Management Advice for Your Trucking Company

Use of medication by CDL operators brings up understandable concerns as to whether or not certain drugs will disqualify a driver from operating a CMV. In some instances, the situation is straightforward. Drivers are prohibited from taking certain drugs, which can be legal or illegal. In other instances, it depends on the professional opinion(s) of both the DOT medical examiner and…

America is facing a shortage of truck drivers. This shortage of drivers in the trucking industry is causing retailers to delay shipments of nonessential items or to pay higher prices to ensure their goods are delivered on schedule. A large number of goods in America are moved throughout the country by truck. As the demand…

DOT physicals are a common aspect of the trucking industry. Before initial operation, and every two years thereafter, drivers are required to have a DOT-certified physician perform a physical examination to ensure that they are fit to operate under DOT and FMCSA regulations. But what happens if you fail this exam, and a doctor finds…

Would you be able to recognize the signs if one of your drivers showed up to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol? The answer should be “yes” according to the FMCSA. In fact, if you supervise at least one driver for a company that operates CDL vehicles on public roads, you are required…

Driver shortages. High turnover rates. These issues are making it increasingly difficult for carriers to hire and maintain drivers. Many companies find themselves in a constant time-consuming and expensive hiring cycle to keep their vehicles on the road.  Companies have approached this issue by raising their pay and / or offering sign-on bonuses. This may…

As a carrier, you hope that you will never come across a situation where you driver has been in an accident. Nevertheless, it is important to be prepared should that unfortunate situation ever arise. While there are probably many concerns that you will have in the event an accident ever does occur, one concern that…

In order to maintain compliance with Regulation Part 391, there are several key items in your Driver Qualification file that must be regularly maintained and updated during each driver’s tenure with your company. Medical Certificates Before operating a CMV, all drivers must submit to a medical evaluation by a DOT-certified physician. Drivers are also expected…

Over 60,000 vehicles were pulled to the side of the road and inspected throughout North America last June. Of that number, almost 30% were put out of service! That is almost triple what it was just a few years ago. Even worse, over a third of these could have been prevented with a simple Motor…

There are many steps that go into the creation and maintenance of DOT driver qualification files. And if the FMCSA violation data is any indicator, it’s a process that many carriers are struggling with in the course of their operation. Here are 4 of the most common Driver Qualification violations – and the steps you…

The chances are high that at one time or another during your trucking career, you’ll pull your rig into a weight station and be flagged down by the resident inspector. They’ll ask you to pull off to the side of the road, and their judgment can make or break you as a driver. These events…

The trucking industry plays a vital role in the U.S. economy. Across North America, thousands of companies operate on a local, regional, national and international scale, transporting goods across county, state, country and province lines. Starting a successful trucking company requires an understanding of trucks, routes, transport laws and industry patrons. Not sure if you…