DOT Regulations for Garbage Trucks

Here are some of the most important DOT regulations for garbage trucks:

• All operators of a garbage truck must be at least 21 years old and have a valid commercial driver’s license.
• Drivers must maintain the vehicle in safe working condition, obeying all state and federal regulations regarding its operation.
• The maximum speed limit for garbage trucks is 55 miles per hour on highways, but may vary depending on local regulations.
• Garbage trucks are not allowed to travel over bridges or other structures unless they have been specially constructed as such.
• Trucks must be equipped with appropriate equipment including lights, brakes and signal devices to ensure safety while operating. Must visit the website link.
• Commercial waste haulers are required to follow specific rules related to the disposal of solid wastes, including proper labeling. Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.

What Are Hours-of-Service Issues for Garbage Truck Drivers?

Waste and recycling haulers typically operate within the same state (intrastate) and may be unaware that hours-of-service rules still apply to them. While states can amend certain parts of the regulations, they are required to adopt federal regulations in order to maintain consistency between all types of operations. This ensures that fatigued drivers are kept off the road, limiting how long and when a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver can drive. Also visit the website link.

If a DOT inspector requests the past seven days of time logs during a roadside inspection and the driver explains that their company is a short-haul carrier and therefore retains those records at their business, the officer may not believe them. In this case, they can follow up with the company to get verification. If a violation is issued for not having the last seven days in the truck, it can be challenged and removed. What is DOT SAP Program?

If a driver occasionally exceeds the 14-hour on-duty window while operating within the short-haul exemption (no more than eight days out of any 30-day period), it's important to create a record of duty status for that day as soon as possible. In the event of a DOT audit or request by an authorized representative from FHA or State official, these records must be produced quickly—usually within two working days—at the location where the review is taking place. How To Request the DOT PIN Number?

What Are Common Vehicle Maintenance Issues for Garbage Trucks?

Road safety should always be a top priority for motor carriers. During the 2020 International Roadcheck, roadside inspections revealed that the most frequent violations were related to:

• brake systems
• tires
• lights
• brake adjustment
• cargo securement

Maintaining vehicles properly is essential to ensure reliability and avoid any potential issues; visual defects are often one of the first indicators used by inspectors when selecting a vehicle for inspection. As such, it's important for motor carriers to ensure their equipment is regularly serviced and all necessary repairs made promptly in order to stay compliant with road regulations. What is MC Number?

If a vehicle has been experiencing frequent maintenance issues, it is important to have an accurate record of parts and repairs. Unfortunately, some mechanics can overlook the importance of keeping good paperwork. For example, we once assisted a company whose Conditional rating had dropped due to not tracking bulk parts inventory correctly, thereby failing to demonstrate when they replaced something. Keeping records of vehicle maintenance is essential for ensuring your fleet remains in top condition. Visit DOT Authority Package, Tips to prepare for 2022 DOT Week filings in minutes. How to get Oregon Trip And Fuel Permit?

During the pre-trip inspection, it's easy to identify common violations that can be written up on a roadside inspection. Low tread depth and damaged sidewalls are some of the most visible signs. They generally don't occur after one trip. It's important that drivers understand what to look for and how the DOT evaluates these issues when determining whether or not there is a violation. Aside from just seeing the paperwork confirming that a maintenance issue was addressed, having the corresponding driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) noting the defect can also help in providing evidence of compliance.

What Are Some Best Practices for Vehicle Maintenance?

It is critical for fleets to maintain their vehicles in order to stay operational and safe. To do this, it's important to adhere to the best practices of vehicle maintenance. First, fleets should conduct an inventory of all their vehicles and maintenance needs to establish what regular preventive maintenance activities and parts are necessary. Second, they should create a preventative maintenance schedule according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Lastly, they should set up effective record-keeping methods and storage systems for all documentation related to vehicle maintenance. Following these steps will help ensure that fleets remain reliable and efficient.

Must visit FMCSA Hours of Service Suspended topics

​

What Are Common Cargo Securement and Weight Issues for Waste Haulers?

Cargo being transported on the highway must remain tightly secured, both on and within the transportation vehicle. This way, it does not spill, blow off, or become dislodged from the vehicle. During International Roadcheck 2020, five of the top violations were related to cargo securement; this included issues such as debris flying off rollback tow trucks and dump trucks picking up dumpsters. To prevent these costly violations, ensure your goods are firmly held in place before you hit the road. Importance of The FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule.

Don't forget to secure demolished vehicles and overloaded dumpsters with cargo tarps. Tie-downs counteract the forces acting on the cargo, so make sure they're attached at an angle of less than 45° during your pre-trip inspection. Also check that all securement equipment and vehicle structures are in good condition and that cargo is evenly distributed. Ensure your load is properly secured for a safe ride! Also, take a look at Drug and Alcohol Program policy.

What Are Common DQ Files Issues for Waste Haulers?

Driver qualification files are an area carriers often overlook when it comes to compliance with waste and recycling regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) places great importance on the driver hiring process as a key factor in establishing and preserving safe operations. Thus, every driver's personnel file must contain information about their prior employment, drug testing results, motor vehicle records, credit history and more. It is essential for carriers to ensure that all of this information is properly documented in order to remain compliant. What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement?

All drivers in the waste hauler industry need to be aware that all Driver Qualification (DQ) file rules apply to them. Failing to meet these basic requirements can lead to:

• hefty DOT fines
• CSA violations
• an unsatisfactory safety rating
• out-of-service orders when audited

Make sure your driver qualification files are up-to-date and maintained properly in order to avoid any of these possible consequences. Read about Texas DOT Number and USDOT Number. Learn here How to Prepare for a Compliance DOT Audit.

Check Your Garbage Trucks Daily

Before heading out on their route, garbage truck drivers and companies should take the time to inspect their trucks for five to ten minutes. Doing so is essential in ensuring a safe trip and will bring peace of mind to insurance producers who are confident that clients are adhering to DOT regulations. Taking these few moments of precaution could make all the difference in avoiding potential risks. What is Unified Carrier Registration?

​Prior to hitting the road, it's important for drivers to check their truck. Give your truck a thorough look-over and make sure to jot down any damages or issues that need repair. Ensure that all lights and electronics are functioning properly so you stay visible while driving. Start up the engine and inspect linkages as it warms up; then, top off fluids if necessary. Don't forget to check tires, hydraulics, and other components too! With these steps in place, you can make sure that your work is as safe and smooth as possible. Check out The Basics of Farm Exemptions. You will then have the ability to maintain complete motor carrier authority or broker. What are the Top 3 DOT paper appointed Violations?

Key Points: DOT Regulations for Garbage Truck Drivers

Here are some crucial DOT regulations that every garbage truck driver in the country met be aware of. If you need help filing DOT regulation paperwork, do not hesitate to contact our organization.

• Drivers must maintain a valid commercial driver's license and any other licenses or permits required by the state in which they are operating, as well as comply with applicable federal and state laws related to driving.
• Drivers must inspect their vehicles before each shift, including checking the brakes, lights, mirrors and windshield wipers for proper operation.
• Drivers must be knowledgeable about load securement methods for ensuring safety during transport.
• In order to operate a garbage truck, drivers must complete all necessary training courses, including those related to safe driving practices and environmental protection awareness.
• Drivers should be aware of local noise ordinances.