Tag Archive for: #truckdriver

Are Truck Drivers Responsible for Their Loads?

Unsecured loads pose a threat not only for the truck drivers but also for the other vehicles on the road. The objects from the cargo may fly off and cause accidents. To prevent such unwanted events from happening, one of the most important truck driver duties or responsibilities is securing their loads.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation or FMCSR, truckers should be familiar with the methods for securing their cargo. They should inspect their load and make adjustments during transit whenever necessary.

Truck drivers should ensure that their cargo won’t shift or fall. If this happens, it can damage the freight and make the vehicle unsafe because of uneven weight distribution.

Who Are Liable in Case of Unsecured-Load Accidents?

Many large truck crashes are caused by unsecured or overloaded cargo. In such events, several parties who may be held liable or responsible. They include:

  • Truck Driver

As mentioned, one of the truck driver duties is to ensure that their loads are secured and comply with federal and state laws. That said, they can be held liable if an accident occurs due to unsecured cargo.

  • Truck Manufacturer

The truck manufacturers may also be held accountable, especially if the unsecured-load accident is caused by a product defect. A faulty tie-down, for example, can cause the load to fall from the truck even if it is properly blocked or braced.

  • Trucking Company

Since the owners of the trucking company are the employers of the truck driver, they are responsible for the poor conduct or skills of their employees. They have the responsibility to ensure that their drivers are properly trained in securing loads.

Enroll at Custom Diesel Drivers Training Today!

Aside from unsecured loads, one of the causes of large truck crashes is untrained drivers. Just because someone knows how to drive a car doesn’t mean they can also steer a truck.

So, if you want to become a truck driver, you should enroll at Customs Diesel Training. We offer field and classroom training from Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We also conduct night classes. Contact us now to learn more about our programs!

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What Should Every Truck Driver Have?

Truck driver

Being a truck driver is not easy. Unpredictable things can happen on the road, like a tire blowout, bad weather conditions, and collisions. These are just some things you might encounter on your trip. Your health, safety, and comfort should come first in preparing for a trip.

Whether you’re a new truck driver or a seasoned veteran, there are a few things that you should always have. We have listed a few truck driver essentials that might help you during your road trip.

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit should have batteries, a flashlight, a knife, bottled water, canned food, a first aid kit, and a matchbox or lighter. Tools such as emergency flares and jumper cables are necessary as well.

The items in your kit should help you survive for at least 72 hours. When preparing for a trip, you should always expect the worst.

Basic Hygiene Essentials

Every driver should always have a personal hygiene pack filled with travel-size toiletries for long trips. You should also bring extra clothes for jobs that require you to get down and dirty, like changing your tires on a muddy road.

A Good Pair of Gloves

Any truck driver will tell you that a good pair of gloves is essential when you go on a trip. They keep your hands protected from the cold weather and blisters while driving long hours. They also provide truckers a secure grip on the steering wheel.

Tire Gauge

When you’re traveling, it’s crucial to check the tire pressure now and then. A handy tire gauge can help you with that. This small tool helps prevent big accidents caused by tire pressure issues.

Portable Cooking Appliances

When you go on long trips, you don’t want your diet to only consist of restaurant and junk food. Using portable cooking appliances can help you save money and add variety to your diet because of the different food you can cook. Appliances like portable gas stoves, electric skillets, and portable roasters are handy when you have long trips.

Why Prepare These Essentials

While you’re on the road, you never know what could happen. You might encounter crowded roads, experience fatigue from driving long hours, or displace your cargo because of uneven roads. In such circumstances, these truck driver essentials will help you.

Custom Diesel Drivers Training in Omaha, Nebraska can help you become a better truck driver. We offer truck driving lessons, Commercial Driver’s License or CDL training, as well as classroom lessons to further educate our students on the rules of the road. So, don’t hesitate to call us today and start your truck driving career!

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