science_trucks


	Sceince Support Trucks at the Toolik Field Station
		In response to feed back from the user community, IAB and VPR are implementing a plan to provide modern, safe trucks to replace the legacy vehicles on-site at TFS and making round-trips between TFS and Fairbanks. We are pleased to announce that VPR has procured 3 new Crew Cab 4x4 trucks with toppers for use at TFS. Two trucks will be stationed at TFS for use by scientists needing to access local sites (e.g. the Kuparuk River) and transport personnel and supplies between TFS and Deadhorse. One truck will be stationed in Fairbanks to support scientists who need to travel between Fairbanks and TFS.

	Limitations on use of the trucks
		These trucks may only be used for the performance of work supporting research currently funded by the National Science Foundation. Use of the vehicle for home-to-work transportation and other non-NSF support functions is prohibited.

	Who can drive these trucks?
		Science project personnel and IAB employees with valid driver’s licenses for the period over which the trucks are to be driven are potentially eligible to drive the trucks. Because the trucks are insured under the VECO Rocky Mountain vehicle insurance plan, the names and driver’s license numbers of persons wishing to drive a truck must be submitted to Chad Diesinger (Station Mananger) on-site TFS, or Mike Abels (Operations Manager), for transmission to VPR at least 1 week in advance of the time desired to use the truck. Persons wishing to drive a truck must sign a UAF/VPR release form allowing permission for a background check and indicating that they meet the conditions for eligibility to drive the truck. A downloadable copy of the release form is availabe on the TFS web site: (Drivers Release Form Word Version) (Drivers Relese Form PDF) The following additional conditions for eligibility apply to all persons wishing to drive a truck. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age or an IAB employee. VPR will do a background check on all drivers’ license numbers. Persons who have the following violations are not eligible to drive these trucks: 1 or more Type A violations in a 60-month period 2 or more Type B violations in a 36-month period 3 or more Type C violations in a 36-month period 1 Type B and 2 Type C violations in a 36-month period Type A – Includes, but is not limited to, DWI, DUI, OUI, refusing a substance test, charges of reckless driving, manslaughter, hit & run, eluding police, any felony, drag racing, having or driving with a suspended license Type B – includes all vehicle accidents regardless of fault Type C – includes all moving violations not in Types A or B such as: speeding, improper lane changes, failure to yield, running stop lights or signs Type D – includes non-moving violations such as: illegal parking, equipment violations, obstructing traffic, failure to display registration or driver’s license

	What do I have to do before driving a truck?
		All persons must submit driver’s license information and sign the release form (as mentioned above), and must also complete a mandatory briefing on driver safety and special considerations relating to driving the unpaved Dalton Highway before operating a truck. Orientations in Fairbanks may be scheduled through Brett Biebuyck, Logistics Assistant, fsbab@uaf.edu or 907-474-5159 at the TFS logistics trailer. Orientations at TFS may be scheduled through the on-site camp manager, 907-455-2511.

	How do I get fuel for the trucks?
		At TFS, fuel can be obtained from the TFS fuel supply. Contact one of the TFS staff. In Fairbanks, fuel can be obtained from the UAF Physical Plant. Contact a staff member at the IAB Logistics Trailer. Costs for fuel from these two sources will be supported by IAB. Other fuel charges (e.g. at Coldfoot) are your responsibility.

	What about spare parts and maintenance?
		Basic spare parts and tires will be available in the TFS parts room. TFS staff will perform basic checks and preventive maintenance at TFS. Warranty maintenance, additional preventive maintenance, and non-warranty repairs will be performed in either Fairbanks or Deadhorse. This may result in trucks being unavailable for some periods of time.

	How do I sign up for a truck?
		The two trucks that are stationed at TFS will be scheduled one week in advance on a first-come, first-serve basis, using a sign-up board similar to that of the LTER. Be prepared to be flexible, and to share the use of a truck with other science projects. No single project can sign up a truck for exclusive use over an extended period of time. The sign-up board will be managed by TFS staff (most likely Scott Houghton, with assistance from LTER RA's). Use of the truck that is based in Fairbanks for trips to and from TFS will be scheduled via the Toolik web site, (truck reservation calendar, best viewed with Firefox) and co-ordinated by Brett Biebuyck, Logistics Assistant in Fairbanks, fsbab@uaf.edu, 907-474-5159. During the peak field season, this truck will make one trip to and from TFS per week, leaving Fairbanks on Tuesdays, and returning on Wednesdays. Additional runs can be scheduled if demand exists. IAB staff members will drive the truck to or from Fairbanks if no science users are available in one of the directions. This schedule is subject to change, based on user comments and demand.

	What do I do if I have an accident or breakdown while driving one of the trucks?
		Any accident involving injuries should be reported immediately to the Alaska State Troopers. For all accidents and breakdowns, notify the TFS camp manager at 907-455-2511 within 24 hours. UAF employees must also notify their immediate supervisor and UAF EH&S. Any damage to the trucks needs to be reported to VPR, as well; TFS staff will take care of that.

	Update 4-6-07