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Trucking Industry News – Driver Fatigue And How To Prevent It!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 10:14 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I was talking to a friend today that hauls cars and he was talking about his shoulders aching and was in need of a visit to a massage therapist. That got me to thinking about all of the drivers on the road that may experience the same or similar symptoms while driving long distances without a break. Tiredness and fatigue can often affect your driving ability long before you even notice you’re getting tired. Fatigue related crashes are often more severe than others because driver’s reaction times are delayed or they have failed to make any maneuvers to avoid a crash. Symptoms of driver fatigue include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, a drifting vehicle that wanders over road lines, varying vehicle speed for no reason, misjudging traffic situations, and seeing things “jump out” in the road, feeling fidgety or irritable and daydreaming. Studies show that driving for just 80 minutes without a break can make motorists a danger on the roads. Drivers who do not take frequent rest stops have slower reactions than those who break up long journeys. Here are some additional symptoms of driver fatigue below and what you can do to prevent them to be safer on the road. I did some research and found some helpful suggestions that will help keep you more alert while behind the wheel. They are below as well. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
You should look out for these signs when you are driving (long and short trips):
- you keep yawning ,day-dreaming, wandering in lane
- your reactions unintentionally speeding up or slowing down. Anxiety, mood states, personality and temperament as factors that may possibly affect driver fatigue.
- you feel stiff your eyes feel heavy
- you find you are day dreaming
- you wander over the centre line or
- on to the edge of the road
- you don’t remember driving the last few miles or cannot remember the last few minutes or seconds.
Additional symptoms include the following:
1. Achey muscles in the back, shoulders, neck or legs
2. Feeling drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel.
3. Eating when not hungry and usually something sweet or full of starch because of boredom and feeling the need to “push” yourself to get a little further down the road.
4. Needing to drink caffeine in the form of energy drinks or coffee to stay alert.
5. Rubbernecking
6. Looking at scenery instead of the road.
Key Messages for prevention:
- Avoiding driver fatigue on long trips. The biggest mistake people make is not stopping when they are tired, thinking they can make it. Drivers should give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations and schedule in regular breaks.
- For long trips plan in advance so you know where you are going to take a break. Don’t work a full day and then driving for hours before leaving a good night’s sleep to avoid the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.
- Take a break at least every 2 hours.
- Plan to stay somewhere overnight if you are going on a long journey and avoid heavy foods.
- Share the driving – and make sure to take rest when you are not driving.
- Try not to drive when you would normally be asleep (early mornings and late nights.
- Don’t drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue. Also, avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke’s nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision. If there is any doubt, have your headlights properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road. Being seen is as important as seeing.
- Caffeine (coffee, cola drinks) provides a quick, but short-lived improvement in alertness. So, to capitalize on its benefits, one should use it only when a boost is needed. Drink water, eat fruit and healthy snacks rather than fatty and sugary food.
- If you are taking any medication, check whether it causes drowsiness.
- Use air conditioning to keep you more alert and will help avoid frustration and stress.
- Adjust driving seat to an upright position is to ensure the base of your wrists can make contact with the top of the steering wheel.
- Additionally recently New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Programme Manager of road safety advised for busting fatigue are: “A power nap of only twenty minutes (A brief power-nap) can boost energy levels as well as improve your driving skills and alertness“. The National Sleep Foundation also recommends taking a nap for 15-45 minutes.
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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.
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 One
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 2:38 PM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I have been looking at your searches recently and many of you have been needing information about DOT Compliance and the first DOT safety audit. I wanted to pass along some helpful information that will give you success in preparing for and passing the DOT Safety Audit. The “new name” for a trucking company that has just received their letter granting them operating authority is called a “New Entrant”. After doing some research, I found these FAQ’s on the FMCSA website. In researching this article, I could not find any “down-to-earth” information that would actually help a “New Entrant” understand what they had to have in place to confidently face this important aspect of your trucking business. In Part Two, I will go into more detail as to what your records should contain to pass the safety audit successfully. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
- Where will these safety audits be conducted?
The safety audits will primarily be conducted on-site at the carrier’s principle place of business; however, some safety audits may be conducted at other locations. A uniformed DOT officer will show up at your home office (whether in your home or elsewhere) in his blue and white DOT patrol car and conduct an audit of your records. This audit will be conducted after you have received your letter from the FMCSA granting you operating authority. Once you receive your MC number, you must wait for this letter to arrive in the mail before you can legally drive the roads. However, your audit will be conducted AFTER you have received this letter. - When will safety audits be conducted?
New entrant motor carriers can expect to start receiving safety audits 3-6 months after they are granted new entrant registration. My safety audit occurred about three months after I was granted my own operating authority. - Why were these rules created?
Congress required the FMCSA to establish minimum requirements for new motor carriers seeking federal interstate operating authority. These minimum requirements include having the carrier certify that it has systems in place to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and a safety audit conducted within the first 18 months of the carrier’s interstate operation. - How will the safety audits be conducted?
The safety audit will be conducted by a Safety Auditor and will consist of a review of the carrier’s management system. The areas of review include, but are not limited to, the following: - Driver Qualifications
- Driver Duty Status
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Accident Register, and
- Controlled Substances and Alcohol use and testing requirements.
- Will a safety audit result in a safety fitness determination by the FMCSA?
No. Carriers will either pass or fail the safety audit, depending on their level of compliance and whether they have basic safety management controls in place. Safety fitness determinations of satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory will only result from the completion of a compliance review. - If a new entrant has a compliance review conducted, are they also subject to a safety audit?
No. If the FMCSA conducts a compliance review, the new entrant will not also be subject to a safety audit. However, they are still subject to the 18-month safety- monitoring period.
Living Sensibly – A Trucking Business Success Story!
Monday, July 12, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:01 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, In many of my blogs I have written about running a trucking business sensibly. This means, paying cash or paying off credit cards every month, living within a budget (actually living below your means if possible) and saving for a “rainy day” (an emergency fund). I found an article in Land Line Magazine that tells a trucking business success story with these very principles practiced. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Striking Gold Hauling Gas
Wayne Nagel ordinarily delivers five loads of fuel a day, normally within an hour’s radius of Minneapolis. For this OOIDA member, finding the right niche, choosing the right equipment, and trucking smart have paid off.
As Wayne Nagel pilots his buddy’s Cessna 172SP with his wife, Keri, by his side, he soaks in the Minneapolis countryside and all its beauty. Dotted with water, the area lives up to its “Land of 10,000 Lakes” billing, yet Wayne is able to spot many of the roads and interstates where he logs some 95,000 miles per year transporting fuel to various gas stations and convenience stores.
“You get a different perspective up here than you do from behind the wheel,” Wayne said. “It’s peaceful and relaxing. I love being an owner-operator – having my future in my own hands.”
Back on the ground, the 31-year-old OOIDA member pilots a Kenworth T660 with a 38-inch AeroCab sleeper. Leased to the petroleum division of Wayne Transports for the past four years, Wayne distributes gas, diesel and jet fuel in the greater Minneapolis area and throughout the upper Midwest.
Wayne got his first taste of trucking as a college student. One of his best friends bought a truck and offered Wayne the opportunity to drive it at night.
“I went out and got my CDL as I worked toward my college degree in criminal justice during the day and hauled gravel at night.”
After graduation, he took a job with the city of Elk Point in South Dakota, but after six months, he knew the life of a cop wasn’t for him.
“I knew I wanted to be my own boss,” Wayne said. “I liked to interact with people, have a flexible schedule, and be responsible for my own success. I thought trucking would offer that.”
With a game plan in place, he hired on at Wayne Transports as a company driver.
“I felt this was my stepping-stone to learn more about the industry and to help me become a successful owner-operator.”
When he felt the time was right and he had money saved, he bought a truck and leased on to Wayne Transports, which has a mix of company drivers and owner-operators. After paying off that used truck in just 22 months, he upgraded to a Kenworth T660, purchased through Rihm Kenworth in St. Paul.
“I wanted a new truck that was great looking, but also aerodynamic for better fuel economy,” says Wayne. “When I went into the dealership, I was there just to look, but when I walked out I was sold. I knew the T660 was what I wanted.”
Wayne says he got a good price on his trade-in, so in April 2009 he ordered a new KW. He spec’d the T660 with a 500-hp Cummins engine, with an Eaton UltraShift 13-speed transmission.
“Those specs give me enough power, plus they will help come trade-in time with higher resale value,” he said.
Wayne had Rihm’s body shop install a 10-inch drop chrome visor, stainless steel kick panels, custom toolboxes and WTI fenders. Inside, Wayne added aftermarket chrome instrument displays and a 30-inch flat screen TV in his bunk.
He entered the Paul K. Young Truck Beauty Contest at this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show and enjoyed the competition, especially the compliments on his truck. Wayne placed second in the division for first time exhibitors, combo class.
“Everyone loved the look of the truck, and Wayne Transports asked me to represent the company by exhibiting at the Minnesota Petroleum Marketing Convention, which was held in April,” he said.
While short hauls get him home at night, Wayne will make the occasional long run to regional airports in the Midwest, hauling aviation fuel.
“Running full, I’ll average about 7 mpg at 65 miles-per-hour, running between 1450 and 1550 rpm. Running empty to Louisville when I went to MATS, I averaged 7.7 mpg.”
One key to better paychecks, he said, is a can-do attitude.
“As an owner-operator, I can pick and choose when and where I haul, but to be truly successful you need to be reliable and a can-do operator for your company. You want them to depend on you,” Wayne said.
“In some cases, that means taking a load you don’t want or working a day when you don’t want to. Over the long run, it’s paid off for me.”
Wayne also sticks to a strict plan on his cash flow and reserves.
“I pay my credit cards off every month, I don’t get overextended, and I keep a rainy day fund for the unexpected,” he says.
This strategy has allowed his wife to be a stay-at-home mom to their three children. It has also provided extra cash to put a down payment on a rental house, which generates additional income.
“We’re doing well,” says Wayne, as he lands the Cessna. “If you work hard and have the right business sense, good things can happen.” LL
Trucking Industry News – New State Laws That Affect Trucking Business
Sunday, July 11, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 11:46 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, It’s been a while since I last blogged. Sorry for the long absence. While reading Land Line Magazine, found some trucking industry news about recently passed state laws. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
States Roll Out New Laws
By Keith Goble
state legislative editor
Truckers must be on constant watch for new rules that could affect them as they drive from point A to point B. Fresh off legislative action in states stretching from Idaho to Virginia, July is one of the leading months for new laws to take effect. Below is a sampling of what Land Line found:
Colorado
Truckers and others who cannot stay within 10 mph of the posted speed must stay to the right on grades that average 6 percent or more for at least one mile along Interstate 70. The rule change affects stretches of I-70, including Vail Pass, Georgetown Hill and the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Florida
Big shippers are expected to have the green light on July 1 to begin reaping the benefits of a boost in permissible truck weights to 88,000 pounds on non-interstate highways in the state. However, at press time there is an attempt to withhold issuing permits for heavier trucks.
Also included in the new law is a provision increasing the maximum gross vehicle, axle weight limits for large trucks equipped with idle reduction technology. Trucks with APUs installed can now weigh up to an additional 400 pounds.
Another change puts in place statewide standards for red-light cameras. The law allows cities and counties to set up cameras at intersections and fine red-light runners $158.
Idaho
Aimed at preventing the double taxation of registered semi-trailers, a single temporary permit can be had for $60 when no more than one vehicle in the combination is unregistered in the state. Previously, a combo permit cost $120 simply if the power unit was unregistered.
Indiana
Two new laws are in effect in July. One new law, which is intended to provide an incentive to reduce truck idling, allows large trucks equipped with idle-reduction technology to weigh up to an additional 400 pounds.
Also included in the law is a provision that prohibits intrastate operations from hauling one or more metal coils individually, or grouped together, weighing at least 5,000 pounds unless the operator is certified in proper load securement.
In order to comply with FMCSRs, another new law more than doubles fines for truckers found violating out-of-service orders. Motor carriers who get in on the act also face heftier fines.
Iowa
Despite various concerns, the largest trucks traveling along non-interstate highways can now pack more freight. All commodities loaded on trucks with six or seven axles can haul 96,000 pounds – up from 80,000 pounds.
Tennessee
A new law is intended to prevent police from going on ticket-writing sprees. Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from punishing or rewarding personnel based solely on the number of traffic citations issued. Agencies are blocked from using formal quota policies or even informal guidelines.
Virginia
Faster travel through Virginia could soon be in store for truckers and other drivers. As of July 1, VDOT can increase speeds on rural sections of interstates from 65 mph to 70 mph where engineers deem it safe.
Speeders now face an extra $1 per mile fine. Lead-footed drivers will face $6 per mile fines – up from $5. Where does the fine money go? The state’s Literary Fund, of course.
West Virginia
The state Parkways Authority can now pursue selling bonds to build new highways, and collect tolls on those roads to pay off the bonds. County commissions have the power to veto toll roads. LL
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I wanted to take a few moments to talk about getting started in the trucking business. Some of you have commented that now is the best time to get a loan to start a trucking business. While there is nothing wrong with borrowing money, it puts you at the mercy of the lender. For instance, a typical truck and trailer loan will run an average of $2000 to $3000 per month, for about six years, depending on the type of rig and trailer you purchase. That’s a lot of moolah to earn on the road, not to mention the fuel, maintenance and road expenses you also will incur. After owning my own trucking business for over 7 years, my suggestion is to start your business with some cash in the bank. In other words, if you borrow the money for the rig, have three to six months of cash in the bank to run on until you are earning a steady income.
Some of the comments from my readers entail borrowing money against your house, since interest rates are at an all time low (in some cases 3.5%). I have been an entrepreneur for over 20 years and for almost 4 of those I managed a branch office for a major mortgage company. Armed with “insider” knowledge of mortgage loans, my suggestion is to save up cash until you have a 3 to 6 month cushion in the bank (the more months saved the better). Avoid borrowing against your most valued asset, your home. For most hard-working Americans, this is their most valuable asset. Keep it that way by leaving the equity in it. I am also a real estate investor. Before the real estate crash, I was able to purchase over $2 million in properties with no money down. While that made me feel like a big shot, it put me in a leveraged position, leaving me vulnerable to my lenders. I have been fortunate to be able to manage my properties well, but that is not the case with many investors. My suggestion again, is to not leverage yourself to the point of vulnerability. There is an old saying the finance world: CASH IS KING! That saying will always ring true, no matter what the interest rates do. The more liquid you are, the more power and freedom you will have in your business.
Some of you will go ahead and borrow to the hills to get started in a trucking business. You will also be wishing about 12 to 18 months into that leveraged position, when the loads are slim, that you had been more liquid. You will have to stay out on the road until you meet your obligations, whereas if you were more liquid, you could enjoy more down time. It is my wish that this blog has caused my readers to at least pause and think about the cost of debt.
If you would, take some time to read my three-part blog dated 6/5/09, 6/8/09 and 6/9/09 on starting a trucking business. It will give you valuable information about preparing before you venture out as an entrepreneur. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Trucking Industry News – States Pursue ‘Anti-Idling’ Rules
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:10 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I found an interesting bit of trucking industry news that affects all drivers running through the states discussed in the article below. This information appeared in the May 2010 issue of Land Line Magazine. If you are being limited to the amount of idling you are allowed, I suggest you take your “off duty” hours elsewhere whenever possible. Send a message to the senators via email to these states. Let them know how this affects the economy of their state when they create bills and laws like the ones below. This country is dependent upon our industry to keep it running smoothly. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Proposed rules to crack down on the unnecessary idling of trucks are getting attention at statehouses around the country. OOIDA says there are concerns that need to be addressed.
Michigan bill would limit idling
A Michigan Senate bill would prohibit commercial vehicles from idling for more than 5 minutes per hour. While loading or unloading, idling would be allowed for up to 30 minutes in a 60-minute period.
Exemptions would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or “during installation of equipment, solely to prevent a safety or health emergency.”
Idling would also be permitted to power work-related mechanical or electrical operations, such as mixing or processing cargo or straight truck refrigeration.
Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, the bill’s sponsor, didn’t include an exemption for extreme temperatures. The bill does, however, specify that auxiliary power units, gen sets, or other idle-reduction technology is allowed.
Violators would get off with a warning the first time. Subsequent offenses for owners or operators of locations that a truck is loading or unloading for longer than 30 minutes would result in $500 fines. Truck owners or operators found in violation of the 5-minute rule would face $150 fines.
OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer said there needs to be an industry-wide solution to appropriately address idling concerns.
“This is a challenge that requires some involvement and cooperation from all responsible parties,” Spencer told Land Line.
The bill – SB1069 – is in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Michigan isn’t the only state this year to pursue idling restrictions for large trucks. One state has adopted a new idling rule while still others sought restrictions.
West Virginia idling restriction
A new law in West Virginia applies to diesel-powered vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Starting June 11, affected vehicles will be limited to idling for no more than 15 minutes per hour.
Trucks will be exempted from the time limit rule when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 75 degrees. The exception applies only at locations where trucks are legally permitted to park, including truck terminals, truck stops and rest areas – as long as idle-reduction technology is unavailable.
While loading or unloading, idling would be allowed for up to 15 minutes in a 60-minute period, when necessary.
Violators would face fines between $150 and $500. Responsibility for idling violations could be placed on vehicle owners, as well as operators. In addition, owners or operators of locations where vehicles load and unload also face fines for violations.
Exceptions to the rule also would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop, or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners or cargo refrigeration equipment.”
Mike Joyce, OOIDA director of legislative affairs, said that with the new idling limits in West Virginia it’s important for the state to plan for the availability of incentive programs for small-business truckers to easily purchase idle-reduction technologies.
Vermont idling restriction stalls
Time is quickly running out on an effort to end the state’s distinction as being the lone holdout in the New England region not to have idling restrictions for trucks.
With only a handful of days left in the legislative session, a bill remains in committee that would limit trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds to idling for no more than five minutes per hour. The lone temperature exception wouldn’t kick in until the thermometer dips to 0 degrees.
Citing the lack of reason lawmakers have shown with a ridiculously low temperature exception, OOIDA’s Spencer said it is “totally unworkable.” The Association issued a Call to Action early this year encouraging Vermont truckers to communicate this concern with their state lawmakers.
Wisconsin lawmakers drop pursuit of idling limits
Despite a plug from Gov. Jim Doyle, legislation to put limits on truck idling likely will have to wait until next year. Lawmakers in both chambers were unwilling to advance bills that called for restricting idling to no more than five minutes per hour.
Unlimited idling would have been allowed when temperatures are colder than 10 degrees, or hotter than 90 degrees. There was no exception included for situations when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters or air conditioners to ensure the health or safety of occupants.
OOIDA Regulatory Affairs Director Joe Rajkovacz welcomed the news. He said the state was overlooking a provision that is too important.
– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor
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.
Hello, Fellow Drivers, Today’s trucking industry news is about driver fatigue. Here is the buzz from Washington. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is redoing their regs on HOS. The bottom line is to remember to get as much rest as your run allows and don’t stretch that log book too much! Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
NTSB: Fatigue endangers across all transportation modes
Hersman highlighted a number of accident investigations across all transportation modes that included fatigue as the probable cause or a contributing factor to accidents.
The Trucker News Services
3/8/2010
WASHINGTON — National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman March 5 encouraged the sleep research and healthcare community to continue their efforts to educate transportation policy makers of the dangers of fatigue in all modes of transportation. Speaking before the annual conference of the National Sleep Foundation in Washington, Chairman Hersman remarked that fatigue has been a concern for the board since the creation of the agency in 1967 and it has been an issue on the Board’s Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements since the list was established in 1990. “The work of the National Sleep Foundation and other organizations and individuals is critical to improving transportation safety policy,” said Chairman Hersman. “The NTSB is interested and willing to partner with you in developing a greater awareness of fatigue.” Hersman highlighted a number of accident investigations across all transportation modes that included fatigue as the probable cause or a contributing factor to accidents. As a result, the board has made safety recommendations that range from deploying fatigue detection systems to reduce the occurrence of accidents to installing electronic on-board recorders that collect and maintain hours of service data on vehicle operators. “We can’t always prove fatigue as a cause of an accident, but the frequency with which we now routinely document the presence of fatigue-related factors in transportation operations is alarming,” Hersman stated. Hersman remarked that while there are still no definitive tools to conclusively identify the degree to which a person is fatigued, the major challenge is to ensure that all those in transportation report to work rested and fit for duty — for their own safety and for the safety of those they are transporting.
Barb Kampbell of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at barbkampbell@thetrucker.com.