Calling all Drivers or Not !

February 2, 2012 | Filed under: Trucking/Transport | Posted by: JJ

About JJ

JJ Arnett has written 12 post in this blog.

JJ has been around the trucking industry all of her life. Her Father, a driver for more than 50 years. She is a truck driver, over the road, traveling in and out of 44 states. A prior owner of two businesses, she also taught English in Ecuador, as well as spending time teaching in China. For several years she instructed at a Nationally known trucking school, while also working in the litigation department for an accident re-constructionist involving Big Trucks, and giving DOT seminars on safety auditing of new carriers. She now works at a local specialized trucking company and loves her job as well as the people she works with. A Montanan, with an attitude and a Stetson grabbed her heart, and now she enjoys the Big Skies of Montana. She has two wonderful sons and two grand children and a mother-in-law that keeps her on her toes!

As we all know the cell phone is our life line as a trucker. The days of trying to find a phone to call dispatch has been over for a long time since this wonderful and cost effective tool. (Unless your in North Dakota, trying to find a signal!)

The DOT did ask for comments as they had a new proposition to restrict cell phone usage to CMV drivers. Don’t complain about new regulations unless you are willing to be a part of the process. The FMCSA site tells you all where to post your comments so that you and your feelings can be taken into account. Although it can be tedious to read through all the jargon, it is your responsibility to take the time and search out what can affect you in the future.

If you go to the FMCSA site you will see Rules and Regulations at the top banner, click on that. To your left you will see below: Click on proposed rules to find out what is in the proposal stage.

Rule-makings and notices

Final Rules

Interim Rules

Interim Final Rules

Proposed Rules

Notices

This site is for you, be proactive! We all hear a lot of whining over the Cb of the DOT and it’s rules. I guess what I would say is that it is their job to try and keep people safe, especially for those who are renegades and don’t care about the laws…..Well…..somebody has to care….and if it’s not you, who will it be?

Oh by the way! This was a no brainer! Duh!

Federal Register:	75FR 59118
RIN:	2126-AB22
Docket #:	FMCSA-2009-0370
49 CFR Part:	383, 384, 390, 391, 392

Publication Date:	9/27/2010
Effective Date:	10/27/2010

Action:

Final rule.

Summary:

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits texting by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers while operating in interstate commerce and imposes sanctions, including civil penalties and disqualification from operating CMVs in interstate commerce, for drivers who fail to comply with this rule. Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers to engage in texting while driving.