Ever thought what it takes to be a long haul driver? How does a truck driver manage hauling for days and weeks together? It is essential for owner operators to have the necessary requirements to make their trucking business prosperous and handle every task assiduously. Starting from hiring drivers to having the essential equipment, it all requires hard work and dedication for a smooth running of the business. Reading further can help owner operators to have a clear understanding of the requirements and can work on the aspect accordingly.
· Equipment:
It is a rule by the federal government that the equipment used by the owner operators should pass the safety inspection test. It is important for truck drivers to provide an acknowledgement during the inspection done on the equipment and that the violations are rectified before the vehicle hits the road. Besides, it is essential to check if the brakes and tires are in working condition as per the DOT regulations. Owner operators should also keep in mind the tags they need to invest in, the cost of this depends on the miles traveled on each state.
· Drivers:
Individuals willing to step into the trucking industry need to acquire a commercial driver license and clear the test conducted by the Department of Transportation. The physical tests includes the hearing and vision test, as well as diagnose any condition that can be harmful for truckers when behind the wheels such as high blood pressure. Besides, truck drivers are required to pass the drug and alcohol test, as this can lead to accidents and call in for other problems. In addition, there are states having age limitations for truck drivers and in many states, the age limit is important to be maintained, if at all they need to cross the state lines.
· Considerations:
Long haul trucking is not an easy task and things can be difficult at times. Additionally, truck drivers have to spend weeks together on unknown places, which can create havoc on their personal relationships and his/her emotions too. Moreover, at times when the equipment breaks down at unknown places, it would be difficult for a truck driver to find a reliable resource to perform the repairs. Not only this, truck drivers are advised to keep themselves updated with the changing rules and regulations made by the FMCSA and other government bodies. Other than maintaining a good rapport with equipment, truck drivers are required to keep up proper money management ability, controlling their expenses and saving for the future.
· Companies:
Trucking companies are supposed to have a DOT number along with appropriate insurance to ensure they are reliable and authentic. In addition, they should register with the International Fuel Tax Agreement for filing the quarterly fuel tax.
Besides keeping truck drivers aware of the essential trucking aspects, we encourage them to e-file their form 2290 HVUT with authentic service provider like Tax2290.com. We don’t take the pride in showcasing ourselves the best, but also have proved the same by providing excellent customer support. If you have queries related to forms or want to share your feedback about our application, you’re most welcome. Simply dial 1-866-245-3918 or shoot a mail to support@taxexcise.com. Our tax experts will address you within minutes. Happy hauling!