texas cdl

New Transportation Regulations Lead to Continued Changes in Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is changing how its drivers record their hours for the first time in a long time with a newly implemented government rule announced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, established to help truck drivers combat fatigue. In the past, truck drivers have been required to keep a paper log of their hours, but the new electronic logging device rule (ELD) is set to change everything.

The electronic logging device is designed to record the driver’s time on the road through monitoring miles driven, the movement of the vehicle, engine hours and the location of the driver more effectively.

Approximately three million commercial truck and bus drivers will be required to record their hours using the modern logging device, intended to also establish a safer environment over all for truck drivers.

The electronic logging device (ELD) will also allow companies in the trucking industry the opportunity to track their driver’s required mileage progression. Drivers feel that with this ability, companies will force their drivers to fulfill their mileage requirement even if they are too tired to drive.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association doesn’t agree with the new rule, suing the Safety Administration in hopes of banning it. The association believes the rule is no more effective than recording hours manually and the cost of the new technology to the trucking industry is not worth its service.

According to the Safety Administration however, the electronic recording device is set to save an estimated net savings of $1 billion a year, specifically through paperwork reductions. The Safety Administration additionally estimates that it will save 26 lives and prevent 526 injuries annually.

The rule will go into effect in early 2016, but will give companies two years after the effective start date for them to begin implemented the device. A new transportation law will also go into effect, allowing some 18 to 20 year-olds to be able to drive trucking vehicles across state lines.

This controversial law has caused concerned for some, but arrives as many current truck drivers are gearing towards retirement. According to industry leaders, they say they will hire 890,000 drivers over the next ten years to replace those leaving. Due to also a shortage, truck driver’s salaries will also continue to increase.

With all the changes occurring in the trucking industry, we understand that the law can be difficult to navigate if you find yourself in a challenging spot. At Corso Law Group, we understand that the last thing a truck driver needs is a CDL ticket or a complication with the law. To schedule a free consultation with one our experienced Arizona CDL traffic ticket attorneys, please call (713) 231-0499.

A Shortage in Truck Drivers Leads to Potential Industry Changes

Not many people outside the trucking world are informed about the requirements, issues and current laws surrounding truck driving. Our firm works diligently with these individuals to help them find solutions when it comes to traffic violations, license issues and much more.

Recently, there have been several public scandals related to over-the-road commercial driving, and currently the industry is experiencing a shortage in drivers.

A recent study completed by the American Trucking Association revealed the shortage of U.S. truck drivers will increase to 175,000 by 2040 if no changes are made. Over the last several years, the number of licensed drivers has ebbed and flowed, according to Bob Costello, the American Trucking Association economist and leader of the study. According to Costello, the industry witnessed an improvement last year but has experienced yet another decline in 2015.

As a result of high retirement rates and continuous growth, the industry must find almost 90,000 drivers to meet growing demand.

The job isn’t an easy one though. Truck driving typically means time away from one’s family and long hours, a difficult sacrifice for many parents to make.

Kevin Poulter, a current truck driver says drivers “must be able to deal with the stress of traffic”, too. He knows a variety of weather, road conditions and driving laws can take a toll on drivers.

Long hours can mean good pay but in order to fix the shortage the American Trucking Association is suggesting changing the industry’s requirements and guidelines. The association is questioning specific requirements currently in place.

The current age requirement for long-haul driving is 21 years old, but the American Trucking Association suggests lowering it. They also suggest increasing the amount of time drivers are allowed to spend at home and suggest exploring hiring more military veterans.

According to the association, another piece of the problem is the view the outside world has of truck drivers and the lifestyle it permits. Improving the industry’s reputation will attract more drivers.

Corso Law Group knows truck drivers are passionate about their jobs, and need valid commercial driver’s licenses and a clean driving record to make a living. To learn how to protect yourself, please contact us today.

Illegal CDL Scandal Weighs Heavy on Established Truckers

At Corso Law Group, we work with truck drivers every day. These individuals display how much hard work, time and effort it takes to obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and it’s not a privilege that should be given without being earned.

Recently, experienced truck drivers were taken for spin when California Department of Motor Vehicles employees were arrested for distributing fraudulent commercial driver’s license (CDL) to unauthorized truck drivers in exchange for thousands of dollars.Texas CDL Driver

Without having to have passed the required tests, the drivers caused great harm and potential danger to those around them on the roads. As a result of the scandal, authorities believe that these drivers caused 23 accidents.

Luckily however, no deaths occurred due to the crashes but in corruptive bribery situations such as these, it’s crucial that law enforcement shuts down the illegal operation immediately.

Truck driver George McDonald commented on the matter for a CBS Sacramento article saying, “if you’re not properly trained to drive one, a truck, you have really no business behind it,” and we agree. These truck drivers were behind many of the largest vehicles that are operated on the roads including 18-wheelers.

Federal authorities estimate that over 100 drivers were involved in the scandal, paying up to $5,000 each for license. According to U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, the DMV databases were illegally switched to show that the truck drivers involved had infact passed both their written and driving tests.

Besides the obvious danger this situation put the public in, it’s important to note that truck driving requirements are already extensive as is. When a truck driver receives a CDL ticket or commits any of these offenses, serious penalties can occur.

Since the scandal was uncovered, truck drivers say the public is now safe on the roads once again.

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