Did you know that the DOT actually states you must carry spare fuses while driving a commercial motor vehicle? CFR §395.95 (b) states, "Power units for which fuses are needed to operate any required parts and accessories must have at least one spare fuse for each type/size of fuse needed for those parts and accessories."

Confused on how the CFR reads? Visit the following articles for a breakdown on what each rule means.

Read More:

Are you interested in starting your own trucking company? If so, your first order of business is to obtain a USDOT number. To obtain the USDOT number you need to fill out FMCSA form MCS-150.

This is just the first step in the process though. Next week we will focus on obtaining an Operating Authority.

One of the first things you learned when you obtained your commercial driver's license (CDL) was the necessity of performing pre-trip inspections. Part of that inspection involves checking your lights. All the lights on your truck must be in working conditions at all times, no matter the time of day, no matter their use. If you have 20 lights along the top of your tractor-trailer, than all 20 lights must work, even if the trailer originally only came with 10 lights and you added 10 lights. DOT dictates if it is on the truck it must work.

During your pre-trip inspection make sure all your lights work. This includes headlights, taillights, cargo lights, license plate bulbs, turn signals, etc. If they are not working, you really need to replace and/or repair that light (or lights) before you get on the road.

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding and the like are rampant in the spring time. What precautions are you taking?

Whether you are a motor carrier or a driver, you need to be prepared for violent weather, knowing what to look for and how to react

Read More: