Driver Training

Longer Combination

Vehicles

LCV Training Rules

Issued March 30, 2004

Effective June 1, 2004

49 CFR Part 380, §§380.101 – 380.401

1a

LCV Training Rules

35,000 LCV drivers initially

No grandfathering after June 2005

1,200 trained annually

1b

LCVs Defined

Longer Combination Vehicle:any combination of a truck-tractor and two or more trailers or semi-trailers which operate on the “National System of Interstate and Defense Highways” in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) greater than 80,000 pounds.

1c

LCVs Defined

“National System of Interstate and Defense Highways” = interstate highway system

www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/routefinder has list of highways

1d

LCVs Defined

Gross vehicle weight = scale weight Total, actual weight of

all vehicles in the combination plus all cargo and people

≤ 80,000 # = exempt

1e

Most Common LCVs

1f

Where Can LCVs Operate?

Not all states allows LCVs 1956: more than 20 states given

option to allow LCVs. Not all states exercised that option.

1991: law prohibited states from further increasing size/weight of combination vehicles.

1g

Where Can LCVs Operate?

Western states

Some turnpikes

Type of LCVs allowed differs from state to state

1h

“No motor carrier shall…”

…allow a driver to operate an LCV unless driver has:

LCV Driver-Training Certificate or Certificate of Grandfathering

CDL

Endorsement(s)

1i

Who Qualifies For Training?

“Present evidence” that you had the following in previous 6 months:

Valid Class A CDL with double/triple endorsement

Driving experience* in Class A vehicle

*Evidence = employer’s written statement

2a

Who Qualifies For Training?

One driver’s license No CDL suspension,

revocation, or cancellation No “major offense” convictions while

operating CMV No “railroad-highway grade crossing”

convictions while operating CMV

2b

Who Qualifies For Training?

No convictions for violating OOS orders

No more than 1 “serious traffic violation” conviction while operating CMV

No convictions for violating traffic control laws in connection with crash involving a CMV

2c

Training includes…

Written knowledge test (classroom)– Given by any qualified

driver-instructor– Passing score = 80%

Skills test, including actual operation of LCV (behind-the-wheel)– Given only by qualified LCV skills

instructor

2d

Training Outline

1. Orientation

– LCVs in Trucking

– Regulations

– Driver Qualifications

– Vehicle Configuration Factors

3a

Training Outline (cont’d)

2. Basic Operation

– Coupling/Uncoupling

– Basic Control & Handling

– Basic Manuevers

– Turning, Steering, Tracking

– Proficiency Development

3b

Training Outline (cont’d)

3. Safe Operating Practices– Interacting with Traffic

– Speed and Space Management

– Night Operations

– Extreme Driving Conditions

– Security Issues

– Proficiency Development

3c

Training Outline (cont’d)

4. Advanced Operations

– Hazard Perception

– Hazardous Situations

– Maintenance and Troubleshooting

3d

Training Outline (cont’d)

5. Non-Driving Activities

– Routes and Trip Planning

– Cargo and Weight Considerations

3e

LCVs in Trucking

Advantages: Productivity

Cost

Traffic

Air Emissions

4a

LCVs in Trucking

Disadvantages: Safety

Pavement Damage

Infrastructure Damage

Parking

4b

The Driver’s Role

Inspections

Weight Distribution

Safe Operation and Delivery

Qualifications

4c

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 49 = Transportation Ch. III = FMCSA

Subch. B = FMCSRs Parts 350-399

Title 23 = Highways Ch. I = Federal Highway Administration

Part 658 = Length, Width, and Weight Limits §658.23 & Appendix C = LCV Limits

5a

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 49 = Transportation Ch. V = NHTSA

Part 571 = Safety Standards

Ch. I = PHMSASubch. C = Hazardous Materials Regulations

5b

State & Local Regulations

States set size & weight limits

Local Laws

Ignorance of the law is no excuse!

5c

Driver Qualifications

Are you qualified to drive? Federal rules (49 CFR)

– Part 380: LCV and Entry-Level Training

– Part 382: Drug/Alcohol Testing

– Part 383: CDL (and LCV endorsement)

– Part 391: Qualifications

6a

Medical Exams

§§391.41 - 391.45

Qualified, licensed medical examiner

Every 2 years

Carry your medical card, and keep it current!

6b

Medical Exams

Limb loss or impairment

Insulin use Cardiovascular

disease Respiratory

dysfunction Blood pressure

6c

Muscular, joint, or vascular disease

Epilepsy Psychiatric

disorders Vision Hearing Drug use / alcohol

abuse

Medical Exams

State qualification rules:

Intrastate operations only

Additional exemptions

Waivers

Check with the state for details.

6d

Drug & Alcohol Testing

Drug & Alcohol Testing – Part 382 CDL drivers only Tests required:

– Pre-employment– Random (50% drug, 10% alcohol)– Reasonable suspicion– Post-accident– Return-to-duty & follow-up

6e

Drug & Alcohol Testing

Test failure, refusal, or tampering =

Immediate removal from driving

Referral to SAP

Evaluation and treatment

Return-to-duty & follow-up testing

6f

Refusal

Fail to appear for any test Fail to remain at testing site Fail to provide urine specimen Fail to allow observation Fail to provide sufficient amount Fail or decline second test Fail to cooperate Medical Review Officer (MRO) reports

adulterated or substituted test result

6g

Driver Qualifications

A healthy driver is a safe driver!

Diet & Tobacco Use

Exercise

Alcohol & Drug Use/Abuse

Fatigue

6h

Diet

6i

Exercise

Reduces stress

Helps you sleep

Reduces injuries

Improves immunity

Lowers heart attack risk

Lowers body fat, cholesterol, BP

6j

Alcohol & Drugs

Drug/alcohol testing

Addiction & alcoholism

Affects health

Affects family

Affects employer

Affects other drivers

6k

Driver Qualifications

What about prescriptions?

“…pursuant to the instructions of a licensed medical practitioner … whohas advised the driver that the substance will not adversely affect the driver's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.”

6l

Fatigue

Stimulants are no substitute

Sleep can’t be banked, but you can go into debt

Take a break every 3 hours

7-8 hours sleep

6m

Fighting Fatigue

Get more sleep! Stay healthy Eat leaner food Check your prescriptions – is

fatigue a side effect? Do you have a treatable sleep

disorder?

6n

Vehicle Configurations

7a

Vehicle Configurations

7b

7c

Basic Operation

Coupling/Uncoupling

Basic Control & Handling

Basic Maneuvers

Turning, Steering, Tracking

Proficiency Development

8a

Safe Operating Practices

Interacting with Traffic

Speed and Space Management

Night Operations

Extreme Driving Conditions

Security Issues

Proficiency Development

9a

Advanced Operations

Hazard Perception

Hazardous Situations

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

10a

Route & Trip Planning

The art of getting from point A to point B safely, legally, and on time before you get behind the wheel.

Confirm states you will be operating in, highways traveled, and any special permits required prior to leaving!

11a

Route & Trip Planning

Size limitations Appendix C of Part 658

Weight limitations Federal bridge formula State formulas Appendix C of Part 658

11b

Route & Trip Planning

Factors to consider: Hours needed Total miles Time of day City vs. highway driving Hours-of-service regulations LCV restrictions Weather conditions

11c

Route & Trip Planning

Permits Vehicle registration (IRP) Operating authority Fuel/mileage tax (IFTA) Oversize/overweight

Contact state for permit requirements!

11d

Route & Trip Planning

Local access & reasonable access rule

49 CFR §658.19

Staging areas and access zones

11e

Cargo & Weight

Cargo documentation Proper Bill of Lading

for all cargo

Loading considerations

12a

Cargo & Weight

Cargo securement

49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I

Prevent movement in every direction

Unloading cargo

12b

Cargo & Weight

Weight distribution, load sequencing, trailer placement

Axle weight distribution

Placement on trailer

Effects on handling

12c