1. Driver Training
Longer
Combination
Vehicles

2. LCV Training Rules
 Issued March 30, 2004
 Effective June 1, 2004
 49 CFR Part 380,
380.101 – 380.401
1a

3. LCV Training Rules
 35,000 LCV drivers initially
 No grandfathering
after June 2005
 1,200 trained annually
1b

4. LCVs Defined
Longer Combination Vehicle:
any combination of a truck-tractor
and two or more trailers or semi-
trailers which operate on the
“National System of Interstate and
Defense Highways” in interstate
commerce with a gross vehicle
weight (GVW) greater than 80,000
pounds.
1c

5. LCVs Defined
 “National System of Interstate and
Defense Highways” = interstate
highway system
 www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/routefinder
has list of highways
1d

6. LCVs Defined
 Gross vehicle weight = scale weight
 Total, actual weight of
all vehicles in the
combination plus
all cargo and people
≤ 80,000 # = exempt
1e

7. Most Common LCVs
1f

8. Where Can LCVs Operate?
Not all states allows LCVs
 1956: more than 20 states given
option to allow LCVs. Not all states
exercised that option.
 1991: law prohibited states from
further increasing size/weight of
combination vehicles.
1g

9. Where Can LCVs Operate?
 Western states
 Some turnpikes
 Type of LCVs
allowed differs
from state to state
1h

10. “No motor carrier shall…”
…allow a driver to operate an LCV
unless driver has:
 LCV Driver-Training Certificate or
Certificate of Grandfathering
 CDL
 Endorsement(s)
1i

11. Who Qualifies For Training?
“Present evidence” that you had the
following in previous 6 months:
 Valid Class A CDL with double/triple
endorsement
 Driving experience* in Class A
vehicle
*Evidence = employer’s written statement
2a

12. Who Qualifies For Training?
 One driver’s license
 No CDL suspension,
revocation, or cancellation
 No “major offense” convictions while
operating CMV
 No “railroad-highway grade crossing”
convictions while operating CMV
2b

13. Who Qualifies For Training?
 No convictions for violating OOS
orders
 No more than 1 “serious
traffic violation” conviction
while operating CMV
 No convictions for violating traffic
control laws in connection with crash
involving a CMV
2c

14. Training includes…
 Written knowledge test (classroom)
– Given by any qualified
driver-instructor
– Passing score = 80%
 Skills test, including actual operation
of LCV (behind-the-wheel)
– Given only by qualified LCV skills
instructor
2d

15. Training Outline
1. Orientation
– LCVs in Trucking
– Regulations
– Driver Qualifications
– Vehicle Configuration Factors
3a

16. Training Outline (cont’d)
2. Basic Operation
– Coupling/Uncoupling
– Basic Control & Handling
– Basic Manuevers
– Turning, Steering, Tracking
– Proficiency Development
3b

17. Training Outline (cont’d)
3. Safe Operating Practices
– Interacting with Traffic
– Speed and Space Management
– Night Operations
– Extreme Driving Conditions
– Security Issues
– Proficiency Development
3c

18. Training Outline (cont’d)
4. Advanced Operations
– Hazard Perception
– Hazardous Situations
– Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
3d

19. Training Outline (cont’d)
5. Non-Driving Activities
– Routes and Trip Planning
– Cargo and Weight
Considerations
3e

20. LCVs in Trucking
Advantages:
 Productivity
 Cost
 Traffic
 Air Emissions
4a

21. LCVs in Trucking
Disadvantages:
 Safety
 Pavement Damage
 Infrastructure Damage
 Parking
4b

22. The Driver’s Role
 Inspections
 Weight Distribution
 Safe Operation
and Delivery
 Qualifications
4c

23. Code of Federal Regulations
 Title 49 = Transportation
 Ch. III = FMCSA
 Subch. B = FMCSRs
 Parts 350-399
 Title 23 = Highways
 Ch. I = Federal Highway Administration
 Part 658 = Length, Width, and Weight
Limits
 658.23 & Appendix C = LCV Limits
5a

24. Code of Federal Regulations
 Title 49 = Transportation
 Ch. V = NHTSA
 Part 571 = Safety Standards
 Ch. I = PHMSA
 Subch. C = Hazardous Materials Regulations
5b

25. State & Local Regulations
 States set size & weight limits
 Local Laws
Ignorance of the law
is no excuse!
5c

26. Driver Qualifications
Are you qualified to drive?
 Federal rules (49 CFR)
– Part 380: LCV and Entry-Level Training
– Part 382: Drug/Alcohol Testing
– Part 383: CDL (and LCV endorsement)
– Part 391: Qualifications
6a

27. Medical Exams
 391.41 - 391.45
 Qualified, licensed medical examiner
 Every 2 years
 Carry your medical card,
and keep it current!
6b

28. Medical Exams
 Limb loss or
impairment
 Insulin use
 Cardiovascular
disease
 Respiratory
dysfunction
 Blood pressure
6c
 Muscular, joint, or
vascular disease
 Epilepsy
 Psychiatric
disorders
 Vision
 Hearing
 Drug use / alcohol
abuse

29. Medical Exams
State qualification rules:
 Intrastate operations only
 Additional exemptions
 Waivers
Check with the state for details.
6d

30. Drug & Alcohol Testing
Drug & Alcohol Testing – Part 382
 CDL drivers only
 Tests required:
– Pre-employment
– Random (50% drug, 10% alcohol)
– Reasonable suspicion
– Post-accident
– Return-to-duty & follow-up
6e

31. Drug & Alcohol Testing
Test failure, refusal, or tampering =
 Immediate removal from driving
 Referral to SAP
 Evaluation and treatment
 Return-to-duty & follow-up testing
6f

32. Refusal
 Fail to appear for any test
 Fail to remain at testing site
 Fail to provide urine specimen
 Fail to allow observation
 Fail to provide sufficient amount
 Fail or decline second test
 Fail to cooperate
 Medical Review Officer (MRO) reports
adulterated or substituted test result
6g

33. Driver Qualifications
A healthy driver is a safe driver!
 Diet & Tobacco Use
 Exercise
 Alcohol & Drug Use/Abuse
 Fatigue
6h

34. Diet
6i

35. Exercise
 Reduces stress
 Helps you sleep
 Reduces injuries
 Improves immunity
 Lowers heart attack risk
 Lowers body fat, cholesterol, BP
6j

36. Alcohol & Drugs
 Drug/alcohol testing
 Addiction & alcoholism
 Affects health
 Affects family
 Affects employer
 Affects other drivers
6k

37. Driver Qualifications
What about prescriptions?
“…pursuant to the instructions of a
licensed medical practitioner … who
has advised the driver that the
substance will not adversely affect
the driver's ability to safely operate
a commercial motor vehicle.”
6l

38. Fatigue
 Stimulants are no substitute
 Sleep can’t be banked, but
you can go into debt
 Take a break every 3 hours
 7-8 hours sleep
6m

39. Fighting Fatigue
 Get more sleep!
 Stay healthy
 Eat leaner food
 Check your prescriptions – is
fatigue a side effect?
 Do you have a treatable sleep
disorder?
6n

40. Vehicle Configurations
7a

41. Vehicle Configurations
7b

42. 7c

43. Basic Operation
 Coupling/Uncoupling
 Basic Control & Handling
 Basic Maneuvers
 Turning, Steering,
Tracking
 Proficiency Development
8a

44. Safe Operating Practices
 Interacting with Traffic
 Speed and Space Management
 Night Operations
 Extreme Driving Conditions
 Security Issues
 Proficiency Development
9a

45. Advanced Operations
 Hazard Perception
 Hazardous Situations
 Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
10a

46. Route & Trip Planning
The art of getting from point
A to point B safely, legally,
and on time before you
get behind the wheel.
Confirm states you will be
operating in, highways traveled, and
any special permits required prior to
leaving!
11a

47. Route & Trip Planning
Size limitations
 Appendix C of Part 658
Weight limitations
 Federal bridge formula
 State formulas
 Appendix C of Part 658
11b

48. Route & Trip Planning
Factors to consider:
 Hours needed
 Total miles
 Time of day
 City vs. highway driving
 Hours-of-service regulations
 LCV restrictions
 Weather conditions
11c

49. Route & Trip Planning
Permits
 Vehicle registration (IRP)
 Operating authority
 Fuel/mileage tax (IFTA)
 Oversize/overweight
Contact state for permit requirements!
11d

50. Route & Trip Planning
Local access & reasonable access rule
 49 CFR 658.19
 Staging areas and access zones
11e

51. Cargo & Weight
Cargo documentation
 Proper Bill of Lading
for all cargo
Loading considerations
12a

52. Cargo & Weight
Cargo securement
 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I
 Prevent movement in every
direction
Unloading cargo
12b

53. Cargo & Weight
Weight distribution, load
sequencing, trailer placement
 Axle weight distribution
 Placement on trailer
 Effects on handling
12c