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

Trucker Spotlight - Dakota Caldwell <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-dakota_caldwell-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Dakota Caldwell</strong>, a 26-year old trucker and YouTuber, who's been driving for around 2 & 1/2 years now. He used to be a mechanic prior to driving trucks. He always loved driving and knew he wanted a career in driving someday but for some reason, taxi driver always popped in his mind. Let's get to more about Dakota and how's life on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I have always loved big trucks and my high school girlfriend's dad is really the one that made it seem like it be a good idea and thought id like it. <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> Honestly, since I've started driving, I haven't seen much change. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I wanted to show people what it was like out here - WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE - and not what I used to watch on Youtube because that was always misleading. They never showed the things I wanted to see that I knew other people would want to see. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> The first thing you lose as a trucker is your sanity. Once thats out of the way, the real danger comes. You begin to love the solitude and everything really comes into perspective and you see the rest of the world from the outside in. But yes, there are lonely times but you get past it when you see that pay check. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> I haven't had any. I really adapted well I think. Sometimes, no shower and no hot food but that happens anyway in trucking. And with the roads empty when everyone was home, I turned more miles than ever. Also when everyone came back out, I've seen more wrecks in one day than I have in my entire life. Everyone forgot how to drive. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> 389 Peterbilt all day. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> Being one of those tower climber. That looks fun and you still get to travel. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> TA. I find them to be the best. Besides of course chrome shops lol. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> 62 mph trucks in the center lane, drivers on their phone, and drivers doing a dirty 30 (30 min break on the fuel island). <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> What I like most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is finding truck stops and seeing the driver reviews. Helps find a good place to shut'er down for the night. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Look, listen, think, get out, and look. Take your time but never be late and use common sense. It will take you a long way out here. <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/UC8vDkn66ecBiH0-Id70YXow">Youtube Channel, Life Behind The Wheel</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4IcXV4KrDRg" 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 21, 2020 • Carriers

ELD Mandate Exemptions [p]Get clarification on electronic logging devices and ELD mandate exemptions set to take effect in December 2017. [/p] [h2]ELD Mandate Exemptions[/h2] [p]As of December 18, 2017, most drivers that currently use paper logs will have to switch over to an electronic logging device. The choices will be an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) meeting the current requirements in §395.15, installed before December 18, 2017, or a device meeting the electronic logging device (ELD) standards found in Subpart B to Part 395 and the associated appendix.[/p] [p]There are <strong>five ELD Mandate exemptions</strong> including:[/p] [ul] [li]Drivers that only had to fill out a log eight or fewer days out of the last 30 days. This would include “short-haul” drivers that normally operate under the 100 and 150 air-mile exceptions and intermittent drivers.[/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle older than the model year 2000. This also applies to the model year 2000 and newer vehicles that do not have the original engine in them, if the engine serial number indicates that the engine is older than the model year 2000. [/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment. [/li] [li]Drivers driving or towing a recreational vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment.[/li] [li]Drivers who are driving a truck that was rented for eight days or less. [/li] [/ul] [p]How are officers on the road going to verify that a driver claiming one of the exemptions is actually entitled to it? It is easier than you might think. [/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions and Short-Haul Drivers[/h2] [p]During a roadside inspection, the officer can contact the carrier for the time records related to a driver he/she is inspecting. The officer can then verify that the driver is complying with the terms of the 100 or 150 air-mile exemptions. This simply involves the officer verifying that there were time records and they showed the driver staying under the limits attached to the exemption. [/p] [p]If the records show the driver as operating under the 100 or 150 air-mile exception often enough, there would be no violation for the driver not using an ELD.[/p] [p]As far as intermittent drivers, the officer will inquire as to how many days the driver has worked out of the last 30. If it ends up to be 8 or fewer out of any 30-day period, there is no violation.[/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions on Older Vehicles[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver can use paper logs due to the age of the vehicle, the officer will simply check the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN indicates that the vehicle is the model year 1999 or older vehicle, there will be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic log.[/p] [p]How is this determined? [/p] [p]The model year is coded in the vehicle’s VIN at the 10th position. Presently, 2000 and newer vehicles have Y, 1 to 9, or A to H in the 10th position (i, o, u, and z are not used in VINs by the way). If the 10th digit is anything other than those listed, the vehicle is manufactured before 2000.[/p] [p]In the case of the model year, 2000 or newer vehicle that has been retrofitted with the model year 1999 or older engine, to determine if the engine is manufactured before the year 2000, the officer will ask to see the engine serial number. Using the serial number and available software, the officer can quickly validate the engine model year.[/p] [h2]Driveaway/Towaway ELD Exemptions[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver is allowed to use the driveaway/towaway exception to use a paper log rather than an electronic log after December 18, 2017, all the officer or auditor needs to do is ask for the shipment paperwork. The shipment paperwork will then be used to verify that the vehicle the driver is operating is part of the shipment. If so, then there would be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic logging device.[/p] [h2]Rented Trucks[/h2] [p]To verify that a driver is allowed to use the rented truck exemption, the driver must be able to present the rental agreement showing that the vehicle is being rented for 8 days or less. The driver must use paper logs and have records for the previous seven days. Printouts from an ELD system are acceptable. The exemption does not cover “leased” vehicles or vehicles rented for more than 8 days. Multiple back-to-back rental agreements will result in the carrier being cited for not using ELDs.[/p] [h2]Still Confused about ELD Mandate Exemptions?[/h2] [p]If you’re still confused about Exemptions to the mandate or wondering if you need to comply with the ELD mandate, contact J.J. Keller for a free ELD Exemption Assessment. Their ELD specialist will guide you through 21 questions created by their hours of service subject matter experts to help you determine if you are exempt from using ELDs. Call the ELD Exemption hotline at 888-531-8899 or <strong>request an assessment <a href="https://www.jjkeller.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/infoform_10151_-1_10551_52145?cm_mmc=Misc-_-ELDExemptionAssessment-_-eldexempt-_-null">here</strong></a>.[/p] [p]<strong>J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.</strong>[/p] [p]Since its beginning as a one-man consulting firm in 1953, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has grown to become the most respected name in safety and regulatory compliance. Now over 1,400 associates strong, J. J. Keller serves over 600,000 customers — including over 90% of the Fortune 1000® companies. The company’s subject-matter expertise spans nearly 1,500 topics, and its diverse solutions include ELogs and mobile technology; training via online courses, streaming video or DVD; online management tools; managed services; consulting services; online and print publications; forms and supplies.[/p] <strong>[p]About the Author:[/p]</strong> [p]Tom Bray has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. for 11 years. However, as he does not get enough excitement working at J. J. Keller and chasing after six kids and nine grandkids, he also chooses to work nights and weekends as a firefighter/EMT.[/p]

Oct 26, 2017 • Carriers

Best Truck Stops [p]With over 6,000 truck stops in the Trucker Path app determining the best truck stops in America is no small task. But hey, who doesn't love a challenge and a competition to see which is the best truck stop for 2017.[/p] [h2]Best Truck Stops[/h2] [p]The best truck stops are ranked thanks to you guys! There are over 600,000 truck drivers who update locations on Trucker Path with available parking at truck stops, travel centers and rest areas throughout America. Drivers also comment on their experiences at truck stops by leaving ratings and reviews for fellow users to view.[/p] [p] Whether you need diesel stations to fuel up, looking for a delicious homemade meal like grandma used to make or just looking for a place with truck parking to rest, these are the best truck stops perfect for truck drivers.[/p] [h2]Creek Travel Plaza[/h2] [android-img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/Creek-Travel-Plaza-1.png"] [p]The Creek Travel Plaza is the best truck stop for independently owned truck stops and is a must stop for truck drivers in the Southeast.[/p] [h2]What Makes It a Best Truck Stop?[/h2] [p]To determine what is the best truck stop, we analyzed a variety of criteria in order to award the best locations found [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]in our app[/a]. Truck stops and travel centers with available truck parking, fantastic customer service and useful amenities like showers, repair services, laundry facilities and WiFi found themselves a cut above the competition.[/p] [p]It's no secret, truck drivers love to eat. That's why restaurant options and food quality were also included in our decision-making when ranking the best truck stops. The next time you are traveling through America, be sure to check out one of these nearby truck stops.[/p] [h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Truck Stops: 0-5.0 Ratings scale[/h2] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Screen-Shot-2017-04-25-at-12.56.11-PM-1.png" alt=""] [button-white href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Top-truck-stops-Top-100-2017-PR.pdf"]Full List[/button-white] [h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Independent Truck Stops[/h2] [ul] [li]Creek Travel Plaza – Atmore, AL[/li] [li]Karde’s 151 – Monticello, IA[/li] [li]Gore’s Travel Plaza – Seiling, OK[/li] [li]Association of Christian Truckers – Brownstown, IL[/li] [li]BJs Travel Center – New Madrid, MO[/li] [li]Hixton Travel Plaza – Hixton, WI[/li] [li]Kwik Trip Travel Center – Austin MN[/li] [li]Kwik Trip #202 – Plover, WI[/li] [li]Refugio Travel Center – Refugio, TX[/li] [li]Texas 87/ Tiger Truck Stop – Esperanza, TX[/li] [/ul] [h2]Look for the Decal in the Truck Stop Window[/h2] [p]Recognition of success goes beyond saying congrats. The best truck stops for this year will each receive a window decal honoring the location as [i]the Best Places for 2017[/i]. This recognition lets truck drivers know that they have come to the right truck stop.[/p] [images src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/best-places-decal-BLOG-1.png" alt="Cost of parking" width="250px" align="left" ] [h2]Which State Has the Best Truck Stops?[/h2] [p]They say in Texas, football is king. While that might be true, there's also room on the throne for the best truck stops. [b]Texas[/b] had three truck stops ranked in the top 15 along with nine in the top 100 overall, more than any other state. Meanwhile, [b]Wisconsin[/b] finished second with five ranked in the top 100 and [b]Alabama[/b] finishing third with four truck stops.[/p] [h2]Gore's Travel Plaza – a Historic Truck Stop Location[/h2] [p]Gore's Travel Plaza began in 1939 when Floyd Gore decided to open a service station next to his home in Seiling, Oklahoma. Currently, third-generation brothers Tony, Gary and Marty along with fourth-generation son and nephew Derrick continue the family business of serving the trucking community for over 78 years.[/p] [quote]“The best part of serving the truck driving community is finding new ways to make their days on the road a little easier. We are here to serve them and our goal is to always be above their expectations,” said Gore's General Manager Derrick Gore. “Our staff know that customers come first, before anything else. We want people to leave our facility feeling appreciated and respected. Serving the needs of our customers and going above and beyond their expectations is something that we are proud of and hope they recognize during their visit.”[/quote] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=besttruckstops2017"]Learn More About Trucker Path[/button-green] [video id ="NSSOwFRJaQw"] If you're a truck driver but want to earn more and be your own boss, learn how you can<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-become-an-owner-operator/"> become an owner operator today.</a>

May 02, 2017 • Carriers