Operate Your Tree Truck In Accordance With the Law!

It is vital to know and understand the laws and regulations that exist to ensure the safe transportation of logs on the road. Every logging truck operator must be familiar with the laws by which every heavy-duty truck driver must abide that cover the hauling of heavy loads. Driving commercial vehicles that carry loads weighing thousands of pounds is a powerful force that can put the operator and others at risk.

This is the reason why heavy-duty hauling rules and regulations were created: to maintain safety and a proper flow of traffic on crowded streets and busy highways. Those people who own and operate any tree truck must be familiar with and abide by pertinent local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding the hauling and the transportation of logs on public highways.

Right-of-Way

By most traffic rules and regulations, those operating a tree truck are entitled to the right-of-way depending on the rules governing each individual highway; however, this is not an absolute right. Therefore, it should be exercised in a rational manner giving full consideration to the safety of other drivers who could be directly involved. Failure to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles may result in an accident due to the actions of the truck driver which could involve liability issues relating to property damage and injury which could ultimately result in fines.

Truck Maximum Length

The U.S. Department of Transportation regulation states that the logging industry must use crib tree trucks to transport lumber; the maximum allowable length of the cut trees can be 70 to 75 feet if there are additional safety devices added to both ends. Additionally, the regulation stipulates that trailer combinations should not exceed 65 feet, except when the transporting device is designed to transport lumber.

In addition, tree truck operators are not allowed to drive transport trucks unless the logs they are transporting are secured with chains, sideboards, stakes, front and rear head boards, front gates and end gates that are powerful enough to hold the load in place and prevent it from shifting or falling from the truck. The side of the hauling truck should have a minimum of two stakes on both sides.

Weight Limit

There are certain weight limits when lumber is being transported on federal highways. Check with the Department of Transportation for the allowable weight limits regarding the transportation of logs on public roads. If necessary, hauling permits should be obtained before transporting logs to the processing plant. The government regulates heavy hauling on public roads to decrease the damage to the entire roadway system. The House of Representatives boosted the trucking industry by passing the United States Code called Safe and Efficient Transport Act of 2011 (HR-763) which allows the weight of the truck on public roads to be from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds.

Speed Limit

The U.S. Department of Transportation states that truck drivers are expected to abide by the speed limits posted by the local, state or federal government. Drivers are encouraged to remain within the stated highway speed limits to maintain safety at all times and to be in compliance with the speed limit.

Equipment Inspection

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 392.7.a.b states that all drivers must inspect the truck before operation and ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition. The driver must not operate the vehicle unless the service and parking brakes, steering wheel, lighting devices, tires, horn, windshield wipers and mirrors are in good working condition. Failure to conform to these provisions may result in punishment by law.

Employers and employees of trucking services must abide by certain laws and regulations for the safe transportation of logs on the road. Tree truck operators must be aware of the heavy hauling regulations in the area where their trucks will be driven since laws may vary from state to state. Above all, to avoid unwanted fines and criminal charges, drivers must operate their tree trucks in accordance with the law!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Tree Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.firstfleettrucksales.com/home.

View the original article here

The Requirements to Operate a Big Rig in the United States

Thousands of men and women drive big rigs in order to get the goods to the stores for us to conveniently walk in and buy. They also haul dirty and other materials for building homes and roads. Just as each person needs to fulfill basic requirements in order to get a traditional driver’s license, there are requirements in order to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a big rig.

There are two types of tests that have to be successfully passed in order to obtain a CDL in the United States. There is a written test that goes over the various rules and regulations. This is completed first at any local Department of Motor Vehicles or through a truck driving school. There is also a driving test that has to be completed just like there is for operating a regular vehicle.

An individual must be at least 21 years of age before they are allowed to apply for a CDL. There are some special laws that apply for individuals from 16-20 years old who operate semi trucks used in conjunction with agricultural work. They also have to be able to successfully read and write English due to the many road signs pertaining to trucks on the road and the necessary paperwork.

The Department of Transportation requires all CDL license holders to successfully pass a physical completed by a doctor trained in their requirements. This physical has to be renewed annually in order for the individual to remain in compliance. Since the terrorist attacks of 09/11/01, those individuals applying for a CDL also have to be a citizen of the United States and pass a background check.

There are special endorsements for a CDL that a person can apply for as well. Hauling chemicals and flammable materials requires the individual to complete a Hazardous Materials course. Upon doing so they will be given an endorsement to acknowledge this on their drivers license. To find out the specification of obtaining such endorsements ask your local DMV or take a look at the information found online.

The driving record of an individual is going to determine if they are able to obtain a CDL. While you can if you meet all the other requirements and have a valid traditional driver’s license, it doesn’t mean you will be able to get a job. Most employers look very closely at a driving record when hiring drivers. The cost of insurance for big rigs is very expensive, and the get a discount when they have a fleet of drivers with a safe driving history.

Any individual holding a CDL has to understand that they can lose this privilege if their regular driving privileges are suspended or revoked. In many states failure to pay child support according to the court order can result in a driver’s license being suspended. This can also happen due to excessive amounts of speeding tickets, accidents, or driving under the influence of alcohol.

There are various ways in which a person can learn how to operate a big rig. Many students enroll in a truck driving school. This is a program that lasts for several weeks and teaches them all the fundamentals for both passing the written exam and the driving test. Most students master the rules faster than they do the driving skills. Instructors watch closely and work with students in many areas until they master the necessary skills to safely operate a big rig on the public highways.

Others learn from someone else who already holds a CDL. It is very common for fathers to teach their sons how to do this, especially if they have a business where holding a CDL is vital. The rules for obtaining a CDL in the United States are in place to ensure that the roads are safe. They are also in place to prevent those who have a poor driving record from having control of such a large and powerful piece of equipment.