Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers

HAZMAT Transportation

HAZMAT Transportation

Understand the requirements of HAZMAT transportation and how truck drivers can avoid violations.

HAZMAT Transportation

HAZMAT transportation can be lucrative for carriers but it requires understanding common Department of Transportation violations and how to avoid them in regards to hazardous materials.

HAZMAT transportation can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers which is why it typically pays at a higher rate. To enforce regulations and promote the safety of HAZMAT transportation, the FMCSA conducts over 154,000 annual roadside inspections, with an estimated 35,000 DOT HAZMAT violations reported. That’s nearly 23 percent of inspections resulting in a violation!

Most Common Violations of HAZMAT Regulations

No Copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number (8.1 %)
Package not secure in vehicle (7.6 %)
Placard damaged, deteriorated or obscured (6.9 %)
Vehicle not placarded as required (5.9 %)
No Shipping papers (5.1 %)
Shipping paper accessibility (4.7 %)
Emergency response information missing (4.5 %)
Failure to provide carrier required placards (4.4 %)
Offering a hazardous material without preparing a shipping paper (3.0 %)
No placards or marking when required (2.9 %)

Want to obtain a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL and potentially earn more with HAZMAT transportation?

GHS Transport Pictograms Cheat Sheet for hazardous materials from Global Chemical Resources.

TagsOwner Operator

How to Start a Hotshot Trucking Business [p]Ever wondered how to be your own boss while enjoying beautiful sceneries across America? The freight industry is the backbone of America’s economy contributing more than <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp-from-transport">500 billion USD</a> every quarter and the numbers are increasing each year. It’s a lucrative industry which gives handsome rewards. However, it is not easy getting into traditional trucking due to the requirements needed.[/p] [p]What if there was a way to be a part of the trucking industry without dealing with all the hassle? The good news is there is a sure-fire way of being a part of the trucking industry and you can get started in a few days. What is it, you ask? The answer to that question is “Hotshot Trucking”. But there are still a few requirements before you are eligible to haul freight. Fortunately, these requirements are easy to complete and we will explain everything step by step below. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]What is Hotshot trucking? [/b][/p] [p]Hotshot truck drivers are freelancers who work privately carrying freight from one point to the other without any employer restrictions or scheduling restrictions. In other words, you are your boss and you can choose when to earn and how much to earn. All you need is a medium or heavy-duty truck with at least 7,000 pounds of hauling force and a trailer. A Dodge Ram 3500, a Toyota Tacoma, or any version of the Ford F-series truck can work well. [/p] [p]Currently, around 70% of the goods you can find on the shelves are transported by hotshot truckers and independent freight transporters. According to estimates, the trucking industry is expected to grow by 2.3% yearly till 2024. With freight volumes increasing day by day it is the perfect time to set up your own hotshot trucking business. [/p] [p][b]Pros and cons of Hotshot Trucking?[/b][/p] [p]Hotshot Trucking comes with a lot of advantages especially if you want to kick-off your trucking business easily. But be wary also of some limitations and trade-offs when entering this kind of trucking business. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-pros_and_cons_table.png" alt=""] [p][b]How to Begin?[/b][/p] [p]Now that you have a basic idea of hotshot trucking let’s get started on the specifics: [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Set up an LLC[/b][/p] [p]You need to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and register it with your state. This is the first step in registering your business and it doesn't matter if you are working alone or if you intend to invite others to join in with you, setting up a legal company gives you many <a href="https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/advantages-of-an-llc">benefits</a> such as:[/p] <ul> <li>Limited personal liability</li> <li>Less paperwork</li> <li>Tax advantages</li> <li>Ownership and Management flexibility</li> <li>Flexible profit distribution</li> </ul> [p][b]Register With the Tax Authorities [/b][/p] [p]Once you have your LLC set up, the next step is to get a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Tax ID</a> to go with your business. The tax ID or the Employer Identification Number (EIN) will allow you to receive checks and other forms of payments directly to your business account. That takes us to our next step. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-make_a_business_bank_account.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Make a Business Bank Account[/b][/p] [p]A separate bank account will allow you to divert all your business-related transactions to your business bank account. This allows you to keep track of your expenditures while also giving you the liberty to make and receive payments.[/p] [p][b]Apply for a CDL (optional)[/b][/p] [p]Hotshot trucking does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) since in most cases you won’t be exceeding the gross weight limit determined by the authorities. [/p] [p]You don’t need a CDL if: [/p] <ul> <li>If the total weight you are pulling is less than 10,000 pounds.</li> <li>If the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is less than 26,000 pounds. </li> </ul> [p]Getting a CDL is no easy task. You have to enlist in a reputable training academy, go through several weeks of training, and then apply as well as pass the CDL exam. Therefore, it is better to forego this requirement in the early stages of your business but its best to acquire the license once your business is up and running. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-acquire_relevant_equipment-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Acquire Relevant Equipment [/b][/p] [p]As you know, hotshot trucking involves a lot of hauling and towing. It is important to have a sturdy and reliable truck if you want to save yourself a lot of grief later. You will need a good medium to heavy-duty truck with a lot of power (around 400HP) to pull at least a ton and a 30 ft. gooseneck flatbed trailer to begin. A decent truck can cost from $15,000 to $60,000. A good trailer costs from $7,000 to $25,000. It is up to you to decide how much you want to invest in the business initially. If you already have a truck at home and you don’t intend to get a CDL right away then you can save money by buying a cheap trailer and starting your business with minimum investment. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Further Government Approvals [/b][/p] [p]It is a good idea to register your business with the Department of Transport (DOT) in your state and also with the federal authority if you intend to drive interstate. The state will provide you a DOT number and the federal government authority will give you a Motor Carrier (MC) number. These numbers must be emblazoned on the side of your vehicle. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-getting_your_first_order.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Getting Your First Order [/b][/p] [p]It’s often difficult to get your first order but there are resources available online that can help you out. You can sign-up and keep an eye out for potential contracts using <a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/">loadboards</a>, which is an online marketplace where truck owner-operators, shippers, and freight brokers can post and search for loads. If a contract fits your requirements you can sign-up with them and begin your hotshot trucking journey. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p] [p]It is not easy to start a business from scratch and accept profits from the get-go. However, if you work hard, complete all the requirements and stay motivated, you can slice through the initial difficulties and begin expanding and earning handsomely all while being your own boss. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Oct 09, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 26, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> As we have seen time and time again, it is the trucking industry that comes to the rescue during many emergencies across the US. Few events show this heroism more than the events that took place after April 25, 2014. This was the date where Flint, MI, residents learned the dangers of their tap water. Filled with E. coli, lead and other contaminants, residents were forced to be without water. Truckers stepped up by brining in bottled water for the people of Flint so they could have life’s most basic necessity. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> Load Securement: Time consuming, potentially dangerous depending on the load, difficult but absolutely necessary. It is one of those things that seems so common place that we shouldn’t be talking about it, yet it is odd how many trucks I see where it is painfully obvious the driver hasn’t secured their load. Take an extra couple of minutes to ensure your load is tied down and secured properly. A potential danger to yourself and others is not worth it, not even mentioning the large fine that can find its way to you at a weigh station or by highway patrol. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Research</u></strong></h3> The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is looking for carriers for a research project. The research project wants to <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/2019/04/24/atri-seeks-for-hire-motor-carrier-operational-cost-data-3/">learn about the operational costs</a> of the trucking industry. This means they want access to fuel costs, insurance premiums, driver pay, vehicle costs and more. They are not just looking for information from big fleets, <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/2019/04/24/operational-costs-of-trucking-survey-2/">they want to hear</a> from owner-operators too. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Alternative Fuel</u></strong></h3> Last week, Nikola made headlines with the demonstration of their new hydrogen powered vehicle. <a href="https://www.mhlnews.com/transportation-distribution/zero-emission-trucking-moves-forward">This week</a>, Kenworth and Toyota made headlines with the revelation of their joint ventured project. Working with CARB (California Air Resource Board),Toyota and Kenworth are set to launch 10 hydrogen fuel celled vehicles that will operate in the southern California area sometime between October and December of this year. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking and Fishing</u></strong></h3> All over the US, ponds, lakes, reservoirs and even some rivers are stocked with fish multiple times per year. There is only one way to get fish from the hatchery to their final destination and that is by truck. Little is made about the effort and care that is put in to keep the fish safe and healthy on their journey and even less thought is put in by the general public. The Mail Tribune out of Medford, OR, has created a three-part video to talk about this process. The link provided <a href="https://mailtribune.com/oregon-outdoors/oregon-outdoors-video-trout-trucking-pt-3">here</a> is to part three as it is the only page with direct access to all the videos.

Apr 26, 2019 • Carriers

HAZMAT Endorsement [p] Here are the steps to get your HAZMAT endorsement and potentially earn more.[/p] [h2] HAZMAT Endorsement [/h2] [p]Hazmat endorsement is required by truck driver's who have a Commercial Driver's License and wish to deliver HAZMAT loads containing hazardous materials. Since the materials you're hauling can have severe health consequences, the Department of Transportation has enlisted specific requirements before a truck driver can haul such loads. There is a risk-reward with hauling hazardous materials as it typically pays more than a typical freight.[/p] [h2]1. How to Get HAZMAT Endorsement on CDL[/h2] [p]A truck driver with a Class A, B or C CDL can apply for DOT HAZMAT endorsement by completing these five procedures.[/p] [ol] [li]Fill out HAZMAT endorsement application through the DMV or TSA[/li] [li]Complete a medical screening[/li] [li]Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)[/li] [li]Pay fees[/li] [li]Submit a [a href="https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/servicecode/111168"]TSA Background Security Screening[/a] either online or in-person[/li] [/ol] [p]The following states [b]require[/b] an in-person DMV application for TSA Security Assessment.[/p] [ul] [li]Florida[/li] [li]Kentucky[/li] [li]Maryland[/li] [li]Mississippi[/li] [li]New York[/li] [li]Pennsylvania[/li] [li]Texas[/li] [li]Virginia[/li] [li]Wisconsin[/li] [/ul] [h2]2. Carriers HAZMAT Responsibilities[/h2] [p]Truck drivers who have a HAZMAT endorsement typically earn a higher salary than standard drivers with a CDL. When hauling hazardous materials truck drivers are subject to specific responsibilities that go beyond standard requirements set by the DOT.[/p] [ul] [li]Shipping Paper[/li] [li]Placard and Mark Vehicle[/li] [li]Loading and Unloading[/li] [li]Compatibility[/li] [li]Blocking and Bracing[/li] [li]Incident Report[/li] [li]Security Plan[/li] [li]Employee Training[/li] [ul] [img src="/uploads/2017/02/HAZMAT.jpg"] [h2]3. HAZMAT Classifications[/h2] [ul] [li]Class 1 – Explosives[/li] [li]Class 2 – Gases[/li] [li]Class 3 – Flammable Liquid[/li] [li]Class 4 – Flammable Solids[/li] [li]Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides[/li] [li]Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances[/li] [li]Class 7 – Radioactive Material[/li] [li]Class 8 – Corrosives[/li] [li]Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants[/li] [/ul] [h2]4. Have a Copy of the HAZMAT Table in Your Truck[/h2] [p]The HAZMAT Table displays the classifications of hazardous materials and breaks them down by division, as well as by specific material. Having the HAZMAT Table with you at all times will allow you to correctly fill out any shipping papers or packages and comply with Hazardous Material Requirements (HMR) and avoid a violation. The [a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/common-hazmat-violations/"]most common DOT HAZMAT violation[/a] is not having a copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number.[/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/06/Hazmat-table.png"]

Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers