Federal Regulation of Truck Drivers

As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston sees its fair share of traffic accidents involving commercial trucks. 18-Wheeler accidents can cause serious injuries and even fatalities, leaving victims and their families with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is vital to seek the help of a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Houston with experience handling these cases. One important aspect of these cases is understanding the federal regulations that govern commercial truck drivers.

APPLICATION OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking in the United States. The rules cover many areas, including driver qualifications, service hours, vehicle maintenance, etc.

HOURS – OF -SERVICE

One of the most important regulations for truck drivers is the hours-of-service rule. This rule limits the number of hours a driver can be on duty and driving each day and week. This rule aims to prevent driver fatigue, a major contributor to truck accidents.

CDL

Another important regulation is the requirement for commercial truck drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license requires a driver to pass written and driving tests and meet certain health and safety requirements.

MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY

In addition to these regulations, there are rules around vehicle maintenance and safety. For example, trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe for the road.

DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS

Federal regulations also outline the qualifications and requirements for commercial truck drivers. These include holding a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), passing a medical examination, and meeting specific age and experience requirements. Trucking companies must conduct thorough background checks and ensure that their drivers meet all necessary qualifications before allowing them to operate a commercial vehicle.

CARGO LOADING AND SECUREMENT

Proper loading and securement of cargo is crucial to maintaining the stability and safety of commercial trucks. Federal regulations dictate the maximum weight limits, load securement methods, and distribution guidelines for different types of cargo.

Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers and personnel are trained in proper cargo-loading techniques to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo.

LICENSING AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERSTATE TRUCKING COMPANIES

Interstate trucking companies play a crucial role in transporting goods across state lines. However, truck accidents can result in severe injuries and devastating consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles.

Therefore, these companies need to meet specific licensing and insurance requirements to ensure the safety of both their drivers and the public.

DOT NUMBER

Licensing requirements for interstate trucking companies are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency within the Department of Transportation. Trucking companies must obtain a Motor Carrier Number (MC Number) from the FMCSA to operate legally.

This unique identifier is used to track and monitor their safety performance.

In addition to the MC Number, interstate trucking companies must have a USDOT Number, which the FMCSA issues after registration.

This number identifies the company and collects data on its safety audits, inspections, and crash investigations. These licensing requirements help ensure that trucking companies comply with federal regulations.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Apart from licensing, interstate trucking companies must also carry specific insurance coverage. The FMCSA mandates that these companies maintain a minimum level of insurance to protect the company and the public in the event of an accident.

The minimum insurance requirements vary depending on the type of cargo being transported and the vehicle’s weight.

For general freight, interstate trucking companies must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. However, much higher liability limits are required for vehicles carrying hazardous material.