Need to Know
Safe and dependable transportation depends on well-qualified drivers, compliant operations, secure cargo, careful vehicle inspections, and complete paperwork. This information is general guidance and does not replace applicable FMCSA regulations, state requirements, company policies, or professional legal advice.
Hours of Service and ELD Compliance
Drivers must use the required Electronic Logging Device (ELD) accurately and keep duty-status records current. Drivers must never drive while fatigued and must follow all applicable hours-of-service requirements. Common federal limits for property-carrying operations include 10 consecutive hours off duty before a new driving period, an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour duty window, a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, and the applicable 60/70-hour on-duty cycle. Logs must never be falsified.
Driver Qualifications
Our driver qualification expectations include a minimum age of 21 and at least two years of relevant professional driving experience. Drivers must hold the required license and endorsements, maintain a safe driving record, complete qualification checks, and meet applicable medical, training, and regulatory requirements.
Cargo Securement
Proper cargo securement protects the driver, public, vehicle, and shipment. Cargo must be loaded, distributed, and secured correctly and checked for shifting or other hazards. Photos should be taken before loading, after loading and securement, and after unloading.
Daily Vehicle Inspection
Before getting on the road each morning, drivers must inspect the truck and confirm it is safe and roadworthy, including tires, wheels, brakes, lights, mirrors, windshield, steering, suspension, fluids, coupling devices, securement equipment, emergency equipment, leaks, and damage. Any safety defect must be reported immediately and corrected before operation when required.
Drug and Alcohol Compliance
Drivers must never report for duty or remain on duty while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, unauthorized controlled substances, or misuse of prescription medication. Violations may result in crashes, injuries, cargo loss, removal from safety-sensitive duties, termination, license consequences, and regulatory penalties. Drivers must comply with required testing when applicable.
Required Paperwork and Proof of Delivery
Complete paperwork is essential for every load. Drivers must obtain the Bill of Lading (BOL), rate confirmation, pickup and delivery instructions, and other required documents. The Proof of Delivery (POD) must be completed and signed at delivery, especially by the receiver. Drivers should not leave without obtaining the required signature when available.
If the BOL is missing, the driver must not show the rate confirmation to the receiver for signature. The driver should contact dispatch so dispatch can request the correct document from the broker. Damage, shortage, moisture, shifting, or other discrepancies must be photographed and described by the responsible shipper or receiver on the BOL or delivery paperwork before signing. Notify dispatch immediately. The signed POD is critical evidence supporting invoicing and payment, although it is not an absolute guarantee of payment.
Documents to Carry for a DOT Inspection
Drivers must keep required documents available in the truck and present them during a DOT inspection when requested. The document set should include:
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license with the required class and endorsements.
- A current DOT medical card or required medical certification documentation.
- Current truck registration.
- Current trailer registration, when operating a trailer.
- Lease agreements and related authorization documents, if applicable.
- Required shipment documents, including the BOL and other dispatch paperwork.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records and supporting documents, as required.
The ELD must be switched on and recording the correct duty status while driving. Drivers must not operate with an expired license, expired medical certification, missing registration, or an ELD that is off or not recording properly. Any missing document, ELD problem, or compliance concern must be reported to dispatch or management promptly and resolved before continuing when required.
Safety Comes First
When in doubt, stop in a safe location, protect the shipment, document the condition, and contact management before continuing. Following these practices helps protect drivers, customers, cargo, and the public.