According to FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), all truckers must-have commercial truck insurance. If you’re a new driver, finding the right insurance for your trucking operation may seem a little confusing. This is a guide to the many things you need to know about trucking insurance in El Paso!

At Border Trucking Compliance, we have years of experience helping truckers choose the right insurance for their specific needs. If you are looking to obtain truck insurance or change your existing policy, BTC can help. Call (915) 838-1080 today!

Types of Trucking Insurance in El Paso

You’ll want to consider several types of insurance for trucks in El Paso, TX. The two main options are General Liability and Auto Liability insurance. 

• General Liability Insurance: With this type of insurance, your company is protected from lawsuits stemming from accidents or injuries caused by your employees or other parties. It covers legal costs if someone sues you for an injury and includes coverage for bodily injury, damage to property, and economic loss (including lost wages).

• Auto Liability Insurance: This type of coverage protects against lawsuits filed against your company because one of your trucks was involved in an accident while being driven by an independent contractor (i.e., someone who isn’t employed by you). These claims can be expensive if they’re not handled appropriately; therefore, all drivers must have adequate proof of why they were driving at the time to clear up any confusion over liability.

To learn about available truck insurance coverage, get in touch with our El Paso commercial truck insurance experts by calling (915) 838-1080 today!

How to Determine the Best Trucking Insurance 

When looking for trucking insurance in El Paso, it’s essential to consider the type of cargo you’ll be hauling. The value of your freight will also determine how much coverage you need. 

For example, suppose you’re transporting expensive cargo, such as liquid chemicals valued at over $1 million. Because these commodities are so valuable, it makes sense that their insurance costs would be higher than if you were transporting less valuable goods like grain or lumber.

Trucking Insurance Needs Also Depend on Where Your Trucks Operate

The type of insurance you need also depends on where your trucks operate. The two most common options are Interstate Trucking and Intrastate Trucking.

• Interstate trucking is covered by the same policies as commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and is regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
• Intrastate trucking occurs within a single state, while interstate travel crosses multiple states. 

It’s important to note that truck drivers can be covered under both types of insurance if they are licensed in one state but operating in another. Still, it’s always best to check with your carrier before signing up for any coverage options that may not seem right for what you’re doing.

Why El Paso Trucking Insurance Matters

Insurance can help you avoid financial ruin by paying for damages or injuries sustained in an accident caused by another party. Your coverage will also cover any legal defense costs if someone else causes your truck accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (this is known as liability coverage). 

If something happens while traveling on the road—like an accident with another vehicle—you’ll need collision coverage too. This policy will pay out if someone hits your truck while it’s parked at a rest stop or fueling station.

If an accident happens, just remember: You’re covered!

Choose Us for the Best Trucking Insurance in El Paso!

Trucking insurance is one of the most important things you can buy for your business. It protects your truck and its contents from accidents, theft, and other risks. If you’re a first-time trucker, it’s crucial to understand how commercial truck insurance works and what type of coverage you need. 

Suppose you’re unsure whether or not it’s right for your business. In that case, get started by choosing Border Trucking Insurance as your team. Our El Paso trucking insurance experts can help answer any questions you may have. This way, when it comes time to purchase coverage in your area, there won’t be any surprises! Contact BTC Insurance online or call (915) 838-1080 today!

Here’s what you need to know about DOT testing and why it’s so important. 

If your trucking company needs help staying in compliance with regulations, call Border Trucking Compliance for guidance. 

What is DOT Testing? 

The Department of Transportation was created in 1966. This government entity was established by Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The mission of the Department of Transportation is to develop policies that relate to the country’s transportation system. Their main responsibilities include developing safety regulations and overseeing federal transportation projects. The DOT updates compliance standards every so often as situations and circumstances change in the industry

Each state also has its department of transportation. These entities are at the center of the planning, design, and construction of state projects. State DOTs are responsible for allocating federal resources from grants and other Federal-aid programs. 

Both of these entities work together to determine various kinds of regulations and requirements.  Based on recommendations and regulations of both of these departments, private trucking companies implement DOT testing. Many companies can also implement additional testing if they so choose. 

Why Does DOT Require Testing? 

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed by Congress. The Act was a result of several transportation accidents. Authorities recognized that having drug and alcohol-free employees in the transportation sector was vital. This law required the various DOT agencies and state agencies to submit testing. This included workers in the aviation and trucking industries as well as school bus drivers, van, or limousine drivers. 

Workers across these industries are required to test: 

• Federal Aviation Administration: Flight crews, attendants, dispatchers, and security coordinators. 
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Workers with a commercial drivers license who operate commercial vehicles, or vehicles that hold more than 16 passengers.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Crew members in the U.S. coast guard. 
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: Operators and maintenance workers.
• Federal Railroad Administration: Train workers, train dispatches, etc. 
• Federal Transit Administration: Workers involved in vehicle operations, control, mechanics, and security. 

What Should You Expect From DOT Drug Testing?

DOT requires that drivers with a CDL get tested when starting new employment and then once a year. Here’s what you should know about what to expect from these drug tests. 

• Before employment. If you are about to start driving with a new company, you will be required to submit a drug test. 
• Throughout the year. Truck carriers or companies will usually be required to test their staff randomly once a year. Random drug tests are an important part of the DOT regulations. 
• Following an accident. If an accident occurs, truck companies are required to perform a drug test as well. DOT requirements might enforce an automatic drug test if a driver gets into an accident or has trouble on the road. It depends on the situation. Many companies, however, will have the driver submit a drug test automatically for insurance purposes. 
• Follow-up testing. When a driver returns to duty after time off, they will be required to submit follow-up testing, often allied return-to-duty testing. If a driver previously tested positive and is attempting to return to work, the procedures will be a little different.

What Does the DOT Drug Test Look For? 

The drug test administered by DOT requirements is a 5-panel urine test. This 5-panel test is the absolute minimum required to be compliant with DOT standards but companies can include additional testing. The common test looks for traces of: 

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA)
• Opioids
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Heroin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone 
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

What Happens if You Fail a DOT Drug Test? 

When a driver fails a DOT drug test, the Department of Transportation requires companies to remove the employee from performing any job considered a DOT safety-sensitive job. 

Some prescription drugs cause a false positive. If a driver tests positive and they consider it is due to prescription drugs, they will likely have to test again and then show proof of their prescriptions. 

Why Are These Tests So Important? 

The U.S. Department of Transportation and other state DOTs consider driver testing a top priority. Drug testing is essential to maintain safety for the driver and other motorists on the road. By aiming to eliminate the use of debilitating substances in commercial drivers, DOT aims to minimize accidents. While the U.S. Department of Transportation has its own requirements for drug testing, private companies can implement additional testing as well. 

Learn More About DOT Testing Requirements 

At Border Trucking Compliance, we specialize in helping trucking companies ensure their compliance with federal and state regulations. We provide comprehensive compliance services to ensure that companies don’t run into legal trouble by failing to follow directives on drug testing and other requirements. 

Want to learn more about how we help trucking companies? Call Border Trucking Compliance today. 

If you’re looking to keep your truckers and trucking company in compliance with changing DOT regulations, give Border Trucking Compliance a call and speak to a representative. 

How the Pandemic Affected the Trucking Industry 

It’s no secret that covid hit every industry from multiple directions. The trucking industry was not spared by the worldwide pandemic and, as many people saw, truckers are an essential component of the national and international supply chain that carries goods from point A to point B. Supply chains were greatly affected as disruptions caused by covid began to spread through the entire transportation industry. 

DOT Compliance in 2022: What You Need to Know

#1 Supply Chain Disruptions

The disruptions in the industry began with the lockdowns, which had several companies shutting down, pausing services, or working under limited hours due to staffing shortages. As infections increased, truckers and other support staff had to remain off work for the recommended 14 days, which caused shortages not only in drivers, but in administrative staff, and other support staff. 

This, in turn, affected the efficiency of U.S. docks receiving shipments, which led to packed ships waiting at the docks to be unloaded. Without the unloading capacity, the containers would take longer to process, and the goods inside those containers would take longer to reach their destination. At the same time, the lagging in unloading times affected shipping contain availability that increased the delay for shipments of other goods.  

#2 Increase Demand 

As lockdowns continued, the demand for direct shipping skyrocketed because people were relying on delivery services instead of buying goods through brick-and-mortar shops. This surge in demand put pressure on companies to hire and train qualified personnel to transfer the goods, but thanks to closures and limited hours, it was difficult to do so on a fast basis. 

#3 Gas Prices and High Inflation 

As Americans see gas prices rise, they have started to shift their consumer habits. Yet, while many people have diminished their driving, they have increased their demand for shipped goods, which in turn increases the need for trucking services and transportation. As truckers drive more, their need to fill up at the pump is increased and their expenditures on gas do as well. 

Changes in Trucking Compliance and Regulations for 2022 

Some of the challenges that truck drivers and companies will face in 2022 will deal with compliance and other regulatory restrictions. Companies have to contend with: 

• Limited drivers
• Decreases in volume and available trucks
• Changing regulations

Some of the most significant changes for drivers might include:

#1 Driving Requirements 

In order to be Department of Transportation (USDOT) compliant the applicant must have a CDL driver’s license. New drivers must complete Basic Operator Certification (BOC), which is 80 hours of sponsored classroom insurance. Regulations about how to break up these hours dictate that they cannot be taken in longer than 8-hour increments. New drivers should also complete certifications and specialized training such as  DOT SWD (Supplements for Windswept Debris). A drug test and background check are also required. There are also physical requirements that ensure drivers are in good health to operate large vehicles. 

#2 Changing Truck Requirements

With new legislation come new government requirements on trucks and drivers. Some of the new regulations in the works include automatic emergency braking added to new trucks, more stringent inspections for reading underride guards, and new rules for an apprenticeship Pilot Program. 

#3 New Entry Requirements

As part of the new requirements for drivers is the FMCA’s enhanced training regulations that were set to begin in 2020. Applicants that want to apply for a Class A or Class B driver’s license need to complete 31 courses and 19 skills that form the comprehensive training program. 

#4 Changes Under Discussion 

Other regulations include changes still under discussion. These are possible restrictions that include mandatory speed limiters for most commercial vehicles, added insurance levels for all commercial drivers or motor carriers, and new screenings for conditions such as sleep apnea that can affect a driver’s ability to do their job. New truck emission standards might also be looming. 

Stay on Top of Regulations with Border Trucking Compliance 

Partner up with a company that understands and follows the changing regulations and DOT requirements. That’s not always an easy task, as changes often happen without much fanfare or announcement. As a way to stay in compliance with DOT permits and regulations, work with trucking professionals like the team at Border Trucking Compliance. 

Want to learn more about how we can help you get to where you need to go? Call Border Trucking Compliance in El Paso today. 

What’s been happening in the trucking industry? Let’s take a look. 

Rising Gas Prices Affect the Trucking Industry 

On the minds of many Americans in March of 2022 is the rising gas prices at the pump. This not only affects people driving to work or driving to pick up their kids from school, but it also affects the truck driver and the companies transporting goods cross-country who depend on diesel fuel. As the cost of transporting these goods rises, so does the price of goods. Eventually, that means the price hikes are passed on to the consumer. 

Already, trucking companies have struggled because of staff shortages and clogged supply lines. Many trucking companies had to increase wages for truck drivers to attract more drivers as the industry suffered because of the pandemic. The rise in gas prices only makes things more difficult for these drivers and these companies. In March of 2022, many truck drivers are seeing more than $4 dollars per gallon. 

Because of recent developments in Russia and Ukraine, there is no clear end in sight for these spikes in gas prices. The price for crude oil surged above $100 a barrel in February of 2022, just as the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. Some truck drivers are describing being painstakingly strategic about where they stop for gas, avoiding some truck stops to save even 40 cents per gallon. 

The Mexican Avocado Ban of 2022 

Avocados are a big deal in the U.S., especially during Super Bowl weekend. This sports event is considered one of the most popular days for avocados, so the recent news about the avocado ban caught people’s attention. Cross-border truckers transferred thousands of avocados every year across the U.S. Mexico border. News of the ban had many avocado enthusiasts a little concerned about just how much avocado toast would be available this spring. The United States imports a lot of avocados every year. In 2021, the U.S imported $3.0 billion avocados with $2.8 billion of that coming from Mexico. The industry is a 3 billion dollar industry for Mexico, more specifically for the state of Michoacan. 

The harvest for avocados is from January through March and U.S. production runs from April to September. This is a popular season for avocados. 

Why were avocados from Mexico banned?

The ban came after the safety of one U.S. inspector was compromised. According to USA Today, the inspector received a threat against him and his family. The area of Michoacan is known for its cartel violence. The threat allegedly came after the inspector failed to certify a shipment and verify its integrity and safety. This apparently caused a stir. Unfortunately, in this area of Mexico, many of the growers are often subject to the whims of some of the cartels. 

The U.S. only buys avocados from Michoacan state because it is the only state that is U.S certified as pest-free. The avocado industry in Mexico revolves around the state, as it produces 5.5 billion pounds of this tasty fruit every year. About 80% of that production is exported to the U.S. Frequent reports showed that some packers in Mexico were trying to pass off avocados that were not from Michoacan as coming from the state. 

Continued Covid Issues and Restrictions 

The vaccine mandates that prohibit unvaccinated truckers from crossing the U.S-Mexico border have continued to strain the driver market in the area. On January 22, 2022, the U.S placed vaccine requirements on all non-U.S individuals entering the country at the land ports of entry. Companies working in the border area have noticed an effect of these covid restrictions in an already strained sector.

The shortage of drivers, coupled with those refusing the vaccine or others out on sick leave, the industry has had to learn to improvise and adjust in real-time. Mexico does not currently have vaccine mandates to enter or leave their country. 

Need to Work with a Reliable Trucking Compliance Company? Contact Us Today. 

Here at Border Trucking Compliance, we work in the frontlines of some of the changing issues with the trucking industry. There’s been a lot going on in the industry for the past two years: from vaccine mandates to protests, to supply chain clogs. Throughout all this, the industry has pushed through, doing its part to keep the country running. We help companies ensure they are in compliance with industry regulations. 

Need more information? Call Border Trucking Compliance today. 

Because many truck drivers cross borders as part of their jobs—whether it’s to Mexico or Canada— the policies enacted in other countries in relation to covid 19 have an impact on the imports and exports moving across nations and on the hard-working folks that move those goods. 

How is the trucking industry dealing with these policy changes and cross-border issues? 

Let’s begin with domestic policy. 

The American Trucking Association’s Position on Vaccine Mandates 

There is a lot of debate in the country right now regarding federal mandates of the covid vaccine. The American Trucking Association took a clear position in the vaccine mandate debate. The Association has made it clear that they support the vaccines and encourage them but have serious concerns about the unintended consequences of a federal mandate. 

The Association explains how truck drivers have been working the frontlines since the beginning of the pandemic. From the uncertain months in the Spring of 2020 through the rest of the tumultuous year and into 2021, truck drivers delivered medical supplies, PPE, food, water gasoline, and vaccines to their destination across the nation. Their priority, as they state on their website, is to continue working through any and all conditions to ensure that the U.S. population has what they need. 

The Association compiled internal data that showed that applying a vaccine mandate across the board would threaten the industry more than help it. Their data suggest that enforcing a mandate would cause a spike in driver turnover, attrition, or resentment and would risk losing about 37% of the current driving workforce. 

The American Trucking Association’s position was supported by various other state trucking associations including Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. They have taken their position to court in a lawsuit against the Biden administration. 

Their reasoning behind their position include:

• The overwhelming amount of their workday that drivers spend alone in their cab.
• Time not spent indoors inside the truck cab is predominantly spent outdoors in lots, drop-off zones, etc.
• Truck drivers’ exceptional records of following safety protocols throughout the early days of the pandemic. Their data showed that the infection rate was 8.7%.

Questions of Cross-Border Crossings for Truck Drivers 

In addition to driving across state lines and often traversing multiple states, truck drivers are often crossing borders into our Southern and Northern neighbors. Similarly, truck drivers of those countries often cross over into the United States. This fact has caused serious challenges to the industry as country policies differ. 

Questions of Cross-Border Trucking Into Canada 

Dominating the news at the moment is the issues happening with Canada and their stringent vaccine and quarantine requirements. Reuters reported on January 10, 2022, that Canadian Prime Minister resisted pressures to drop the mandates for cross-border truckers. Critics of this mandate have made it clear to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that imposing the mandate on all international drivers will increase driver and supply chain shortages, thereby creating a lack of goods and driving up prices of incoming goods from the United States. 

According to the article, truckers entering Canada from the United States will have to show proof of vaccination starting on January 15th. That policy, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, could force up to 16,000 drivers (10%) to quit their jobs and get off the road. 

This policy is one of the first that is having reverberations across country lines. For the previous 20 months or so, truck drivers had been exempt from such policies because they were considered essential workers. 

Newsweek reported that the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada’s internal polling data suggests that 56% of their drivers will not get vaccinated in response to this mandate. The industry experts are waiting to see what will happen as the policies start to go into effect the second week of January. According to some estimates, $511 billion of goods traded between the U.S. and Canada every year are transported by road. So the effects of the policies have a lot on the line. 

Questions of Cross-Border Trucking From and Into Mexico 

When it comes to truck drivers coming in from Mexico, the United States has adopted a policy of ensuring those drivers are vaccinated against covid. This policy was articulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and it applies to non-U.S citizen travelers coming into the U.S. for essential and non-essential travel. 

Mexico’s vaccine policy is no different. The Mexican authorities also require U.S. truck drivers going into Mexico to be vaccinated. 

Trucking Compliance Questions? Go With a Trusted Company 

While we do not make policy here at Border Trucking Compliance, we can help truck companies ensure compliance with trucking regulations as set by the USDoT and TxDot. Whether it’s title and registration or driver testing, we can help. The trucking industry is dynamic and adapts quickly to the changing demands of the modern world. We want to help you do it right!

When it comes to compliance, go with a trucking company you trust. Want to learn more about what we do and how we help truck drivers and truck companies meet regulations? Call Border Trucking Compliance today.

And yet, most consumers might not be completely aware of just how delicate and complex the supply chain is, hanging on the balance and depending on the cooperation of many moving parts. Not to mention the role of the trucking industry and truck drivers. 

So, how is the trucking industry front and center when it comes to ensuring store shelves remain stocked and ready? How does the supply chain work and where does the truck driver fit into the big picture? 

Let’s take a closer look at the intricate beauty of the supply chain. 

The Famous Little Essay That Cracked Open the Beauty of the Supply Chain

Most American consumers don’t spend a lot of time considering just how their products make it to their doorstep or grocery store shelf. A few decades ago, Leonard E. Read published an essay in 1958 called “I, Pencil” that would transform the way people thought about, understood, and visualized the intricate global chain required to make products. 

Even more so, Read’s message had philosophical layers that espoused and advocated for the beauty of the free market and decentralized power. His message was humbling, as the core of it entailed and proved that most people could not make a simple pencil all on their own. 

In Read’s essay, the first-person narrator was the “ordinary wooden pencil familiar to all boys and girls and adults who can read and write.” More specifically, the focus was on the genealogy of this little pencil and its amazing journey. The essay begins by tracing this little pencil’s origins to a tree growing in Northern California and Oregon. Read continues, “Now contemplate all the saws and trucks and rope and the countless other gear used in harvesting and carting the cedar logs to the railroad siding.” 

Read encourages the reader to envision the many workers and varying types of skills that were required to make the pencil happen. This act of creation is aided by what Adam Smith would call the “Invisible Hand.” 

The journey of our pencil narrator continues when the logs are sent to a mill and then “put into a kiln, dried and then tinted for the same reason women put rouge on their faces. People prefer that I look pretty,” says the pencil, “not pallid white….How many skills went into the making of the tint and the kilns, into supplying the heat, the light, the power?”

The forward-thinking little pencil even goes into the detail of its lead-filled center. “The graphite is mined in Ceylon [Sri Lanka]. Consider these miners and those who make their many tools and the makers of the paper sacks in which the graphite is shipped…” 

The essay continues by tracing the complex labor, skill, and tools that are required to complete the design of a simple lead pencil and it does so by venturing into descriptive and philosophical little quandaries about the nature of creation, production, and human desire. 

“I, Pencil, am a complex combination of miracles: a tree, zinc, copper, graphite, and so on.But to these miracles that manifest themselves in Nature an even more extraordinary miracle has been added: the configuration of creative human energies…” 

The Humbling Role of the Truck Driver 

Similar to the ideas conveyed through the journey of that little pencil, the journeys of countless of our products merit a similar kind of attention. It’s a multi-faceted complex web of human energy and potential that at some point rests in the hands of truck and delivery drivers. And today’s global chain is much more complicated and convoluted than it was a few decades ago, although the idea is relatively similar. 

As many experts have pointed out, the world’s economy might come to a screeching halt if one day every truck driver in the country threw their hands up and walked away from the job. According to the American Trucking Associations, 10.23 billion tons of freight was transported by trucks in 2020. That figure represents 72.5% of total domestic tonnage shipped. 

Estimates range that about 7.65 million people are employed by the trucking industry. That staggering number suggests that there is almost a 7% of people tied to the trucking industry in some way. 

The 2021 truck driver shortage is only one part of the larger supply chain backlog and bottlenecks that people are seeing around the nation’s ports. As reported by CNN Business, the trucking industry was short about 800,000 truck drivers. This was a 30% spike from the pandemic. 

Trucking Compliance Keeps the Roads Safe

And while there are still thousands of truck drivers transporting our goods across the country, there is also a large responsibility that rests on the shoulders of trucking companies to train drivers and ensure that the roads stay safe. 

That’s where we come in. 

For Your Trucking Compliance Needs, Call BTC 

Our job is to work hand-in-hand with the trucking industry and drivers to ensure full compliance in the realms of drug testing, title and registration, tax reporting, and more. The right team working on compliance is essential for companies deploying dozens or hundreds of drivers onto our nation’s roads. 

Want to work with a reliable partner to ensure you are in compliance? Call Border Trucking Compliance and talk to an expert. 

So how do these goods get transported and how does the state regulate the safety to ensure that other Texas motorists remain safe on the road?

Here’s what you need to know.  

Texas Trucking Industry Standards for Compliance 

Texas has a border that spans almost 2,000 miles. Because of this large border with neighboring Mexico, the state dominates the trade with our Southern neighbor and is responsible for about 85% of the cross-country trade. As reported by the Texas Department of Transportation, over $1.6 trillion (equal to about 1.2 billion tons of freight) are traversed within the state’s border every year. Due to the state’s central geographic location, truck drivers can reach any other place in the country in less than two days. This means that a lot of traffic passes through the state’s highway system heading in multiple directions. 

Standard Loads and Permits in Texas 

The types of permits that truckers need really depend on the size and load weight of the freight being transported. For companies or contractors shipping heavy equipment or materials, these rules also apply as per TxDot. Here are a couple of weight and height amounts that provide an idea of what this all means. 

• Legal loads: Length: the trailer length maximum is about 59 feet. The overall combined length is 65 feet. The width is 8 feet 6 inches with a 14 ft height limit. The weight is 80,000 pounds overall. 
• Oversized limits: The maximum length for this is 180 and the width is 20 feet. The height is 18 feet with the weight ranging up to 240,000 pounds. 

Texas Superloads and What You Need to Know

A Texas superload is considered anything that outweighs the above limits. So if it exceeds 240,000 pounds and less than 95 feet of axle spacing, it may be considered a Texas superload. 

Restrictions on when these loads and superloads are driven on the roads also apply. For example, if a shipment is overweight it can travel at night. Traveling on weekends is also permitted. Travel on certain holidays when the load exceeds a certain weight and height is also restricted. 

Lights and Safety When Carrying Oversize Loads

Other restrictions about how certain loads are carried also apply here. For example, when dealing with oversized and superloads, the tractor-trailer unit is required to showcase its own orange or red fluorescent lights. In fact, the requirements are pretty precise indicating, for example, that the base lights have a minimum base of 8 inches or 2 amber lights. 

When it comes to certain sized loads, escort vehicles might also be required. You may have seen these vehicles before when a large load is moving through a highway. These are the side vehicles that carry signs, lights or keep a lane open for an overhanging load. 

Examples of Loads on Texas Highways 

Everything and anything can be transported via the highway. Some of the many types of heavy loads and TxDot permits may include: 

• Single-trip 
• Manufactured housing single-trip
• Portable building 
• Super heavy
• House move
• Crave and well service unit mileage
• Self-propelled off-road equipment 

When transporting goods within a state, an important distinction to make includes interstate and intrastate. When a shipment or load leaves Texas borders, it is generally referred to as interstate shipment or travel. Yet, this is the source of some confusion because it is often the load that determines the restrictions the driver and company must follow and not the final destination of the shipment. 

There are a lot of rules and regulations when it comes to weight, inspections, and more. The state has placed heavy regulations in ensuring the safety and adequate training and screening of drivers, requiring trucking insurance, and regulating the weight and size of shipments that are interacting with day-to-day commuters. 

Learn More About Texas Trucking Permits with Border Trucking Compliance

Following state guidelines is essential to maintaining the good standing of your company. It also avoids fines or citations, plus providing specific safety protocols and requirements to follow to keep Texas drivers and your drivers safe. 

Want to learn more? We know the law is always changing and can be confusing. Connect with Border Trucking Compliance today.

The TxDot Story Begins in the Capitol Building with a Few Roads 

The Department has deep roots in the state’s history and development. The state’s growth and powerful economy require that an effective road and highway system keep things moving. With a population of 29 million people, mobility and ease of access are necessary. 

The earliest version of the Texas Department of Transportation emerged in 1917, known as the Texas Highway Department.  Early responsibilities of the Texas Highway Department were to register drivers and oversee the construction of roads and highways.

 In October of 1918, something important happened that would not only define the direction the state would go but set the groundwork for an expansive and ever-growing powerhouse state. 

The First Official Highway Project in the Lone Star State

The thousands of miles that interconnect the state today had to begin somewhere, and they began between Falfurrias and Encino. Today, Falfurrias is a town of about 5,000 people and Encino has a whopping population of 60 people. Yes, it was these two small Texas towns that about 100 years ago marked the beginning of a thousand miles interstate system. 

The early concern for TxDot was making connections between farms and ranches to the markets and other locals. That mission remains relatively the same, only it’s gotten a little more complicated. TxDot is still concerned about making connections, but today its mission is navigating the continuous expansion, increased population, and the very busy highways that exist within it. 

TxDot’s Role in the State Highways and Transportation of Goods 

The agency’s role in the upkeep and function of Texas roads extends far beyond paving a few highway miles. In cooperation with other local and regional entities, TxDot is responsible for:

• Planning and designing the states transportation system
• Building, operating and maintaining that transportation system
• It conducts transportation research to improve quality and save lives
• Bridge construction
• Maintenance of roadways, bridges, and airports 
• Ferry systems
• Vehicle titles and registration
• Traffic safety
• Regulation and oversight of the trucking industry 

4 Fascinating Facts About Texas Highways and Roads 

As if the fact that Texas has the most highway miles of any state in the Union (yes including California) wasn’t enough. Here are a couple of fun Texas highway facts: 

#1 Texas has the highest speed limit in the country. In a 41-mile stretch of Highway 130 from Austin to Seguin motorists can enjoy the highest speed limit in all of the United States. This piece of highway allows 85 miles per hour and opened in 2012. It opened up an easy access gateway between Austin and San Antonio, calming areas of heavy traffic between the two cities and congestion in Interstate 35. 

#2  Texas has 55,000 bridges that carry vehicular traffic. There’s a lot of ground to cover in the Lone Star State. Sometimes that requires a bridge. Out of the 55,000 bridges that see traffic, 36,000 are on the state system. 

#3 TxDot has 80,455 centerline miles under its jurisdiction. Centerline miles refer to miles traveled in one direction, independent of how many lanes there are in a roadway. Out of these, there are 40,846 farm-to-market roads, 16,380 state highways, and 3,459 interstate highways.  

#4 Texas is top of its game in providing important crash information. Texas has implemented a Crash Records Information System. This system provides Texas drivers and the public immediate information on individual crash reports. Texas residents and the public at large can purchase redacted copies of these reports.

TxDot and the Trucking Industry

TxDot is also highly involved with the trucking industry in Texas, which is responsible for carrying goods across the state. Along with the Texas DMV, TxDot has in place compliance regulations to ensure the safety and proper training of drivers. 

Need to Stay in Compliance in the State of Texas 

Here at Border Trucking Compliance, we work closely with the trucking industry to ensure that they are in compliance with state and federal regulations. Depending on the kind of cargo you carry, the size of your fleet, you are dealing with varying regulations and specifications.  From DOT testing, permits,  or other title and registration issues, our team of experts can guide you through any trucking questions. 

Need to transport goods across state lines? Call us today and learn how we can help. 

Driving a commercial vehicle is a big responsibility. It is also a job with many physical demands. It not only involves heavy-duty and large vehicles but going across state lines and sometimes transporting delicate cargo. The trucking industry has come a long way in ensuring safety, training, and efficiency of driving. The federal and state governments created compliance standards to ensure that all trucking companies follow similar rules that help protect drivers, consumers, and other motorists. 

The Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for creating many of these regulations, and it is on the trucking companies to ensure that they are following these rules. A central component to compliance is the health and safety of the drivers. That often begins by ensuring drivers are physically apt to handle these large commercial vehicles. As your trucking compliance consultation company, we guide companies to achieving compliance and ensuring complete efficiency. 

Quick Review: What is Trucking Compliance? 

Trucking companies that transport goods across state lines and international borders need to comply with federal and state regulations. Like any other industry, the trucking industry is always changing and being affected by new understanding, technology, advancements, and awareness of new information and policies. For up-and-coming trucking companies, navigating the convoluted world of federal guidelines is tough. Using a third party to help you understand the regulations that apply to you and your particular business model, vehicles, etc., ensures that you stay within the law and maintain productivity in your operation. 

Staying within the law means several advantages for your company and operations including: 

• Saved time: When you are confident about your operations and are fully aware of all laws that apply to you, your company saves time. 
• Avoid fines: Non-compliance can mean hefty fines for your trucking company. When you understand regulations from the start, you avoid fines and can make better use of your resources. 
• Have peace of mind from honest assessments. When working with a trucking compliance company, you will get honest assessments about adjustments or changes your company might have to make. 

DOT Drug Tests: What You Need to Know 

Many professions and jobs require regular drug testing. This is the case with anyone that is interested in driving a commercial vehicle. The U.S. Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed in the early 90s, as Congress recognized the need to ensure a drug and alcohol-free work environment in certain professions. This bill passed after several transportation accidents that drew attention to the matter. DOT is involved in testing people in transportation such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, certain limo drivers, railroads, mass transit, and pipeline industries. 

The DOT drug test will check for: 

• Marijuana metabolites/THC
• Cocaine metabolites
• Amphetamines 
• Opioids
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

When it comes to alcohol, the tests look for .02 concentration and greater. 

In addition to DOT testing, the federal government does not prohibit or stop companies from instituting their own company drug policy and testing regimen. Employes can choose to test for other drugs. 

DOT Physicals: What You Need to Know

Driving commercial vehicles can be physically demanding. The misconception is that driving a truck does not constitute a very physical job. Yet, anyone that has taken a long road trip understands that the body takes a toll from being on the highway for so long. Driving a commercial vehicle doesn’t just entail driving either, it requires the ability to secure loads, make inspections, etc. This means that the Department of Transportation wants to ensure that all drivers on the road are able to perform the necessary tasks for the job. 

For a DOT physical, the examining physicians will: 

• Determine if a person is qualified to drive. This means if a medical condition is found, that condition will be assessed as to whether it will interfere with the main duties of the job. 
• There may be a temporary disqualification if a condition is found. 
• There might be a need for an exemption. DOT has determined certain conditions that disqualify drivers. These might include medical conditions such as hypertension, respiratory dysfunction, diabetes, vision impairment, epilepsy, and other mental disorders. If a driver has any of these conditions, they will have to apply for exemption and see if it is accepted. 

 Want to Ensure Full Compliance of Your Trucking Company? 

Don’t waste time and money on fines or non-compliance complaints. Don’t risk your employees or your company name. Ensure that your truck company is following the guidelines and regulations. This can be a hassle and involve sifting through a lot of information.  Border Trucking Compliance has been helping local trucking companies with compliance for many years. Working in the Southwest region, we know the difficulties of inter-state and international travel. 

Are you starting a trucking company or want to ensure you are in compliance with DOT regulations? Call us today for a trucking compliance consultation. 

Global Position Systems (GPS) and the Transport of Goods 

For all of history, it has been a preoccupation of man to understand his position on this earth and calculate distances, treks, and voyages. The discovery of new lands and territories was dependent on successful journeys that could, with some accuracy, understand the road that lay ahead. Early navigators used landmarks and the cosmos to orient themselves—a tactic that would put most of us to shame today, given our dependence on easy navigation. People would depend on constellations to move through the open seas. Latitude and longitude were necessary metrics to understand precise locations on earth and maintain some consistency.

Other early navigation tools (which are still relevant today) include the handy compass, which was quite useful for many explorers and pioneers settling new lands.  We have moved far beyond watching the sun and the stars these days. Global Positioning Systems have not only changed the way we navigate on our day-to-day commutes and road trips but have caused considerable differences for the trucking industry. 

How GPS Has Changed the Trucking Industry 

Today’s truck drivers are aided by GPS technology. The wild-haired mavericks of the 70s and 80s who were able to take detours, drive at their own pace are long gone. Not that they ever existed to that degree, but today’s truck drivers are far more closely monitored. GPS has:

• Improved overall productivity by allowing control centers and dispatch centers to monitor routes and warn drivers of upcoming traffic jams, accidents, construction detours, closed roads, etc. 
• Truck drivers themselves use GPS for similar purposes, including finding alternate routes in the event of local constructions or accidents. 
• It has increased efficiency when it comes to finding the best routes and keeping truck drivers accountable to consistent driving and speed limits. 

Other types of trucker technology come in the form of:

• Electronic Logging Device  (ELD): As part of MAP-21 was passed as a way to create a safer work environment for truckers. The regulation was also intended to make logging driving hours faster, more convenient, and pose less of a distraction for drivers. An ELD will synchronize with a vehicle engine to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status. This allows for accurate metrics and self-management. By keeping track of all kinds of data, truck drivers can better understand progress and identify areas that need improvement. 

• Voice Command: So much of road safety is dependent upon maintaining well-rested and attentive truck drivers. Voice command allows the driver to perform other tasks—such as changing the radio station— without moving their hands off the wheel. Voice command is a helpful tool to keep drivers attentive on the road while having more control over other parts of their rig.

• GPS Tracking: As mentioned above, GPS is used by many truck drivers today. A GPS device is not only good for tracking the journey, but it can also provide useful information such as the price of diesel in a certain area or bridge weight. It identifies checkpoints or potential hazards on the road.  

• Autonomous Trucks: There is a lot of talk out there about self-driving trucks and the technology that will displace hundreds of truck drivers in the next few years. The technology of completely driverless trucks, however, is still a long way from becoming an everyday occurrence.

The Use of Technology in Driver Training and Continuing Education 

Given the nature of the virtual world and changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many drivers can be trained from the cabin through video and interactive virtual lessons. This makes training drivers easier and more convenient. It speeds up the process for drivers to learn how to use new tools, operate vehicles, etc. 

Technology and Recent Changes Due to Pandemic 

Truck drivers performed an essential function during COVID-19. They kept the supply lines flowing and people—many stuck in their homes and limited to their local supermarket—able to access necessary food and supplies. Of course, this has always been their job, but people really took notice when the world seemed to be on pause. Many trucking industries used technology to keep their drives safe and healthy and able to communicate. Many rest stops and restaurants were closed during that time and GPS and other features allowed drivers to learn local restrictions and regulations. 

Choose a Trucking Company with Generational Experience and Innovative Ideas

Border Trucking Alliance is a family-owned trucking company that has institutional knowledge that goes back generations. We have grown with the trucking industry and are always looking to implement the newest and safest ways to improve your productivity and ensure driver safety.  

Connect with Border Trucking Alliance and find out how our crew will help you with compliance in El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico.