CDL-holding employees who are under your supervision should be able to remain compliant with labor laws. This is important because it holds a high legal standard and ensures operational efficiency.
Commercial drivers deal with specific regulations ranging from safety protocols to the hours they need to work while in service. This guide will cover how your CDL-holding employees can stay compliant even if some of the laws and regulations change in the future.
It is important to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that such employees are aware of any changes that may arise and remain compliant in the meantime. Here’s a look at everything you need to know in this guide.
CDL Regulations: What You Need To Know?
Commercial driver’s licenses or CDLs are requirements for drivers operating large or heavy vehicles like buses or tractor-trailer trucks. Especially if they are doing so as part of a job requirement. There are plenty of regulations that are part of the types of licenses, and they are stringent across various areas, including the following:
Hours of Service (HOS)
First and foremost, the hours of service or host regulations pertain to the maximum hours a driver can have when operating a commercial vehicle. Ensuring that the number of hours is logged per regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA is essential.
Mandatory rest breaks are required. Please note that the daily driving limits that CDL holders must have are a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive hours of off-duty time.
In addition, all drivers must take 30-minute breaks for every 8 hours of driving. The weekly driving limits include limitations within a seven- or eight-day time frame.
This will be based on whether the operator is within a 100-mile or 150-mile air-mile radius. CDL schools such as NETTTS will ensure that you follow the host requirements and more throughout your time in class.
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
Vehicle safety and maintenance regulations are some of the most stringent requirements that CDL drivers must follow. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections to ensure they operate safely in their vehicles. Also, it is essential to ensure regular maintenance and repairs are performed accordingly to meet safety standards at all times.
For example, semi-trucks should be serviced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. The service that should be covered includes an engine oil and filter change, a fuel filter change, checking the air filter, and even inspecting any lubricant levels and ensuring they are topped off accordingly if needed.
What Makes Training Programs Important?
Training programs designed for CDL holders will contain a curriculum ensuring the following safety regulations. NETTTS has a CDL program that includes extensive time spent handling different safety regulations and following specific procedures. At the same time, students of the course will learn how to keep up to date with the latest regulations.
Also, as an employer with CDL drivers in your employees, it is your responsibility to be aware of any regulation changes that may happen in your jurisdiction and nationwide. Nonetheless, it is paramount that CDL drivers understand the essential aspects of complying with labor laws, vehicle safety, and maintenance, among others.
Also, it is essential to ensure regular training and refresher courses are done regularly. This is not only to keep CDL drivers in the loop but also to enable them to implement effective compliance strategies to stay compliant with labor laws, whether state or federal. It’s always a good idea to make sure everyone knows what to do, including in situations such as filing a car accident claim in Texas – even if your truck is involved.
Final Thoughts
CDL-holding employees under your supervision can be confident knowing that this guide and proper training can ensure that they follow not only the labor laws of your jurisdiction but also remain compliant with any safety regulations pertaining to their job. Bear in mind that failure to comply can lead to Legal implications such as fines for your company. Do your part to ensure that you train your CDL Drivers accordingly and recommend any training programs they need to take if necessary.
