Category Archives: Regulations

How Truck Drivers Can Prevent Tire Violations

How Truck Drivers Can Prevent Tire Violations

If you drive a truck you know that you don’t want to violate vehicle maintenance rules. Therefore, you’ve got to be on the lookout for a regrooved tire on the front of a truck, an underinflated tire, weight carried exceeding the tire load limit, exposed fabric, ply or belt material on the tire, sidewall or tread separations, and/or tread depth that’s not deep enough to pass inspection.

Before you take a trip, do pre-trip inspections and thorough logging– and while driving, notice if you’re experiencing high vibrations which could indicate a problem with the tires. Ideally, whenever you suspect something’s wrong with a tire on your truck, fix it. Replace worn parts or damaged tires immediately.

Signs Your Tires Are Bad

How would you know if your tires are bad? Look for tread separation, cuts and tears, bulges, exposed fabric (including belt or body ply), tread tearing or chunking, puncture damage, issues with beading, embedded objects and/or excessive cracking.

Another major issue with truck tires is tire pressure. Whether you use TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems) or a calibrated tire gauge, it’s important to make sure your tires have more than 50% of their maximum pressure or else they’re considered flat. It’s a good idea to check tire pressure daily, even on inner tires in dual setups. Keep in mind tires may lose pressure in colder temperatures. You don’t want to run on under or overinflated tires.

Basically, by inspecting tires and maintaining them, you’re doing your part to not only meet the standards set forth by the industry, but also reducing the risk of hazardous driving conditions, thereby making the roads safer for everyone.

Are you a truck driver looking for placement opportunities? Platinum Drivers can help– call 844-800-1421 for more information. You can also search truck driving jobs. Platinum Drivers has opportunities in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Could New Federal Regulations Cause Shipping Costs to Rise?

Could New Federal Regulations Cause Shipping Costs to Rise?

Recently a new federal regulation took effect that requires drivers of big rigs equipped with electronic logs to use them to record their time behind the wheel. Regulators can now better enforce existing rules limiting driving time. The utilization of these electronic logs mean that drivers are likely to travel fewer number of miles in… Continue Reading

Tips for Passing Your CDL Driving Test

To drive big rigs, you need to pass the CDL exam. CDL stands for “Commercial Driver’s License.” The exam involves a written portion concerning things like rules and regulations, while the driving portion is all about seeing whether or not you’ve got what it takes to safely steer a giant truck around parking lots, roads,… Continue Reading

EPA Puts Phase 2 In Place For Idling Truck Standards

New rules set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency’s 1,690 page greenhouse gas pollution rule book is giving worry to truck drivers. Right now, there is great concern for the safety of the environment due to heavy-duty truck idling, especially when truck drivers idle their trucks during required rest breaks during day and weeklong trips.… Continue Reading

Truck Drivers Will Be Required To Log Hours Electronically

Truck Drivers Will Be Required To Log Hours Electronically

For decades upon decades, truck drivers have logged their miles with a paper and pen. However, as has been the case with businesses and industries around the country, truck drivers will soon be replacing pens and papers with an electronic device. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is the major authoritative voice for truck… Continue Reading