Blog posts of '2022' 'December'

The costs associated with transporting goods across the country continue to rise.  For some carriers or customers, this may increase the desire to maximize load size in order to reduce the overall cost.  However, this may increase the temptation to overload.

Aside from the risk of having your vehicle put out of service and being fined for overloading, you might have other issues to deal with even before you reach the weigh station.

Overloading can have bad effects on steering, suspension, braking, and speed control.

Overloading can void your vehicle warranty.

Overloaded vehicles will require increased stopping distances.

Brakes can fail when they are forced to work too hard.

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!

Hitting overhead objects is a real danger for truck drivers.  For example, roadways often take you under overpasses.  Make sure you are aware of your vehicle’s height and that you always have sufficient overhead clearance.  Don’t assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct.

A road that has been repaved or has firmly packed snow on it may have less clearances since the heights were posted.

The weight of your cargo affects your vehicle’s height.  An empty container sits higher than one that is loaded.  Just because you got under a bridge when you were loaded doesn’t mean that you can pass safely when empty.

If you doubt you have enough clearance to pass under an object, go slowly.  If you aren’t sure you can make it, take another route.

Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes they are not.  Some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt.  There can be a problem clearing objects along the edge of the road, such as signs, trees, or bridge supports.  Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the center of the road.

Before you get back into an area, check for overhanging objects such as trees, branches, or electric wires.  It’s easy to miss seeing them while in reverse.

CDL Direct is committed to providing high-quality online Entry Level Driver Training.  We not only partner with many behind-the-wheel truck driving schools but can provide job placement services to help get our students on the road and provide for their families right away!