3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

Published on: 25 July 2022 Last Updated on: 19 February 2025

Large trucks can be extremely dangerous on the road. Therefore, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow certain rules to protect themselves and others.

The safety regulations are usually determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); however, local and state agencies may have additional rules.

If you’re a trucker or you’ve been in an accident with a truck driver, it’s important to know which safety rules trucking companies have to follow in case you need to take your accident case to court.

Getting into an accident is stressful, and having to contend with trucking companies can worsen the situation. So you can avoid this type of situation by simply applying the safety regulations.

Let’s have a look ‘what is federal motor carrier safety regulations.’

What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

If you’ve been injured in a wreck involving a large truck in the South Bend area in Indiana, you need a truck accident lawyer in South Bend to help you build a personal injury case.

You’ll need to submit all forms of evidence to your lawyer, including medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, costs associated with the accident’s aftermath, pictures, and written witness statements that will provide more insight into who was at fault for the accident.

Having a lawyer representing you is essential when you’re going up against a trucking company. The trucking company’s insurer will try to give you the lowest settlement possible, and an experienced attorney can help you receive a fair settlement.

But before you go against a truck driver or their company for causing the accident, you need to know what rules they should have followed to prove that they didn’t.

Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Overview:

Hours Of Service Rules
Regulations For Cargo And Weight
Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

1. Hours Of Service Rules

Safety regulations on hours of service restrict the number of hours truckers can spend actively driving. When driving hours are limited, this lessens the chances that drivers will be drowsy and lose control of their vehicles.

Studies have shown that drowsy driving affects the body and motor system like drunk or intoxicated driving.

According to the Department of Transport’s regulations, truckers are only allowed to drive for 11 hours at a time. This limit is in effect only if the trucker has been off duty for at least 10 hours before driving. After a trucker has been driving for up to 14 hours, they must take a break.

Truck drivers have to take short breaks in between drives as well. Drivers who don’t follow these rules are more likely to drive drowsy, which increases the chances of truck accidents.

Indiana truckers must also follow all federal laws regarding HoS and state laws. For instance, truck drivers are not allowed to work over seventy hours without taking a break of 34 hours.

Moreover, if your attorney’s investigation shows that the truck company asked or pushed a driver into exceeding HoS limits, you can also file a claim against it.

2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight

The freight on the trucks must be under a certain weight to keep the vehicle from tipping over. The truck’s weight limits depend on the truck type, cargo type, and how far the truck has to travel.

For instance, with a couple of exemptions, the state of Indiana allows vehicles to operate up to 22,400 lbs. on a single axle and 36,000 lbs. on a tandem axle. Moreover, a few state law provisions and safety regulations are allowing the trucks to exceed some federal limits.

Truckers are also limited regarding the type of cargo they are permitted to transport. For instance, flammable items and chemicals are not transported by truck. However, trucking companies can sometimes obtain a permit to transport some hazardous materials.

Truckers must take the safest and most efficient route to ensure the materials are delivered safely and promptly. Truckers who don’t attend to these regulations could face serious penalties.

3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies have to ensure that all of their trucks are maintained. This means that the trucks must undergo regular inspections. If any repairs are necessary, the trucking company must make the repairs as soon as possible.

Once it is determined that a truck needs any maintenance time, it is unsafe for the vehicle to be on the road. In addition, trucking companies could be liable if they continue to allow truckers to drive malfunctioning vehicles.

In addition to trucking companies having to stick to safety regulations, truckers must also monitor the function of their trucks and notify their companies if any safety issues arise.

Drivers must also know how to make minor truck repairs, such as changing a headlight or replacing a flat tire. Knowing how to handle these smaller repair tasks will increase the chances that truckers are safe on the road and can avoid accidents.

Bottom Line

All Indiana truckers must follow state and federal safety regulations regarding driving, safety, and avoiding accidents.

But, of course, Commercial Driver’s License violations or hiring and training violations render a trucking company liable in truck accident cases.

For this reason, if you are the plaintiff in a truck accident claim against a driver or/and their company, you should get a specialized Indiana attorney to fight for your rights and the maximum compensation possible.

Additionals:

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Tie Downs: Are They Effective at Load Restraining?

Unrestrained loads are one of the biggest causes of accidents on our roads today. This is why ensuring your load is safely secured is paramount before embarking on a journey. Forget the short cuts: A thorough job –with the right equipment—is crucial if you expect to reach your destination with your cargo intact. But what can you use to secure your load? There are many options at your disposal from nets to corner plates. However, we believe straps—ratchet tie downs in particular—are extremely effective at securing loads. We’ll outline all you need to know about these units including the different types so you’re prepared for your next journey. Why Bother With Tie Downs For Effective Load Restraining? Is this a priority? Maybe the following scenarios resulting from not utilizing them will shed some light as to their importance: Accidents: It may cause trucks to overturn because of the unbalanced weight distribution of the load in question. Damage to property: This includes either damage to your vehicle as well as the cargo being transported. Loss of lives: Injuries are likely to occur when these kinds of accidents happen. In worst case scenarios, it can lead to loss of lives whether it’s yourself, other motorists or pedestrians in the vicinity. Types of Tie Downs The one you pick will depend on the gear and load you’re hauling. However, these are the five most common types. Ratchet Tie Down Straps: These are by far the most popular among most fleet owners. We suppose the fact that they’re deemed the most secure way to tie down heavy loads has something to do with it. They are known to provide the most strength and security, especially for the larger loads. Just make sure you check the load rating of the straps before you use them on something heavy. Plus they’re quite versatile as load restraints in many scenarios: You can use them either on the trailer, roof rack or bed of your truck. The downside to using this type is they’ll probably take you some time to figure out how they work. Note that given the nature of the hardware, we can’t entirely eliminate the risk of them damaging your load in transit. But for their effective performance, we think they are worth trying out. Lashing Straps: If you find the cost of the ratchet straps too steep, you can opt for the lashing straps. Not only are they less expensive options but you’ll appreciate that they’re easy to use. They’re the ideal pick for the lighter loads such as securing surfboards or plastic cargo bins. Two things you don’t have to worry about are these lashing straps crushing or damaging your cargo. Bungee Cords: One thing you’ll appreciate about this type is the versatility. You can use it to wrap cargo of all types and sizes. However, you can only use them to secure very lightweight items such as plastic items. Nylon Ropes: This is also another inexpensive option. The trick lies in mastering how to tie more than a couple of knots. You can consider learning the power hitch: The good thing about this knot is you can use it in almost every situation. Stratchits: Last but definitely not least on our list are Stratchits. These are by far the easiest tie downs to use when securing your cargo. Also, you get the best of both worlds: The strength and user-friendliness associated with lashing straps plus the versatility that comes with bungee cords. Another thing is they are adjustable: They can be adjusted from anything between 22” to 63”. Have any chairs or bicycles you want to transport? You can consider these and they’ll work just fine. What Determines the Number of Tie Downs You Use? When dealing with tie downs it’s important to note just how many to use to effectively secure your load. It’s really not about how many you can find just before embarking your trip: There are rules involved. Generally, the number will depend on the length and weight of cargo you’re transporting as stated below. When to Use One Tie Down It’s very possible to use only one tie down but only when your cargo is: Shorter than 5ft Weighs less than 1100lb When to Use Two Tie Downs Two tie downs can be used in the following scenarios: Cargo is 5ft or shorter and weighs more than 1100lb If it’s longer than 5ft but definitely not longer than 10ft When to Use Four Tie Downs You can use a minimum of four tie downs if your cargo is heavier than 10000lb. Additional tie downs can be used if your cargo is at least 10ft or longer. It’s strongly advisable to add one tie down for every additional 10ft just for reinforcement. Regardless of the number of tie downs you use, it’s in your best interests to always check the number of tie downs you need before carrying your load. Not only that but are they in a satisfactory condition? Always make sure of that for optimum performance. Final Words It’s pretty clear: Tie downs are pretty effective at securing loads. You just have to pick what matches your vehicle, load and not forgetting your budget. The most important thing is that you invest in one to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Your decisions determine whether you stay in control during your journey. Read Also: 4 Things You Need To Know About Commercial Truck Insurance Why You Need To Choose High-Quality Spare Parts For Your Truck

How Crane Trucks Can Drastically Improve Project Efficiency

It’s likely you never understood the full benefit of a crane truck until the first time you made use of one. It’s astounding to realize how much of the work that comes out of the construction industry relies on these devices. Having a crane truck on a construction site is said to improve productivity by almost double. That is why hiring a crane truck from a crane services company is beneficial as they will provide the highest level of service to the clients and community at an exceptional value. This means you could see your project in completion almost twice as fast just by bringing one of these gentle giants onto the scene. Let’s help you understand the niche so you know what to pick for your next project. What Are Crane Trucks? Full-sized cranes take up a lot of space and have to be fixed to a specific point in the ground for the duration of a project. They are simply too large and heavy to be moved around at any point in the project’s duration. For this reason, contractors bring in what are known as crane trucks. Crane tracks are essentially the portable version of the full-sized fixed cranes. Instead of being bolted to the ground, the crane operates from a truck that forms the entirety of the base. Crane trucks are handy because not only can they accommodate great weights, they can also be moved around a site as needed. They have the ability to be used for a multitude of jobs around the space. There are different-sized crane trucks available to suit the nature of the task at hand. Some tasks will require heavier lifting than others; In these cases, more heavy-duty crane trucks will be brought in. What Are Tilt Trays? Tilt trays can usually be hired from the same companies that supply crane trucks. In a similar way, tilt trays also do the heavy lifting—but from ground level, as opposed to from above. Tilt trays are massive flat surfaces that are attached to trucks. The surface has the ability to tilt and slide outward & toward the ground simultaneously. The result is a slanted surface on which objects can be easy on and offloaded. You might recognize tilt trays as the vehicles used to transport boats, cars, and other forklift-type devices. Who Might Need One? Most construction-based sites can make use of a crane truck or tilt tray in one way or another. They come in handy a lot more often than you might think. Heavy lifting isn’t something that can often be accomplished by manpower alone. Sometimes we need to turn to machinery to get the job done and get it done quickly! Keeping this in mind, there are always going to be some construction jobs that require more of a full force unit, and a full-sized, permanent crane system may be needed. The good news: Crane trucks and tilt trays are the perfect balance between gantry cranes & full-sized units. When hiring any of these units, always keep industry regulations for tilt trays and crane trucks in mind. Ensure you’re purchasing safe, standardized machinery. This will keep both you and anyone else in the vicinity safe & ensure safe completion of the project at hand. Benefits of Crane Trucks & Tilt Trays There are many benefits to making use of these pieces of machinery that far outweigh the already increased productivity of your team. Effortless: Crane trucks and tilt trays require little to no effort to enter & exit a space. Full-sized cranes need to be brought in, built up, and bolted down before they can be used. They then need to be fully dismantled before they can be taken away. These trucks simply get driven in, put to use, and driven out. No harm, no fuss! Affordability: When it comes to saving money, crane trucks are one-way tickets to a happy bank account. This is due to the elimination of the “not in use” fee that usually comes with crane hire. When cranes are permanently put onto a site, there’s a daily charge even for times when the unit isn’t needed. Crane trucks eliminate the fee because they can be driven back to their owners on days when they’ll not be needed. You’ll only be paying for what you use! Less Responsibility: Another great thing about both crane trucks and tilt trays is that your business doesn’t absorb as much responsibility for the units as you would more permanent installations. When the construction day comes to an end, the trucks can be parked somewhere enclosed or sent back to the hiring company. No additional security needs to be implemented to watch over the units by night to make sure they are safe. Versatility: Any device built onto a truck is automatically more efficient and versatile than something that is fixed to the ground. Being able to maneuver a crane around the premises as needed is hugely beneficial. You could start the workday with the crane performing tasks on one end of the site and end the day with it somewhere else getting completely new tasks done. The versatility of both crane trucks and tilt trays is hugely notable & a big reason why most companies opt for these before they agree to any fixed forms of lifting. Conclusion: As you can see, the reasons why a crane truck can’t make your business more efficient would probably have been a shorter list to dive into. When it comes to construction, efficiency and productivity are what will set your business apart from the rest. Your machinery needs to work with you in order to do this! Read Also: How To Ship A Car Made Easy: 5 Tips To Keep In Mind 8 Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Bed Liner For Your Truck 10 Reasons To Purchase A Used Car

2018 Tesla Model S: The Complete Electric vehicle

Tesla has an impressive range of electric cars with decent power and along with that, the cars are friendly to the pocket. Tesla has been in the market for the past few years but has not succeeded in impressing the buyers. However, with the recent launch of Tesla Model S, which is an electric variant car and a medium-sized sedan, it has started to gain the popularity. A major reason behind this is, the affordable price and that that car offers ample amount of features which are otherwise not seen in the other electric cars in the market. Pros: The car is an electric variant. It is a medium-sized luxury sedan which has an impressive range on the high-end models of the car. The acceleration is quick and thus, the power of the engine has been done justice with the gas pedal system. Talking about the space, the liftback design is an added advantage. It offers an abundant cargo space to the customer. Moreover, there are a few Tesla exclusive technologies and general technologies which are not available in other luxury cars. Cons: There are similarly priced sedans in the market too. A major setback which can be predicted is that it is an electric car. The electric cars have not gained popularity and always considered weaker against the gas-operated car. Moreover, the luxury polish is not clearly visible such as in the other cars having the similar price tag. If we look into the aftersales part, the service centers are not present all around the world. This is because of the number of dealers in the car also less. Trims: Till the time Tesla had launched Model S, the electric vehicles were not preferred. The gas-operated vehicles were always given the priority despite the operating cost and the base price of the cars. After Tesla Model S was launched in two different trims, the potential buyers of the electric vehicles got an option to buy one of the best electric cars in the market. The basic model of the Tesla Model S is the 75D. The car is EPA-rated at the range of 229 miles. This means the fuel economy of the car is 229 miles. The higher version which is 100D can run 331 miles in one charge. This is the middle ground between the basic and the top model and thus, has all the necessary features. The top model of the car is the P100D. Talking about the acceleration of the car, when the Tesla Model S is completely charged, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the period of 2.5 seconds. The time taken by the car is lesser than most of the exotic cars priced at even higher rates than the Tesla Model S MSRP. Software: The most important thing about having an electric car is the continuous software updates. From the Tesla Model S review, it is known that Tesla is known for releasing new software, bug fixes and the addition of features in each software upgrade. The firmware update adds more features into the car. An added advantage of having an electric car over the gas-operated car is that the number of features keeps adding. Whereas, in the gas-operated car, once you buy the car, you will not see any features being upgraded. In the electric car, if there is an inconvenience, it will be fixed by the software itself up to some extent. Interior: Tesla model s interiors have been given top ratings by the reviewers. The advanced features in the car, ask for a bit of learning but once you are well-versed with all the features, you can enjoy the cabin with lovely materials and the infotainment system within an arm’s distance. The infotainment system can be used with the help of a 17-inch touchscreen. The whole electronic network works great. However, you can face the problem when it comes to the power exterior door handles. They deployment is delayed. The cabin is huge and gives a wide-open feeling with a ton of legroom and headroom. Safety: Considering the safety of the car, it is equipped with 5 airbags. Apart from the airbags, the car also has other standard active safety features such as 4-wheel ABS, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Daytime Running Lights, and lane keep assist along with other numerous Tesla exclusive safety features. Read Also: Best New Cars For Teenagers Important Tips To Maintain Your Luxury Car

3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

1. Hours Of Service Rules

2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight

3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

Bottom Line

A Set Of The Best Exercises For Truck Drivers

5 Ways To Improve The Fuel Efficiency Of Your Truck

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Tie Downs: Are They Effective at Load Restraining?

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2018 Tesla Model S: The Complete Electric vehicle

3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

1. Hours Of Service Rules

2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight

3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

Bottom Line

Share this Article

A Set Of The Best Exercises For Truck Drivers

5 Ways To Improve The Fuel Efficiency Of Your Truck

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related