DOT Logs: Logging is the term drivers use to describe their time record entries in a log book. To ensure compliance, DOT officials have the right to request to see a driver’s log book at any time. These laws help ensure the safety of others on the road by regulating…
Transporting Fuel: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) under the Department of Transportation regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, including fuel, on the nation’s highways. Transporters of fuel are required to follow specific registration, training, communication, packaging, emergency response and security regulations to maintain public safety.[/box] [box type=”shadow”]Registration &…
The U.S. DOT heavily regulates the commercial trucking industry. Inspections are one ways that the agency ensures that the trucks on the road are safe and are driven by a safe drivers. The state DOT agents perform the random inspections. Despite the dislike surrounding random inspections, they do have advantages…
Car window tint: A global provider of online legal information, the laws and requirements for car window tinting in the United States vary from state to state. Each state’s car window tint laws are typically found in its traffic or vehicle code. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)…
Inspection Regulations: Trucks weighing tens of thousands of lbs. barrel along on highways at speeds of more than 50 mph. These massive transporters have equally massive destructive capabilities. As such, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation requires operators of commercial motor vehicles to perform…
There are two common type of securement devices used to tie down flatbed loads. Chains with binders and nylon straps. Chains are used to hold down steel or machinery while straps are used on less dense freight such as lumber and palletized goods. The Department of Transportation has port of…
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration don’t regulate the use of moving vans for interstate travel if the van’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 10,000 lbs. or less. For larger vehicles, the agencies proscribe several requirements to which drivers and vehicle owners must…
Travel trailers are a favorite way for many families to see America. Technological advancements have made today’s trailers more comfortable and filled with numerous amenities to put more “home” in “motorhome.” If you’re looking to register your travel trailer in Pennsylvania, you’ll find Pennsylvania code very straightforward—there are essentially only…
There exists much confusion about terminology when the subject of an automatic truck transmission arises. Properly known as “automated” transmissions, these drive trains have come to prominence as the prime competition for old-style manuals. There are many different kinds of truck transmissions today. [/box] [box type=”shadow”] Automatic vs. Automated Cars…
Individual trucking companies set their own list of “allowed” violations for hiring truck drivers. Companies usually post the number of allowed moving violations in their employment ads. Many companies accept up to three moving violations in the past three years. However, aside from company regulations, there are state and federal…
Regulations regarding what types of brake fluid can be used in the United States are specified by the Department of Transportation in regulation part 571.116. This regulation specifies the legal required boiling point of brake fluids. DOT 3 is one of the approved brake fluids that falls underneath this regulation….
When a person has a medical condition such as diabetes, it can complicate his ability to get a regular driver’s license or commercial driver’s license (CDL). The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has guidelines in place for anyone in the United States, including Arkansas, to apply for a medical exemption…
DAC Report: As part of a pre-hiring screening process, most large trucking companies will dig into truckers’ employment and driving records, including any history of traffic violations, accidents or other disqualifying issues. All of this information is stored in a database maintained by a company called HireRight. This company sells…
Compressed gas is gas kept in a compressed cylinder, which allows the gas to be stored in small spaces and be released at high speed when needed. It can be very dangerous, since contents under pressure can be flammable or explosive or cause the cylinder to move in a dangerous…
The Federal Department of Transportation oversees interstate shipping and trucking and sets safety standards for commercial trucking. Among these standards are requirements for loads on flatbed trucks that require tie-downs, with the DOT mandating the type of tie-down and manner of securing cargo. Inspectors perform checks at weigh stations to…
Weigh Station Regulations: Tractor trailers are among the most heavily regulated and controlled vehicles on the road, with axle weight and spread being the two most stringently monitored factors. Most DOT regulations deal with tire-load safety, but road width, construction and bridge height come into play as well. While federal…
Brokerage Rules: To prevent misconduct, states and the federal government have created laws brokers must follow. Although most brokers and investment professionals are never accused of misconduct, there are a few who do, and the consumers and their financial futures must be protected. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)…
Drinking and driving is never a good idea, especially when the driver has a commercial driver’s license. While states imposed harsh punishments for driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI laws are typically more strict or commercial drivers. Anyone with a CDL should be aware of how DUI laws apply…
Lighting Regulations: There are dozens of laws regulating lighting on cars. Laws regulate the types, size and color of lights on every kind of vehicle that operates on the public roadways. According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 2.5 million miles were driven by motorists on more than 4…
Communication between a company and it’s truck drivers is vital for safety, timely deliveries and a good business reputation. A company has more than one type of access to communication with individual truckers or large fleets of drivers. Satellite Communication A trucking company may install a state-of-the-art satellite system into…
[box type=”shadow”] Over the road trucking sends truck drivers on long-distance hauls. Long-distance hauling involves truck drivers pulling tractor trailers, flat beds or tankers with rigs and 18 wheels. This type of transportation is a necessity to the commercial transportation industry as the quickest, least expensive manner of transporting goods,…
Oral Drug Test Information: While urine testing is the most common method of drug testing, oral fluid testing is an alternative way to test for the presence of certain drugs. Features Several companies manufacture and distribute oral fluid drug testing devices. The device is placed in the donor’s mouth for…
[box type=”shadow”] What are the DOT regulations for the railroad? Crossing Safety Under FRA regulations, crossing caution systems are to be inspected, tested, and maintained so they are dependable and foolproof. Any malfunctions are to be reported immediately. In addition to making sure this equipment works properly, the FRA has…
What are the steps for Physical Exams? Registration Being a driver for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) can be a great advantage in the working world. It will provide you with a substantial income and superb medical insurance. But it also requires long hours and sometimes many days on the…
Scrap Metal Laws: Registration Under Tennessee law, anyone who wishes to buy and sell scrap metal or engage in other business connected to it must register with the state Department of Commerce. Such a registration will expire every two years and must be renewed at its expiration by the dealer…
