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FMCSA reopens comment period on broker transparency

WASHINGTON —  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is reopening the comment period on broker transparency proposed rulemaking. According to the Federal Register, the comment period is being reopened at the request of the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC). The new comment period will last through March 20. Background On Nov. 20, 2024, NPRM (89 FR 91648) requested public comment on FMCSA’s proposed amendments to its property broker rules in response to petitions for rulemaking from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and SBTC. Under current regulations, the parties to a brokered freight transaction have a right to review the broker’s record of the transaction, which stakeholders often refer to as ‘‘broker transparency.’’ Contracts between brokers and motor carriers frequently contain waivers of this right. OOIDA requested that FMCSA promulgate a requirement that property brokers provide an electronic copy of each transaction record automatically within 48 hours after the contractual service has been completed, and explicitly prohibit brokers from including any provision in their contracts that requires a motor carrier to waive its rights to access the transaction records. SBTC requested that FMCSA prohibit brokers of property from coercing or requiring parties to brokered transactions to waive their right to review the record of the transaction as a condition for doing business and prohibit the use of clause(s) exempting the broker from having to comply with this transparency requirement. Speaking Out In December 2024, OOIDA president Todd Spencer urged all truck drivers to comment on the issue in a strongly worded statement. “To the shady freight brokers, you’ve skirted federal regulations to take advantage of the hardworking men and women behind the wheel for too long and it’s far past time this era of screwing over truckers comes to an end,” Spencer said. “To the American trucker, now is your chance to hold bad brokers accountable. Jump into the arena and demand action from FMCSA. No more sitting on the sidelines complaining. If you speak up, we’ll win this fight.” Stacked Deck Earlier this month, Spencer stated that the deck is stacked against small business truckers. “The deck is stacked against carriers in numerous ways, yet truckers persevere and deliver for the American people. It’s time to level the playing field,” Spencer said. “It’s time to restore fairness in the freight market. It’s time to give small-business truckers a leg up. It’s time for broker transparency.” Demand for Broker Transparency  “We agree with (FMCSA’s) assertion that, ‘broker transparency is intended to enable efficient outcomes in the transportation industry by providing material information necessary for the transacting parties to make informed business decisions,’” OOIDA said. “Over the last few years, motor carriers have been increasingly victimized by freight fraud, unpaid claims, dubious charges, unpaid loads, double brokered loads, and load phishing schemes. The absence of legitimate broker transparency limits carriers’ ability to combat these problems.” Request for Comments To submit a comment, please include the docket number for the NPRM (FMCSA–2023–0257). Indicate the specific section of the document to which your comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery. Please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/FMCSA-2023-0257-0001

Simplify tax season with Truckstop’s comprehensive checklist

In an industry where uncertainties are the norm, one thing remains consistent – tax season.  “Many truck drivers and independent owner-operators can feel overwhelmed because they most likely did not sign up to do loads of paperwork and play CPA in their spare time, it is imperative to know the basics and be prepared when the IRS comes knocking,” Truckstop said. “It doesn’t have to be stressful. When you know the deductions owner-operators are allowed to claim, keep track of your expenses throughout the year with some basic record keeping, and plan ahead, you can face tax time with a lot more confidence and a lot less dread.”  Additional Taxes for Owner-Operators  “You can’t manage your business if you’re not keeping track of it throughout the year….keep up with it every day, every month, and at the end of the year,” said Todd Amen, president and CEO at ATBS.  In addition to state and federal income taxes, truck owner-operators are required to pay the trucking fuel tax known as IFTA, the International Fuel Tax Agreement. As an owner-operator, you must register in your base state and report and pay that state accordingly. IFTA taxes can be confusing, so make sure you understand the ins and outs.  “You can always hire a tax professional to help you, depending on your comfort level,” Truckstop said. “Even so, careful and thorough record keeping on your part will ensure a smooth process and help you avoid over-paying or owing money when you least expect it.”  Most Common Tax Deductions  If you’re an employee of a trucking company and receive a W-2 at the end of the year, your job-related expenses are not tax deductible. If you’re a self-employed owner-operator, however, you can and should deduct all your work-related costs.  As an owner-operator, at the end of the year you will get a 1099 tax form from customers that paid you more than $600 throughout the year. Those forms, plus your own records of income and expenses, are what you report and file along with your 1040. Again, keeping good records and careful documentation will help you back up your deduction claims to ensure you get the full tax benefits and help you avoid an audit.  Vehicle-related Expenses  The IRS considers your equipment—your semi-truck, van, flatbed, reefer, or other type of vehicle used in your trucking operation—to be a qualified non-personal-use vehicle. You can claim all the actual expenses of operating the vehicle as deductions.  Fuel costs: Any fuel costs you pay on the road hauling loads, along with the fuel taxes you’re responsible for when filing your quarterly IFTA report are tax deductible. You can also claim work-travel-related fees like tolls and parking.  Maintenance and repairs: Since your truck is considered a qualified non-personal-use vehicle, you can deduct 100% of all vehicle expenses for truck repair and maintenance. A simple rule of thumb is “if you repair it, you can deduct it.” Maintenance and repair expenses on your truck, including labor, parts, oil, tires, tools, and getting your truck washed and detailed can be deducted in full the same year you paid for it. Make sure you keep every receipt, whether the expense is large or small. They all add up come tax time, and you can’t claim it if you didn’t document it.  Truck payments or leases: Whether you have truck payments on a vehicle you’re working to own or if you lease your work vehicle, those payments are fully deductible. If you own your truck, you can claim depreciation. “Straight-line” depreciation is the standard schedule for a new Class 8 truck, and it’s spread evenly over several tax years. Accelerated depreciation takes a percentage of the truck’s value in a couple of years and a less rate after that.  Insurance premiums: Business-related insurance premiums, including equipment insurance, can be deducted from your taxable income. This includes commercial liability insurance, property damage insurance, business interruption insurance, and loss of cargo insurance.  Registration fees and taxes: Any expense directly related to your independent owner-operator business is tax deductible. This might include vehicle registration fees, permits and licenses and taxes, including the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax and the cost of maintaining your CDL . Travel expenses  Lodging (hotels, motels): If you’re working away from home long enough to need overnight accommodations, you can claim the lodging bill as a tax deduction. You can also claim expenses incurred with furnishing your sleeper berth. Items that fall under this category might include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, window coverings, bedding, food storage items and first-aid supplies.  Meals (subject to partial deduction): If you’re an owner-operator driver subject to hours of service regulations, you can claim 80% of meal expenses purchased on the road. You have two options. You can either keep all your food and restaurant receipts and claim your actual meals expenses, including tax and tips, or you can use the per diem allowance. Per diem is the daily non-taxable reimbursement the federal government allows to cover meals and incidentals on the road. The IRS uses the official General Services Administration per diem rates.  Note: Effective October 1, 2024, the U.S. per diem rate for a full day increased to $80, up from the previous rate of $69, which was in effect from January 1 to September 30, 2024. This means that when you file your 2024 taxes, you will calculate your per diem rate using two different rates.  Shower fees at truck stops: Many truck stops are conveniently equipped with showers for on-the-road hygiene purposes. Some charge, some don’t. If you pay for this convenience, you can claim it as a tax deduction.  Equipment and supplies  Devices: Today’s mobile technology is essential to running an efficient and compliant trucking operation and helps independent owner-operators compete with large carrier companies. From GPS devices to tablets, smartphones, and laptops, the cost of these business tools is a tax deduction that will lower your tax bill. If you use the technology for both business and personal reasons, deduct the portion that’s work-related.  Logbooks: If you keep a manual record of any business transactions, expenses, hours of service, or any other work-related topic, you can deduct the actual cost of the journal or logbook.  Safety equipment: Any specialized safety gear required for your job, like safety goggles, steel-toed boots, a back brace, or other article designed to protect you while working, can be deducted.  Work-related clothing and laundry: Everyday clothing (such as jeans and a t-shirt) cannot be deducted, even if you wear it while driving. However, specialized clothing, like coveralls, specialized footwear, or protective headwear can be deducted. A company logo shirt or other garment that represents your company can be deducted.  Home office and communication expenses  Cell phone bills: If you have a separate cell phone that you use exclusively for your trucking business, you can deduct the entire cost of the plan. If you use one phone for both personal and business use, you can deduct a portion of the cost. You will need to determine what percentage of the time you use it for your trucking operation and deduct that portion. Today’s owner-operators rely on trucking-related apps to run their businesses and find loads. Any and all apps you use to handle any portion of your business can be written off as a tax deduction. Again, keep a record of your purchases and related costs so you can easily itemize them and take the deductions at tax time.  Internet services for work purposes: If you have Wi-Fi at home or in your cab, you can deduct the cost on your taxes. Wi-Fi in your cab lets you work from anywhere—whether it’s planning your next haul, finding loads, or handling other online tasks.  Home office supplies: If you conduct portions of your business from home, like most owner-operators do, make sure you deduct office supplies. Items like printer paper, printer ink, staplers, notebooks, and pens and pencils may seem like small deductions, but they all add up to help keep your tax bill as low as possible.  Health and medical expenses. DOT physicals: As a condition of employment, you may be required to get regular medical exams, as required by the DOT. You can deduct any out-of-pocket expenses for these required physical exams.  Sleep apnea tests or other medical tests related to your job: You can claim any out-of-pocket medical expenses that are work-related. This might include sleep apnea tests,  Health insurance premiums (if self-employed): If you cover the cost of your own health insurance, you can deduct it from your taxes. It’s not considered a business expense, but there’s a designated section on your tax return to claim health insurance payments.  Professional Fees  License renewals: You can deduct the cost of renewing any licenses required to conduct your business, including state and local government-required business licenses.  Association memberships: If you belong to any trucking-business-related or freight-industry organizations that charge a membership fee, that fee is tax deductible.  Subscriptions to industry publications: If you subscribe to any magazines or websites focused on the trucking industry, you can deduct the full cost of those subscriptions.  Non-deductible expenses  While most business-related expenses are deductible, some are not. The following are not deductible. Reimbursed expenses: If someone else pays you back for your expenses, you can’t turn around and claim that expense on your taxes.  Home or personal cell phone: A landline or personal cell phone not used for business purposes cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.  Commuting expenses: If your truck is not parked where you live, you can’t claim the mileage you drive between home and where you start your work trips.  Local route meals: If you’re driving local routes close to your home, daily meals are not deductible.  Everyday clothing: Even if you wear it while driving, everyday clothing like jeans and T-shirts cannot be deducted.  Personal trips: You cannot deduct the costs associated with personal trips or vacations, even if you’re using your business vehicle. For tax deductions to apply, the trip must be for the sole purpose of actively working.  Best ways for tracking deductions  Use a dedicated business bank account and credit card. Keep your work and personal finances separate. This is the easiest way to track your income and business-related costs. It will make taxes easier for you or any tax professional assisting you.  Implement a digital receipt management system. Keeping track of physical receipts can get messy. Using a digital receipt management system can simplify receipts.  Utilize mileage tracking apps. Mileage tracking apps are an excellent way to keep track of your mileage. This eliminates the need to manually write down your mileage, which can be time-consuming, less accurate, and subject to human error—like forgetting!  Maintain a detailed logbook (physical or digital). Documentation is key. Whether it’s manually or using a digital solution, you’ll have no regrets when tax time rolls around. If you use a physical logbook, consider one with a pocket insert or built-in folder to keep your receipts organized. Set up a filing system for organizing receipts and documents. A good rule of thumb is to organize receipts and documents by year. It’s recommended to keep records up to three years back. This is a good way to easily retrieve what you’re looking for at any given time.  Use accounting software designed for truckers. Keeping track of paperwork and staying on top of finances can be time-consuming and daunting. Consider using accounting software specifically for trucking. It dramatically reduces paperwork, automates tedious processes and frees you up to focus on finding loads and driving.  Consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant familiar with the trucking industry. If you’re in the market for a bookkeeper or accountant, seek one with freight industry knowledge and/or experience, like ATBS. This will ensure you claim all the deductions you can, minimize your taxes, and avoid an audit.  “Get an accountant and get a system that tells you what your actual number should be based on what you’re actually earning,” Amen said. “An easy thing to do is save 20% of what you get every week, what your net is, and put it in an account that you’re not going to touch. And that’s ultimately what you’re going to pay in taxes and use that for your quarterlies.” Tips to minimize your taxes  Maximize retirement contributions (e.g., IRA, SEP IRA, Solo 401(k)).  Take advantage of per diem rates for meals and incidental expenses.  Keep detailed records of all business-related expenses.  Stay informed about tax law changes affecting the trucking industry.  Consider incorporating your business or forming an LLC.  Plan major purchases strategically (Section 179 deduction).  Consult with a tax professional specializing in trucking industry.  “If you can do it, take 10% of every dollar you make and put it in a retirement account,” Amen said. “It’s tax deductible and saves you money on taxes. It’s also going to grow with what it’s invested in. A retirement account is a great thing to do. Be disciplined and put 10% of what you make in a retirement account, and you’ll retire early.” Important reminders  Keep all receipts and documentation for at least 3 years.  Separate personal and business expenses.  Be aware of the difference between deductible and non-deductible expenses.  Stay up-to-date with IRS guidelines for truck drivers.  We strongly recommend making estimated quarterly tax payments to avoid steep penalties and unwelcome surprises. Experts suggest setting aside 20 to 30% of your income for taxes.   For the full checklist click here. 

These 5 strategies can help truck drivers combat stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month. I’d like to set aside some time to acknowledge and address that quiet hitchhiker that often shares the cab of your truck — stress. Dealing with this often-overlooked aspect of overall health is important for anyone, and it is crucial for professional truck drivers. We all need a little help to help keep us calm and trucking on. Here are five simple strategies to help you kick stress to the curb! Practice mindful breathing. Have you ever noticed how your breathing becomes shallow when stressed? Well, let’s flip that. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindful breathing. Deep, slow breaths can help reduce your heart rate, promoting a sense of calm. This simple yet effective strategy can be used anytime, anywhere. Pick healthy eats for peaceful beats. Stress eating is a battle we all fight. When we’re stressed, it’s easy to reach for sugary, fatty “comfort” foods. Instead, make it a point to choose healthy snacks, like protein and fiber-rich foods. (Bonus: These will also help you fight a growing waistline as you age.) Remember, a well-nourished body is better equipped to handle stress. Move, even if it’s just a little bit. Even a small amount of physical activity can be a tremendous stress reliever. Stretching during a truck stop pit stop or a doing some simple yoga stretches in and around your vehicle can help release stress. Disconnect to reconnect. Take control of your down time. Choose to engage in relaxing activities that you enjoy, whether it’s listening to music, reading or simply watching the evening sky. Disconnecting from the pressures for a bit can help you reconnect with your peace of mind. Make each day a journey of gratitude. End each day by recalling at least one positive event or thing you’re grateful for. Expressing gratitude can help shift your focus from the stressors in your life to the blessings, paving the way for positive emotions. Remember, my dear friends on the highway, managing stress isn’t a destination: It’s an ongoing journey. And while life may not always be smooth sailing, these strategies can be like calming roadside vistas, easing your ride. Let’s pledge to buckle up not just for safety, but also for stressbusting! Happy, healthy hauls to all!

Put your best foot forward: the 5-5-5 rule

Alright y’all, grab a cup of joe and park the rig for a minute! We’ve got to have a talk about a little thing called the 5-5-5 Rule. No, it’s not a new logbook regulation — but it will help keep you humming down the highway feeling happier, healthier and ready to handle anything that comes your way. The 5-5-5 Rule breaks up your wellness routine into simple, achievable steps that even the busiest road warriors can fit into their day. We’re talking taking 15 minutes out of your day: five minutes focused on mental health, five minutes of uplifting reading, and five minutes intentional movement. These tiny nuggets of “me time” can make a bigger impact than any New Year’s resolution. Buckle up, and let’s dive in! Mental Health The first five-minute nugget of “me time” will help you kick off the year with a clear mind. I’m not asking you to become a meditation guru overnight. I’m just suggesting five minutes of deep breathing, visualizing goals, or anything that brings you peace and clears the cobwebs. Try this: Find a quiet spot and set a timer for five minutes. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and hold it; then let it out slowly. Repeat this until that five-minute timer goes off. You’ll be surprised how this simple exercise can set the right tone for your day. Uplifting Reading What’s the next stop on our wellness journey? Reading! I’m talking about books, articles, positive quotes — anything that nurtures your mind with positivity. This process isn’t about self-help books or intense learning. It’s about spending just five minutes reading something that uplifts your spirit. So, pick a motivational quote, a feel-good story or an inspiring biography. Don’t overthink it; if it makes you smile or fires you up, it’s doing the job. Intentional Movement Don’t panic! This is not about running a zillion laps, swinging kettlebells or doing 100 push-ups. This is about just 5 minutes of purposeful movement. This movement could be stretching at a rest stop, doing bodyweight exercises using your truck’s step, or simply strolling around the parking lot holding a set of hand weights, or with a pep in your step. Remember the Mother Trucker Yoga mantra: It’s not about touching your toes; it’s about the journey down. It’s about showing up for yourself, even for just five minutes. A simple road to big changes I get it: Life on the road ain’t always easy — but your health and well-being are worth that extra mile. The 5-5-5 Rule might look like a small pit stop, but these small changes can lead to big life results. Let’s kick off this New Year by taking these simple steps towards a healthier, happier you. Trust me — your mind and body will thank you down the highway. Remember, you’re the driver on this journey, so make every mile count! Keep on truckin’, keep on movin’ and embrace the 5-5-5 Rule. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new year and hitting the road to a better you!

Follow these tips to stay safe on icy roads 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Winter has arrived in many parts of North America — or has it? Actually, winter officially begins with the winter solstice. This event doesn’t occur until 10:27 p.m. on Dec. 21.  So, even though we’re technically in the waning days of fall, professional drivers are more concerned with the weather than the actual season. Truckers know that weather conditions change, not only with the different systems that come through, but also with the time of day, the altitude and other factors.  It’s important for drivers to be prepared for winter driving conditions long before the calendar says the season has arrived.  Many drivers have worked through multiple winters on the road, and they know how to react to most situations. It may be easy for these drivers to let down their guard when driving in inclement weather — after all, they know how to handle the rig.  But complacency can be a killer. No matter how many snowstorms you’ve survived or how many times you’ve prevented a skid on an icy surface, it’s always a good idea to review and practice winter driving skills — and make sure you’re prepared for winter’s worst.  What to watch for  When temperatures drop to near freezing, rain often turns to something else. It’s pretty easy to realize that a foot of snow on the roadway presents a driving hazard. However, weather hazards aren’t always that obvious. Sometimes the rain doesn’t freeze until it hits the ground or some other object. Sometimes it looks just like water on the road surface ahead. Sometimes it IS water; other times, that wet surface could actually be a treacherous sheet of ice.  Knowing what kind of surface you’re driving on can be critical to maintaining control. Weather reports are helpful, but they can’t provide mile-by-mile information. The safest choice in any winter weather is to assume that traction is compromised. It may be easy to travel at your normal speed — but you don’t want to be in a situation where you can’t slow down.  Freezing rain can be difficult to detect, but there are signs to watch for. A key indicator is water spray coming off the wheels of a passing vehicle. If there’s no spray, the road isn’t wet — it’s frozen. Another hint comes from watching the CB or other antennas on vehicles around you. Normally, antennas are pushed backward in the windstream of a moving vehicle. A coating of ice will make them behave differently, moving from side-to-side or in a circular pattern.   Even though the main road may be clear, keep in mind that elevated surfaces may be icy. This is because the ground beneath the road surface takes longer to freeze, and it can actually warm the road enough to melt snow and sleet. However, there’s no ground underneath bridges, overpasses or elevated roadways, so any water on these surfaces can freeze quickly.  Many jurisdictions use salt or chemicals on roadways to help melt ice or prevent it from forming. How well this works depends on the substance, how much is applied and the length of time between applications. The water from melting ice dilutes the chemicals, and they become less effective as time passes. The resulting liquid can still freeze.  WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS  When piloting a big rig, driving in less-than-ideal traction conditions requires slower speeds and greater following distances. Vehicle controls, such as steering and braking, should be done as gradually as possible to avoid losing traction. An occasional check of the brakes, while moving at a slower speed, is often advisable.  Make sure your vision is unobstructed.  Also, keep in mind that slippery roads aren’t the only hazard presented by winter weather. Sun glare is severest during the winter because white snow reflects most of the sunlight that hits it. Sunglasses are an important accessory for improving vision and reducing eye fatigue. Be sure to have a pair on hand.  Keeping your truck’s windows, mirrors and lights clean is also important. The salts and chemicals used to clear roadways are thrown into the air as road spray by vehicles. As water evaporates from the glass surfaces of your truck, it leaves dirt and chemicals behind. Heated mirrors are especially susceptible to grime buildup, but any window — including the windshield — can get dirty very quickly.  Keeping the windshield washer reservoir filled is a good practice, and a high-quality washer fluid is important. Make sure the freeze-point of the product you buy is below zero. Washer fluid that freezes in the tiny lines that carry it to the spray nozzles can be extremely difficult to clear out. It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of window cleaner in the cab, and clear mirrors and windows whenever you stop.  Now, let’s talk about lighting. LEDs have revolutionized truck lighting, helping to improve night vision as well as the ability of others to see your vehicle — all while using a fraction of the electricity of old-style incandescent bulbs. There is, however, a trade-off: Incandescent lights produce heat, which helps to melt ice and snow from headlight lenses. LED lights, on the other hand, can be quickly obscured by accumulating snow. Check your lights each time you stop, and clear them if necessary.  Don’t depend on automated systems.  Another innovation that can hinder winter driving is the auto-shift transmission that most trucks are equipped with these days. Downshifting on a slippery surface can cause loss of control.  A driver with a manual transmission can choose the most appropriate time to make the shift. Some auto-shift transmissions allow the driver to manually select the gear, but the system may or may not override the driver’s choice. Know how your transmission reacts and how to keep it in the gear you choose, if possible. At the very least, be familiar enough with your truck’s transmission that you’re not surprised by a shift at the wrong time.  Be prepared in case you’re stranded.  Today’s trucks are technological wonders — but they can still break down. In fact, a sophisticated truck’s sensors and automatic shut-down protocols could leave you stranded in situations where an older truck might have made it to a place of safety.  Always have cold-weather clothing in the cab, including warm hats, gloves and boots (insulated and waterproof, if possible). Every winter brings more stories of drivers who are stranded by weather-related shutdowns. Be prepared to work outside of the cab or to walk to a place of safety.  If walking to safety is not an option, it’s important to keep drinking water, nonperishable snacks and meals and warm blankets on hand.  Watch out for other drivers.  Finally, many other motorists don’t have as much training and experience as professional truck drivers, and they may not make sound driving decisions when the weather turns bad. Give them lots of room, and keep a close eye on them. In many cases, you can anticipate their actions and prepare for them.  It’s important that you get home safely, but you’ll feel even better knowing that you helped others get home safely, too.

‘Safety cushion’ can mean life or death

While driving, the space between your vehicle and the one in front of you is your only protection from a rear-end collision. Every professional driver understands this truth. Most are taught early in their careers that a fully loaded tractor trailer that’s going 60 mph needs more than the length of a football field to stop — and that’s when conditions are good. Yet, on any highway with moderate to heavy traffic, it won’t take long to spot someone driving an 18-wheeler and following the vehicle ahead too closely. The results can be deadly. A four-wheeler is no match for a large truck, and for a rig to tailgate the smaller vehicle is tantamount to a death sentence for the occupants if anything goes wrong. It’s a deadly practice, but some drivers either don’t understand or don’t care, or a combination of both. Not only is the practice a foolish one, but it can also cost a driver’s job or a career, even if there isn’t an accident. Following too closely is listed as a “serious violation” by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Two serious violations within a three-year period are an automatic 60-day disqualification for the driver. Other violations listed as “serious” are excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit), reckless driving, and improper or erratic lane changes. The FMCSA doesn’t disqualify for a first offense, but many carriers consider serious offenses to be grounds for termination. You may not be fired until you’ve had your day in court — but you can be suspended without pay until your court date. Finding another driving job will be very difficult with a conviction for a serious violation on your record. Actually, you don’t even need to be convicted. A warning for a serious violation — or even a ticket for which you were found “not guilty” in court — can still appear on the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report ordered by the carrier you apply to. There’s a process for having a non-conviction removed, but it takes months … and your request may be denied. Part of the reason for this strictness is insurance, which is a big expense for carriers. That expense gets bigger when there are drivers with records of serious violations on the payroll. If litigation happens due to an accident, the plaintiff’s attorney will demand safety records from the carrier. If a carrier hires or retains drivers with serious violations on their records, lawyers can use that information to make a case that the carrier itself isn’t safe. Space is the key to helping a driver maintain a safe driving record. The space in front of your vehicle is most important — but it’s not the only space you should be aware of. It’s good practice not to allow other vehicles to travel alongside you for any length of time. A gust of wind, an object in the roadway or even a sneeze can make your rig swerve to the left or right, putting vehicles alongside yours in danger. Some defensive driving courses teach drivers to have an “escape route” they can take if traffic ahead stops suddenly. Your best escape route is the space ahead. Speed is another important piece in the safe-driving equation, and speeding is worse today than ever. Because of electronic logs, just-in-time shipping practices and a shortage of available parking in some areas, drivers attempt to make the most of their available driving time each day. Some drivers choose to exceed the speed limit in an effort to cover as many miles as possible before time runs out. Speeding is a practice that runs counter to safety principles, but many drivers feel that it’s a necessary part of earning a paycheck on the road. Aside from the risk of earning a serious-level violation because of excessive speeding, the faster you go, the more your stopping distance increases. Plus, traveling faster often has other results, such as the need to change lanes frequently to avoid slower traffic. When drivers can’t avoid traffic, they often wind up following other vehicles too closely. Keep in mind that it’s possible to “speed” even when driving at or below the speed limit. When road conditions are bad or visibility is impaired, you can be moving well under the speed limit but still driving too fast for conditions. If roads are wet or icy, the results can be catastrophic. Parking lots and shipper or receiver yards are also areas where speeding occurs. Drivers must be prepared and able to stop if a truck pulls out from a dock or a pedestrian walks in front of the vehicle. Speed is also related to the space around your vehicle — in fact, speed is usually how you adjust that space. If there isn’t enough space in ahead, slow down. Sure, someone might occupy that space, including cars that were behind you and passed. The reality is that they had to be traveling faster to pass your truck; if they don’t change speed, they will quickly pull away, giving you more following distance. If they don’t, however, it becomes your responsibility to reduce your speed until there is sufficient space in front again. Some truckers solve the problem by driving one or two mph slower than surrounding traffic, allowing faster vehicles to pass them. Other drivers, however, try to go a little faster, hoping to eventually get around the heavy traffic. The stress of driving a tractor-trailer is high enough. Trying to get ahead through a ton of traffic is a sure way to drive stress levels higher. Conversely, slowing down and letting the traffic do its thing is far more relaxing. Finally, remember this: No driver has ever emerged from an accident scene wishing they had been driving faster or following more closely.