Trucking Knowledge Center

Driving Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV's)

FMCSA regulations regarding operating of a commercial motor vehicle, Federal level.

CSA - Compliance, Safety, and Accountability Program

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) is a Federal initiative to improve large truck and bus safety.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's tasked to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.

CDL Drug & Alcohol Testing Methods & Detection Times

The complete guide to DOT drug testing methods and detection times for your DOT physical. This is a requirement for getting your CDL.

The Logbook Rules (HOS) Rules For Truck Drivers

The complete guide to understanding the hours of service rules for truck drivers. Every rule explained in the simplest terms with examples of each.

Drowsy, Fatigued, or Ill Driver Regulations & Tips

FMSCA Regulation regarding fatigued/ill truck drivers. Tips to deal with drowsy driving and how to avoid it.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Policies & Testing

Overview of official DOT drug and alcohol use and testing policies.

CMV - Commercial Motor Vehicle

Description, specifics and definition of a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement

Overview of hazardous materials as defined by the Department Of Transportation (DOT)

Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP)

What is the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program, and how does it affect commercial truck drivers? How is it used?

Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs)

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice

Hypertension (high blood pressure) could keep a truck driver out of the seat.

Department Of Transportation (DOT)

Federal agency in charge of keeping America's roads and transportation system safe for travel.

DOT Physical - Driver Exemptions

Truck drivers who have trouble meeting the DOT physical requirements for Vision and Diabetes, can apply to the FMCSA Driver Exemptions Program.

Vehicle Maintenance

Much of the responsibility for vehicle safety rests on the driver of the CMV.

WIOA - Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (aka WIA)

The WIOA helps workers, who have been displaced through no fault of their own, with job training and placement. The WIOA supercedes the WIA.

Per Diem Pay For Truck Drivers

Per Diem is a portion of their salary paid to the truck driver tax-free.

Types Of Trailers In Trucking

Various types of trailers in trucking and a description of each.

Specialized Trailers In Trucking

Trailers that don't fit into other categories, like logging trailers, car haulers, and cattle haulers. Specific trailers for specific freight.

Dry Van Trailers

Dry van is the most common trailer in trucking. A box on wheels.

Tanker Trailers

Overview of driving tanker trailers.

Flatbed Trailers

What new truck drivers need to know about the different types of flatbeds and pulling them.

CMVSA - Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Established national guidelines for testing and licensing of CMV drivers.

Getting Your CDL: The Complete Guide

Describes the specific steps and requirements in the CDL process.

Pre-Hire Letters

What are trucking company pre-hire letters? How do I get them?

CDL Qualifications

Explains basic required qualifications for new CDL drivers.

TWIC Cards

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) are used for truck driver's access to maritime facilities.

TSA Background Check

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) requires a background check for TWIC cards and Hazmat Endorsements.

Cell Phone Use, Texting, & Driver Distractions

FMCSA rules regarding truck drivers texting and mobile phone use while driving. Tips for avoiding distractions while driving truck.

Truck Drivers & Fuel Efficiency

Truck drivers, gas mileage, fuel efficiency techniques and effects.

Hair Follicle vs. Urinalysis Drug Testing:
Breakdown By Company

Our list of which trucking companies are known to use hair follicle drug testing in addition to urinalysis in their screening process for CDL drivers.

List Of Trucking Companies That Allow Pets

List of trucking companies that allow drivers to take their pets on the road with them, and a list of companies that do not.

Trucking Companies That Will Hire Felons

Lists of trucking companies who will or will not hire CDL drivers with felony convictions.

Items To Bring To CDL School, Training, and OTR

Lists of items that drivers should bring to truck driving school, training, and on the road as a solo driver.

Trucking Companies That Hire Drivers With DUI

List of trucking companies and their policies for hiring CDL drivers who have been convicted of a DUI's or DWI's.

Military Veterans Into Trucking - The Complete Guide

Military Veterans To Trucking - The Complete Guide. Covers tuition costs, benefits, CDL training programs, and companies with programs for veterans.

Winter Driving Tips & Items To Bring

Tips for truck drivers for driving in the winter and snow. Items to bring on the road for winter driving.

Diesel Exhaust Regeneration & Particulate Filters

Diesel Exhaust Regeneration & Particulate Filters - What truck drivers should know about DPF's and exhaust regeneration.

Older Truck Drivers - Advice & Tips

Advice for older truck drivers who are just starting their trucking careers.

Questions To Ask Trucking Company Recruiters

100 questions that new drivers should ask recruiters when they are choosing a trucking company.

Trucking Companies That Use Driver-Facing Cameras

Many trucking companies are starting to use driver facing cameras in their trucks, to reduce liability and improve safety.

CDL Permit Test Study Guide And Cheat Sheet

Important points to remember and keep fresh in your mind right before you take the CDL permit exam.

FAQ: The Truck Driver's Lifestyle

Frequently asked question about the lifestyle of truck drivers, why it is much more than a job.

FAQ: General Trucking Industry Questions

Frequently asked questions about the trucking industry in general. Driver shortage and demand, pay, types of driving jobs.

FAQ: CDL Qualifications & Regulations

Frequently asked questions about CDL qualifications and industry regulations. Knowing if you need a CDL and how to get one.

FAQ: Truck Driver's Age & Background

Frequently asked questions about older truck drivers and their age, and what kinds of backgrounds will help to become a truck driver.

FAQ: Truck Driver's DOT Physical & Medical Certification

Frequently asked questions about the DOT physical process, and truck driver's medical certification.

FAQ: Attending Private CDL School

Frequently asked questions on what going to a private CDL truck driving school is like. What is the cost, what should I bring, can I get a loan?

FAQ: Attending Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Frequently asked questions about company-sponsored or free cdl training school programs. What is the cost, how do I choose a CDL school or company?

FAQ: Choosing A Trucking Company

Frequently asked questions about how new drivers choose a company to work for. Choosing a company, dealing with recruiters, and how much will I get paid?

FAQ: CDL School & Testing

Frequently asked questions about attending CDL training school and permit and driving skills testing.

FAQ: Trucking Company Training & Trainers

Frequently asked questions about trucking companies and their training process, and dealing with over-the-road trainers.

FAQ: Dealing With Company Recruiters

Frequently asked questions about trucking company recruiters. What should you ask recruiters, and what should you know about them?

FAQ: Your First Year As A Rookie Truck Driver

Frequently asked questions about surviving your first year as a new truck driver and what to expect as a rookie.

FAQ: Truck Driver's Home Time

Frequently asked questions by new truck drivers about home time. Can I take my truck home? Where will I park? How often will I get home time?

FAQ: Truck Driver's Pay & Salary Types

Frequently asked questions about truck driver's pay rates and how much money they make. What jobs or companies pay the best? How are truck drivers paid?

FAQ: Women Truck Drivers

Frequently asked questions about female truck drivers and women in trucking. Is it safe for women on the road?

FAQ: Military Veterans Becoming Truck Drivers

Frequently asked questions about becoming a truck driver as a veteran of the military. Does my military experience count? What programs are available?

FAQ: Safe Driving Tips For New Truck Drivers

Frequently asked questions by new truck drivers about safe driving and being a rookie driver.

FAQ: Trucker Health - Eating, Sleeping, & Exercise

Frequently asked questions about your health, diet, sleep & exercise as a truck driver. How can I exercise, eat right, sleep right, & stay healthy?

Getting Exercise As A Truck Driver

Everything a truck driver needs to know about exercising on the road, where to do it, and things they will need to stay fit and healthy.

Safe Haven & Adverse Conditions Rules Explained

Do adverse driving conditions allow me to drive to a safe haven? What is the difference between safe haven and adverse conditions?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) And Truck Drivers

Causes, concerns, symptoms and treatments for truck drivers at risk or dealing with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Jake Brake - What Is It, And How Do You Use It?

Description and overview of the Jacob's Engine Brake, or Jake Brake compression release engine brake. Tips for using jake brakes.

Type Of Transmissions Used By Trucking Companies

This is a master list of the type of transmissions used by each of the major trucking companies - standard, automatic, or a mix of both.

What Is DEF? (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)

DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is a critical component in controlling diesel exhaust emissions. Learn all about DEF here, including chemical properties and refilling.

How Much Does A Class A CDL Cost?

Here we cover the costs involved getting your Class A CDL including your permit, endorsements, and testing fees, and CDL school tuition.

What Is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hot shot trucking involves carrying smaller, more time sensitive loads using smaller trucks and trailers. Learn all about hot shot trucking here.

What Is An ELD?

An ELD is an electronic logging device which is used to log the hours of a truck driver's day and are mandatory for commercial driving. Learn all about ELD's here.

Keeping The Faith: A Guide To Church Services For Truckers

There are many options today for attending church for truck drivers. Here is a long list of ways to attend services locally or stay in touch with your church back home.

Time Management For Truck Drivers

Managing your time efficiently is one of the key ways for a truck driver to move more freight and make more money. Here are some ways to help manage your time better.

How Much Does A UPS Driver Make?

Your complete guide to working for United Parcel Service (UPS), including salary, benefits, hours, types of jobs available, and minimum requirements.

The Complete Guide To Getting A School Bus Endorsement

You must have a school bus endorsement on your CDL to transport students to school activities.

Eye Exam & Vision Requirements For DOT Physical

The eye exam is part of the DOT physical and there are minimum vision requirements you must meet.

Hours Of Service Exemptions For Truck Drivers

A complete list of FMCSA exemptions to the hours of service rules for truck drivers.

GPS Systems For Truck Drivers

Overview of GPS systems for truck drivers. We discuss why trucker-specific GPS systems are better and how they work.

CDL Drug Test Failure & Return-to-Duty Process

What do you do when you fail a DOT drug test, and what is the return-to-duty process for CDL truck drivers?

Truck Drivers And Diabetes - The Complete Guide

If you have insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes mellitus, you can now drive a tractor trailer without obtaining an exemption from the FMCSA, effective 11/19/2018.

Hauling Refrigerated Trailers

Used to transport temperature-sensitive freight. Overview of refrigerated trucking jobs and new FMCSA regulations.

DOT Physical - The Complete Guide

What is the DOT Physical and what are the requirements for passing the DOT physical? This is your comprehension guide to passing the physical for your CDL.

Truck Driver Salary - The Complete Guide

Your complete guide to truck driver salary including first year salary, experienced driver pay, tax write-offs, per diem pay, mileage pay, and more.

CDL Disqualifications

Details on specific offenses and how long each offense will disqualify CDL holders from operating a CMV.

Blood Pressure Requirements For The DOT Physical

Important facts regarding the blood pressure requirements and tips for maintaining your health

CDL Endorsements - The Complete Guide

CDL Endorsements the complete guide. Understand the CDL endorsements available including the required schooling, costs, requirements, and exams.

DOT Hearing Test

The hearing test is part of the DOT physical and will test the driver's ability to hear and perceive sounds. Learn minimum requirements and get advice here

Doubles and Triples CDL Endorsement

Rules and requirements for CDL drivers getting their doubles and triples CDL endorsement.

DAC (Drive-A-Check) Report

DAC reports are used by employers to verify truck drivers work and driving history.

Sleep Apnea For Truck Drivers - The Complete Guide

Sleep Apnea for truck drivers - the complete guide. Understanding sleep apnea for the DOT physical including testing procedures, symptoms, and treatments.

How To Get Your CDL - The Complete Guide

The CDL License - your complete guide to getting your CDL including the costs, physical requirements, CDL endorsements, CDL training, and more.

Tips For Trucking With Your Pets

Advice and tips for truck drivers who want to take a pet along on the road.