Biennial Update
Any time a carrier or other regulated entity changes its name or address, or other details in their record, they should update their US DOT and operating authority record with FMCSA in a timely manner. When the time to update comes about, you don’t want to ignore it or put it off. Failure to update the MCS-150 could result in a $1,000 per day fine for every day it’s not renewed, and the fine is capped at $10,000.
CDL
California put in place the California Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Program with the interest of improving safety on our highways. A special testing and licensing requirement came into play after this program for commercial drivers. Special skills are required in order to safely operating a commercial vehicle. Only professional drivers will receive and keep a Commercial Driver License (CDL). A CDL is proof of your professional skills.
Carrier Safety
Here are some Carrier Safety Tips In Order For You To Avoid Dangerous Situations.
- Tip 1: Get Enough Sleep Before Getting Behind The Wheel
- Tip 2: Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Tip 3: Take A Nap
- Tip 4: Always Wear Your Safety Belt
- Tip 5: Review Maps and Plan Your Route Before Driving
- Tip 6: Signal Your Intentions
- Tip 7: Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Driver Safety
The tips below are to help you maintain your safe driving skills.
- Tip 1: Do Not Let Objects Outside of Your Truck Distract You
- Tip 2: Do Not Text and Drive
- Tip 3: Do Not Use Dispatching Device While Driving
- Tip 4: Do Not Dial a Handheld Phone While Driving
- Tip 5: Do Not Read, Write, or Use Paper Maps While Driving.
- Tip 6: Avoid Eating and Drinking While Driving
Hours of Service
Most drivers must follow the Hours Of Service Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV. In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits one or more of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
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Hazardous Materials
With the mission to improve the safety of trucks on the highways of our nation, the FMCSA came up with the Federal Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Program for intrastate, interstate, and foreign motor carriers transporting certain types and amounts of hazardous materials.
It is important that these carriers keep up with a certain level of safety in their operations and they must certify that they have specific programs in place as mandated by the Hazardous Materials Regulations and the HM Permit regulations.
Insurance Requirements
All motor carrier, forwarder, and broker authority applicants must have specific insurance requirements and legal process agent documents on file before they get issued the authorities from the FMCSA. The mandatory filings vary, based on the types of registrations involved.
Driver Medical Requirements
When driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), it is very important that you, the driver, are safe. Every time you get into the driver seat you are not only responsible for your own safety but as well as the safety of anyone on the road with you. This is a reason why the physical examination is a mandatory. By taking the exam you certify that you are healthy enough to perform the duties put in place by the job and keep our highways safe.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Program
A mandatory requirement by the Department of Transportation and the FMCSA is that any commercial driver license holder and anyone of employees CMV drivers must follow alcohol and drug testing rules. Included in these rules are procedures for testing, the rate of how often tests are given, and the type of substances that are tested for.
Even though, your employer is responsible when it comes to giving you any necessary information on drug and alcohol testing programs, you are still responsible in terms to following all rules and regulations. This is done with the intent to keep our roads safe.
If you are an employer, it is in your responsibility to put in place and run drug and alcohol testing programs.
Passenger Carrier Safety
- First and foremost, make sure all passengers are using seat belts. Carry no more passengers than available seatbelts.
- Secure all cargo carefully, and avoid using the rear-most storage area.
- Be aware of any blind spots in the front and sides of the vehicle.
- Check with your state’s Department of Vehicle services for special any special licensing and training requirements. Some states require a commercial driver’s license.
- Recognize that these vehicles are not automobiles. The design features of these vehicles –longer length, additional weight, especially when fully loaded, and higher center of gravity – make them more difficult to drive and control in emergency situations , and under certain weather conditions, such as high winds.
- 15 passenger vans require more time (distance) to accelerate, turn and stop. Steering and braking maneuvers at highway speeds must be performed gradually and smoothly to minimize large weight shifts that can lead to loss of control.
- Understand that the vehicle weighs more than other passenger vehicles and braking distance is greater.
- When entering a highway, allow more room to merge into traffic because of the size of the vehicle and its diminished acceleration capability.