imminent hazard” to public safety and ordered them to immediately cease all interstate and intrastate operations after an unlicensed driver and his passenger died in a truck wreck.
The motor carrier, based in Orange, Connecticut, was served the federal order on June 23.
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 company that they reviewed, including 49 CFR Parts 382, 383, 391, and 396, according to an FMCSA report.
“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,” the FMCSA report stated.
Moreover, while the investigation was ongoing, on or about June 2, 2022, Alvarez Transport, LLC dispatched driver Dante C. Elliott to drive a commercial motor vehicle for which a commercial driver’s license is required in interstate commerce from New Haven, Connecticut, to Williamstown, Vermont.
At the time of dispatch, the motor carrier had in its records a copy of Elliott’s driver’s license, which showed it was expired.
While attempting to navigate a sharp curve on Vermont Route 64, Elliott left the traveled portion of the roadway. The truck slid into a ditch, overturned and then came to a position of uncontrolled rest on its roof.
Both Elliott and his passenger were killed in the crash.
Witnesses reported that the truck’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.
A copy of the imminent hazard order issued to Alvarez Transport, LLC, is available here.
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