Truck regulations discussions | Forum for truck regulations

Mari

I'm 6'1 and about 260. Don't smoke, drink, or anything. Used to bending and climbing with no problems and very coordinated. Is there a health requirement that would be an issue? Done past DOT physical with no medical problems. Just wondering

13 comments

Comments

Duncan

02.27.2024

Sounds like you’re built like a diesel engine, strong and reliable 💪

Leroy

12.16.2023

Long as you’re passing those DOT physicals and can climb up into the truck, you’re good.

Mulder

10.09.2023

At 6’1 and 260, you’re just bringing more to love to the cab, my friend.

Daniels

04.07.2023

There are plenty of big guys in this industry, and they do just fine. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re not overweight, you’re just big-boned.

Haroon

03.29.2023

You should be fine, as long as you can pass the DOT physical and do your job.

Barney

03.11.2023

If you have any medical problems that require treatment or medication, you may need a medical certificate from your doctor. Being overweight can increase your risk of developing some of these conditions, so it is advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet as much as possible.

Pascal

03.02.2023

If you are asking about your health, there is no specific weight requirement for truck drivers, but you do have to pass a DOT physical every two years.

Denzel

02.23.2023

+ If you've passed your DOT physical then it shouldn't be an issue; however, some companies may require some kind of agility test but I'm sure you could pass it, no worries.

Eddie

02.22.2023

Im 6'2 290 and just applied with TMC and was passed over.

Aidan

02.21.2023

Some companies are requiring a 'work steps' evaluation for agility, I think you might be able to google it and get more information.

Grayson

02.21.2023

I read about drivers failing the duck walk @ us express quite often, that bus ride home has got to suck.

Iqra

02.21.2023

I never heard of the duck walk and I have been through tons of physical's

Magnus

02.20.2023

There are a few companies, but very few, that require a duck walk under the edge of the trailer and right back out.

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Commercial

Truck Regulations

Hawkins

Post Trip Inspections

I know it's good practice to do them, but if they are actually required by DOT? And if they're required to be documented similarly to pre trips?

14 comments

Comments

Daniels

06.07.2024

It’s part of the daily chores

Elias

04.23.2024

Just like checking your lights before a night run, you gotta document those post-trip inspections

Magnus

08.12.2023

You gotta do a written post-trip inspection at the end of your shift, just like the pre-trip

Mike

04.04.2023

Ain’t nobody got time for that. I just kick the tires, slam the door, and hit the road. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And if it is broke, well, that’s what duct tape is for.

Fleur

03.29.2023

You have to check your vehicle for any defects or problems that could affect its safety or performance. You also have to write a report and list any issues you find or that were reported to you. You have to give the report to your carrier and they have to fix the problems before you drive again. Don’t skip the post trip, it could save your ass.

Josef

03.08.2023

You also have to do a post-trip inspection at the end of each day and fill out a written report if you find any defects or problems.

Aidan

02.27.2023

Yes, they are required by DOT. You have to do a pre-trip inspection before you operate the vehicle and make sure it is in safe condition.

Levi

02.17.2023

if I have lots of time, ill do it, but I never log it.

Krueger

02.16.2023

Yes required. They're the law

Barney

02.16.2023

Not required

Iqra

02.15.2023

FMCSA only requires a pretrip.

Eddie

02.15.2023

Far as I know only pretrips need documentation

Marni

02.14.2023

A post-trip inspection is REQUIRED by the FMCSA

Keanu

02.11.2023

+ It's good to log it, at least 10 minutes for a post trip, even if it's not required you can show dot you did one.

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Commercial

Truck Regulations

Steve

DOT officer

Does a officer have the right to go through your truck when they pull you over ?

14 comments

Comments

Elias

04.02.2024

If they wanna peek in your cab, you best roll out the red carpet

Orlando

06.22.2023

DOT’s got more rights than a trucker at a buffet.

Tamsin

06.20.2023

Just hope they don’t find your secret snack stash

Daniels

04.10.2023

That means they have nothing better to do than to snoop around your stuff. If you refuse, they can call their buddies and have a party in your truck.

Ayden

03.30.2023

Yes, they have the right to go through your truck if they have probable cause. That means they have a reason to suspect you’re violating the law or hiding something. If you refuse, they can call the state troopers and search your truck anyway

Magnus

03.16.2023

They can check for safety violations, contraband, or anything else that might be illegal. You can refuse to consent, but they might still search your truck if they have a warrant or a reasonable suspicion.

Denzel

03.10.2023

Yes, they do have the right to go through your truck if they have probable cause or your consent.

Fred

02.28.2023

It depends on the situation and the state you’re in.

HFUER

02.16.2023

In my 10 years of experience I've never had one come inside the truck.

Roman

02.15.2023

Yes. They can fully search your truck along with all of your personal belongings. And before people start saying they have to have a warrant, no they do not.

Artur Ishch

02.15.2023

Only in search of violations in operation.

Moon

02.12.2023

+ I’m sure they can but I’ve never had one do it.

Epic

02.12.2023

They can get in the cab and look around for safety violations but are not allowed to look through your personal stuff

Hello

02.08.2023

Don’t give them a reason to search and they won’t.

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MAKE THE DREAM OF BECOMING AN OWNER/OPERATOR A REALITY

Commercial

Truck Regulations

Iestyn

Quit a company within 2 weeks

If I Quit a company within 2 weeks of starting do I have to say I worked for them. I'm with a new company and currently in orientation but was told a few things that I'm not ok with. Would I be required to report that I worked for them if I have to Quit? I'd prefer it not even be on my work history.

12 comments

Comments

Tamsin

04.16.2024

If it don’t sit right with you, no need to haul that bit of history around

Magnus

06.11.2023

Two weeks? That’s just a blip on the radar

Fred

04.10.2023

If it’s only been a fortnight, I’d say it’s your call whether to list them or not

Josef

03.17.2023

Don’t worry about it. Just bobtail out of there and find yourself a better gig. You don’t need that sesame street on your record.

Orlando

03.08.2023

if you really don't like it, I’d say get out of there before they make you haul some road pizza.

Benito

02.28.2023

You should try to stick with the company for at least a month or two and see if things improve or change.

Jago

02.07.2023

I would not quit the company without giving them a proper notice and a valid reason. I would also not lie about working for them on my work history or application. This could damage my reputation and credibility as a driver and may cause problems with future employers or background checks.

Grayson

01.27.2023

+ Only if the company lists your name on a DAC report (or whatever they use nowadays) will there be any 'proof' that you actually went there.

Aidan

01.26.2023

If you’d left in orientation your technically not hired unless you pass.

Iqra

01.24.2023

It depends if the company giving orientation reports to DAC / Hire Right and if they report you as an employee.

Krueger

01.21.2023

It's always best to get answers from current working drivers at a company before you decide to work for that company.

Marni

01.18.2023

So what's the issue you cannot accept from this company?

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Commercial

Truck Regulations

Mandeep

DOT Medical card with a CDL?

Are you required to carry your DOT Medical card at all times with a CDL?

14 comments

Comments

HFUER

04.11.2024

That medical card needs to be your constant road companion.

Rory

01.10.2024

It’s like your passport to the highways – no card, no driving

Mulder

08.09.2023

Yep, you gotta keep that DOT Medical card on you when you’re behind the wheel.

Eva Johnson / Customer Support

04.18.2023

In order to become a licensed commercial driver, you must pass a DOT medical examination.

What is being checked?

Blood pressure and pulse. Normally, the driver's blood pressure should not be higher than 140/90. If the pressure is not normal, the driver gets a certificate and is examined again after some time.
Vision. The driver must have a vision of at least 20/40. He may also use lenses or glasses. Also checked the peripheral vision and the ability to distinguish the colors of traffic lights.
Hearing. Drivers must be able to recognize 'whispered' text from more than 5 feet away.
General urinalysis. Tested to detect kidney or liver problems.

In addition to all of the above, the driver's physical data - general appearance, musculoskeletal system, limb function, etc. are checked.

Also, a DOT with a CDL is needed to show it to the freight company where you are going to get a job.

It is necessary to obtain such medical documents from the Ministry of Transport (DOT), although many requirements may seem excessive. All this ensures a safe situation on the road because the management of commercial transport is a difficult task. Thus, all professional truck drivers should get a DOT with a CDL and have it with them during trips of any duration.

Orlando

03.18.2023

Unless you’re driving in California, then you need a whole bunch of other stuff too

Declan

02.25.2023

just tattoo it on your forehead.

Epic

02.19.2023

You are not actually required

Roman

02.04.2023

Yes, you are required to carry your DOT medical card at all times with a CDL. You must also provide a copy of your medical card to your state driver licensing agency (SDLA) and update them whenever your medical status or expiration date changes

GGG

01.26.2023

I put mine in my permit book, because you're getting that out for them anyway.

Keanu

01.25.2023

+ I keep mine in the truck,don’t trust gov.officials to do their job right.

Benito

01.25.2023

LINK

As of January 30, 2015, Class A, B, or C commercial drivers which certify as “non-exempted interstate” drivers are no longer required to carry their Medical Examiner Certificate in their possession.

Leroy

01.25.2023

Always carry mine when driving

Thomas D.

01.22.2023

I carry mine along with all ID

Hello

01.21.2023

I forgot where it was. But yes. It's in my Laptop bag that never leaves the truck.

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Commercial

Truck Regulations

Barney

Bill to force warehouses to allow truckers to use restrooms.

Long overdue but it’s nice to finally have some acknowledgment.

LINK

8 comments

Comments

Daniels

02.15.2024

Acknowledgment is good, but let’s make sure it translates into action

Clayton

09.08.2023

It’s not just about comfort; it’s about safety too. Happy drivers mean safer roads

Ayden

04.19.2023

Finally, some common sense. We’ve been holding it together for too long

Krueger

12.16.2022

We truckers play a role in this problem. I’ve seen some really nasty stuff guys do. That being said I have a medical condition and sometimes waiting’s not and option. Never done it but if it came down to it I would absolutely shit in the lot.

Iqra

12.14.2022

Many reasons depending on the location, but a common theme is how disgusting some drivers are. It’s the same issue as retailers like Walmart banning truckers because of the messes they were leaving.

Marta

12.13.2022

What is the reason they don’t allow Drivers to use their bathroom?

Eddie

12.12.2022

Back in the day, every place I loaded / unloaded at had restrooms for drivers. Then drivers didn't like wait time, so what did they do? Trashed the restrooms, now we all get stuck because some are ass holes.

Marni

12.12.2022

After waiting for 9 hours at a food service warehouse I asked the desk guy if they had a bathroom, he stated that they didn't have one at all. I asked him where in the parking lot he wanted me to shit and all of the sudden they had one. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

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Truck Regulations

RoadMan

Has anyone heard anything new about that federal speed governor requirement?

I read on the fmcsa website that they put out a notice of intent back in April, and we’re taking comments on it, but not a word since. If you didn’t know about it, they stated that since there has been a supposed increase of accidents over 70 mph, they plan to impose a federal regulation for speed governors at 65 mph.

5 comments

Comments

Epic

12.14.2022

It highly depends on what speed they settle on. I don't support this but if they did do it, it should be at least 75mph.

Moon

12.13.2022

It is being pushed by the mega carriers. One of the reasons people leave mega carriers is because of the slow trucks. They are trying to force all trucks to be governed at similar speeds to them to reduce churn.

Roman

12.11.2022

I always tap the brakes to slow from cc at 64 to let somebody pass going 64.5. It makes me uncomfortable not to bc ik the whole interstate will be jammed up if I don’t let somebody past me

Mulder

12.11.2022

Won’t happen, the main reason governors are used is for fuel economy, they in fact are proven to be highly unsafe as they create huge clumps of vehicles in close proximity and the risk of vehicle interaction gets very high.

Rory

12.11.2022

not a good idea for them to do. slow moving vehicles increase risks more for accidents...

More Comments

Truck Regulations

Hawkins

Load Locks

If you have none, is it a DOT violation?

7 comments

Comments

Denzel

04.05.2024

No way you’re skating’ by the weigh station without load locks. That’s a checkbook hit waiting’ to happen!

Magnus

06.14.2023

Better secure that freight or it’s a one-way ticket to fine

Milo

02.12.2023

Buddy, you’re cruising’ for a bruising’ with the DOT

Thomas D.

12.08.2022

CFI only uses straps. You start with 4 and evatually have more than you'll ever need. Some of our bigger accounts require us to leave 2 straps. We will get 2 with the load.

Xander

12.07.2022

I don't think it is a DOT violation. Some shippers will require them, before they let you drive away with their product. Some companies have a policy of requiring them, in addition to the door seal. Plus, it is just a really good idea, protecting you from any liability should your trailer get broken into, and you didn't have a load lock to prevent it from happening.

Keanu

12.05.2022

Load locks are bars placed in the trailer to help keep the cargo 'locked' in place. They are not actual locks. You are responsible to make sure the load is secure if possible. That may mean using load locks, straps, airbags, etc. Some loads dont require anything at all.

Moon

12.04.2022

Next time your truck is in the shop, check with them and see if they have some spare load locks you can put on the rack on your truck. The rack if I am correct should hold 4 full size load locks.

More Comments

Truck Regulations

David

What Laws and Regulations are applied to truck drivers and trucks?

I know a lot of regulations are applied to truck drivers

8 comments

Comments

Tamsin

12.25.2022

Keepin’ the booze outta the cab is rule number one.

Duke

12.20.2022

Every couple years we gotta prove we’re fit to ride these iron horses.

Ayden

12.03.2022

Ain’t just about havin’ a CDL in your wallet, it’s about knowin’ the road like the back of your hand and keepin’ that rig rollin’ safe and sound

Rony

10.27.2022

Check the FMCSA website

Joe

10.25.2022

Truck drivers are allowed to have one driver's license issued to them by their home state only after they successfully have explicit knowledge and skill tests.

Marta

10.23.2022

Yes, actually, and truck drivers need to undergo special training and to pass a physical exam every two years. Failing this test would restrict them from truck driving.

Mark

10.19.2022

No truck driver is allowed to report for duty with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or more. Truck drivers cannot carry any alcohol with them while driving unless it forms a portion of their cargo. They cannot have alcohol or other drugs affecting their driving capabilities.

Eva Johnson / Customer Support

10.15.2022

You should know that all trucks must display specific markings on the vehicle. These include their USDOT number, Hazmat markings, etc.

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