Despite the legislation, commercial drivers will be required to carry their medical certificates ( or entire USDOT physical exam copy) for another year, until Jan 31, 2015. Alabama, California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York have failed to have systems in place to show the medical information of drivers on their motor vehicle…
On Tuesday, January 14, 2014 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended by one year the deadline for states to become compliant with requirements to show self-certification and medical compliance on the motor vehicle reports of CDL drivers. This means that all commercial drivers must continue to carry either the medical certificate or complete USDOT…
We have all read about the 100 and 200% increase in price of tolls on the east coast. Be prepared. That bridge toll that was $15 the last time you paid it, may now be $40 or much more – depending upon the kind of vehicle you are driving. Two critical things to remember if…
In this time of year when it is winter one day and almost spring the next, the best way to avoid fuel line freeze is to keep the fuel tanks full – or as nearly full as makes sense. Empty space in the fuel tank and lines is filled with condensation when weather gets warmer,…
Owning and operating a tow vehicle can be a big advantage to a drive-away contractor. The speed with which you can move between A and B is the primary advantage of the investment you have made in a tow vehicle; however, using a tow car comes with responsibilities as well as advantages. Recently a customer…
Figures just released show that 82% of fatal crashes involving a large truck occurred on roads with posted speed limits lower than 65 mph. In fact, the highest number of these occurred in areas where the posted speed limit was 50 or 55 mph. Add the high number of commercial truck crashes which occur in…
50 to 75% of all motor carrier collisions occur when the driver is either backing or turning. These low-speed maneuvers cost companies and drivers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Frequent traffic and mirror checks are required to prevent these collisions. Before moving a driver should (1) determine the best path for his vehicle,…
Commercial drivers have less than 30 days to contact their state licensing agencies to (1) inform them of the kind of driver they are , and (2) to provide a copy of their current medical card. This information MUST BE provided by January 30, 2014. Any interstate driver who does not complete this process by…
You may be questioned about UCR registration in a roadside inspection. The UCR registration is an annual fee and filing made by every motor carrier every year; it registers the carrier and its drivers with every state in the continental United States and pays annual state fees. There is no printed evidence of this registration…
Effective January 1, 2014 the rate for your Occupational Accident Insurance has increased. You will see this increase reflected on 2014 settlement sheets. Still the best bargain in the trucking industry, Occupational Accident insurance provides payment of medical and major medical expenses, prescriptions, a weekly short term disability payment, ambulance service, and a whole lot…