The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation has a set of rules that regulate truck driving, including owner-operator jobs. They are designed to keep transportation safe and regulated throughout the U.S. The individual states have their own regulations in addition to the ones defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Trucking companies need to follow the legal requirements to avoid fines and enhance safety.
What is a truck driver?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, a truck driver is an individual who operates a vehicle that is designed to carry more than 8 persons, including the driver, for commercial reasons. It also includes any vehicle that can transport more than 15 persons, regardless of whether it is commercial or not. The regulations also include vehicles that have a gross combination weight rating of 26,000 pounds. Lastly, a truck driver is a person who operates any vehicle to transport hazardous materials.
A truck driver should have a Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, according to the law. How does one get a CDL? Potential drivers attend education and training and get a certificate from a doctor confirming they are fit to operate a motor vehicle for commercial purposes. They should complete a written and skills test. The CDL is divided into three classes: A, B, and C. They all refer to different types of vehicles depending on the number of passengers: GC, WR, or others. Drivers that transport hazardous goods should complete specific requirements.
What are the working hours of a truck driver?
Truck drivers have a stressful job that requires focus. Fatigue can impact their focus and cause questions about safety, so the regulations have mandatory rest.
Did you know that truck drivers can’t drive more than 11 hours in a 24-hour period? Also, they can drive beyond their 14th hour after coming on duty. Also, there are regulations on a weekly level. For example, they can drive only 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. To complete 70 hours in 8 days, they need to take a 34-hour break before hitting the road. They should take a half-hour break during the first 8 hours of work. But why are there strict rules? Truck drivers used to enter their working hours in written logs, but now they have electronic devices that allow them to log their working hours. These devices track the actions of the truck, so they can be used to prove whether the driver was complying with the regulations.
Size and weight limits
Both federal and state laws regulate the weight and size of the trucks. But why does this happen? Well, if the weight isn’t evenly distributed through the truck, it can damage the surface of the road. This is even more important when there are bridges, as they get extra wear and tear. In most cases, the trucks are weighed at the border to ensure they comply.
Hazardous Materials, Passengers, and Special Freight
Commercial vehicles that are used for the transportation of passengers, such as buses, have separate regulations. For example, the driver should have a commercial driving license if they’re transporting 16 or more passengers, regardless if it’s for private use or commercial use. For businesses that transport passengers they need to have a CDL when transporting at least 9 people. Also, drivers who transport special loads should have this stated on their CDL. This applies to hazardous materials, such as explosives and chemicals, as well as double or triple trailers, which are bigger in size.
Also, new hires in this industry undergo substance and alcohol testing. Regular truck drivers can also be randomly tested throughout the year.
