Month: January 2022

What You Need To Know About New Driver Training Rules

Being new to trucking can be a bit scary. There are a lot of rules to follow that go far beyond obtaining your normal license to operate a vehicle. You have a responsibility on the road to not only transport the product but for yourself and the people surrounding you. 

As with most things, new trucker training driver rules will go into effect in the coming weeks. Understanding these is crucial to becoming a truck driver. So, in a quick summary, this is what you need to know about the new truck driver training rules taking effect February 7, 2022. 

Who Does This Apply To?

The new rules are specifically for people who are applying as new, entry-level truck drivers. This includes anyone who is applying for the following licenses:

  • Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
  • Needs to upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
  • Get a school bus, hazardous materials, or passenger endorsement for the first time. .

So any truck driver who already has these licenses, or is not applying for these specific scenarios, does not need to worry about the new rules going into effect.

What Does It Mean?

The rule has changed the way that training is done. Now you have to complete your training outlined by the new rules before being able to take either the written test or required skills test . Anyone who has obtained their CDL before February 7, 2022 will not need to abide by this new training. 

This new training program was meant to take effect in 2020 but had a two-year delay. It was delayed so that there would be a completed Training Provider Registry so that new truck drivers entering this training had a better sense of the process. 

What’s Changed?

One of the biggest differences that new truck drivers will notice is that there is no timeline for how many hours you need in training behind the wheel or in range. At first, this doesn’t make sense, but then when learning more it’s a great addition. It accounts for those who learn quicker than others. 

Instead of logging time, you need to pass the proficiency test. So, drivers who learn quickly during the training will be able to move on and those who need more time can certainly take it. This makes the rules of the road a lot safer and proficient. 

Where Can I Find More Information?

The Trainer Provider Registry is the best source that new truck drivers can use. Supplied by FMCSA, this registry can pair new truck drivers up with certified trainers to help them walk through the steps of obtaining their license in the desired class they are looking for. 

While these rules have certainly changed the way truckers are able to get their license, many are saying improvements are needed and that the rule changes have not gone far enough. By using the Trainer Prover Registry you can stay up-to-date on these changes.

How to Make Your Truck Wheels Shine!

While some truckers won’t care about the beauty of having their wheels shine, most will care if dirty wheels cause wheel damage. Because this is the case, wheel damage can end up completely derailing a trucker’s route and schedule. So learning how to make that aluminum wheel sparkle can be a great tool. 

But what’s the best way to go about it? Whether you are a beginner or need some brushing up (no pun intended), we have the ultimate way to do it. 

Step 1:  Rinse and Wash

The first and most important step is getting rid of the dirt that is building up in your wheels. You also want to check that there are  no small rust spots forming when cleaning the wheels. You can do this with a power washer or hose. After using just water, you can start to use a wheel cleaner solution. Make sure that this is manufacturer approved because you don’t want a solution that will eat into the wheel materials. 

Get into all the tiny bits and pieces like the spokes, lug nuts, and wheel wells. Getting the wheel completely cleaned in wheel solution is the key to ensuring the wheels stay healthy. Once you do this, rinse it all off. 

Step 2: Polish

Now that the grunt work is over you can polish to brighten up the wheels. Again, make sure that you are using both an approved polish and polish tool. While applying the polish one wheel at a time you can increase the speed of your polisher. Once you are done with this process use a towel to wipe the polish off. 

Step 3: Buff It Up

With an approved, and great quality, sealant finishes your work off by ensuring it stays nice for a little while. You can use a buffer pad to rub the sealant in and get the shine you worked for! If you do come across more dirt caught up in the wheel, it’s better to go back to stage one than try to buff it out. 

Why Does This Matter?

While we talked about the fact that your own schedule and driving can be affected when you have wheels with built-up debris, there are other reasons you should ocean your wheels as well. You don’t want to contribute to debris, dirt, and grime kicking up from your truck and affecting other drivers on the road. With so much dirt built up on trucks, it’s possible to have rocks or hard dirt impair one of the other drivers on the road. 

To prevent this you can follow the steps above, making sure to put priority on rinsing and washing the wheels thoroughly. This is the best way to remove the dirt. Only after can you use a high-quality polish and later sealant. Just remember that any products you use and tools should be approved so you don’t cause any damage to the wheels that could result in issues.