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. 

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.

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.