Blog posts of '2022' 'November'

Brake failure is probably one of the most terrifying possibilities for commercial vehicle drivers.  However, proper vehicle maintenance, driving at safe speeds, and braking properly will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades. 

Proper commercial vehicle maintenance which includes regularly inspecting brakes is of the utmost importance, and it is the law!  This significantly reduces the risk of brake failure.  Improper maintenance that contributes to a commercial vehicle accident can even result in criminal charges and jail time! 

But what if it still happens?  Your best option is to use an escape ramp.  Escape ramps—also called runaway truck ramps—are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.  If there is one, there will be signs indicating the location of the entrance to the ramp. 

Ramps are usually located a few miles down from the top of the downgrade.  Some escape ramps use soft gravel that will assist in bringing the vehicle to a stop more quickly.  Others turn uphill to stop the vehicle and let the soft gravel keep it in place.  If no escape ramp is available take the least hazardous escape route you can, like an open field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill.  Make the move as soon as you know your brakes don’t work!  The longer you wait the more momentum will build thus making it hard to stop.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Cargo theft has become a big problem in the United States, costing companies $15 to $35 billion annually.  These steps will help to reduce the likelihood of you suffering loss.

• Communicate well with your carrier.  All involved in the process should know the name of the driver and the vehicle number for the vehicle that will be picking up the load.
• Check your paperwork.  The problem with cargo theft starts at the dock.  Make sure that your cargo matches your bill of lading in both commodity and quality.  Do not sign any paperwork until you have verified that all of your cargo is accounted for.
• Be aware of vulnerable areas.  These include truck stops, parking lots, drop lots, and other areas where cargo could be left unattended, especially in store parking lots or empty lots on weekends.
• Do not leave your trailer unattended at any moment.  If you must walk away for some reason, make sure to lock the doors and take the keys with you.
• Park in well-lit areas.  Avoid dark isolated areas.
• Place the most valuable cargo in the nose of the trailer as far away from the doors as possible.
• Do not accept last-minute cargo that does not include paperwork.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!