When the first Technicians discovered fire many eons ago not one among them could have known the magnitude of this technological discovery. In the modern day, there is very little that we do on a day to day basis that is not attributable to the mastery of fire. Even the later, more advanced inventions of my people (Technicians); the wheel and the internal combustion engine could not have been married to create our modern day freight hauling warhorses without this, our most important and...
After you have completed your DOT physical, the state in which you have your CDL requires that a copy of your medical card be submitted to them. The medical card is required to be recorded within 15 days of receipt.
The only three states as of today that require it to be completed online are Florida, Massachusetts, and Mississippi.
As a courtesy the Safety Department will submit the medical card for you. Most states will only discuss the status of your medical card/CDL with CDL holder, so...
The stench was horrific. An aroma that curls the nose hairs of its unfortunate recipient. An absolute torture to the olfactory sense and one that you feel could be perceived to the heavens above. A soured, musky smell with just a hint of carrion mixed in for good measure. The scattered bones of prey litter the floor of the chamber as you navigate the narrow, debris lined path towards the rear of the structure. You cautiously journey onward, still trying not to breathe any more than necessary to...
Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. Colorado territory, March, 1872. You have been commissioned to move supplies from Central City to the mining community of Georgetown. An unusually warm wind heightens the anticipation of an early spring after a somewhat mild Western winter. A bright and clear morning as you head to the livery to begin your journey.
The owner of the livery is quite eager for your mission to be successful as he has “kin folk” eagerly awaiting your...
Spring is here and along with improved weather, you can look forward to an increase in roadside inspection activity.
Conduct a comprehensive pre and post trip inspection. Record the time you spend conducting the inspection on-duty or line 4 of your electronic logs.
The report must identify the vehicle and cover at least the following parts and accessories:
Service brakes including trailer brake connections
Parking (hand) brake
Steering mechanism
Lighting devices and...
I bestow upon you the following parable: Long, long ago an old priest wandered the wilderness. He journeyed far and wide across the old world for many years with nothing but his clothing and his message. He visited many villages and farms throughout the countryside and spread his message to young and old, rich and poor alike. He trudged forth wearily but with purpose. One day as he traversed a narrow path that wound through the mountains he came upon another voyager approaching from the...
The wind blows cold across a frozen meadow somewhere in the Alaskan outback. You scan the scene from a make-shift blind you constructed out of broken juniper branches. You squint at the sun as it peeks from behind a cloud. You shiver slightly as the breeze whistles across the back of your neck. A rustling in the scrub brush from the far side of the meadow alerts you to the coming of your quarry: Ursus Arctos Horribilis…the great grizzly bear. The giant boar ambles into the clearing and sniffs...
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that the Annual Roadcheck 2017 will occur on the dates of June 6-8. During this 72 hour window drivers can expect to see increased enforcement activity by the DOT officers. This year the focus will be on Cargo Securement Safety.
With that in mind drivers verifying that loads are properly secured, etc. Also under Cargo Securement would be any spare tires or tire carcasses in the tire rack under the trailer. Make sure these...