What is it that you need to keep a truck in compliance? What does it take for your trucking company to be legal? The answer may not be as simple as you think. There are certain documents required by law, including logs, inspections, and more.
Most people have never even heard of some of the things they must do in order to operate their business legally. That’s why we put together this article on what is necessary for your trucking company to stay compliant with the law.
Once you are informed about these requirements, you might find that many seem common sense or easy enough to comply with. However, quite a few will surprise most people who don’t understand how trucks work.
As a trucking company, it is important to be aware of these requirements as they can affect your business. If you aren’t in compliance with the law, you put yourself at risk of being shut down by the authorities. Not only would this defeat the entire purpose of running a business, but it could also cause problems for drivers.
Without proper documentation, they could lose their jobs, so you need to be aware of what these documents are.
First, there is the BOC-3 form. If you’re wondering what is a boc-3 form, it’s a document that must be brought with you every time you drive across state lines. The federal government requires this form to be filled out at each border, and it is used for over-the-road commercial trucks.
We’re not just talking about big rigs here, but smaller cargo carriers as well. This includes any vehicle that crosses state lines that has a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more. It will need to have the BOC-3 form filled out before being allowed on the road again if operating interstate. It also details where your truck can go, so it can’t exactly go pick up passengers in New York City only to drop them off in California later on your trip unless stated otherwise on the form.
A trucker’s log is also important because it provides information about hours worked and which type of roads were driven. It also contains information about any possible infractions that may have occurred along the way.
The logbook must include all required signatures as well as dates it was completed by each person involved in keeping track of this data. This document needs to be created during business hours, not after or before work starts or stops for the day. The driver must keep this book with them at all times during their shift, but it can be mailed back to your company if requested at the end of the day.
Then there is the vehicle inspection report which all trucks must undergo before being allowed on public roads. This document is used to check things like brakes, lights, mirrors, and more. It is important that your trucking company complies with all of these inspections as they are used to ensure the safety of both drivers and other motorists.
There are also rules about how long a driver can be on duty at a time. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put in place regulations limiting the number of hours a driver can work consecutively. You will need to keep track of this data in order to avoid violating these regulations.
Plus, there are rules for parking. You must make sure that you do not park in unsafe zones like construction areas or near emergency vehicles unless otherwise stated by the area authorities.
Most people think that driving a truck is just as simple as getting behind the wheel and heading down the road. But there are actually a number of regulations and laws that trucking companies must abide by in order to keep their vehicles on the street. And if you’re not familiar with them, it could result in big fines or, worse, your business being shut down.
So what are some of these requirements? Well, for starters, most states require commercial vehicles to have a special license plate. You will need to check with your local DMV office about this. In addition, there are regulations about the size and weight of the truck. You will need to make sure that your truck is not too heavy for the roads it will be traveling on. Otherwise, you could end up with a hefty fine.
There are also many other documents that trucking companies must carry in order to stay compliant with the law. You might find that once you are informed about these requirements, many seem common sense or easy enough to comply
As you can see, there are quite a few documents that your trucking company must carry with them at all times. It is important to be aware of these requirements and make sure your business is compliant. Failing to do so could result in fines, the closure of your business, or worse. Be safe out there on the open road and stay in compliance.