Check Your Blind Spots. Keep a sharp eye out for road workers and flag crews. I always enjoy the driving part of the job, dont get me wrong. Truck drivers are required to not only obey driving laws, but to understand the laws pertaining to DOT drug testing, ELDs and minimum wage. Anything that causes you to take your attention off the road is dangerous. Sign up today to find and book your next high-paying load. VDOMDHTMLtml> Signals for Truck Drivers | Bay and Bay Transportation | Bay and Bay Transportation has decoded the code of the road- truck drivers signals. Secure Your Doors When Sleeping at Night. Pay attention to the side effects of all over-the-counter drugs before taking them. I was my dad's designated driver when I was 12. bus driver safety To keep it simple and avoid missing anything, keep a running list of what you need to do. Maintain regular communication with your dispatcher and friends, with planned check-ins at set times. NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia Our teachers are certified by the Ontario Safety League and the Ministry of Transportation. Youll need this information Shower flip flops. The more familiar you are with regulations and the more of them you know, the better you drive. You are driving a cumbersome beast that makes very wide turns. Please try again later. CDL Truck Driver Skills Tips If truckers stopped their trucks completely today, the ramifications would be intense. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. WebCar drivers should know that large trucks: Answers Have large blind spots. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Our combined fleet can expand quickly to our shippers seasonal, planned and unanticipated surges in production activity. Drive for Kopf today! If you need to send a text, read a text or make a phone call, pull over and stop first. Even with those precautions, you may be in danger while turning, so make sure you are ready to stop safely if necessary. Allstate Peterbilt offers a few scenarios of how truckers affect our lives in their work delivering goods. However, some truck driving training schools dont cover some of the driving skills and techniques that a trucker will need in the real world in his trucking job. Difference Between a Freight Agent and a Freight Broker, to Stay Connected With Family On the Road, 3 Ways to Increase Freight Agent Productivity, High Performers: Traits of Top Freight Agents, How Freight Agents Increase Profit Margins. 8. Careful When Unloading Freight. Seat belts can save lives, reduce injuries, and allow drivers to stay inside and control their vehicles in the event of a crash. They do their part daily to keep our lives as comfortable as possible. Choose Your Truck Stops Wisely. A truck GPS is specially designed to choose routes that will accommodate the height and weight of your vehicle. When you are driving a multi-ton truck, you want to avoid anything that might cause an accident. Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering your blind spots. This isnt good for your waistline or your health. Have a Dash Cam. Another interesting and useful to learn term in the trucking industry is the brake lining. You could injure yourself, damage the freight or even be robbed. Make sure that your load is well secured and isnt missing anything. Whenever possible, you should keep plenty of room between you and the vehicles in front of you, even if this requires you to slow down to make additional room. Report for duty/remain on duty for safety-sensitive function with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater or while using any prohibited drug, Alcohol use while performing, or within four hours of performing, a safety-sensitive function, Alcohol use within eight hours of a post-accident alcohol test, Test positive for use of specified drugs (This could include a post crash test, a pre-employment drug screening, or a random drug test), Refusing to submit to a required alcohol or drug test, 7 Easy-Breezy Summer Appetizers For Truck Drivers, Everything You Need To Know About Trucks Requiring A CDL To Operate, What to Expect at a Trucking Weigh Station, How to Get Your First Job As a Truck Driver, Insider Tips & Tricks For New Truck Drivers, How to Become an Owner Operator Truck Driver. While a CDL is required to become a Truck Driver, the best Truckers are alert, honest, reliable, stress managers, and problem solvers. The 2023 Ford Explorer Tumbles Hard to Last Place. Have you noticed the bare shelves at the store? So, check out these funny truck quotes and quotes about trucks. One dead, one injured after shooting turned standoff in Jennings 3 Reasons Why Truck Drivers Are Important 5 Important Things You Should Know About a Career in Trucking In this article we are going to talk about truck driving. Kopfs truckload service moves a full truckload of freight directly from the point of origin to destination and is safe and reliable, providing capacity-oriented solutions centered on delivering customer value and superb service levels. When you are driving a truck, you know you are going many places. WebAnother way for drivers to know what they are hauling is during the loading and unloading process. Truck Drivers Truck driving is not as easy as it may seem. No matter how much of a hurry you are in, make sure you have three points of contact at all times while exiting your vehicle. Check your brake lining for the appropriate thickness, ensure that air lines arent damaged and check your brakes for proper adjustment. As you drive, your truck vibrates while it moves over the road. If you want to get into a job where you will impact peoples lives by providing transportations for the goods they need, please feel free to contact us at DriveCo CDL Learning Center to enroll in classes and get your CDL today. Web6 Important Things You Should Know When Driving a Truck Driving is a necessary life skill because we rely on cars to get around. Value Chain is Uninterrupted: Drop-Trailer capability means shippers can load the trailer at their own convenience, Avoid costly accessorial charges for driver retention, Pick and Pack Optimization: Product is able to flow through warehouse effectively. Signal and brake early to give other drivers plenty of time to notice your intent. Truck Drivers Please take note of those trucks as they drive by you in town or on the interstate. 50. Trucking regulations change regularly. You should also use your turn signals to let other drivers know what youre doing. This is an important skill to master. If you have a CDL license, and want to be contacted by our recruiter Justin, please fill out the form below and we'll give you a call! A potential thief is much less likely to try to steal your load if they cant be certain that your truck isnt empty or carrying something of minimal value. The beginning of the year is an excellent time to revisit your list, check for new or changing regulations, and submit any required paperwork to the relevant authorities. Truck Driver Facts: Top 12 Things You Might Not Know All Rights Reserved. Truck driving skills in the workplace help you become a good driver and employee. Youll See the original article here, most fatal crashes that involve heavy trucks are not the truckers fault, length of two football fields to come to a safe stop, scan the road ahead for potential dangers. Driving a truck is not easy, but is essential to keep America moving. Why truck drivers are important to America TransWood It will also have a higher centre of gravity, which makes it more likely to tip over. LEARN MORE or contact Jeanie today at 574.349.5600. is it common for drivers to have their own trailers? Truck Driver Essentials: 19 Must-Have Items for the Road Driving a truck or another big vehicle is different from driving the average car, so we will ensure that you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to be safe while on the road. While a CDL is required to become a Truck Driver, the best Truckers are alert, honest, reliable, stress managers, and problem solvers. When the economy is feeling the pinch, the importance of truckers always seems to make the news. Phone: 800-832-5660 Washington, DC 20590 Take plenty of breaks and get a full nights sleep every night. At 12 Years Old I Was My Dad's Designated Driver When He When you are driving a truck, you need to make sure that you are organized with your paperwork. 1. Plus, if you are motivated and do well in the company, you can make more money. Below is a list of twelve things you might not know about Truck Drivers and their trucks. Police said both drivers of two transport trucks were found without vital signs and pronounced dead at the scene. Hello! This article will cover the basic knowledge that every person driving a truck should know. In the past, vehicle logbooks were physical books where records were written by hand, but technology has since provided us with much better digital options. Carriers want to spend less time waiting on a load to be packed and more time driving to their destination. Take care to protect yourself and your cargo when unloading freight. A collection of trucker tips from million milers and experienced drivers. Driving distracted is as dangerous as driving impaired. You May Also Like: Difference Between a Freight Agent and a Freight Broker | How Truckers Stay Fit On the Road| Healthy Eating on the Road | Best Pets for Truck Drivers | How to Stay Connected With Family On the Road | Top Qualities of Great Truck Drivers | Ways to Thank a Trucker | Benefits of Gratitude. to Know This article will cover the basic knowledge that every person driving a truck should know. Keep dash lights and cab lighting at low intensity to improve your night vision. Give your tires plenty of breaks if you must drive in high heat. 9. In addition to decreased visibility, nighttime driving presents dangers that you are less likely to face during the day, such as animals that only come out at night. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that doesnt hinder your movements and allows for proper blood flow which can help you remain alert. Truck Drivers Pay close attention when trucks and buses are turning right, as they may not be able to easily turn from the right lane and may initially move left to create enough turning space. Experienced Truck Drivers Show You How to do it. Also, check the pressure and tire tread, replacing any tires as necessary. Truck drivers travel thousands of miles across the country every year. If you ordered supplies from a much farther location, you knew it would take a very long time to get to you. New rules for truck drivers might come from any of these three agencies each year. Web15 Nov Important Laws for Truck Drivers to Know and Follow Truck drivers are required to not only obey driving laws, but to understand the laws pertaining to DOT drug testing, ELDs and minimum wage. North American Standard Level I DOT Inspection Procedures. This article will cover the basic knowledge that every person driving a truck should This means you need to be patient with truck drivers and slow down if necessary. Communication is key in dispatching. You cant control other drivers, but you can reduce the likelihood that they will hit your truck if you drive carefully and pay attention. Check it out on foot first, confirming that your truck can safely fit into and exit the spot and wont block traffic. 5987, Bathurst Street, Unit 2 (Lower Level), Start Your Career in Truck Driving: What You Need to Know. The large size and weight of trucks and buses increase driving challenges, including acceleration, braking, and maneuverability. 49. Follow the Hours of Service Rules. Business Hours:9:00am-5:00pm ET, M-F. It will also have a lower centre of gravity, which makes it less likely to tip over. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), CMV employers, State Driver Licensing Agencies and law enforcement officials will have full access to the clearinghouse. If you must pull off the road, use flashers, reflective triangles, and/or road flares to alert approaching drivers. Not all truck stops are safe. If youre looking for a truck driving school in Toronto, Sprint Driving School can help you! 46 (, You may know most Drivers are men. Truck Driving Skills: Definition and Examples Your tires are under a lot of pressure, and when air heats up, it expands. Important Things Every Trucker Should Know 7 Things You Need to Know About the First Year as a New Truck Driver 7 critical things all new truckers should know. Slow it down to let them pass and give them room. Check for Dripping Coolant or Oil. 41. The more familiar you are with regulations and the more of them you know, the better you drive. If you feel your truck start to sway even a little due to wind, pull over immediately and wait out the wind. Dont pass on a downward slope gravity causes them to gain speed. The work of first responders and truckers never stops. Trucks are such a normal part of our lives that we often dont notice them on the roads. United States, Email: [email protected] FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Alliance) rules require that you take at least a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving and require that you are off duty for at least 10 hours a day. Its a way to manage your drivers working hours and is designed to prevent accidents on the road caused by fatigue. Web2. In extremely high heat, your tires may suffer a blowout. Any time you stop, confirm that your truck is securely locked. OceanGate called the Titan the only crewed submersible in the world that can take five people as deep as 4,000 meters more than 13,100 feet below the surface of the ocean. 38. Of these, 12 are existing regulations, while five are new or upcoming. This is how people get into accidents. Review the following to make the experience safer and more rewarding. If you want to get into a job where you will impact peoples lives by providing transportations for the Watch Steep Hills and Use Auxiliary Brakes. By Travis Overton - March 19, 2021 So you are thinking about becoming a professional truck driver. The FMCSA was established in 2000 specifically to regulate the trucking industry. Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you merge in front; leave extra space. My dad grew up on the US-Mexico On the other hand, these truckers rarely get the appreciation they deserve. Tires need to be replaced more frequently, brakes need to be inspected and serviced more often, and the engine needs to be tuned up more regularly. Trucks can speed up faster because of their weight and torque. Learn 50 important tips that can make those miles safer and more comfortable. Kopf Logistics Group is a trade name for a family of distinct, separately structured and operated corporations or limited liability companies, each of which provides unique services: Kopf Leasing, Inc., Kopf Logistics, LLC and TSI Express, Inc. Each company separately contracts directly with customers, contract carriers and vendors and performs only those services, whether brokerage or carriage of freight, permitted by federal authority. DOT Compliance: Your Guide to DOT Rules and Regulations What you need to understand before becoming a CDL driver Dont give police officers an excuse to pull you over because you arent wearing a seatbelt. The following tips can help truck and bus drivers make a plan for road safety. Check Your Load. Additionally, scan ahead on the road about 15 seconds (equating to a quarter mile on interstates, or one to two blocks in cities) for traffic issues, work zones, and other dangers. Nearly all turns for a truck are wide turns. CMV Driving Tips - Inadequate Surveillance | FMCSA It all comes down to equipment and system integrations. In 2022, there are 17 key trucking regulations that all carriers and drivers need to know. Using a safety belt is one of the easiest and most important things drivers can do to save lives. Truck drivers need to learn how to take care of their vehicles on the road. The author's dad on his truck. Keep in mind that when you are driving your semi, you are representing the business you work for. They aid you in achieving driving goals and delivering supplies. You are less likely to be robbed if nobody except you and your client knows the value of your load. Trucks and buses accelerate slower uphill and may gain speed quickly downhill. Wear Your Seatbelt. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Check that your load is well-balanced and secure, as a shifting load can cause a rollover or loss of control. Washington, DC 20590 The Minimum Wage This includes keeping them running properly, avoiding DOT violations, and taking care of basic Single Tire Chains and Double Tire Chains (Three-Railers) Installation Instructions. Aug 27, 2021. 1. This new rule raises the bar for the safety of all drivers on the road. The important thing truck drivers need to know about ADAS. Check the fifth wheel, air lines, gap, mounting bolt and locking jaws to ensure they dont have any damage and are in the correct positions. The most important person in a truckers work life is the trucking dispatcher. Truck Driving What Basic Things Should a Driver Know? 5. Keep a safe distance from the truck. It is our privilege to employ a reliable team of Truckers and partner with a fantastic team of Owner Operators. For people who enjoy the road, truck driving can be a very fulfilling career. Hospitals require a steady stream of supplies, and truckers make those deliveries. Its also useful during emergencies, or if you need to get somewhere quickly, so most people are encouraged to drive. REMEMBER There are many schools of thought on how to perform particular maneuvers. Your email address will not be published. TIP #1: Be Aware of Your "No-Zone" Be vigilant in watching for vehicles in the "No-Zone." Stay aware of your surroundings at all times and drive predictably. Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you merge in front; leave extra space. Previous Blog Next Blog 2. | Website Built and Managed by. Check for upcoming weather alerts and road conditions, and reroute if necessary. This will allow the driver to learn how to properly drive the truck. Overusing your brakes might cause brake failure, which is extremely dangerous when driving a truck. The most critical DOT compliance rule to adhere to is hours of service established in December 2011. 31. 33. 43. Traffic laws are different in every state you drive through. Fatal crashes are rising, and not wearing a seat belt is a key Dont cut in front of a truck. Find the 9 highest paying truck driver jobs in 2022. Car drivers often dont realize that trucks cant turn around at intersections because theyre taller than their vehicles. If a hill has a steep grade warning or a reduced truck speed, you should probably use your auxiliary engine brakes to keep your brakes from over-heating and possibly catching fire. Trucks are often 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles. The size of the truck is the key to how it Another important thing to know is how much home time you need. 2020 America Truck Driving. 6. The minimum wage varies across states and effective January 1st, 2020, 26 states will have minimum wage updates. Before every trip, you should perform an inspection of your truck. . Established as part of the Highway Safety Act of 1970, the NHTSA focuses more broadly on transportation safety, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Our team of dispatchers will assist you in finding the Open-Deck equipment you need quickly and easily while delivering your freight safely, securely and on-time. 27. CDL driver drug and alcohol test failures will be recorded, as well as: Aspiring truck drivers should know that any drug or alcohol violations can be a serious obstacle in pursuing employment.