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…
Here’s something new: a CLOSED sign at a port of entry does not necessarily mean closed. A CLOSED sign means that inspections are not being performed; the port of entry or roadside is still open to sell trip permits, and state police assume that all commercial drivers know this. Enter anyway; complete your business, and…
There are five moving violations which are USDOT violations – not state violations. These violations carry 6 points each, and – more importantly – two of these violations in a two year period will result in suspension of your CDL for 60 days. Three of these violations in a three year period will result…