truck drivers

There are certain risks that only a community of truck drivers are aware of. From road hazards, comfort, and safety, it’s important to know how to prepare for short trips and long hauls. There are also certain ins and outs about trucking regulations that drivers must know and keep up to date with. From BASICs to SAFER scores, commercial auto operators must remain compliant with tons of federal and state regulations. Drivers and fleet owners must also take into account their options for operating authority and insurance coverage/compliance so that their business can run smoothly.

Here’s where we talk about everything truck drivers need to know. We’ll go over truck ergonomics, regulations, event recorders, and even snacks! We’ll also break down the proper way to insure your truck drivers and keep them safe so that you can breathe easy every time they buckle up.

CDL Drug Test Requirements

It’s usual to be perplexed about the requirements for CDL drug tests. In short, the FMCSA has created criteria for persons who operate commercial motor vehicles to submit to drug and alcohol testing. This covers drivers of passenger vans, buses, and big trucks since they require a CDL. These rules specify who gets tested, when they’re tested, and under what conditions.

Understandably, this is where things start to become a little unclear as the requirements can be somewhat challenging to comprehend. Don’t worry, we’ll explain who must submit to CDL drug and alcohol testing as well as when it’s required in this article.

Questions to Ask Your Trucking Agent

When looking for truck insurance, it’s best to reach out to multiple insurance agencies so that you have various options to explore. This way, you can determine the best option for you and save a considerable amount of money on your insurance in the meantime.

When talking to a trucking insurance agent, there are several questions you should ask them to determine if they’re the best fit for you or not.

Reasons to Switch to Refrigerated Freight

A refrigerated truck, also known as a reefer, is made to transport perishable items such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, frozen goods, and food. They’re designed to keep refrigerated freight cool and at their desired temperature for the duration of the transportation process.

Furthermore, there are numerous advantages to becoming a refrigerated truck driver in this day and age. In fact, many drivers are opting for temperature-controlled freight versus hauling standard non-refrigerated items.

How to Conduct Commercial Truck Inspections

When driving a personal vehicle for everyday use, most drivers simply jump in and go. However, for commercial motor vehicles used to transport cargo or passengers, extra consideration should be taken to ensure that they’re safe and ready for the road.

Performing pre-trip inspections on your commercial truck can catch potential problems before they have a chance to endanger the safety of you and others on the road. Take care of problems right away to prevent future costs and delays.

The Process of Applying for Operating Authority and DOT Numbers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial drivers to apply for an identification number with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) as well as an operating authority (MC number) in some cases.

To obtain your identification number via the USDOT, you must complete an online registration form at the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). You’ll have to access the URS directly since the FMCSA stopped accepting paper registrations for first-time applicants in December 2015. You won’t need to pay a fee to complete your registration.

In this article, we’ll discuss the process of applying for your MC number and DOT number. Let’s get started!

What’s a DOT Number and Who Needs One?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a Department of Transportation (DOT) number for trucks and other carrier vehicles that meet certain criteria. These typically pertain to GVWR, whether you transport paying customers, and whether you operate across state lines. In addition to the federal regulations, 37 of the 50 states require a DOT number.

It can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the business, to understand if this regulation pertains to you or not. Therefore, in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about DOT numbers. Let’s get started!

4 Tips for Reducing Cargo Thefts

It’s estimated that cargo theft results in losses of $15 to $30 billion annually in the United States. While those numbers may seem alarmingly high, they illustrate just how vulnerable cargo is during the shipping process.

Shipping losses can dramatically cut into your bottom line, making it essential that you do everything you can to ensure that your goods are transported safely to their destination.

California Truck Insurance Requirements

Every commercial motor vehicle on the road must have sufficient coverage in place. Apart from being a legal requirement, commercial auto insurance provides the insured parties with financial protection in the event of a covered loss. Commercial motor vehicles are massive investments, and as a truck driver, you’ll want to safeguard your asset.

If you’re a truck driver in California you’re probably on the hunt for the best coverage and rates. Especially as inflation continues to drive up the cost of goods around the world. As a business in the transportation industry, we understand the urge to cut back on expenses. However, now’s not the time to cut back on your insurance coverage. With a few simple tips, you can manage your insurance costs without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll discuss the FMCSA insurance requirements in California and the various factors that affect your rates. Let’s get started.

The Most Common Reefer Unit Issues

Along with being an important way of transporting different types of perishable cargo, reefer units also require a lot of maintenance. If you fail to properly maintain your reefer truck then you’ll likely run into many issues. These mechanical failures can result in spoiled cargo and wasted time and money.

Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their reefer units and scheduling regular maintenance. So, if you wish to arrive at your destination with your cargo intact you should keep an eye out for the following reefer unit failures.