Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers

HAZMAT Endorsement

HAZMAT Endorsement

Here are the steps to get your HAZMAT endorsement and potentially earn more.

HAZMAT Endorsement

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.

1. How to Get HAZMAT Endorsement on CDL

A truck driver with a Class A, B or C CDL can apply for DOT HAZMAT endorsement by completing these five procedures.

Fill out HAZMAT endorsement application through the DMV or TSA
Complete a medical screening
Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
Pay fees
Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person

The following states require an in-person DMV application for TSA Security Assessment.

Florida
Kentucky
Maryland
Mississippi
New York
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

2. Carriers HAZMAT Responsibilities

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.

Shipping Paper

Placard and Mark Vehicle

Loading and Unloading

Compatibility

Blocking and Bracing

Incident Report

Security Plan

Employee Training

3. HAZMAT Classifications

Class 1 – Explosives
Class 2 – Gases
Class 3 – Flammable Liquid
Class 4 – Flammable Solids
Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides
Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances
Class 7 – Radioactive Material
Class 8 – Corrosives
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants

4. Have a Copy of the HAZMAT Table in Your Truck

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 most common DOT HAZMAT violation is not having a copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number.

TagsOwner Operators

Things to Consider When Buying Dashcams for Trucks [p]Trucking is a challenging job that requires constant commitment and motivation from the part of the truck driver. It is your job as a trucker to keep the cargo, the truck, yourself, and other drivers safe on the road. However, sometimes accidents can occur, leading to the involvement of multiple parties like the police and the insurance companies. In such cases, it is always better to protect yourself from paying for unnecessary damages. The best way to do that is by installing a dashcam in your truck.[/p] [p]There are so many dashcams for sale in the market that selecting the right one can be a troublesome task. Do not let that faze you. You can choose the perfect dashcam for your truck using the information provided in this article. So, without further ado let’s get started! [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]The Dashcam’s Resolution [/b][/p] [p]The first thing you should consider when buying a dashcam for your truck is the camera’s resolution. There are dashcams out there that produce unclear videos then there are others that can record in HD resolution. When it comes to trucking you want to buy a dashcam with a high resolution so that all the recorded footage is of high quality. If you are required to present the video as evidence in the court then you would want the video to be as clear as possible and be able to capture essential information such as plate numbers or street signs. You could opt for 4k resolution dashcams, but they are highly expensive and chances are that you won't need such high resolution for your truck.[/p] [p][b]Number of Point of Views [/b][/p] [p]You want a dashcam that has more than two channels i.e. a dashcam that can show footage from at least two designated positions. A six-channel camera would show footage from a different location from inside and outside the car, which can be beneficial. A truck is huge and requires ample coverage which is why you need multiple channels. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-The-Type-of-Lens.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]The Type of Lens [/b][/p] [p]A dashcam with a wide lens will show a larger area in the front of your truck. Cameras with a 120-degree field of view are ideal for trucking. As a rule of thumb, the larger the field of view the better but that is not always true. Dashcam lenses that are wider than 120 degrees will create a fisheye effect leading to very awkward footage. A 360-degree camera lens can help solve both problems. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Connectivity [/b][/p] [p]In this modern world, it is helpful if everything is connected to our phones or PCs. Therefore, a dashcam with a related mobile app can be very useful, especially if you are out & about and not near a PC. Furthermore, the mobile app can let you view the footage live and unaltered. So, even if you are away from your truck you are only a tap away from accessing the dashcam.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-Dashcam-Viewing-Screen.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Dashcam Viewing Screen [/b][/p] [p]Some dashcams in the market have an LCD screen on their back so you can view the footage in real-time as you drive. That is not highly recommended, as a dashcam with an LCD can be distracting for you as a driver. They are big and bulky while also being too big to hide. Smaller dashcams with no LCDs are sleek and elegant making them the perfect choice for some truckers. The camera can be hidden from plain view allowing you to focus entirely on the road. [/p] [p][b]User Friendliness [/b][/p] [p]Dashcam installation can be hectic if you buy the wrong one. Many dashcams require you to connect electrical wiring and make adjustments in your truck. They are not very easy to install, which is why most truckers opt for dashcams that are operated by a battery or can easily plug in to a 12v socket. These kinds of dashcams do not require any complex installation and perform the same job as the other types. [/p] [p][b]Dashcam Memory [/b][/p] [p]You should also consider the memory capacity for your Dashcam. These cameras come with a micro SD card slot allowing you to save all the footage in one place so that you can transfer it later to a personal computer. Therefore, a dashcam should have the capability to accept high-volume memory cards such as 512 GB or 256 GB. This way, you’ll be able to record more footage and won’t have to worry about deleting often.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-Pricing.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Pricing [/b][/p] [p]The last thing you should consider is the pricing. Dashcam prices range from $40 up to even $600. Treat your dashcam as a worthy investment that will save you money in the long run. Find a dashcam that gives you all the features that you’re looking for with a relatively cost efficient price. That way, you won’t have to think about upgrading in the near future. Do it once, and do it right.[/p] [p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p] [p]A dashcam is a simple gadget that has a lot of fancy features with a lot of good benefits especially for truckers. It is definitely worth considering to get to give you a bit of peace of mind when the unexpected happens.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Oct 22, 2020 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Chris Lee <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Chris Lee</strong>, who's been driving for around 3 years now. He's originally from Michigan, but has been in Texas for so long that he considers himself a Texan already. He's been married for two years and has a 10 year-old son. He decided to live his life on a vegan/plant-based diet due to trucking. Let's get to more about Chris and how trucking changed his life. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I became a trucker because it had been something I had wanted to do years before I took the leap. I had been deterred and so I started a moving company. After doing that for a couple of years my wife then girlfriend at the time brought it up and I couldn't say no to the opportunity a second time. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> In the short amount of time that I have been in the trucking industry, I've seen electronic logs come and paper logs go, I have also seen two major changes to the hours of service. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I had also wanted to make Youtube videos for a while. I would make content about moving and I just wasn't confident enough nor did I understand how to upload videos onto the internet. When I got into trucking I wanted to put out information that I didn't have that I thought would help others looking to get into the industry. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> When I drove OTR, it definitely got lonely so having people to talk to back at home really helped out a lot. Being able to have a support group via Youtube also keeps me from feeling like I'm out here by myself. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> The pandemic hasn't really affected my day to day operations. Shippers now require a covid form to be filled out for drivers entering their facility and may also take out temperature but that is about it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I'm currently on a flatbed dedicated route so my sights are pretty routine, but when I was OTR my favorite places to drive were Nevada and Utah. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Once I was hauling a load of livers and was asked at the receiver if I ate them. I told her no and she then asked why would I have them in my truck then. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3> I use rest stops and truck stops 99 percent of the time unless I can stay at a shipper or receiver overnight. When looking for a truck stop, I often check how many spots they may have, if they have showers, and the type of food they serve. I normally bring my own food from home to eat in the truck, but if I had to choose, I would say Indian food. I've been to a couple truck stops that serve that type of food while driving OTR. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> The most common troubles or problems I encounter out on the road are other drivers, mostly the smaller vehicles cutting in front of big trucks. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> My biggest pet peeve about trucking is not having a shower or restroom in the truck. That would save me lots of time. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> My favorite features to use on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> are the fuel price feature, knowing how far each rest stop/truck stop are from my location, knowing if weigh stations are open or closed, being able to route my trip in the app. Honestly there are so many things to like about the app because it's catered to truckers and I definitely appreciate that. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Always do your pre-trip before getting on the road is tip number one! Another tip I would share is to learn how to save and invest your money so that your future self can appreciate your hard work. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTuG9to9JYyvOc789furUKw">Youtube Channel, ChrisLeeTV</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sgi5-ZiBpB8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Oct 07, 2020 • Carriers

President Trump Discusses The Trucking Industry [p]President Trump met with executives from the trucking industry as well as representatives from the American Trucking Association on Thursday at the White House, including ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.[/p] [p]Topics of the discussion included the new health care bill which repeals the Affordable Care Act as well as infrastructure and other important topics facing the trucking industry.[/p] [quote]“Trucking is the backbone of the nation’s economy. We employ 1 in 16 people in the U.S. Driving a truck is the top job in 29 states. Trucking moves 70% of the nation’s freight and 56% of GDP. To grow our economy, we need to take care of the people that move America forward,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.[/quote] [p]<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTruckerPath%2Fvideos%2F1160858214060459%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>[/p] [h2]ATA Supports President Trump's Healthcare Plan[/h2] [p]The Affordable Care Act was established by the Obama Administration seven years ago to the day. A vote by the House on a new health care bill was expected today but has since been delayed.[/p] [quote]“The Affordable Care Act is just plain unaffordable,” Spear said. “Replacing this law will help trucking employees, their families and our customers by lowering insurance costs, decrease mandates, liabilities and administrative burdens, and provide access to quality care and patient choice.”[/quote] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/03/cnn-healthcare-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Provisions that will remain:[/b][/p] [ul] [li]Dependent coverage up to the age of 26[/li] [li]Pre-existing conditions are protected[/li] [li]No lifetime limits[/li] [li]Keeps cap on maximum out-of pocket expenses[/li] [/ul] [p][b]New provisions:[/b][/p] [ul] [li]Eliminates employer mandates[/li] [li]Subsidies include refundable tax credits[/li] [li]Medicaid would be overhauled and more responsibiities would be left to states[/li] [/ul] [h2]Trump ❤ Trucks[/h2] [p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If he promised not to tweet anything crazy today, we told him he could wear his "I ❤Trucks" button. <a href="https://t.co/zTdCxOpatK">pic.twitter.com/zTdCxOpatK</a></p>— Trump Social Intern (@TrumPenceSocial) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumPenceSocial/status/844999341064511490">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[/p]

Mar 23, 2017 • Community