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Read explanations, practical guides and industry perspectives on the questions drivers and operators face.

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EducationFree

Refrigerated Freight Temperature Problems and Delivery Rejection: Documentation and Next Steps

For refrigerated food rejected over temperature concerns, preserve trip data, document the receiver's measurements, and obtain authorized handling instructions. Food-safety clearance, cargo disposition, insurance notification, and formal claims require separate attention. A normal setpoint or rerouting instruction cannot establish that the food is safe. Apply current rules alongside the shipment contract and insurance policy.

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How to Document and Recover Detention, Layover, TONU, and Lumper Charges

Detention, layover, TONU, and lumper reimbursement depend on the contract chain and contemporaneous evidence. Record the complete facility timeline, obtain written approval, preserve receipts and payment proof, request a revised rate confirmation, and submit one organized claim package. Keep ELD and hours-of-service records accurate throughout the process.

InsightFree

How Owner-Operators Should Read a Lease Agreement Before Leasing On

Owner-operators should separate an operating lease from any truck lease-purchase contract, verify the carrier through FMCSA records, and trace compensation, documents, insurance, and every deduction. Federal rules also address 15-day payment, rated freight bills, escrow accounting, quarterly interest, final accounting, and return of qualifying escrow no later than 45 days after termination.

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What Commercial Drivers Should Do After a Traffic Ticket

Commercial drivers should preserve the citation, follow the court deadline, and distinguish a citation from a conviction. DataQs applies to FMCSA safety data, not ordinary court disputes. Employer notice may be due within 30 days after conviction or sooner after a license action. Court, California DMV, PSP, and inspection records should be checked separately after disposition.

InsightFree

California’s 55 mph Truck Limit and Right-Lane Rules

California’s 55 mph limit applies to vehicles listed in CVC section 22406, not every commercial truck. Covered vehicles generally use a signed designated lane or the right-hand traffic lane. On divided highways with four or more lanes in one direction, they may also use the adjacent lane. Passing does not permit farther-left lanes or speeds above 55 mph.

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Preparing a Commercial Truck for Winter Mountain Routes in California

California commercial trucks need winter equipment matched to the actual tractor-trailer, not a fixed chain count or calendar date. Drivers should test-fit chains, check Caltrans QuickMap and CHIN, understand Donner truck screening and hold codes, and recognize that the Grapevine may use escorts or closures. Posted signs and current Caltrans or CHP instructions control the final decision.

EducationFree

What Should a Truck Driver Do After a Highway Shoulder Breakdown?

After a highway shoulder breakdown, assess immediate danger, call 911 when the truck blocks traffic or occupies a dangerous location, activate hazard flashers, and place warning devices when safe. Record breakdown time accurately, distinguish routine defects from unsafe or out-of-service conditions, and preserve inspection, towing, repair, and release-to-service records.

EducationFree

What California Truck Drivers and Fleets Should Do After a Collision

After a California commercial truck collision, protect people and the roadway, exchange information, preserve evidence, and notify the carrier and insurer. File SR-1 within 10 days when injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage is involved. DOT post-accident testing depends on fatality, medical treatment, tow-away damage, citations, and timing.