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Semi trucks like this one have to follow stringent truck driver rules

Seven Surprising Truck Driver Rules Truckers Live by

March 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

Being a truck driver might sound easy, but it’s harder than you think. Long hours on the road are only half the battle. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, trucks can do far more damage in an accident than passenger vehicles can. Truck driver rules are enforced to minimize the risks associated with driving a massive semi.

Some of the rules, particularly those about sleep and speed, are tempting to break. Doing so, however, could lead to fines, lawsuits, or worse. Would you make it as a truck driver? If you can follow the rules below, which all apply in the state of California, you might want to switch careers, because you’d make an amazing driver.

Truck drivers need qualifications beyond that of regular drivers

A class C license, the type required for operating a regular passenger vehicle, won’t cut it for drivers who need to operate a tractor-trailer or a large box truck. Drivers have to get a CDL, or commercial driver’s license, on top of their regular driver’s license.

In addition to passing a written and vision test, prospective truck drivers have to get a DMV-approved medical exam to ensure they don’t have any underlying conditions that might make it unsafe to operate a large vehicle. They also have to pass a skills test, unless they have a CDL from another state or from prior training in the military.

The stakes are higher when you’re operating a semi, so one of the truck driver rules addresses age. Drivers have to be 18 or older in California to acquire a CDL. Operating a commercial vehicle across state lines isn’t legal until you’re at least 21.

Tailgating and speeding aren’t options

If you’re one of those people who weave in and out of traffic to miraculously make it to work on time, trucking isn’t for you. Truck drivers can’t top 55 mph on California freeways. They also make a rule of leaving a seven-second gap between them and the vehicle in front of them.

During rush hour, this is a nightmare to maintain, but it’s non-negotiable. Trucks take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles, and a fender bender with a semi can be deadly.

Trucks also avoid changing lanes unless it’s absolutely necessary. They have large blind spots because of their sheer size, so lane changes have to be done with extreme caution.

Breaking laws is taken more seriously when you’re a truck driver, too. In terms of DUIs, the legal limit for most drivers is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08. The limit for commercial vehicle operators is 0.04. Anyone CDL holder charged with a DUI will lose their license and face civil, even criminal, penalties.

They have to use a dedicated fuel pump

If you can block traffic like this, a trip to the gas station looks a little different.

This isn’t so much a truck driver rule as it is common courtesy, but truck drivers always use a gas pump set away from the rest if one is available. If a dedicated fuel pump isn’t an option, truck drivers have to get gas in a hurry. One semi-truck can easily block half the gas pumps at a busy station, in addition to getting in the way of traffic. If another one shows up, they’re going to end up in a frustrating logjam. No lollygagging allowed.

If there’s a truck lane available, they’re required to use it

Ever noticed those “trucks only” lanes on the side of the freeway? If you’re a truck driver, those aren’t optional. Since trucks take up so much space and drive slower, using the allocated lanes helps to keep traffic moving smoothly. If no truck lane is available, they should keep to the far right. The second to the right is acceptable on a highway with four or more lanes. Soon-to-be-truckers, kiss the fast lane goodbye!

They’re responsible for maintaining their equipment

There are thousands of mechanical components under the hood of a large commercial vehicle that allow it to operate safely. Neglecting to inspect and maintain worn parts can result in potentially fatal consequences. Truck drivers are obligated to inspect their vehicles before, during, and after each trip. If they notice any problems, they’re required to make a written report and confirm that the problem is resolved before taking the vehicle on the road again.

They also have to check that cargo is secure once within the first 50 miles of driving. After an initial inspection, drivers have to re-check every 150 miles or every three hours, whichever comes first. Drivers also have to be more cautious about driving in inclement weather. Since they often get paid per mile, not per hour, slowing down isn’t fun. Guess what’s even less fun? Hydroplaning and taking out an entire lane of commuters. No, thanks.

Truck drivers legally have to take breaks

Rest stops on family road trips are more about bathroom breaks and stretching your legs than anything else. For truck drivers, rest isn’t optional. Drivers have hours-of-service laws to prevent drowsy driving.

For driving within the state of California, drivers:

Can’t drive more than 12 hours after being off for at least 10 consecutive hours
Must stop for at least 10 hours after 16 hours of work, even if the work is unrelated to driving
Can’t drive commercially for more than 80 hours in an eight-day period

If they cross state lines, drivers:

Can only be on duty for up to 14 consecutive hours, and only if they’ve had 10 consecutive hours off
Can only be behind the wheel for 11 of those 14 hours
Must take at least a 30-minute break if they’ve been driving for eight or more hours

These truck driver rules are tempting to ignore, particularly if drivers have a tight schedule to keep or need to make extra money. Ultimately, driving any vehicle is dangerous, and doing so while sleep-deprived isn’t worth the risk. (Or the legal ramifications!)

The most tedious truck driver rule? Keeping a detailed logbook

If taking notes wasn’t your cup of tea in high school, don’t become a truck driver. According to FSMCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules, drivers must log where and when they stop, the frequency of their rest breaks, vehicle inspections, and more. Logs used to be done by hand, but electronic logging devices are now required.

The sad reason? It was too common for trucking companies to falsify logbooks to avoid penalties. Electronic logging devices leave an electronic trail that can’t be faked. Keeping logs can be a pain, but it keeps drivers accountable for practicing safe driving habits.

Well, what’ll it be? Are you ready to get a CDL and hop behind the wheel?

Until then, your cargo is safe in the capable hands of the drivers at BYX. If you haven’t shipped with us before, don’t forget to get a free estimate today!

So-Cal Storms Are Risky. Here’s How to Drive in the Rain

February 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

Los Angeles drivers get a bad rap for not knowing how to drive in the rain, but that reputation isn’t entirely undeserved. Every time a major storm rolls in the number of accidents on the road rises. Considering more than 3,000 people are killed in car accidents in California each year, driver safety is nothing to scoff at. Driving is such an ordinary, everyday activity that it’s easy to have a false sense of security. We should know since driving is our entire business!

Being cautious saves lives, and our drivers keep that in mind every time they get behind the wheel. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Plan ahead and change your wet weather driving habits to avoid a slippery fender bender…or worse. These simple tips from truck drivers can help you stay safe, no matter what type of ride you’re in.

1. Leave early

We know more than anyone how challenging it is to get out the door, through school drop-off lines, and through morning traffic, but rainy days are no time to rush. Leave early, or be late. Get ready at least 30 minutes earlier than usual. If accidents or poor conditions make it impossible to get to your destination on time, so be it. Being late is better than being hospitalized.

2. Slow down

The speed limit doesn’t apply when you’re driving in a downpour. Apply the “take 5” principle. Drive at least five miles slower than you normally would when it’s raining. If you’re approaching a curve, slow down by another five mph. In heavy traffic, slow down another five. Towing a light trailer? I think you’re sensing the pattern here. Don’t worry about annoying other drivers. Their failure to prepare for slower traffic conditions is not your problem. Avoiding a collision is.

3. Turn on your headlights anytime you drive in the rain

Even in the middle of the day, flip on those lights. The entire point of headlights is to increase visibility. It doesn’t have to be midnight for adverse weather conditions to obscure visibility on the road. Cloud cover, fog, and heavy rain all make it harder for other drivers to see you, so keep your lights on at all times.

4. Increase your following distance

Wet roads equate to less traction, which means it takes your vehicle longer to come to a stop. In rainy weather, give the car in front of you extra space to allow extra time to brake. The larger your vehicle, the more generous you should be with your following distance.

5. Give large vehicles a wide berth

Speaking of giving other vehicles space, try to give trucks and busses even more than usual. For one, if a much larger vehicle loses control while you’re hovering in its blind spot, you’re in trouble. Secondly, their large tires disperse more spray, further obscuring your vision if you’re driving dead on their heels.

6. When you drive in the rain, look out for pedestrians and cyclists

This is for a couple of reasons. Most people aren’t thrilled to wait for the bus in the rain, and they’ll be even less thrilled to get sprayed by a speeding vehicle. It’s also harder to spot pedestrians in the rain, so keep your eyes peeled. Give cyclists extra space, just in case one of you slides on the slick pavement.

7. Don’t drive through standing water

It doesn’t take much water on the road to wash away a vehicle. Even if you drive a truck, driving through flooded roads is a recipe for disaster. At best, you’ll get stuck. At worst, you’ll lose control or end up in much deeper water than you anticipated. It’s not worth the risk.

8. Know what to do if you hydroplane

Starting to slide is a terrifying feeling, but stay calm. When you drive in the rain, braking suddenly or jerking the wheel can easily send your car spinning out of control. Ease up gradually on the gas pedal and steer straight ahead until your vehicle regains traction.

9. If conditions are unsafe, get off the road

Where do you have to be that’s so important, it’s worth risking your life for? The answer should be nowhere. If the weather conditions feel too dangerous to drive safely, pull off the road as soon as you safely can. Don’t pull over on the side of the road. Just slow down and wait until you find a rest stop or exit to wait out the weather. When in doubt, don’t go out.

The good news? All our drivers know how to drive in the rain

It’s always possible that wet weather will lead to delays, but we always do our best to complete every pickup and delivery as safely and efficiently as possible. Don’t forget to get a free quote today!

Truck driver who has to undergo marijuana testing

Could Marijuana Testing Impact Shipping Prices? It’s Possible

February 21, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

You might be wondering, “How on Earth is marijuana testing related to how much it costs to move a pallet or two?” At first glance, the two issues seem completely unrelated, but anything that affects the ability of drivers to do their job affects the logistics industry as a whole. In 2022, 41,000 truck drivers tested positive for cannabis. That’s a 32% increase from 2021, and it’s a major problem.

At the moment, professional drivers can’t use marijuana, period

Anyone who drives trucks or operates heavy machinery is not legally permitted to use marijuana, even when prescribed by a doctor. It’s a hotly debated issue for a number of reasons. There’s no question that cannabis can impair your ability to drive. Unfortunately, unlike alcohol, cannabis is detectable for up to 30 days after use. This is dramatically longer than the duration of the drug’s intoxicating effects, which typically last less than 10 hours.

Driving under the influence is unacceptable, but there’s no easy way to determine whether a driver who fails a drug test ever drove while high. Because of this, there’s a blanket rule banning all marijuana use by professional truck drivers.

Marijuana use is worsening the existing truck driver shortage

In some states, including California, the laws regarding marijuana use by drivers don’t match up with changing social norms. In our state, recreational marijuana use is now legal. Most people have accepted it as relatively harmless when used occasionally, similar to how having a glass of wine or two over the weekend is no big deal. Transportation laws, however, have not kept pace with evolving attitudes.

The shift is so dramatic that many of the drivers who fail drug tests that they deem unfair and discriminatory never complete the required treatment plan and return-to-work process. Out of the 166,000 drivers who have failed a drug test, 91,000 were so put off by the experience that they moved on to other employment options. When that many drivers throw in the towel, finding replacements is a losing battle. This is especially true when new hires are likely to be young, progressive, and unwilling to give up their off-day activities because of an outdated policy.

Currently, marijuana testing is a federal requirement for truck drivers

It’s not up to trucking companies to decide whether or not to enforce marijuana testing. It’s still federal law, but it’s based on outdated technology that doesn’t match up with modern life. If nothing changes, the driver shortage will likely continue to escalate over the next decade. It goes without saying that operating any vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or other narcotics is unacceptable.

At the same time, drivers aren’t routinely tested for alcohol use or the use of any other substance. Given that fact, why is testing mandatory with a drug that’s legal in many states?

In our opinion, marijuana testing should be left up to employers

At the moment, there’s a divide between federal law and state law. It’s legal in California to use cannabis, but the federal government still mandates testing. Not even Martha Stewart could write a more perfect lawsuit recipe.

Drug testing with reasonable suspicion is logical. If a truck driver has a pristine driving record and there’s no evidence that they’ve ever shown up to work while under the influence, however, is testing necessary? Considering several recent university studies have shown that U.S. cannabis legalization actually reduced the number of heavy truck accidents in the eight states studied, perhaps a continuation of the war on drugs is off-base. It’s effectively turned into a war on the transportation industry, and on the people it serves – Which is, to say, everyone!

Ideally, better testing methods will be developed so that it’s possible to tell if drivers used cannabis while on the clock. In the meantime, penalizing them for legal activities they engage in during their off-hours seems unfair. As long as it has no impact on workplace safety and performance, there’s no reason to put thousands of drivers on pause.

Marijuana testing could lead to elevated prices. Is it worth it?

Mandated testing means fewer drivers on the road. Fewer drivers mean higher demand, and climbing prices to move goods from point A to point B. We’re all for enforcing safe driving practices, but we believe a middle ground is possible.

If trucking companies were able to determine their own policies, they could elect to test drivers only when given reasonable cause. This might include getting a traffic ticket for a moving violation or receiving an unsafe driving report. Otherwise, we will continue to lose excellent drivers just because they use marijuana responsibly on their time off. That said, this is an issue that affects us all, and safe driving is always the top priority. What do you think? Are testing laws fair, or too extreme?

How to Drive Safely Around Trucks (Or in One)

September 7, 2022/0 Comments/in Advice, News/by Best Yet Express

We all think we drive safely, but do we really? August 16, 2022 started out like any other day. 71-year-old Larry Lee Atham, President of a West Virginia-based trucking company, got behind the wheel for a routine day of driving. At mile marker 132 on the I-79, everything changed. He lost control of the truck, hitting a guardrail, skidding across traffic, hitting the guardrail again, and catching fire. That was his last drive. Just a day later on a winding mountain highway in Buffalo, Wyoming, another driver, Texas-based Javier Cardoso-Reyes, couldn’t slow down, rolled over a guardrail and down an embankment, and never made it home. He was only 47.

29 truck drivers lined up their vehicles to pay their respects after Atham’s memorial service, rolling slowly past the funeral home to say goodbye. As touching as their gesture was, the loss of Atham, and just a day later, Cardoso-Reyes, in single-vehicle trucking accidents, raises serious concerns. Just one driver lost is one too many. Are we doing enough to prevent casualties? Read more

What It’s Really Like Working at BYX

August 12, 2022/0 Comments/in Advice, News/by Best Yet Express

As you probably already know, Best Yet Express has been family owned and operated since day one. We’ve grown a lot since the company was founded in 1978, but our values are just as important to us today as they were over 40 years ago. We firmly believe that the best way of serving our customers is by building real relationships with them– And we wouldn’t be able to do that without building strong relationships within our own team.

Some of our employees have been around for over a decade.

We owe our success, in part, to them. We spoke with one of our oldest employees to share an inside look into the company culture of BYX. Roger Huckstep came into the logistics industry almost by chance. He had been driving a water delivery truck when he heard about a more serious trucking job at BYX, and something clicked. He already knew the owner and decided to go out on a limb and ask for a job. The rest is history. Huckstep’s been with us for 15 years, and he’s not planning on leaving anytime soon.

On his first day, he committed to being the best employee he could be. He’s done that and more. His commitment to BYX has helped us weather a tumultuous industry and come out on top. Our core team stuck with us throughout the 2020 pandemic and the driver shortage that followed, and we wouldn’t be able to continue caring for our customers without them.

Our best advice for fellow business owners? Take care of your people.

Keeping up with the latest tech developments isn’t cheap. When it makes it easier for your team to be efficient and safe, however, it’s worth it. According to Huckstep, the evolution of transportation technology “has made it easier to assist drivers and (improved) the flow of our processes and operations.”

In addition to evolving technology, the culture of a company should evolve over time as well. We chatted with Huckstep about that as well and were happy to hear that he had nothing but positive things to say about how the culture of BYX has shifted. “It has gotten better throughout time. I have known the family for a very long time and I like the family environment. Means a lot to me!”

It means a lot to us, too. Just take it from Lara Newjahr, Chief Operating Officer at Best Yet Express, Inc. “We are a family business and have worked to maintain that “family feeling” while transitioning in many ways. While no longer directly managing most of the staff, Jay and I are at work daily and interacting with everyone on the floor. We have developed a division of labor and delineation of departments, but we maintain an open door policy. We emphasize traits that we find important like hard work and determination to succeed but leave it to the staff to support and encourage each other directly. I think that growing family businesses are unique in that they create a vastly different culture than one found in a large corporation. However, an essential part of growth is not depending on the family to do all the tasks that were once necessary to get the business where it is today.”

Family values are at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to offer all our employees family-friendly schedules, great benefits, and competitive pay. If you’re considering getting into the trucking business or know someone who is, give us a call! We have several job openings available, and becoming a driver comes with some fun perks. After over 15 years in the business, Huckstep still believes truck driving is a promising career choice for anyone who enjoys driving. After all, you get to see new sights every day. Beats sitting in an office, right?

For more information, check out current openings here, or contact us for more information.

3 Reasons Sleep Apnea Is a Concern for Truck Drivers

March 23, 2022/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

It’s late. You’re driving on an open stretch of road, it’s quiet, and your eyelids begin to droop. We’ve all been there, and man, isn’t it scary? Driving is such an ordinary task that it’s easy to forget how dangerous it is. A moment of distraction can easily become your last moment ever. Sleepiness is even more dangerous, and truck drivers who work long hours or night shifts need to be especially cautious. Concerningly, getting enough sleep isn’t always enough to fight back fatigue. Sleep apnea, one of the top five most common sleep disorders, can lead to persistent fatigue and drowsiness. Many drivers don’t even realize they have it.

Sleep apnea is a bigger health concern than you might think.

Truck driver sleeping. About 35 years old, African male.

The most obvious symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. The disorder is more complex than that, however. In people with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the throat relax during sleep to the point that their airway temporarily becomes blocked. They stop breathing briefly before awakening abruptly to gasp for air. These episodes are so brief that the individual often doesn’t recall having ever woken up.

While one night of interrupted sleep is no big deal, people with untreated sleep apnea suffer from a wide range of symptoms that can significantly affect their health and daily lives. There are three main reasons truck drivers should be on the lookout for signs of sleep apnea:

It leads to more serious health problems.
At first people with sleep apnea may notice nothing more than waking up with a headache, irritability, and snoring loud enough to wake the neighbors. Over time, the symptoms become more serious. They often develop brain fog, insomnia, and intense daytime sleepiness.

If left untreated, it can also lead to or worsen high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain is another common side effect. All of these issues are often linked, each one magnifying the others. The ramifications go beyond productivity, impacting drivers on every level.
It endangers drivers and others on the road.
Daytime sleepiness and general fatigue are extremely dangerous when your job entails long hours on the road. Those with sleep apnea are up to five times more likely to get in a car accident than people with normal sleep patterns. Falling asleep at the wheel can be lethal not only to the driver but to other drivers and passengers as well– Especially when the driver is operating a massive truck.
Irregular sleep schedules can make sleep apnea side effects worse.
Sleep apnea is problematic enough for people working a 9-5. It’s even worse for truck drivers who work night shifts. Odd hours don’t worsen sleep apnea itself, working during the night often leads to increased drowsiness. Drivers are more likely to rely on unhealthy energy drinks to stay alert, further damaging their health in the process.

All truck drivers should be screened, just in case.

If we’re making sleep apnea sound like a big deal, that’s because it is. Fortunately, treating it is much less challenging than living with it. If you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms that could be tied to sleep issues, like persistent sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, or loud snoring, visiting your PCP is the first step.

They’ll likely order a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment can entail using a breathing machine at night or wearing a special night guard to help keep your airways open. It’s a headache, but it’s much less of a headache than falling asleep at the wheel. For trucking companies like BYX, it’s always a good idea to inform drivers about the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. Better safe than sorry.

Top Pieces of Advice For New Truckers

October 2, 2018/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

Starting a new career can make you feel excited and a bit nervous…especially one as thrilling as truck driving and you may feel some pressure to start out on the right note and put your best foot forward (literally speaking). To help you get settled in and comfy behind the wheels, here’s a list of the top pieces of advice for new truckers. Read more