What is the importance of proper hazmat documentation? Fuels, medicine, cleansers, are just a few of the many hazardous materials that are an essential part of society. Since these materials must be transported in bulk, it is necessary to have regulations and rules in place to protect the drivers, shippers, and receivers. Federal guidelines dictate …
What can professional drivers do to prevent cargo theft? Since trucks move a substantial amount of valuable goods over the roads, it makes cargo an attractive object for stealing. The most common time that cargo theft is seen is typically during holidays and on weekends since drivers park the vehicles for a few days. Drivers …
How are tractor-trailers typically loaded and unloaded? Most often, forklifts are used to load and unload trucks and trailers, with the exception of tankers, dump trailers and livestock haulers. Safety hazards are posed for forklift drivers as they enter into the trailer from the dock. Hazards include vehicles that are unstable when the forklift enters, …
What are the two main reasons cargo is covered, according to the regulations? What are the two main reasons cargo is covered, according to the regulations? Protect people from spilled cargo Protect cargo from the weather Tarping is the main covering system used for open deck freight. Tarps can be divided into four types – …
What regulations and guidelines are there for cargo securement on a commercial motor vehicle? The North American Cargo Securement Standard, created by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), establishes procedures for securing loads during transit on highways in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you are a driver who transports cargo on the …
Why is cargo weight distribution important? As a Commercial Truck Driver it is important to know the industry rules and regulations regarding cargo securement, which are ever changing. Distributing the weight of the cargo over all axles is very important to ensure the load’s center of gravity is placed at the point with the strongest …
What simple emergency repairs should a driver be able to perform? Drivers need to be able to change faulty fuses, circuit breakers and light bulbs while on the road. When replacing a fuse, make sure it is the proper size and amp rating. Refer to the fuse diagram to know the specific fuse function. Use …
Can any driver adjust the tractor-trailer brakes? No. The driver must be certified to adjust brakes. Many tractors and trailers have self-adjusting slack adjusters or automatic slack adjusters. Drivers should learn what type of brakes their tractor and trailer have, and learn company protocol for adjusting. Brake slack should not exceed one inch of free-play. …
How frequently should the air reservoir tanks be drained? Air tanks should be drained or bled regularly at the end of the driver’s shift. Draining the tanks down to 0 PSI will drain moisture and prevent it from going deeper into the air system. Park the vehicle on level ground, and open the drain at …
Should drivers change their own tires? Changing tires can be very dangerous, only skilled mechanics with the proper tools should change tires. Checking tire air pressure is a responsibility of the driver. When preparing to check the tire air pressure, read the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire. Make sure …
