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Archive for the ‘Requirements for CDL’ Category
DOT Physical, Medical, Drug Test FAQ – Blood Sugar/Blood Pressure Specifically – Part Two of Three
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:05 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, In part one of this blog on DOT physical, DOT medical card, and DOT drug testing FAQ’s, we covered the first six of eighteen questions on this subject. Below are questions 7 through 13. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there.
Here is a list of questions we often hear from drivers.
We hope this helps your search to understand what’s required to meet FMCSA DOT physical regulations and get your DOT medical card with as little hassle as possible.
Can the DOT medical card be laminated?
- Yes. We laminate your DOT medical card for you. Because you need to keep it with you at all times while you’re driving, lamination helps to reduce the wear and tear on the card.
How long is a DOT medical card good for?
- A DOT medical card is good for two years if you have no restrictions. A history of high blood pressure, taking high blood pressure medications, and/or taking oral medications for diabetes can restrict the medical card to one year.
How many 3-month DOT medical cards can you have?
- One only. You should have the condition, which caused the restriction, under control by the end of the 3-month window.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical and a DOT physical?
- No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
If I don’t have medical insurance can I still get a DOT physical?
- Yes. You do not need medical insurance to get a DOT Physical. Insurance is not a part of our DOT Physical exam service. Payment for the exam is your responsibility at time of service. Some insurance companies treat this exam as preventative health care and will not reimburse for it. If you have insurance and want to claim reimbursement we can give you a receipt to submit to your insurance company.
How much does a DOT physical cost without insurance?
- We’ve seen DOT physicals charged anywhere between $50 and $100. We charge the same price whether you have insurance or not. Payment for our DOT Physical service is $65.00 and payment optionsare cash, credit card, T-check, Com-check, or pre-authorized company account.
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DOT Physical, Medical, Drug Test FAQ – Blood Sugar/Blood Pressure Specifically – Part One of Three
Monday, August 2, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 8:48 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I have been noticing that many of you are searching for answered to blood sugar and blood pressure issues and how these affect getting your DOT medical card. I found a website that has some really good information and a place in Salt Lake City, Utah that helps truckers with DOT medical card and DOT physical questions. I have put their information below. After reading what they posted online, I found it to be quite helpful. If you can’t get to this truck stop for answers, find a chiropractor or a medical professional that has knowledge of a DOT physical, DOT medical card and DOT drug testing. I will include the first six questions on this blog. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Here is a list of questions we often hear from drivers.
We hope this helps your search to understand what’s required to meet FMCSA DOT physical regulations and get your DOT medical card with as little hassle as possible.
At Chiro Stop we do
DOT Physical Exams and
DOT Drug Alcohol Testing.
Quick, Accurate, and Hassle Free
No appointment necessary. Walk-ins are welcome,
or call 801-972-2332 to book a time that works for you.
Parking for 135 trucks at Sapp Bros. I 80 Truck Stop, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
- We’ve compiled a shortened version from FMCSA Rules and Regulations here. If you want to see the long, official legalese version here is a link to FMCSA Part 391.41.
Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
- Drug testing is not part of a DOT Physical exam but your Company may request to have drug alcohol testing done at the same time. DOT drug testing and breath alcohol testing are additional charges.
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
- The 5 Panel drug test analyzes urine for the following drugs:
- Marijuana (THC metabolite)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates (including heroin)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
What’s involved in a DOT physical?
- The process is pretty straight forward. We can complete your physical in 30 minutes. Here are our 3 easy steps to complete your DOT physical.
Why do I have to have a urine test?
- The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
Can I obtain a copy of my DOT physical form?
- Yes. We give you 2 copies of the long-form. One for the driver, one for the Company. If you need, we will fax the DOT form to your company. The examining doctor keeps a copy of the form for our office records.
DOT Safety Audit – Passing Your First Audit – Part Two
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 11:43 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, This is the sequel to 7/13/10 on passing your first DOT audit. I will start with a list of items the DOT will be wanting to see in your office records and expound on the ones that need further explanation. The key to passing your DOT safety audit is organization and preparation. Let’s start with what records the DOT will be looking through when they pay you a visit. If you would like help with putting your records together for a DOT Safety Audit, please email me at truckersandtravelers@gmail.com. I can also assist you with any trucking authority issues. Below is a list of those records. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
1. Driver Qualification Files ( includes 18 items that must be in each employee’s file, some of which are listed below)
2. DOT physical and medical card
3. Pre-employment drug testing results
4. Drug consortium membership
5. Logs for the months you have been in operation to the date of the DOT Safety Audit
6. Pro-rate book contents
7. DOT and MC authority granted
8. BOC-3 paperwork
9. Evidence of Insurance on all equipment
10. Leases or hauling contracts
11. HAZ-MAT certification
12. All permits, such as bridge and overweight
13. Registrations on all equipment
14. UCR
15. Additional permits from Kentucky, New Mexico, New York and Oregon if you run through those states with interstate trucking authority
16. IFTA registration
17. Maintenance records on all equipment both trucks and trailers
18. Yearly inspection sheet on all equipment both trucks and trailers
Hello, Fellow Drivers, Some of you are thinking about getting your own trucking authority and going out on your own to earn more money. It’s a worthwhile endeavor but must be entered with wisdom, fore thought, and planning. Below are some frequently asked questions about how to get trucking authority. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Trucking Authority Questions
Q. What is an MC Number?
A. An MC number is issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). It grants the right to commence operations in interstate commerce in the transportation industry. There are several factors involved in obtaining an MC number including a USDOT number, BOC 3 Process Agents, and insurance.
Q. What is a USDOT Number?
A. A USDOT number is issued by the US Department of Transportation. It tracks all your company’s information with the different Federal and State Agencies. A USDOT number does not constitute authority to operate in interstate commerce.
Q. What is a BOC 3 Process Agents?
A process agent is someone who may be serviced with court papers in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier. In order to obtain your authority this requirement must be met.
Q. How much insurance do I need?
A. The Federal Minimums for insurance coverage is: $750,000 Liability and $5,000 Cargo. However, the industry standard and recommended coverage is $1,000,000 Liability and $100,000 Cargo coverage.
Q. How long does it take to get trucking authority?
A. It generally takes a carrier 5 to 7 weeks to obtain all the authority and permits required to operate in Interstate Commerce. There are 2 parts to the process: federal and state. The federal portion generally takes 16 business days to complete and then state permits can take an additional 2 weeks after the federal portion is complete.
Q. How much does it cost to get trucking authority?
To get trucking authority depends upon if you hire a company to do the whole process for you (which can be very expensive) or if you do most of the steps yourself and save yourself a lot of money.
Q. What is UCRA?
A. The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement states that all motor carriers, regulated, exempt and private as well as interstate brokers, Freight Forwarders and leasing companies are subject to the fees under the UCRA. Fees are calculated per company based on the number of commercial motor vehicles it operates. Commercial motor vehicles include the total number of trucks, trailers and power units operated by the company. The table below contains the fee schedule that a company would be subject to based on their fleet size:
| Fleet Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | $39 |
| 3-5 | $116 |
| 6-20 | $231 |
| 21-100 | $806 |
| 101-1000 | $3840 |
| over 1000 | $37500 |
Q. What is IRP?
A. The IRP stands for International Registration Plan. This covers the apportioned tags for your tractor. The contiguous 48 states plus Canadian Provinces participate in the program. You must register with your base state and select the states that you wish to operate in the current or coming year. This must be renewed annually and has a prorated annual fee. Only vehicles over 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight participate in the program. The annual fee range is $800 – $2500.
Q. What is IFTA?
A. IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement. It is a means to pay fuel taxes to the different participating states and provinces by registering and filing quarterly returns with your base state. Only the contiguous 48 states, plus Canadian Provinces and vehicles over 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight participate in this program. Registration for the program is generally free but some states may charge a registration and decal fee that usually costs under $30.
Q. What is Intrastate Authority?
A. Intrastate authority is the right granted by a state to commence for hire trucking operations within the borders of that specific state. If a load’s origin and destination are within the same state then intrastate authority may be required. This generally takes less time to acquire than the interstate authority as only one government agency is required to issue permits. Also a company engaged only in intrastate activities does not need to register with the IFTA or IRP.
Q. What states require special permits?
A. Four states have special permits that are required to operate within their borders. You can register for these permits upfront or acquire trip permits. The states are New York (HUT), Kentucky (KYU Number), New Mexico, & Oregon (File Number). Depending on your operations you should consider registering for some or all of these states as most have a low registration fee of $15 or less per truck.
Q. What is a New Entrant Safety Audit?
A. A New Entrant Safety Audit consists of a review of the carrier’s safety management system conducted by a State or Federal Auditor within the first 18 months of operation. The areas of review may include: Driver Qualifications, Driver Duty Status, Vehicle Maintenance, Accident Register, and testing requirements for Controlled Substances and Alcohol use.
Q. When can I expect a New Entrant Safety Audit?
A. Every new carrier will be audited during the first 18 months of operation (typically within 3-6 months after the carrier is granted their new entrant registration). The safety audits will mainly be conducted on-site at the carrier’s principal place of business. However, some safety audits may be conducted at other locations depending on the circumstances.
Trucking Authority – The FMCSA To Be Shut Down 3-2-10
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 9:58 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, After taking a sabbatical from blogging I am back to keep you informed on the latest developments and information to get trucking authority or to have a successful trucking business. Land Line Magazine recently published this article about the FMCSA. It greatly affects the trucking industry. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
SPECIAL REPORT: DOT to shut down on Tuesday
Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 – As of Tuesday, March 2, a big chunk of the U.S. Department of Transportation will be shut down temporarily because of a lack of funding. Just how long it lasts will depend on Congress.
The stunning news came Friday after the Senate adjourned without passing legislation to extend surface transportation programs that were set to expire Sunday, Feb. 28.
As a result, 4,000 DOT employees will be at home without pay starting Tuesday, leaving only a skeleton crew to deal with matters of immediate safety.
Affected agencies include the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Transit Authority and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For truckers, the shutdown will bring business such as audits, authority applications, MCS-150 updates and other paperwork issues to a grinding halt.
The shutdown will not immediately affect scale houses, which are run by state law enforcement agencies. However, because FMCSA provides funding to state agencies for commercial vehicle enforcement, the furlough will put reimbursements in jeopardy.
U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-MN, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, called an emergency press conference on Friday to shed light on the rare occurrence. The last government shutdown happened in 1995 and 1996 over disagreements about appropriations.
“The shutdown of the federal highway program means that the Federal Highway Administration won’t be able to reimburse states for highway or transit funds,” Oberstar told reporters.
The furlough and lack of funding mean no money from FMCSA to fund state commercial vehicle enforcement.
“None of that will happen because there will be no funding for it, and if there is a furlough on Tuesday there won’t be any personnel available for enforcement action,” Oberstar told Land Line.
Oberstar said the shutdown also affects the stimulus funds to states because there won’t be people in federal offices to process grants. He said some states could lose out because of the inaction.
The Highway Trust Fund has been surviving on a series of short-term extensions since the surface transportation law known as SAFETEA-LU technically expired in September 2009.
The U.S. House and Senate have been under tremendous pressure to extend the provisions of SAFETEA-LU beyond Sunday’s deadline.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, asked his colleagues on Friday to lend unanimous consent to a 30-day extension for highway programs offered by the House, but Sen. Jim Bunning, R-KY, did not consent, citing the fiscal ramifications of the $10 billion cost. Bunning’s threat of filibuster caused Reid to adjourn the Senate on Friday for the weekend. Senators are scheduled to return Tuesday with the matter only baby steps closer to resolution.
Oberstar said Friday that in order to get the DOT back to work as soon as possible, he would lend his support in the House to passing the $15 billion Senate version of jobs legislation, HR2847.
The jobs bill contains a provision for shoring up the Highway Trust Fund through the end of 2010. The House originally wanted the highway extension to last only through Sept. 30 as lawmakers work on a five- or six-year highway bill.
Tune in to Land Line and Land Line Now on Monday for continuing coverage of the shutdown and what it means for other agencies.
– By David Tanner, associate editor
david_tanner@landlinemag.com
Hello, Fellow Drivers! It’s been a while since my last blog but I’m back in the saddle again, so to speak! I want to write to you about a very important aspect of a successful trucking business. That aspect is contracts. I cannot stress enough about the importance of this step in starting a trucking business or developing a trucking business. What do I mean by that? Well, I’ll tell you a real life story that happened recently.
A friend of mine had a thriving trucking business that was built around one customer. They had landed the business on a “verbal agreement” and it never progressed into a contractual agreement because it was working well. The other reason was because the trucking business owner took the advice of their trusted primary driver working this particular account. The primary driver suggested not to move forward with a written agreement because it may rock the boat. After all, this driver was on the job with this customer 5 days a week. Who else would know more than him? This rocked on for 3 and 1/2 years without a misstep. Just this month my friend told me that their “trusted” driver had gotten his own trucking authority. Not only had he done this but while working for my friend, he was passing himself off as a principal owner in the trucking business. He did such a good job that the customer believed him. Once the primary driver’s trucking authority was in place, the customer moved their business into his hands and my friend was literally out of the trucking business overnight. They worked diligently for over two months before this happened to move the customer into a contractual partnership and they refused. So now my friend is out of work and betrayed by the whole incident.
What is the moral of the story? Never, never, never go into a trucking business relationship of any kind without proper contractual paperwork in place. Also, with every driver that either is a W-2 employee or a 1099 (contracted) employee have them sign a non-compete contract as well. Your drivers can never steal your business nor can the customer give their business to a driver. Your attorney can draw the necessary paperwork up for you to protect yourself against this kind of tragedy.
Well, Fellow Truckers, to have a successful trucking business, all the right steps must be in place. It’s my desire that you be on the top of your game in the trucking industry. Be safe out there!
CDL Training And Your Trucking Business Plan
Thursday, August 20, 2009
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:13 PM
Hello, Fellow Truckers!
Today I wanted to give you some information about why a CDL has to be part of your trucking business plan. If you’re going to write a successful trucking business plan and see that plan become a reality, you must first consider obtaining your commercial driver’s license. CDL training can be acquired by attending one of the many trucking schools in the nation. Do some research and find one that is run by a state school or has financial aid available. Once you have gone through the training, you must pass your CDL written test. All of this must be included in your trucking business plan if you are starting out as a beginner in the trucking business. A good trucking business plan is the foundation of a successful trucking business. Below is information obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It will give you helpful information on commercial drivers licenses.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT OF 1986
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 was signed into law on October 27, 1986. The goal of the Act is to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers of large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles and to remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from the highways. The Act retained the State’s right to issue a driver’s license, but established minimum national standards which States must meet when licensing CMV drivers.
The Act corrects the situation that existed prior to 1986 by making it illegal to hold more than one license and by requiring States to adopt testing and licensing standards for truck and bus drivers to check a person’s ability to operate the type of vehicle he/she plans to operate.
It is important to note that the Act does not require drivers to obtain a separate Federal license; it merely requires States to upgrade their existing testing and licensing programs, if necessary, to conform with the Federal minimum standards.
The CDL program places requirements on the CMV driver, the employing motor carrier and the States.
THE DRIVER
Drivers have been required to have a CDL in order to drive a CMV since April 1, 1992.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed and issued standards for testing and licensing CMV drivers. Among other things, the standards require States to issue CDLs to their CMV drivers only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the State related to the type of vehicle to be operated. Drivers need CDLs if they are in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets one of the following definitions of a CMV:
Classes of License:
The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:
Class A — Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B — Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C — Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
Endorsements and Restrictions:
Drivers who operate special types of CMVs also need to pass additional tests to obtain any of the following endorsements on their CDL:
T – Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge test only)
P – Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests)
N – Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test only)
H – Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test only)
X – Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
If a driver either fails the air brake component of the general knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the driver is issued an air brake restriction, restricting the driver from operating a CMV equipped with air brakes.
THE STATES
Knowledge & Skills Tests:
States develop their own tests which must be at least as stringent as the Federal standards. Model driver and examiner manuals and tests have been prepared and distributed to the States to use, if they wish.
The general knowledge test must contain at least 30 questions.
To pass the knowledge tests (general and endorsement), applicants must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions.
To pass the skills test, applicants must successfully perform all the required skills (listed in 49 CFR 383.113). The skills test must be taken in a vehicle representative of the type of vehicle that the applicant operates or expects to operate.
This information is given to help new truck drivers stay informed and DOT compliant. Be safe out there!
The trucking industry stands as one of the most enduring institutions in our recent history. Goods need to be transported in large quantities across the country, and truckers are just the men and women to execute that crucial task. They help put food in our mouths and deliver the consumer goods that we enjoy every day. For many young people, the chance to join these elite ranks is worth the time and effort.
Part of that effort includes the successful completion of the commercial driver’s license test. Truckers need this certification before they can operate a semi or some other vehicle that’s nearly as large. The lead up to the CDL test can be stressful for young drivers, but there are plenty of tips and study materials available to help ensure success.
Hello, Fellow Drivers! Are you in a place where you are needing to renew your CDL this year? Maybe you’re a new truck driver and need to pass the CDL requirements test and endorsement tests to apply or keep a job. Well, I found a website that you can use to do just this…practice to pass your CDL test the first time. They have general knowledge tests, and your endorsement exams, air brakes, hazardous materials (haz-mat), passenger, tanker, doubles/triples and combination. The CDL test link is on this cool website that offers the CDL requirements, along with all kinds of trucking resources to help your trip be successful, safe and with on-time delivery. I heard an old riding instructor say one time, “perfect practice makes perfect.”; A new twist on an old saying. Take the time to invest in your future with the right knowledge and you will not waste time retaking your CDL exams. It will pad your pocket later!!! Be safe out there!
Hello Fellow Truckers! We’ve put together a basic overview of the DOT requirements for drug testing. These are standards for the entire trucking industry. Read on!
We are approaching the 20 year anniversary of the federal mandate requiring substance testing and alcohol testing of all CDL drivers. The days when a company could say they didn’t know about the drug testing mandate are long gone – if you don’t have a testing program in place, you are on borrowed time.
Who needs a test? Anyone who operates a vehicle in commerce, which requires its operator to have a CDL, is required to participate in a company based substance and alcohol testing program. Required tests include pre-employment, random, post accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up.
Pre-employment: Required prior to operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Random: Must test 50% of driver positions annually for drugs and 10% for alcohol.
Post Crash: After a “DOT crash” in which the driver is cited for a moving violation and after any fatal crash.
Reasonable Suspicion: Due to observed conduct associated with potential use.
Return to Duty: Required after prohibited conduct and before returning to duty.
Follow-up: Required testing for at least 12 months after prohibited conduct.
Federal rules mandate that owner operators must participate in an outside testing program in order to be in compliance with the random testing requirements. (Also known as a consortium) The vast majority of companies utilize third parties to manage their testing program, which has become the industry norm. There are numerous substance testing Third Party Administrators around the country, but when picking one, be sure to ask about the level of service as they are not all the same.
During a DOT audit, a company’s substance testing program is very closely scrutinized so be in compliance.
Remember, Drivers, it’s about keeping DOT compliant that keeps you profitable and successful in your trucking business.