As long as a driver is using a hands-free cell phone, can dial or answer it with no more than a single touch, and does not have to leave the normal driving position to answer or initiate a call, the driver can use the cell phone while driving. However, when the cognitive distraction of using…
At least three states have a law on the books that could be expensive for drive away drivers. PA, MA, and CT all have a statute that requires that a commercial driver “broom off” the top and hood of the commercial vehicle he is bringing into the state, to be operated on interstate highways. The…
State patrolmen are trained to validate the license plates on commercial vehicles by accessing an online vehicle registration table. Every vehicle which has been licensed and titled is listed there, and the plate assigned to the licensed and titled vehicle is shown, confirming the validity of the plate. So what happens when a vehicle is…
State policemen manage their jobs by exception – as do most business managers and owners. The short check list they use to select the vehicles they pull over for an inspection starts with two items: no license plate, and no visible placards. If you make the decision NOT to attach your transporter plate to your…
Planning ahead will help you address winter driving headaches, the worst of which is the low temperatures. Fuel line freeze is a winter nightmare; ways to avoid it are to (1) buy winter-formula fuel, (2) add fuel additive/ anti-gel – yes, even to the winter mix, (3) park so that wind does not flow directly…
Some of the surest ways to protect your bottom line are SIMPLE. Key to avoiding unforeseen costs after a delivery is making good use of the bill-of-lading. If the vehicle you are picking up has a bent stack, several holes in the roof of the cab, and a missing mirror, PROTECT YOURSELF by listing all…
The conversations continue from contract drivers who read in their monthly log letters that they have been guilty of “speeding”. Let’s clear the air on this subject: The MTI log audit system identifies a driver who averages more than 60 mph as a “speeder”. There are two reasons for this: (1) the USDOT believes that…
There has been a recent epidemic of new trucks and tractors delivered to their proud owners smelling like an ash tray. If you have ever bought a brand new vehicle, you know that part of the thrill is the new vehicle smell. Our customers who have paid $40,000, $60,000, $70,000 or more for a new…
Before driving a CMV ( commercial motor vehicle), a driver must “be satisfied that it is in safe operating condition.” This is the law. The point of your pre-trip inspection is to examine service brakes, parking brakes, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear-vision mirrors, and coupling devices where applicable. All…
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…