Following 12 reported crashes in two years, including one in which three died, operations have came to a halt at a Laredo freight company after it was deemed a threat to public safety by a federal agency.
An Imminent Hazard Operations Out-of Service Order sent to REDCO Transport this month cites the company's failure to enforce "limitations on maximum driving time" for their drivers.
The provision aims to reduce fatigue, but drivers at REDCO, 20951 Mines Road, have been driving more than allowed without rest and falsifying records in the process, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The administration said failure to comply with these regulations was a direct result of a fatal crash involving a REDCO driver in Louisiana on Aug. 12.
The driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a vehicle parked on the side of the road, resulting in three fatalities.
The crash was REDCO's fourth in sixth months, and its 12th in 24 months, the order states.
A federal investigation into the company after the crash discovered "serious violations" regarding hours of service requirements aimed to reduce fatigue.
The order also cites failures in proper drug and alcohol testing and ensuring driver qualifications.
"It is unacceptable for commercial truck and bus companies to disregard critical safety regulations that serve to protect the motoring public," U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.
"Companies that choose to needlessly endanger innocent lives will be blocked from operation on our highways and roads.
"There is no higher priority than safety."
REDCO has been ordered to change their safety management procedures.
Among them, drivers are required to have the correct licenses, comply with hours of service requirements and must put an end to falsifying records.
REDCO must also take steps to ensure their drivers are properly trained.
The company's 112 trucks will remain parked until the required procedures are in place.
REDCO representatives were not immediately available for comment Tuesday.
Failure to comply with the demands of the order could result in a $25,000 fine and one year behind bars.
The order is one of 35 sent since the beginning of 2013 to trucking and bus companies for various violations.
