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Guide to Obtaining Your CDL License

by Carsurfer Admin on 2023/10/13 in Trucks with Comments Off

What is a CDL License?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a crucial requirement for anyone looking to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in the United States. It is a specialized license that grants you the authority to operate a wide range of vehicles, including but not limited to large trucks, buses, tractor-trailers, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

With a CDL, you can navigate the roads with confidence and handle the responsibilities associated with driving these specialized vehicles. It is an essential credential that provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure safety and compliance while operating large, heavy, or potentially dangerous vehicles.

Types of CDL Licenses

Before you begin the process of getting your CDL, it’s vital to know the different types, namely: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A licenses typically cover vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, with the towed vehicle being more than 10,000 pounds.

Class B licenses are for driving single vehicles with a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds, or towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Lastly, Class C licenses cover any vehicle or combination of vehicles not covered by Class A or B but designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

How to Get Your CDL License

Obtaining your CDL license is a process that involves several steps:

Determine the Type of CDL You Need:
Refer to the types of CDL licenses section above.
Meet the Requirements:
Confirm that you meet all the necessary requirements. These usually include being at least 21 years old, possessing a valid driver’s license, passing a physical examination, and being able to provide proof of citizenship or legal presence.
Prepare for the Written Test:
This includes studying the CDL manual and taking practice tests.
Schedule and Pass the Written Test:
Once you feel prepared, schedule your written test at a local DMV office and pass it.
Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP):
After passing the written test, you’ll receive your CLP, which allows you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder.
Schedule and Pass the Driving Skills Test:
After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you can schedule and take the driving skills test.
Receive Your CDL:
Once you pass the driving skills test, you will be issued your CDL.

What to Know to Pass the Test

Passing the CDL test requires a thorough understanding of the rules of the road for commercial vehicles, safety protocols, and the handling characteristics of the vehicle you plan to drive. The test is divided into the written knowledge test and the driving skills test. Study your state’s CDL manual thoroughly, take practice tests, and consider professional training to ensure you’re well-prepared.

Remember, obtaining a CDL license is not just about passing the test; it’s about proving your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Good luck on your path to becoming a professional driver!

image credit: envato.com

Six Things To Know While Getting Your Freight Quotes!

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/06/19 in Trucks with Comments Off

When you are looking for international business, you will have to be up to date with your knowledge of freight quotes. Whether you import or export, you will have to find out the costs or else, you will suffer from heavy losses. Initially, you will have to put in some time to be able to come up with an accurate calculation.

Nevertheless, once you are set, you will not have much to worry about. The freight costs depend on a lot of elements. Knowing them will help you determine if you should go ahead with the carrier or look out for some other service.

#1. Getting the Quote:

The first thing you need to know is where to get the quotes. Your obvious hit will be the internet, but you need to know where exactly on the internet, as well. Only a right shipping partner will make sure that you get the right freight quote and your shipment is safe. Check for the shipping freights directly. On the other hand, you can choose to go via a broker. It is best to check both the alternatives before agreeing on any of the options.

#2. Knowing your Shipment:

You might have several questions regarding the freight quotes. It will be the case with your carrier too. For instance, what is the shipment, where it has to be delivered, are there any special handling requirements, etc. So, you need to have all the specifications about your shipment. Right from the weight, location, time of arrival, etc. All the details have to be written on papers. Based on these details, you will get your quotes.

#3. Surcharges:

Most of the freight quotes are the base rates that you get from the service providers. So, you should always expect some of the other surcharges on each shipment. As a buyer, you will have to ask about the surcharges. There will be fuel charges or handling fee etc. will be added to the costs. Each carrier will have its own terminology or rating systems, which as a buyer you must ask.

#4. Location Matters a Lot:

You need to know where your shipment is coming from or going exactly. There is no need to get accurate coordinates, but tentative information will let you get close to the freight quotes. There are several geographical limitations placed on certain modes of deliveries. For instances, there are residential places where trucks are not allowed. Knowing the precise location will help you know if your shipment will get delivered to the given location or not.

#5. Calculating the Weight and Packing:

While getting the freight quotes, people assume that it is only the shipment weight. However, if you are delivering more than one box, then you will need a pallet to stack them together. The pallet weight will include your freight cost, as well. So, you will have to weigh your shipment accordingly. Whether you are wrapping the products in wooden boxes or getting them delivered on a pallet, you will have to consider the weight on a serious note.

#6. Size of the Shipment:

Do not assume that you get the weight and you are done with your freight quotes. You will have to get accurate measurements, as well, especially when your shipping is enclosed. So, when you are getting the measurements, you will have to calculate the length, width, and height, etc. Measuring the dimensions can be tricky and if you find it confusing, you can bring in a professional to help you with the same. Just like the weighing rule, you will have to calculate the pallet while getting the measurements.

If you have these 6 elements in place, you will get quotes, which are closest to accuracy.

How New Laws and Regulations Are Changing the Trucking Industry

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/01/29 in Trucks with 1 Comment

With a new administration in Washington, it is to be expected that there would be new laws and regulations implemented in many industries. The trucking industry is no exception, with several changes impacting how fleets are operated, how drivers perform their duties, and how vehicles must be maintained. Some of these laws will have minimal impact while others could cause significant changes in the way trucking companies do business.

Electronic Logging Devices

In December 2017, mandated Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations went into effect. Because proposed rules could limit drivers to between 60 and 70 hours in seven or eight days, ELDs will easily be able to track a driver’s hours behind the wheel. Drivers have been concerned that the ELD will lead to over-monitoring by employers, although all the ELD does is keep accurate records. However, the ELD cannot transfer data as it must be uploaded by the driver.

If pulled for a roadside inspection, the inspector can request that the driver upload the ELD for the last eight days. The ELD is actually a benefit to drivers as it eliminates deadhead miles, eliminates paper logs and helps keep records accurate. Inspections are performed more quickly and the ELD can also store important data like speed, location and the engine date.

Carbon Emissions

Another regulation that will have an impact on the trucking industry is related to greenhouse gases. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued greenhouse gas stages in three stages in August 2012. In Phase 2, which begins this year, phases in initial standards for engines built for model year 2021 with increases in standards in 2024 and leveling off in 2027. This could mean additional costs passed to carriers from manufacturers as they work to meet the new standards.

However, the new standards should also reduce fuel consumption, which will allow carriers to possibly recoup those costs in two years. When the regulations were released, there were concerns that the new requirements could make vehicles unreliable, leading to additional truck repairs at shops like Florida Truck & Trailer CO.

Truck repair experts reported that, when the first phase of the regulations was implemented, 46 percent of owners experienced some type of engine problem in the first year, up from 42 percent in 2011. The most common problem was the electronic control module calibration with 23 percent of owners reporting those problems. The second was the exhaust gas recirculation valves with 20 percent and third was electronic engine sensors with 16 percent. All of these were critical to the new carbon emissions requirements.

Drug Testing Changes

In November 2017, the Department of Transportation published new regulations for drug testing of drivers which went into effect on January 1, 2018. Under the new regulations, four semi-synthetic opioids have been added to the screening process. These include:

hydrocodone
hydromorphone
oxycodone
oxymorphone

They also replaced MDEA with MDA. Employers are no longer required to submit blind specimens to laboratories. Collectors will discard samples provided if there is not enough for a test in order to modify the shy bladder procedure. The regulation also limits collection to urine samples.
These are just a few of the regulations that could have an impact on the trucking industry over the next year. In some cases, the ramifications could be felt for several years.

Getting Ready to Ride: 5 Tips for First-Time Truck Owners

by Anica Oaks on 2017/10/13 in Trucks with Comments Off

There is truly something cool about driving a truck, and with the new features adding more power and luxury, even ladies don’t want to be left out of this game. Besides the beasty feel of a truck, you can carry so much stuff in the back for home and business use, so it’s a do-it-all kind of vehicle.

However, if it is your first time driving a heavy vehicle, you are in for some exhilarating pleasure and scares as well. Here are the top five tips for first-time truck drivers.

1. Take a Driving Refresher Course

Driving a truck is very different from driving a small car like a sedan regarding weight, view, and maneuverability. Unlike small cars where the brakes work in a jiffy, you will have to get used to the very slow reaction when you step on the brakes, especially if you were speeding.

Heavy vehicles cannot abruptly stop because of their weight, so you have to give yourself ample room between the truck and the car in front to avoid accidents. You may not need to go back to driving school, but you need someone to guide you on how to safely drive a truck at least until you get the hang of it.

2. Do Not Lift

Many people admire those vehicles that look so high off the ground because it’s cool, but it is by no means safe. A truck is designed to be high so lifting it further does more harm than good and it can cause stability, vibration and wear issues. Though it looks kind of cool to be so high or have those wide wheels, the truck will not be well grounded, and so it will be hard to control in case of any mishap.

Instead, get thin, beefier tires that are good for off-roading and snow and don’t tamper with the integral structure of the truck. You can also add a few lights and graffiti to pimp up the ride or install pickup truck bed caps to protect the front railing and make it look cool without tampering with the vehicle’s integrity.

3. Relax on the Accelerator

The first thing you will notice about heavy vehicles like trucks is that they have extreme power and can fly off the handle if you step on the accelerator too much.

Though trucks are used in off-road races, often a new driver cannot deal with the massive power that such a vehicle holds, so it’s better to go slowly and steadily especially because you cannot stop very fast. Always step gently on the accelerator and add speed slowly as you go instead of stepping at once.

4. Always Remember the Rear Section

One significant difference between a small car and a truck is that the latter has two body parts and it is possible for a new driver to forget the back part when turning, reversing or driving in snow.

Though the two pieces are attached, they don’t always move together, and so it’s important to ensure the back part has moved with the rest of you or it has enough weight to keep moving through snow or mud. For example, when you are making a turn, always ensure there is sufficient room for the entire vehicle, and this consciousness is the biggest challenge for new truck drivers.

5. Reverse with Caution

Seriously, reverse with extra caution than you would with a smaller car. A truck allows you very limited vision at the back so unless you have a backup camera, always go back slowly and ensure there is nothing behind you.

Driving a truck is going to be one of the most exciting things you will ever do if you practice enough before going to the highway. It is a powerful thing to take control of such a beast and be part of the American dream, and everybody should have a chance to do it.

Basic Types of Trailers to Know About

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/09/08 in Trucks with Comments Off

There are a wide range of trailers manufactured for commercial and transport purposes. There are several trucks with varying load capacities and for each type there is a different trailer that can be attached to it. Each trailer has a category of applications linked to it.

While loading your truck by attaching a trailer, there are various factors to consider like the load bearing capacity of the truck and the road guidelines, the size and the cargo to be carried. While considering the total weight, do not forget to add-up both the weight of the trailer as well as the freight that is to be shipped within it.

These trailers are generally classified into 14 basic types. Here is a list:

#1. Flatbed trailer

There are one of the most commonly used trailers because of their versatility. They are used for all types of freight. It has load capacity of 40,000 pounds and a length of 48 to 53 ft. It is an open container with no cover over the cargo that is being shipped.

#2. Dry trailer van

These are also known as enclosed trailers. It is just like a flatbed trailer but with a box around it. The best feature about is that it is waterproof and it protects the cargo from rain and dew during transit. It is mainly used by the grocery stores, clothes stores, electronics industries, and all such organizations that have products that can be damaged by rain.

#3. Refrigerated trailer

Some items need to be kept in a restricted and controlled environment continuously. For such items, refrigerated trailers are used. Stuff like frozen food, pharmaceuticals, and dairy products are to be shipped by such a trailer.

#4. Speciality trailers

This is a category of trailer built specially for transporting a particular type of cargo. For example, the air-tight tank trailers built for hazardous liquids and the inert material trailer for transporting natural gas and LPG. There are discreet regulations to be followed while making such trailers to match the safety requirements of the trailer during transport of hazardous and inflammable materials.

#5. Side-kit trailers

This trailer is equipped with a side wood panel and are used to transport loads that are packed like sand, gravel, dirt, wood, bricks, and all such materials. All the materials that are to be transported in free-form without a packaging is hauled in side-kit trailers. It is generally a flatbed style with a 4-5 ft side panel attached to the deck.

#6. Double drop trailers

There are extendable trailers that enables you to extend the trailer length to fit in longer cargos. They are designed exclusively to handle excessive lengths as well as weights. Though the heights if this type of trailer is low.

#7. Stretch RNG trailers

This is the type that carries extra-long objects that cannot fit into double drop trailers or flatbed trailers. The loads generally are low in weight. But in case the load is more, the truck may need to attach more axles in order to prevent the trailer from slacking in the middle.

#8. Multi-car trailers

These are most commonly used to transport automobiles. There are 2 types in this section of trailers- single layered and double layered. The weight allowance for such a trailer is high and that lets you carry 8 cars at a time. This is also used as a mobile home as that would need an equally high load capacity to be able to carry all your heavy belongings.

All these above-mentioned types are the most commonly used types of trailers. If you are hiring a freight trailer for the first time, it is necessary that you know the basic use of each trailer type to pick the right one for your cargo.