In the trucking world, there are a lot of regulations you need to follow. The FMCSA is a big deal, and it’s important to know all about the regulations you need to follow. It’s definitely in your best interest to keep your business in compliance. But as we mentioned, there are a lot of regulations that need to be followed…as in a lot. So, how are you supposed to keep them all straight? The FMCSA has a tool called the Motor Carrier Safety Planner, which can help – we’ll go over four things you need to know about it.
Tips
Getting the right truck insurance for your business can feel like a monumental task. Maybe you’re not quite sure where to start. This section of our blog has articles that feature tips for buying truck insurance and tips for understanding various coverages. Insurance might seem overly complicated and impossible, but we strive to make insurance as easy as possible. That’s why these articles break down various topics into easy-to-understand tips and explanations.
The “Tips” section also includes articles that focus on ways to improve safety at your business. Though you face many risks as a trucking business, there are things you can do to minimize those risks and lessen the chance of something bad happening. The articles take various topics and create manageable steps that you can follow to boost safety at your business. The safer your business is, the fewer claims you may have. And that can help your insurance rates.
So, take some time to check out the topics that appeal to you.
6 tips for driving a truck in work zones
If you drive a truck for a living, being safe on the road is crucial. You need to be constantly paying attention and taking care while operating a CMV. Your truck is just so much bigger than a passenger car. And work zones can be particularly hazardous. If there’s road work going on, that requires even more caution and care. Here are a few tips for navigating work zones and avoiding a disaster.
3 things to know about drug and alcohol violations in Clearinghouse
Clearinghouse is still a relatively new thing in the trucking world. Employers and drivers may still have questions about it, particularly when it comes to reporting driver violations and return-to-duty information. That seems like a big deal. We’ll answer a few questions about driver drug and alcohol violations and reporting information. We’ll break down some need-to-know information about Clearinghouse and driver violations.
5 tips to improve in the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
If you’re in the trucking world, you probably know all about the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) program from the FMCSA. It’s all about safety. It’s important to stay in favor with the FMCSA, and that means excelling in the CSA. Here are a few tips so you can improve how you’re doing in the grand scheme of things.
Your CSA survival guide
Being in the trucking world means that you’re subject to many regulations. The FMCSA takes safety seriously – they have the CSA, or Compliance, Safety, Accountability program. You might wonder how to navigate the program and how to excel in it. And that’s why we’ve created this CSA survival guide for trucking businesses.
Risks that truck and bus drivers must navigate
Driving a truck or bus is, needless to say, a huge responsibility. But just how big of a responsibility is it? For one thing, there are numerous factors that create safety challenges for truck and bus drivers. Here are some of the main ones that operators of those commercial vehicles have to navigate every time they get on the road.
Tips for driving a big truck around pedestrians
There are times when you are operating a commercial vehicle, truck, or any other large vehicle in an area where there are pedestrians. At times like that, it’s necessary for you as the driver to add an even greater measure of safety consciousness to your driving. With that in mind, here are some tips for staying alert and safe when pedestrians are in your area.
5 tips for recruiting female truck drivers
It may not be a traditional job for women, but trucking offers plenty of opportunities for female drivers, provided companies reach out in the right way. Female truck drivers offer many benefits, from better safety records to enhanced loyalty.
5 tips for choosing a truck driving school
If you have decided to become a truck driver, you can’t begin your new career until you get the proper training. However, with so many truck driving schools operating all around the country, it can be difficult to choose the institution that is best for you. Below are some tips to help you choose the right truck driving school so you can be sure you have all the knowledge and skills you need to succeed on the open road.
Tips for choosing a truck driving school.
1. Know the different types of driving schools.
Two primary types of truck driving schools exist: private schools and paid training programs. Paid training programs are usually operated by employers looking to hire graduates of the program. These programs pay you during your training and then hire you as an employee after the training program is complete. Private schools, on the other hand, usually require you to pay tuition and do not hire you after the program is complete. Instead, you will need to find your own job.
2. Do your research.
One of the most important steps you can take to ensure you are enrolled in the right program is to do adequate research before making a selection. As you research different truck driving schools, be sure to compare them on the basis of:
- Reputation among past students
- Tuition costs
- Length of training
- Reviews
3. Don’t forget about job placement.
After you finish your training program and you are ready to begin working as a truck driver, you will need to find a job. If you are opting for a private training program that doesn’t hire program graduates, job placement services are an important consideration. Be sure to inquire about the job placement services each prospective truck driving program offers, as well as the most recent job placement records. If possible, choose a truck driving school that has a history of helping the majority of program graduates to find appropriate positions quickly after graduation.
4. Ask about instructor experience.
Attending truck driving school isn’t just a formality for prospective truck drivers. During this time, you need to be learning important skills in a way that will translate easily to the real world. In order to get the best learning experience possible, you need to be under the instruction of trained, experienced professionals. Before choosing a truck driving school, ask about the background of the instructors that run the program.
5. Consider CDL requirements.
In order to qualify for your CDL, you will need to complete classroom hours, as well as over-the-road driving experience. If possible, choose a school that operates a comprehensive program designed to prepare you to meet all the requirements for your CDL.
Choosing the right truck driving school can be a challenge, but the tips above will help to simplify the process. Before you begin working as a truck driver, remember to consider your insurance requirements and needs so you can protect yourself as a professional – and don’t forget the importance of safety.
Get started with truck insurance quotes.
It’s also important to have the right insurance to protect yourself as a trucker. Get started with big rig insurance quotes by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us on LiveChat.
What is the FMCSA Portal?
The FMCSA portal is maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and offers motor carriers and other involved parties access to a variety of forms of information. If you are a carrier, ship freight, carry passengers, or do other commerce on the roadways, then you can use the FMCSA Portal to check your official safety records and other details the agency maintains.