You can make a great living working as a truck driver and build a whole career for yourself. However, there are some specific requirements that you need to meet to drive on the road. Here are the essential rules all truck drivers should follow.
Trucking Qualifications
The first rule all truck drivers should follow is ensuring they have their trucking qualifications. There is a specific set of requirements that all truck drivers need to meet to drive semitrucks on the road legally. These requirements include a Commercial Driver’s License, being at least 21 years of age, providing a driving record from the last 10 years, and passing a physical. Some companies will also want you to have a GED or high school diploma and may also check your criminal background.
DOT Physicals
Getting a DOT physical is another rule that truck drivers must follow. Every 2 years, truck drivers must pass a physical examination to ensure their overall health and competency. Failure to pass or take these physical exams can result in a driver losing their Commercial Driver’s License, essentially causing them to lose their job. These physicals are in place to check the eyesight, hearing, overall health, and ability to stay awake and alert behind the wheel of a truck. Along with a bi-yearly physical, truck drivers must also complete training courses every two years to refresh their memory and make sure they are up to date on trucking laws and regulations.
Electronic Logging Device
Following proper electronic logging device protocol is another important rule for truckers. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are systems that record the driving times of commercial truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that commercial vehicles have an ELD installed to ensure drivers are abiding by the Hours of Service Regulations. ELDs plug into the onboard diagnostics port of a truck, and then they record data from the vehicle’s engine, speed, mileage, location, etc. One of the main purposes of this data is to ensure drivers are not pushing themselves past their limits to work inappropriate hours, as driving for too many hours at a time can pose a safety hazard. An ELD is one of the essential tools all truck drivers need on the road.
Now that you know the basic requirements all truck drivers should meet, you can ensure you follow all these necessary rules and regulations. All these rules and laws are in place for the safety of everyone on the road, so it’s important to abide by them.
