Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers

HAZMAT Transportation

HAZMAT Transportation

Understand the requirements of HAZMAT transportation and how truck drivers can avoid violations.

HAZMAT Transportation

HAZMAT transportation can be lucrative for carriers but it requires understanding common Department of Transportation violations and how to avoid them in regards to hazardous materials.

HAZMAT transportation can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers which is why it typically pays at a higher rate. To enforce regulations and promote the safety of HAZMAT transportation, the FMCSA conducts over 154,000 annual roadside inspections, with an estimated 35,000 DOT HAZMAT violations reported. That’s nearly 23 percent of inspections resulting in a violation!

Most Common Violations of HAZMAT Regulations

No Copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number (8.1 %)
Package not secure in vehicle (7.6 %)
Placard damaged, deteriorated or obscured (6.9 %)
Vehicle not placarded as required (5.9 %)
No Shipping papers (5.1 %)
Shipping paper accessibility (4.7 %)
Emergency response information missing (4.5 %)
Failure to provide carrier required placards (4.4 %)
Offering a hazardous material without preparing a shipping paper (3.0 %)
No placards or marking when required (2.9 %)

Want to obtain a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL and potentially earn more with HAZMAT transportation?

GHS Transport Pictograms Cheat Sheet for hazardous materials from Global Chemical Resources.

TagsOwner Operator

Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tierra Allen</strong>, AKA The Sassy Trucker on Youtube. She's been driving for 3 1/2 years now. She enjoys driving and traveling the world and wanted to drive a truck since she was 18. Let's get to more about Tierra and her sassy life of trucking. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I decided to become a truck driver because I like the flexible schedule. I like the fact that i don’t have a boss looking over my shoulder 24/7. Most importantly i get paid to travel. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I’ve noticed more and more women are getting into trucking. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I decided to make a Youtube channel to share my experiences with everyone and to encourage and influence others to decide if they want to become a truck driver. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Whenever I get lonely, I talk on the phone with friends and listen to podcasts and music. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Us truck drivers put our health at risk because we high a high chance of catching Covid19 because we are driving cross country. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> My favorite truck is the Kenworth Studio Sleeper . <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I want to become an actor. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> The best truck stop for me is Petro truck stop. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> As a female, I encounter a lot of harassment, hate, and other truckers underestimating me because I am in a male dominated field. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> I dislike how some cars tend to cut truck drivers off. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucker essentials when you drive?</strong></h3> Dash cam, GPS, bluetooth headset, refrigerator, microwave, sleeper bag, emergency bag, and boots. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> What I enjoy the most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is the fueling feature. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Be prepared to work in crazy weather conditions. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSassyTrucker/videos">Youtube Channel, The Sassy Trucker</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/20ZfEa9_J88" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Nov 05, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - James Cole <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>James Cole</strong>, also known as "Dooner LivingStone" which is his nickname since Highschool. He's been driving for around 11 years now. He also has a YouTube channel under the same nickname where he shares his experiences as a long haul trucker with whoever is willing to put up with his "keep it real" documentary style videos. Let's get to more about James and his trucking life. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> My dad is also an over the road truck driver and has been out here doin' the deal for over 50 years. I'm pretty sure that influenced me to hit the road myself. As a kid I had spent several summers truckin' across the country with him. A few years after got out of the Air Force I got the funds together to go to truck driving school. Best decision I've ever made. It's like it was in my blood or something! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> In the 11 years I've been driving, I've definitely seen some changes in the industry. ELDs and mandatory 30 minute breaks have had the biggest effect on me personally. It drastically changed how I run and I still haven't fully gotten into the swing of things. I like to take a break when I want and I want to take a nap when I want without it screwing up my schedule. I think that's all I better say about that. LOL. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best thing about being a truck driver?</strong></h3> The best thing about this career field is learning something new everyday. I'm not, nor will I ever be an expert in trucking. Everyday is a new experience and every load is a new challenge. Anyone who gets into this lifestyle should remember to always remain humble and understand that they will never know it all. The minute you forget that, you're gonna make a major mistake. But... what the hell do I know?! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> It does get lonely out here from time to time. While driving, I keep my mind occupied by listening to Howard Stern or some good music. I also think of other ways to add a little more entertainment value to my YouTube channel. I grind more gears in my brain than I do driving my truck. When I'm off duty, I work on my videos, or try to hone my photography skills, or work on my guitar playing. Just recently, I brought my copilot, Elvis, with me to keep me company. Elvis is my cat. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> One of my most memorable experiences was when I delivered a windmill to what seemed to be a hippy colony. I think it was somewhere in Michigan. I don't know, I can't remember. A local farmer unloaded it for them and they were all so excited! My son, Zack who was 10 at the time and spending his summer with me, was treated like a little rock star because he was very knowledgeable in music and also because he was traveling all over the country and seeing things a lot of kids will never see. I remember the lady who seemed to be the one in charge giving him a few CDs of some old school blues right before we left. I thought it was a great experience for him. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I love Peterbilts 359, 379, and 389. Beautiful trucks! I drive a 379. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I was a starving musician for years. Never really wanted to be a rock star but, I did dream of living a comfortable life as a performing musician. I also wanted to be a news journalist and write for a newspaper. Good thing I didn't pursue that career 'cause journalism is dead. We don't need to get into that though. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> The best truckstop for me is one that has plenty of parking, good food, and clean showers and restrooms. So many of the really good ones aren't around anymore or they were bought by the big chains. There are still a lot of good ones out there. If I had to choose one as my favorite it would be the Bosselman's/Pilot Flying J in Grand Island, Nebraska. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR</strong></h3> The worst breakdown? When I ran out of fuel 8 miles from my fuel stop. This was just a few months ago. My fuel gauge read that I had a quarter tank but my gut was telling me otherwise. My pride was was seriously damaged that day. Remember what I said about being an expert, remaining humble, and learning something new everyday? <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What do you think it takes to be really successful in the trucking/logistics field?</strong></h3> As long as you enjoy what you're doing and work toward being better than you were yesterday you will be successful. Gotta be in the right truck, pulling the right trailer, hauling the right freight, using the right equipment, and striving to reach your personal best. If it's a job for you and you don't have it in your heart you will be miserable and unhappy. Get out and do something else. This life ain't for everybody! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> I use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> to locate truckstops, parking areas, and scales along my route when planning my trip or if I just wanna check something out along the way. I can see the differences in fuel prices, parking availability, restaurants, and also look ahead to see if the chicken coop is locked up. I'm sure there's more to learn on the app but these are features that I find highly valuable! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DoonerLivingstone">Youtube Channel, Dooner LivingStone</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWVPi4eN_gY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Nov 28, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Path Partners with Bennett International Group [p](MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 23, 2017) – Trucker Path, creators of America’s most popular apps in the trucking industry today announced that it has partnered with Bennett International Group, LLC in order to promote efficiency for its drivers.[/p] [p]In connection with the partnership, the Trucker Path app will be installed by default on all Bennett tablets used by its drivers. The utilization of Trucker Path saves drivers an estimated 11 hours per month, while wasted time searching for safe parking can cost the trucking industry $5.1 billion annually.[/p] [quote]“Bennett Motor Express is an established leader in the freight and logistics industry. They have embraced technology to help in their efforts to recruit and retain owner-operators and we are certain that the Trucker Path mobile app will continue to bring value to Bennett by providing their owner operators with cutting-edge technology”, said Leigh Foxall, VP of Sales at Trucker Path.[/quote] [p]Trucker Path is a trip planning app for truck drivers features over 8,000 locations where drivers can find available truck parking updated in real-time, check the status of a weigh station, compare diesel fuel prices and find nearby repair centers or truck washes.[/p] [p]The crowd-sourced app has over 800,000 monthly parking updates initiated by 530,000 active users. Drivers can filter parking searches with locations such as TA & Petro, Loves, Pilot & Flying J, independently owned truck stops, rest areas and even Walmarts that are verified to allow overnight truck parking. The app also provides a list of a location’s amenities, parking history, nearby restaurants and reviews from fellow drivers.[/p] [quote]“It’s hard to find a place to park for me because I am larger than a regular 18-wheel truck and I use Trucker Path all the time to find a place to park. I typically can only run during daylight hours and my truck takes up two or three spots,” said Bennett heavy haul driver Heath Utter. “I look at a place's details to see who has the biggest lots and I look at the updates to see how many spaces are left.”[/quote] [p]Bennett International Group began in 1974 and has since expanded internationally, providing heavy hauling and various specialty transportation and warehouse services. Similar to Trucker Path, Bennett elicited input from drivers to shape the necessary course of actions to progress its offerings.[/p] [quote]“We decided to start installing the (Trucker Path) app based on driver feedback. It was our drivers that introduced it to us, ” said Chris Hanie, Driver Tech Support for Bennett International Group, LLC. “By offering drivers apps to get real-time information, from fuel discounts to load alerts to detailed route planning, it helps them to be hyper-efficient when they are not behind the wheel. Our goal is for all our drivers to have this app on their devices.”[/quote] [p]Trucker Path is a leader in delivering advanced technology to the trucking industry. Its trip planning navigational app has over 1.5 million installs and is the highest rated app in the industry on both Google Play and the App Store.[/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [p][b]About Bennett International Group, LLC[/b][/p] [p]McDonough-Ga.-based Bennett International Group is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC)-certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its nine affiliated operating companies, Bennett International Group delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide.[/p] [p][b]About Trucker Path[/b][/p] [p]Silicon Valley-based Trucker Path released a crowd-sourced navigation app for truck drivers in late 2013. With advanced mobile technology, the crowdsourced Trucker Path application has grown to become America’s largest community of truck drivers with over 530,000 active users or 30 percent of all Class 8 truckers. The exponential growth of the app led to the release of Truckloads, an online marketplace connecting freight companies with carriers for both web and mobile devices, in March 2016. By April 2017, Truckloads became the most downloaded mobile app for freight matching with over 300,000 installs. The Trucker Path team strives to improve efficiencies in the freight transportation industry while making life on the road easier, enjoyable, and more profitable for truck drivers.[/p]

May 23, 2017 • Community