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can i drive a semi truck without a cdl

Can I Drive A Semi Truck Without CDL?

can i drive a semi truck without a cdl

Have you ever wondered, “Can I drive a semi-truck without CDL?”

Many beginners and truck-driving enthusiasts ask this question hoping for a straightforward answer.

There are several misunderstandings surrounding this topic. This is due to the varying state laws on issuing and using a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Let’s discuss this question in detail to help you understand the subject. We’ll also explain how to get a CDL license. So, when the time is right, you can land truck-driving jobs with ease!

Can I Drive A Semi Truck Without CDL? When?

The short answer is yes, you can. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds.

Driving a semi-truck without CDL is legal under specific circumstances. Some include those listed below.

Driving Within The Confines Of Your Private Property

You don’t need a CDL license to drive semis or any other truck inside your property.

You can drive different types of trucks, like warehouse trucks, dump trucks, delivery trucks, and straight trucks, without a CDL this way.

But, things change when you get out on a public road. You’ll almost always need a CDL to drive semis on a public road unless you operate the truck for personal use.

Driving For Personal Use

This point can be confusing if you’re trying to answer the question, “Can I drive a semi-truck without a CDL?”

What does driving a semi for personal or commercial use mean, and how does it determine the license you need?

Truck dashboard

Basically, if your vehicle qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle and you operate it for commerce, you need a CDL. This is a mandatory requirement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

If your vehicle qualifies as a commercial vehicle, and you use it non-commercially, you can drive it without a CDL. You’ll still require a valid license, but it doesn’t have to be a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

So, based on FMCSA, what does commerce mean?

FMCSA defines commerce as any transportation, trade, or traffic within or across state lines. It is also any transportation, trade, or traffic that affects transportation, trade, or traffic between different points intra- and interstate.

Going by this broad definition, you can tell that there is no clear distinction between using semi-trucks as personal vehicles and for commercial purposes.

Sometimes, what seems like personal use may turn out to be commercial.

Personal Use Versus Commercial Use

A good example is driving an empty truck across states for repair or maintenance. It may appear as personal use, but it counts as interstate commerce.

You’ll need a CDL for such a trip. If you’re caught driving without a CDL license, you could face legal action.

Can I Buy A Semi Truck Without CDL

Ensure that your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or combined gross weight, doesn’t exceed 26 000 lbs. On weight, it doesn’t matter whether you operate the truck for personal or commercial purposes. The truck’s gross weight must be 26 000 lbs. or less for you to drive without a CDL.

It’s worth noting that a driver can qualify for a CDL exemption if they fall under specific categories laid out by their state law. We call these drivers non-CDL drivers.

CDL Exemptions

You can drive a semi without a commercial license if you qualify as a non-CDL driver. Be sure to check the law of the state you’re in, and ensure you have the right qualifications for CDL exemptions.

State laws vary, and different states offer various exemptions for a CDL. In Florida, for instance, some CDL exemptions include:

  • Military personnel driving commercial vehicles for military purposes.
  • Authorized emergency vehicle drivers.
  • Drivers of recreational vehicles.

Penalties For Driving Semi-Trucks Without A CDL

Driving commercial vehicles without a valid CDL can lead to major penalties. These penalties vary from state to state. Let’s discuss these.

  • License Suspension: This is one of the most common penalties for driving without a CDL illegally. The suspension may last between one and ten years, depending on your situation.
  • Criminal Charges: You may face criminal charges under certain circumstances. For instance, if an accident happened.

Money

  • Fines: Fines for CDL violations are hefty. You can pay thousands of dollars depending on your state’s laws. The company you work for can also pay more than $10 000 in fines if they knowingly let you drive a semi without the required license.
  • Job loss: A CDL is a minimum requirement for most trucking companies. If you lie about having one, and the company you work for finds out later, you may lose your job.

How To Get A CDL

In most states, getting CDL licenses is straightforward. But there are several CDL requirements you must meet. We’ve summarized the entire process below to help you get your license stress-free.

Step 1: Submit CDL Application

The minimum age requirement to apply for a CDL is 18 years. However, you must first complete the FMCSA driver training before you make your application if you want to get a class A or class B CDL license.

Get this training from an FMCSA-approved driving school or training provider.

Step 2: Identity Verification

You must verify your identity and provide the required proof of address indicating that you’re a resident of the US and a specific state.

Different states may ask for different documents, but verifying your social security number is common in most states.

Step 3: Health Examination

For this step, you must provide two valid medical forms and pass a vision test. These forms include a medical examination report and a medical examiner’s certificate.

Eye test

Step 4: Knowledge Exam

Depending on the license class you seek, you’ll need to pass a knowledge exam. It might include:

  • General knowledge test.
  • Combinations and air brakes knowledge test.
  • Other tests such as one for the H endorsement (this will allow you to carry hazardous materials).

Once you pass your knowledge exam, you’ll get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Then, you’ll need to wait for 14 days before you schedule a road skills test.

Step 5: Skills Test

You must pass the pre-trip inspection and the driving skills test for the specific vehicle you’d like to drive.

Step 6: Pay Required Fees

After passing the skills test, pay the fees required by your state to get your CDL.

How Much Does A CDL Cost?

The cost of a CDL varies state-wise and depends on the type of CDL you want to get.

However, the total cost of a CDL ranges from $2000 to $5000, including the general fees and training school.

General fees may include fees for applications, tests, screenings, and background checks for endorsements to transport hazardous materials.

Final Thoughts

In summary, you can drive a semi-truck without a CDL, although you’ll have to be cautious to do so legally. We’ve outlined most conditions for driving vehicles without a CDL above.

However, if you wish to have a career as a truck driver, you need a CDL. You’ll qualify for more truck-driving jobs with more trucking companies. With a CDL, you can operate across various states, including some of the best places for truck drivers to work.

Whether or not you have a CDL, you might be interested in starting a semi truck business. Mission Financial Services may be your best bet!

What Owner-Operators Need to Know About the Inflation Reduction Act

On Tuesday, August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Act) into law. The Act covers climate issues, taxes, healthcare, and other legislation in one bill, serving as a concise version of the Build Back Better bill.

What is the Inflation Reduction Act?

The main points of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 include:

  • 15% minimum corporate tax rate: Corporations that generate at least $1 billion in income will now have a 15% tax rate, and stock buybacks will have a 1% excise tax.
  • IRS investments: The IRS will receive $80 billion to hire new agents over the next ten years.
  • Prescription drug price reform: Medicare will now be able to negotiate the prices of particular prescription drugs, and in 2025 Medicare recipients will receive a $2,000 limit on annual out-of-pocket prescription costs.
  • ACA subsidy extension: The current medical insurance premiums under the ACA, which were set to expire January 1st, 2023, will now be extended through 2025.
  • Investments in energy security and climate change efforts: Households will receive tax credits to offset energy costs, the government will invest in clean energy production, and there will be tax credits for reducing carbon emissions.

On August 7, the Inflation Reduction Act went to the Senate and passed with 50 Democratic votes and zero Republican votes. Once it reached the House on August 12, bill 220-207 was passed.

Ultimately, small businesses and hardworking Americans will profit from this legislation through the investments in deficit reduction, increased manufacturing, lowered drug prices, and the push for corporations to give back to their community. But what does this bill mean for owner-operators within the transportation industry?

What Owner-Operators Need to Know

The Inflation Reduction Act will make significant changes to the United States environmental policies, health care policies, and tax codes. However, for owner-operators and other small trucking businesses, the Act’s extended changes to the ACA subsidies and IRS investments will likely be the most impactful.

The increased and extended ACA subsidies will allow owner-operators without employer-provided health insurance access to affordable health care coverage. Marc Ballard, who handles the NAIT’s various health care avenues, said, “We’re seeing about 90% of people who enroll can get a plan for $100 a month. Take, for example, a guy who may be 45 with a spouse and two kids, lives in Florida, and expenses a bunch of his income. … Let’s say his net adjusted income is $60,000. He grossed $200,000, but the reportable income is $60,000. He could literally be paying zero dollars for a health care plan.” Those making more money may face an increase in coverage costs by just a few hundred dollars a month.

And while the ACA subsidy changes won’t affect independent business people as much, it’s wise to use this extension period to shop for different health care plans. Freight rates are slowing due to the rise in fuel costs, and owner-operators’ incomes fluctuate as the pandemic period breaks down. So, now is the time to consider income projections and any potential family or personal status changes, which could unlock new health-expense savings.

The $80 billion investment in creating a larger Internal Revenue Service could also pose a threat to owner-operators with more frequent audits. The Associated Press did disclose that armed agents will not come knocking on owner-operators’ doors unless they are under criminal investigation for dealings in things such as contraband. Truck drivers must also be conscious of their increased chance of being audited. And while the IRS does have a backlog, the 87,000 incoming agents will quickly clear it, making time for them to look at newer returns. So, be sure to be extremely thorough when filing your taxes.

The Future is Green

The $369 billion investment in green energy will also notably change the trucking industry. In the next few years, trucking companies could receive tax incentives to purchase trucks that operate on alternative fuel sources, including electricity and biogas. Similar tax incentives will be made available for installing supportive infrastructure at trucking headquarters. The bill will also offer grant and loan programs to trucking businesses to encourage and fund their switch.

More Like This:

→ How Does California’s AB5 Affect Truck Drivers?

→ Rising Fuel Prices: An Ongoing Problem for Drivers

→ What is the COVID HOS Emergency Declaration?

How Does California’s AB5 Affect Truck Drivers?

A Trucker’s Guide to Assembly Bill 5

Regardless if you’re a California truck driver or not, you’ve probably heard about the recent employment legislation that could change the entire trucking industry. As of June 30, 2022, Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) is in effect and making sweeping changes throughout the transportation industry. Over the last few months, there has been an excessive amount of news and information surrounding the legislation and the impact it could potentially have. So, what’s the truth about AB5?

We’ve created a comprehensive guide to California’s Assembly Bill 5 that explains the bill and how it will affect truck drivers and the industry.

What is California’s AB5?

In September 2019, the California Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed Assembly Bill 5 into law to provide gig workers with more rights and benefits. Specifically, the law promises gig workers who classify as employees minimum wage with overtime pay, standard employee benefits, expense reimbursements, health insurance, adequate breaks, and other benefits that were not previously promised under California labor laws. So, how do employers determine who classifies as what?

The ruling of AB5 is based on a 2018 California Supreme Court ruling, known as Dynamex Operation West v. Superior Court. The legislation replaced the 11-prong Borello test with a 3-prong test and established that workers were classified as employees unless otherwise proven by the hiring company. The new 3-prong test, known as the ABC test, determines whether a person can be qualified as an independent contractor. 

For a worker to achieve this classification, the following three statements must be true:

  1. The worker is free from direct control or direction of the hiring entity when performing their duties.
  2. The tasks and services performed are outside the hiring entity’s usual business activities.
  3. The worker regularly performs independent services similarly performed for the hiring entity.

If a worker does not meet the three requirements, they must be classified or, in some cases, reclassified as an employee and receive the rights and benefits that come with that title. The problem with the new ABC test is that it has created rigorous standards for employers, and it’s challenging for workers to pass.

Pros and Cons of Assembly Bill 5

The main issue with AB5’s 3-prong test is that it has turned some independent contractors into employees. Specifically, item B poses the most risk to a worker’s livelihood because it states that a person performing any work similar to the company that hired them is presumed to be an employee. If a worker is classified as an employee, they must adhere to new standards that ultimately impact how they perform their job. For instance, while gig workers can choose when and when not to work, employees must abide by a set schedule.

However, the new legislation isn’t all bad. Pros and cons of AB5 include:

Pros:

  • The legislation creates equal opportunities for gig workers and regular employees.
  • Qualifying as an employee entitles workers to benefits and other perks.

Cons:

  • Being classified as an employee could cost workers their flexible schedule.
  • Reclassifying independent contractors as employees could increase prices for consumers.

And while AB5 does not guarantee that hiring entities will eliminate flexible scheduling, employers may exert more control once they begin incurring higher costs of paying employees versus contractors.

How will California’s AB5 impact the trucking industry?

The application of AB5 will undoubtedly impact motor carriers’ prices, routes, and services. On January 16, the District Court for the Southern District of California found AB5 preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) and urged its application. This ultimately left the independent contractor model unaffected—at the time. The state of California was also pushed to appeal the lower court’s injunction to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (CTA). 

However, on April 28, 2021, the appeal was reversed after finding that implementing AB5 did not fully impact motor carriers’ prices, routes, or services. Therefore it did not fall under the FAAAA’s preemptive scope. So, the reversal cleared AB5 to take effect. But, on June 23, 2021, the 9th Circuit stayed the reversal’s effect, pending the resolution of the appeal to the United States Supreme Court.

Without comment or discussion, the Supreme Court decided not to review the case and left the 9th Circuit’s decision intact. AB5 was once again clear to take effect on motor carriers operating in the state of California. In the Supreme Court briefing, representatives from the State of California downplayed the impact AB5 would have on motor carriers and the trucking industry. 

Now, drivers operating in California are bracing themselves for the “highly impactful and disruptive” consequences of the bill. Many motor carriers and industry experts believe that additional legal challenges associated with AB5 and the ABC test are likely to occur. Still, for the time being, those operating in California will, unfortunately, have to carry the weight of AB5.

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→ Trucking Action Plan: What You Need to Know

→ How Does Prop. 22 Affect App-Based Drivers?

Top 5 Toughest States for Speeding

Which states are toughest on commercial truck speeding-enforcement?

Every year the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) of truck-enforcement jurisdictions and other related agencies stage a traffic enforcement event called Operation Safe Driver. In 2020, the enforcement effort responded to an uptick in speed-related fatality crashes. And while the automobile accidents were across all vehicle types, most involved Class 8 vehicles.

After the 2020 Operation Safe Driver event, the CVSA found that truck drivers received nearly triple the number of speeding citations as passenger vehicle drivers. In 2021, the number increased again, with approximately 3,000 truck drivers receiving citations. Experts anticipate similar results following this year’s enforcement event. But, drivers are wondering: Are there some states that are more strict when it comes to speeding enforcement?

Which states have the strictest speeding laws?

Experts agree that there are states that are stricter when it comes to enforcing traffic laws than others. 

A recent study found that 75% of states have absolute speed limits, which means one mile per hour over the limit is enough for the state to convict you of speeding. The other 25% of the country has laws that allow you to plead your case in court. However, there are currently no states that have mandatory jail time for those convicted of reckless driving, which means you are liable to spend at least one night in jail if found guilty. 

And if you’re lucky enough to avoid jail time, you can still face a hefty fine. While the country’s average maximum speeding penalty is $742, there are some states where a single ticket could cost up to $5,000. 

The bottom line is that while keeping up with surrounding traffic may seem okay; there are some states where it’s ultimately safer to drive the exact speed limit.

5 toughest states for truck traffic enforcement

Delaware

In Delaware, the driving population speeds 21% more than the national average. And in January of this year, the state implemented cameras along I-95 in hopes of deterring speeding. So, even if there’s no cop in sight, you still need to be cautious of cameras.

West Virginia

If you’re in Virginia, go slow. The state has one of the harshest legal systems around traffic violations. For example, driving 80 miles per hour anywhere in the state or going 20 miles per hour the posted speed limit will result in a reckless driving charge. And you can receive a $2,500 fine and a year in jail for reckless driving.

Iowa

Iowa drivers are ticketed for speeding 66% more than average drivers, despite the state’s heavy police presence. In “The Hawkeye State,” there are 25 police officers per 10,000 drivers. Be sure to remember this ratio the next time you drive through Iowa.

Idaho

While Idaho has a low ratio of speed traps per mile, it ranks considerably high for issuing speeding citations. However, the fines aren’t as intimidating as in other states. If you’re driving anywhere between one and 15 miles per hour above the speed limit, you will be fined $75. Anything over 16 miles per hour will earn you a $140 ticket. 

South Carolina

South Carolina is considered more dangerous than any other state for driving. According to the NHTSA’s Traffic Safety report, the state has the highest rate of traffic fatalities per million miles traveled. And similar to Iowa, the state has 24 police officers per 10,000 drivers, So if you speed in the Palmetto State, you not only risk getting a ticket, but you also risk getting into an accident.

  

How speeding could impact your career

As a truck driver, receiving a speeding ticket is no minor inconvenience. In fact, a speeding ticket could lead to your CDL being revoked. In most states, exceeding the speed limit by at least 15 miles per hour is considered a severe violation for commercial motor vehicles (CMV). The violation could lead to a minimum 60-day license suspension. If you receive three violations within three years, you could face a 120-day CDL revocation. These violations could also appear on your record, ultimately affecting your next job opportunity. Plus, you could be fined up to $500. 

So, while driving can be frustrating and sometimes mundane, it’s safer to drive wisely and within the speed limit. After all, nothing is worth risking your CDL license and, above all, your life.

More Like This

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→ Top 10 States With the Best Roads and Highways

-> Where is the Best Place to Work as a Truck Driver?

What is the COVID HOS Emergency Declaration?

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many industries executed their operations and has had a lasting impact that the world still hasn’t been able to shake. In recent years, federal government agencies have declared various guidelines and regulations pertaining to the transportation industry, including the HOS Emergency Declaration.

What was supposed to be temporary measures has now been extended and could possibly carry on even further. So, what is the emergency declaration and how does it affect our country’s drivers?

What is the COVID HOS Emergency Declaration?

After COVID-19 was declared a national emergency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an Hours of Service (HOS) Emergency Declaration which suspended federal regulations and offered relief for fleets engaged in COVID-19 emergency relief operations. 

The declaration ensured that transportation services were distributed properly and vital supplies were delivered to areas in need of aid. However, it came with a number of restrictions that excluded some drivers and carriers over others. 

As previously mentioned, the declaration was originally supposed to end on April 12, 2020, but has since been extended and expanded upon multiple times. These amendments to the HOS Emergency Declaration include things like, limitations to the transportation of goods like “(1) livestock and livestock feed; (2) medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; and (3) supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19, such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants.” And recently, the declaration has been extended yet again. 

What’s the latest on the COVID HOS Emergency Declaration?

The FMCSA has recently announced another extension of the emergency declaration amid the dwindling number of COVID-19 cases and the return to national normalcy. The FMCSA also confirmed that carriers would still be relieved from maximum drive-time limits within the hours of service for another 90 days starting June 1st and lasting until the end of August.

The carriers that can take advantage of the extended relief are those who carry commodities in “direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19.”

These commodities include:

  • Community safety supplies and equipment (disinfectants, gloves, hand sanitizer, and soap)
  • Diesel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), Gasoline, ethyl alcohol, jet fuel, and heating fuel (propane, natural gas, and heating oil)
  • Food, paper products, and grocery items for emergency restocking
  • Livestock (and livestock feed)
  • Medical supplies related to COVID-19, constituent products, and vaccine supplies/kits

Some commodities that were once on the declaration are no longer covered, including building materials, vehicles, and more.

Will the HOS Emergency Declaration be extended again?

The overall goal is to eventually end the HOS Emergency Declaration. However, this won’t happen until a number of things take place. For starters, the U.S. government must deem that we are no longer in a national emergency. When this will happen is unpredictable since emergency declarations bring in discretionary funds and opportunities for various federal agencies. The troubles within the supply chain have also had an influence on the extensions of this declaration by forcing the FMCSA to waive certain parts of the HOS for haulers moving goods in direct-assistance efforts. So, as we continue to experience supply chain challenges alongside inflationary pressures, another extension could definitely be on the table.

In the meantime, industry experts are hopeful that the span of the current extension will narrow as COVID-19 cases continue to lessen. The FMCSA has also said that they intend “to continue to closely monitor the safety impacts of the relief granted under this extension. … As necessary, FMCSA may take action to modify the Emergency Declaration, including scaling back the commodities covered by the Emergency Declaration or changing the restrictions associated with transporting the commodities.” Or they will move to terminate the hours relief sooner than the end of August if conditions permit.

Frequently Asked Questions from the FMCSA

Question:  Does the current COVID-19 Emergency Declaration include the transportation of fuel?
Answer:  Yes, the Emergency Declaration includes the transportation of fuel including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, ethyl alcohol, and heating fuel including propane, natural gas, and heating oil.

Question:  What does the May 13, 2022 amendment of the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration change?
Answer:  FMCSA amended the commodities covered by the Emergency Declaration to include heating fuel including propane, natural gas, and heating oil.

Question:  Why did FMCSA amend the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration?
Answer:  FMCSA amended the Emergency Declaration to address particular fuel needs arising out of the ongoing emergency and to broaden the categories of fuel shipments covered. 

For more information, visit the FMCSA website.

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→ What Truckers Need to Know About the Vaccine Mandate

→ Trucking Action Plan: What You Need to Know

→ How Does Prop. 22 Affect App-Based Drivers?

Pros and Cons of Battery-Electric Trucks

Image Credit: Tesla

In today’s world, electric vehicles account for approximately two percent of auto sales, and that number only continues to grow. Now, electric semi-trucks and freight vehicles, or commercial battery-electric vehicles (CBEVs), are merging onto America’s roads and highways. Manufacturers have poured billions of dollars into developing CBEVs, and companies are slowly integrating the new technology into their fleets. And while the focus has mainly been on Class 8 trucks, automakers are introducing commercially available models in numerous classes.

So, what exactly does this electric revolution look like and who is responsible?

Who are the key creators of electric semi-trucks?

Very few automakers dared to venture into the world of EV manufacturing. However, those who did are now reaping the benefits of their investment. Currently, Volvo Trucks offers two tractor configurations for their electric Class 8 trucks, including a 4×2 and a 6×2. These trucks provide different ranges that are dependent on the amount of cargo you’re hauling and the overall size of your trailer. The manufacturer also sells an electric box truck model, which offers a range of 150 miles on a single charge. 

And in 2021, Volvo received its largest order from Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) for its VNR Electric model. The foodservice logistics supplier ordered a total of 14 electric trucks for their Southern California drivers. While the new EVs won’t significantly impact QCD’s original fleet of 700 fuel-powered trucks, it’s a step in the right direction. Daimler has also been a key player in the EV market with models like the Freightliner eM2 and Freightliner eCascadia. And while Volvo and Daimler have been innovators in the trucking industry’s EV movement, Tesla has recently unveiled what may be the new standard in trucking…

Check out the reveal of the new Tesla Semi

How will electric semi-trucks shape the future of trucking?

Experts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimate that battery-electric trucks will account for 31% of the industry or reach around 672 million vehicles by 2050. Undeniably, this would reshape the trucking industry and the world as we know it.

In a single day, a fuel-powered truck will be on the road for up to 11 hours, all while producing harmful emissions. And if a team of drivers runs the truck, it could be on the road even longer. But, if a company were to deploy just one EV, it would be equivalent to placing over a dozen electric sedans on the road, thus significantly reducing harmful emissions. 

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) created Run on Less – Electric, a trucking demonstration that set out to determine the pros and cons of EVs. The run further confirmed that CO2 and particulate emissions would be significantly reduced by replacing traditional trucks with electric ones.

Electric trucks also reduce noise pollution and provide optimal safety through intuitive technology and design measures. For instance, the Tesla Semi is built with active safety features that help to prevent jackknifing. Volvo Trucks also attempts to provide enhanced safety through a new, patented safety feature called Active Grip Control. The feature “improves stability, acceleration, and braking in slippery conditions.”

What concerns come with battery-electric trucks?

While there are clear advantages to using BEVs, there are some concerns. 

The main concerns include:

  • The effects of extreme weather and temperatures on electric trucks.
  • Maintenance costs and schedules.
  • Availability of parts and services.
  • The overall safety of electric trucks.

Thankfully, some testing and trial runs have shed light on the above mentioned issues. The NACFE’s Run on Less – Electric found that extreme weather and temperatures don’t pose any serious threats to BEVs’ overall performance or vitality. 

RoL-E also proved that overall maintenance costs and failure rates are less than internal combustion vehicles. However, when the microchip and automotive technology shortage struck the nation in 2020, many EV manufacturers found themselves between a rock and a hard place. Automakers were not only unable to produce new electric models, but they weren’t able to make most of the necessary parts or components. This led many owner-operators to question whether or not moving to BEVs would be wise, considering the unpredictability of the future.

What should fleets keep in mind moving forward?

Before fleets commit to transitioning to BEVs, there are a few things that fleet managers and owner-operators should keep in mind, including:

  • How many miles are being driven?
  • How often would charging need to take place for each truck?
  • Will charging stations or at-home charging need to be installed?
  • How many BEVs would be needed?
  • Would a partial conversion make more sense than replacing the entire fleet? Or vise-versa.

Fleet managers must also consider a maintenance plan for their electrified fleet. Industry experts who’ve made the move recommend “[getting] your mechanics in there and [getting] them trained” in the new-age technology. Finally, if owner-operators choose to transition to CBEVs, they must implement proper safety protocol and invest in new safety equipment, including arc lash shields, dielectric boots/shoes, electrical safety gloves, insulated tools, etc.

More Like This:

→ Self-Driving Semis: The Future of the Trucking Industry

→ What Truckers Need to Know About Autonomous Vehicles

→ Autonomous Vehicles: What Does it Really Mean?

→ Reducing Emissions with Electric Semi Trucks

→ Electric Semi-Trucks: The Future of Trucking

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