Driver reference desk
The FMCSA rules you get asked about at a scale house, the DOT physical standards, and an hours-of-service planner that does the clock arithmetic for you.
24/7 Emergency Dispatch
Roadside assistance, accidents, breakdowns
Work out your clock
Punch in when you came on duty and how much you've driven. It gives you the window, the break, the reset and what's left in your 70.
Hours-of-service clock planner
Your 11, your 14, your 30-minute break and your 70 — worked out, not just explained.
A planning aid for property-carrying CDL drivers on the standard 70-hour/8-day cycle. It does not model sleeper-berth splits, the 16-hour short-haul exception, adverse-driving extensions, or the 60/7 cycle. Your ELD is the legal record — when the two disagree, the ELD wins.
FMCSA Compliance & Regulations
FMCSA Motus Registration (2026)
FMCSA's new Motus system is replacing the URS and FMCSA Portal for motor carrier registration, biennial updates, and operating authority filings.
- Motus is FMCSA's unified registration platform (phased rollout through 2026)
- Existing USDOT numbers and MC authority remain valid during the transition
- Carriers—not individual drivers—manage registration in Motus
- Keep FMCSA Portal account and company information current before legacy systems sunset
- MC docket numbers (e.g. MC-876103) are not being eliminated under current FMCSA plans
Hours of Service (HOS) Guide
Complete breakdown of driving limits, rest requirements, and exceptions, straight from the FMCSA rule.
- 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour limit on the time you can drive within
- 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 consecutive days
- 30-minute break requirement after 8 hours of driving
- Sleeper berth provisions explained
ELD Compliance Requirements
Electronic Logging Device mandate details, exemptions, and best practices for proper use.
- ELD mandate compliance requirements
- Proper log editing procedures
- Data transfer methods (Web, Email, USB)
- Malfunction and data diagnostics
- Required documentation during ELD failure
CSA Safety Scores Explained
Understanding your CSA score, BASICs categories, and how to maintain clean records.
- 7 BASICs categories breakdown
- How violations affect your score
- DataQs challenge process
- Score improvement strategies
- Carrier vs. Driver responsibility
DOT Inspection Checklist
Pre-trip and during inspection requirements to stay compliant and avoid violations.
- Level I through Level VI inspection types
- Required documents to carry
- Vehicle inspection points
- Out-of-service criteria
- Rights during inspections
Safety & Training
Defensive Driving Techniques
Professional driving strategies to avoid accidents and protect your record.
- Smith System 5 Keys methodology
- Space management and following distance
- Mirror usage and blind spot awareness
- Adverse weather driving tactics
- Night driving best practices
Load Securement Standards
FMCSA cargo securement requirements for flatbed, dry van, and reefer loads.
- General securement requirements
- Working load limits calculation
- Tie-down requirements by cargo type
- Flatbed specific requirements
- Documentation requirements
Hazmat Endorsement Guide
Requirements, training, and procedures for hazardous materials endorsement.
- TSA background check process
- Written test preparation
- Placarding requirements
- Emergency response procedures
- Hazmat routing restrictions
Accident Procedures
Step-by-step guide for what to do if you're involved in an accident.
- Immediate safety steps
- Required notifications
- Documentation requirements
- Insurance claim process
- Post-accident drug testing rules
Fuel & Efficiency
Fuel Card Programs
Maximize savings with our partner fuel programs and discount networks.
- Pilot Flying J discount program
- Love's fuel rewards
- TA/Petro network savings
- Fuel tax reporting assistance
- IFTA compliance support
Fuel Efficiency Tips
Techniques that move the needle on MPG, and what a cent per gallon is worth on your own miles.
- Optimal cruise speed (62-65 mph sweet spot)
- Progressive shifting techniques
- Idle reduction strategies
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Route planning for fuel efficiency
IFTA Reporting Guide
International Fuel Tax Agreement reporting requirements and deadlines.
- Quarterly reporting deadlines
- Required record keeping
- Mileage tracking requirements
- Fuel purchase documentation
- State-by-state tax rates
Maintenance & Equipment
Pre-Trip Inspection Guide
Complete CDL pre-trip inspection checklist following FMCSA requirements.
- Engine compartment checks
- Cab/cab interior inspection
- External lights and reflectors
- Coupling system inspection
- Trailer inspection requirements
Tire Maintenance Standards
DOT tire requirements, maintenance schedules, and replacement guidelines.
- Minimum tread depth requirements
- Tire pressure specifications
- Retreading regulations
- Tire rotation schedules
- Roadside tire assistance
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Recommended maintenance intervals to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment life.
- Oil change intervals
- Brake inspection schedule
- Air filter replacement
- Coolant system maintenance
- Electrical system checks
Health & Wellness
DOT Physical Requirements
Medical examination requirements for maintaining your CDL certification.
- Medical certification timeline
- Vision and hearing requirements
- Blood pressure guidelines
- Diabetes management requirements
- Sleep apnea screening
Healthy Eating on the Road
Nutrition tips for truck drivers to maintain energy and health while traveling.
- Portable healthy snack ideas
- Truck stop meal choices
- Hydration strategies
- Meal prep for the road
- Managing caffeine intake
Exercise & Stretching Guide
Simple exercises and stretches that can be done during breaks and at truck stops.
- Pre-drive stretching routine
- In-cab exercises
- Truck stop workout routines
- Back pain prevention
- Eye strain relief techniques
Mental Health Resources
Support resources for managing stress, isolation, and mental wellness on the road.
- Truckers Against Trafficking hotline
- Mental health support lines
- Family connection tips
- Stress management techniques
- Sleep hygiene improvements
Business Tools
Owner Operator Tax Guide
Tax deductions, quarterly estimates, and record-keeping for independent drivers.
- Per diem deduction rules
- Equipment depreciation
- Home office deductions
- Quarterly estimated taxes
- Business expense tracking
Load Profitability Calculator
Calculate true profitability of loads including fuel, time, and operational costs.
Trip Planning Resources
Tools and resources for efficient route planning and trip management.
- Truck-specific GPS recommendations
- Weigh station bypass programs
- Rest area and truck parking apps
- Weather monitoring tools
- Load board best practices
Tools on this site
Calculators and pages that do something, not just describe it.
- Tool
Pay calculator
Miles, rate and fuel in — what the week clears, out.
- Tool
Fuel savings calculator
What the card takes off your cost per mile, on your own MPG.
- Tool
Freight class calculator
Density to NMFC class — useful when a broker's class looks wrong.
- Page
Lanes and corridors
The runs we actually make, with distances and home time.
- Tool
Driver app
Dispatch, PODs and pay on one screen — works with no signal.
- Page
What we offer drivers
Including a straight list of what we don't offer yet.
Need More Support?
Call dispatch — the same desk that books the loads answers the phone.