There are things a commercial driver must know – and do – to tow his own personal vehicle behind the commercial vehicle he is driving in the drive away industry: The contractor MUST tow a small vehicle which weighs 3,000 lbs. or less. The contractor MUST have signed a tow agreement. The agreement outlines the…
A lot of success stories have the same basis: a solid pre-trip inspection. Because a driver’s pre-trip inspection noted various miscellaneous dents and scratches on the dashboard of a new tractor, a claim of $1,240 did not have to be paid. Because the driver’s pre-trip showed a small crack on one side of a windshield,…
To protect yourself – and your vehicle – and to prevent collisions with other vehicles, there are a few rules to remember when driving in construction zones: (1) Pay attention – eliminate any activity that could be a distraction (2) Don’t Tailgate – Sudden braking may become necessary; leave plenty of room between yourself and…
The law as it appears in 392.6 of the Code of Federal Regulations answers the question “How many miles a day can I drive?”: the answer is “Drivers are required to drive at posted speed limits ( and to remember that these limits are for clear conditions, dry pavement, and you are expected to drive…
It is critical that commercial drivers know – and avoid – the five violations that the FMCSA has described as critical, and for which the USDOT assigns 6 points and a speeded-up track to suspension of a CDL license: (1) Speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit (2) Reckless driving…
Between 30 and 40% of all highway collisions occur in intersections. Drivers must use all their skills – and reduce their speeds – at intersections. In the city, look a full block ahead and watch traffic lights and slowing or stopped traffic. In the country, look a full mile ahead – especially at the next…
Driving too fast for conditions is the citation you can get even if you are driving the posted speed limit. The posted speed limit designates maximum speed allowed if all conditions are perfect. Five conditions should govern your speed: condition of traffic condition of the road – with particular attention to construction zones condition of…
Although fewer than 5% of miles driven are driven backward, over 55% of property-loss and damage collisions occur when a driver is backing up. Backing up is dangerous; your safest strategy is to drive every vehicle as though it has no reverse gear at all. Avoid this risky maneuver; it will save all of us…
You are subject to a fine of $2,750 if you do one of the following: * reach for a cell phone while driving a commercial vehicle * dial a cell phone while driving a commercial vehicle * talk on a cell phone that you are holding in your hand while driving a commercial vehicle Hands-free…
The bill of lading is a contract; it is also a receipt. As the bill of lading is a contract, it must be completed, accurately. Every field must be completed including vehicle description, VIN, type and amount of fuel, complete addresses for both shipper and consignee. This is the document which proves condition of the…
