The trucking business may sound simple to those who aren’t familiar with the trucking industry. Some believe trucking companies only load trucks and head off to their destination. However, the reality of the trucking business is a lot more complex than that. It requires planning, transporting, and safety measures. They also need to adhere to rules and regulations such as filing IFTA Fuel Tax Return.
The rules given by the Department of Transportation and
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ensure safety, avoid crashes,
injuries, and fatalities. These safety standards are guides in reducing
trucking risks. Below, Global Multi Services take us through how to operate
safely in the trucking industry.
The safety of your drivers and freight starts with the
truck. Trucks with no maintenance are more likely to break down on the road.
So, trucking companies need to schedule regular inspections, repair, and
maintenance of their fleets. These ensure the trucks are in good condition and
can safely operate on public roads.
Your mechanics can also create preventative maintenance
schedules based on mileage, days, previous breakdown history, and many more.
Through regular maintenance and repair services, you can ensure your trucks are
in top shape so drivers can avoid breakdowns on their routes.
PRE-TRIP AND POST-TRIP INSPECTION
A pre-trip and post-trip inspection ensures the truck is
safe before driving. They are also part of safety regulations required by the
Department of Transportation regulations.
A thorough check of oil levels, horns, mirrors, engine health, brakes,
and many more is vital to avoid breakdowns and accidents.
It always helps detect any unnoticed problem before
hitting the road. Therefore, trucking companies must protect the safety of
their drivers by ensuring all inspections are thoroughly done and accurately
documented.
FILING IFTA FUEL TAX RETURN
Trucking companies traveling across multiple
jurisdictions must obtain IFTA and file IFTA Fuel Tax Return in their base
jurisdiction to operate without being penalized. IFTA is an international
agreement signed between the Continental United States and the province of
Canada to make fuel tax reporting easy for motor carriers participating in
international and interstate commerce. Failure to file an IFTA Fuel Tax Return
will result in the hefty penalty or suspension of their IFTA License.
HANDLE FREIGHT WITH UTMOST CARE
Freight can shift during transit if not loaded, secured,
and balanced well. These can cause problems for the company and driver.
According to reports, improperly balanced loads are one of the leading causes
of death of truck drivers. Unsecured freight can push through the back door of
a closed trailer, cause overturning, injury, accident, or death. So, it is
crucial to ensure every single shipment is loaded carefully and well secured.
ADHERE TO HOS REGULATION
The trucking industry prioritizes safety, and it helps
reduce the number of accidents that occur each year. Spending too much time on
the road can be dangerous for both truck drivers and other road users.
According to the Department of Transportation, truck drivers must not drive
more than 11 hours per day. These help decrease driver fatigue and fewer
fatigue-related accidents.
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