The trucking industry is heavily regulated to ensure the well-being of both private citizens and personnel on the roads. Regulations like route restrictions, driver qualification requirements, electronic logging device (ELD), hours of service, commercial motor vehicle insurance requirements, and hazardous material (HAZMAT) licensing are continually updated in order to make sure that all truckers are complying with set safety standards.
Whenever any changes come into effect related to these regulations, they must be closely followed and monitored by freight organizations, who need to take the most prudent steps in order to avoid any action by the authorities which may lead to sanctions or penalties. Compliance is a must for trucking companies that work hard to guarantee cost-efficiency while assuring the safety of all highway users.
The Trucking Hours-of-Service Regulations
The trucking hours-of-service regulations are a set of laws and regulations established to ensure the safety of everyone who is taking to the roads. These regulations serve to limit the number of hours that truck drivers can be on the road in a single day or week in order to prevent overwork and fatigue that can hamper decision-making ability.
In addition, drivers must take breaks at regular intervals in order to rest and rehydrate, thus reducing the risk of accidents due to physical exhaustion. Thanks to these regulations, truck drivers everywhere can feel safer and more secure while navigating from point A to point B.
The Trucking Industry Weight Restrictions
The trucking industry faces unique challenges when it comes to setting weight restrictions on the roads - particularly in terms of finding a balance between providing for economic needs and preserving infrastructure.
Companies must always find a way to increase efficiency but also abide by regulations to ensure that vehicles are not overly large or heavy, as this could cause wear and tear on the roads ahead. It's key that governments provide sufficient guidance and oversight when it comes to the trucking industry, making sure safety and commercial mobility are both taken into account.
Strict enforcement of existing laws is also something that should be actively practiced, as even those who skirt regulations can cause dangerous conditions for anyone driving down the road. Maintaining balance between the business of transporting goods across states and protecting the highways is essential in keeping our transportation networks safe.
The Trucking Industry’s Maintenance Requirements
The trucking industry is a vital component of the US economy, providing the link between large-scale manufacturing and retail outlets. The amount of manpower and equipment necessary to keep this industry running is massive, and maintenance is no exception.
To maintain safe and efficient operations, fleets must be regularly maintained according to established schedules and procedures, ensuring they are in compliance with all mandatory regulations. Beyond that, fleet operators need to examine each individual truck for performance issues and address them before they become safety hazards or cause disruptions.
From oil changes to tire rotations, keeping up with preventative maintenance can make all the difference in preventing costly breakdowns later on down the road.
What Happens If Someone In the Trucking Industry Violates Regulations?
Violations of regulations in the trucking industry can have serious consequences for drivers and their employers. Drivers can be fined up to thousands of dollars per violation depending on the severity, and if caught breaking multiple violations they may even face jail time. Employers are subject to fines as well as suspensions or revocations of licenses due to neglect or insistence that drivers violate regulations in order to meet unreasonable deadlines or quotas.
Even more, this type of negligence can cause severe injuries. Our Des Moines truck accident attorneys work to help you seek compensation when you need it most.
For a free consultation, call our firm today at (515) 705-0233!