Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to hire only competent and qualified drivers. This duty extends to all motor vehicle operators on the road. Maintaining this obligation ensures that the driver meets the basic standards of motor safety rules and regulations. Competency and qualifications involve:

• Pass Background Tests – Trucking companies are legally required to obtain extensive detailed data about every perspective commercial truck driver during the application process. This means that the trucking company must obtain information concerning previous employers, and the driver’s extensive driving record in every state the driver has been licensed over the last 36 months.
• Physical Capabilities – Every driver of a commercial truck or tractor-trailer must be physically qualified to handle the vehicle on the road. This should include adequate hearing, clear vision, and freedom from a variety of medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and alcoholism.
• Completion of a Driving Test – Every driver must be properly licensed after completing a comprehensive commercial truck driving test.
• Compliance with Federal Law – Truck companies have a duty to regularly inspect and maintain their equipment. This duty extends to the drivers, who must understand the truck they drive, what can be fixed in an emergency, and when they should get help. Drivers should also understand when the truck should not be placed on the road because it needs repairs.
• Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) – Federal law has specific regulations that define which vehicles qualify as commercial factors. Some of the key factors are the gross vehicle weight rating of the truck, whether hazardous materials are being transported, and if 10 or more people are being transported.
• Getting Proper Rest – Truckers should be taught that there are limits on the amount of time they can drive and the amount of rest time that is required.
• Keeping Proper Logs – Truckers must keep accurate logs of their driving — mileage, route, time of operation, and other details.
• Understanding the Truck -Drivers need to be trained on the specific truck they drive. Just because a driver knows how to drive a flat-bed truck doesn’t mean he or she knows how to drive a semi-rig truck.
• Drunk Driving– Truck companies should explain to their employees that driving while being intoxicated is not allowed. The drivers should know that commercial drivers are held to a much higher standard than other drivers.
• Inclement Weather– Rain, fog, snow, sun, and other elements can make driving a truck treacherous. Drivers should be prepared to handle these elements. Handling a truck in bad weather is not the same as operating a car in bad weather.

​Truck companies need to train their drivers on other factors as well. Drivers should understand the dangers of driving while tired, how to handle objects in the road, and the risks of driving while distracted. They should also appreciate that cars and motorcycles will not have the same reactions as truck drivers too. Many aspects of commercial truck operator training often includes safe evasive techniques and maneuvers for avoiding accidents along with proper methods of safely carrying hazardous or dangerous materials. The trucking company must ensure every driver transporting goods and products on the road follows these stringent safety requirements. In fact, trucking companies are required to follow the strict truck driving Code of Federal Regulations. Compliance includes adhering to requirements where trucking companies provide adequate training to every commercial truck operator before receiving any driver certification. The regulations establish detailed training requirements along with all necessary testing given by qualified instructors.