CTDL 1010 Syllabus

Subject Code

CTDL

Course Number

1010

Course Title

Fundamentals of Commercial Driving

Prerequisites

Program admission

Corequisites

CTDL 1021

Terms Offered

Credit Hours

Course Description

This course introduces students to the transportation industry, federal and state regulations, records and forms, industrial relations, and other non-driving activities. This course provides an emphasis on safety that will continues throughout the program.

A work ethic grade is assigned for this course. For more information see Work Ethics.

 

A 80% or higher grade would need to be made in this course before proceeding to: CTDL 1021 and CTDL 1031.

Course Outcomes

Introduce Fundamentals of Commercial Driving

  • Explain the importance of the industry to the nation's economy.
  • Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Pocketbook.
  • Identify the federal agencies which regulate the industry and its drivers.
  • Explain how the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act impacts the individual driver.
  • Identify key areas of state regulation of the industry.
  • Explain systematic procedure to assure quick and complete pre-trip inspection.
  • Explain he effect of undiscovered malfunctions upon safety, effectiveness, and economy.
  • Explain Federal, State, and other regulations governing inspection, including special regulations for hazardous cargo.
  • Describe procedures for post trip inspection.
  • Explain out-of-service criteria for drivers and vehicles.
  • Explain how driver responsibilities include ensuring vehicle is in safe operating condition before taking it on the road.
  • Explain how to report malfunctions and problems.
  • Explain location and tolerances for all components and systems.
  • Explain consequences of vehicle out-of-service orders at roadside inspections and recognize negative impact on driver, company, shipper, and entire industry.
  • Perform post trip inspections by making accurate notes of actual and suspected component abnormalities or malfunctions that occurred during the trip.
  • Write Vehicle Condition Report (VCR).
  • Identify the location, function, operation, and common failures of the various vehicle components.
  • Explain the procedure for performing inspections and authorized maintenance repairs.
  • Identify repairs for which drivers are unqualified to complete.
  • Explain the importance of periodic inspections and repairs to prevent en route  breakdowns and promote longevity of parts, safety, and economy of operation.
  • Explain the inspection, repair, and maintenance regulations for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
  • Identify vehicle systems or components that are functioning properly, improperly or are in imminent danger of failing.
  • Describe symptoms of improper operation completely and accurately to maintenance personnel.
  • Report breakdowns occurring en route properly.
  • Identify, locate, and explain the function of each of the primary controls including those required for steering, accelerating, shifting, braking, and parking.
  • Identify, locate, and explain the function of each of the secondary controls including those required for control of lights, signals, windshield wipers and washers, interior climate, engine starting and shut down, and suspension and coupling.
  • Identify, locate, explain, and indicate the acceptable reading range of the various instruments required to monitor vehicle and engine speed as well as the status of fuel, oil, air, cooling, exhaust, and electrical systems.
  • Read and use gauge information in making on-going decisions.
  • Read gauges and instruments correctly indicating use and acceptable range.
  • Demonstrate seat adjustment and safety belt use.

Filling Out Record Forms

  • Prepare a driver's record of duty status (daily log).
  • Understand how to comply with the Hours of Service regulations.
  • Demonstrate all the requirements and rules of Part 395 of the FMCSR covering hours of service.
  • Understand the procedures for using log book recap.
  • Explain the consequences of failure to comply with hours of service regulations.
  • Understand all the requirement5s and rules of Part 395 of the FMCSR regarding hours of service.
  • Understand en route inspections requirements.
  • Identify and recognize the potential pressures in the industry to exceed hours-of-service units and know strategies for coping with them.
  • Maintain a legal log book while in school.
  • Identify key reports to driver must maintain for a trip.
  • Explain how to use log books in planning a trip and meeting schedules.
  • Record information on the trip report.
  • Record information on cargo discrepancy report (loss or damage report).
  • Record information on the vehicle inspection report.
  • Prepare and interpret a bill of lading.
  • Collect all information needed for accident reports to the state, employer, and insurance company.

Planning the Trip

  • Collect and review trip documentation.
  • Describe methods for good record keeping.
  • Explain how to use the Truckers Atlas and interpret maps.
  • Identify common map symbols.
  • Estimate travel time and plan rest stops and layovers.
  • Compute miles traveled, fuel use, and expense.
  • Plan a route from point to point that is optimal in terms of travel time, fuel cost, and potential hazards while adhering to Federal, State, and local travel regulations.
  • Select a secure place for vehicle on layovers, especially when transporting hazardous materials.
  • Estimate needed expenses and obtain funds and/or credit cards.
  • Explain methods for good record keeping.
  • Explain how permit system operates.
  • Understand the types of vehicles, cargoes, and routes requiring special permits.
  • Explain State and local laws regulations and the procedures for obtaining special permits.
  • Explain State and local law restrictions on vehicle size and weight.
  • Identify permits required by the nature of the vehicle, its cargo, and route to be traveled.
  • Determine required vehicle licenses and permits.
  • Explain how failure to obtain necessary permits can result in extensive delay and fines.
  • Determine size and weight limitations.
  • Compute and verify weights.

Performing Related Non-Driving Activities

  • Explain State law and company requirements dealing with stopping and rendering assistance at the scene of an accident.
  • Explain procedures for protecting the scene of an accident and Federal and State requirements.
  • Identify Federal, State, insurance company and employer requirements regarding accident reporting.
  • Distinguish types of fire extinguishers appropriate to each class of fire.
  • Describe procedures for extinguishing cargo, engine, electrical, and tire fires.
  • Explain where to stop a vehicle in the event of fire.
  • Explain how to gather information at the scene of an accident.
  • Explain how to complete an Accident Reporting Kit.
  • Understand the importance of carryi8ng a camera.
  • Understand how to use the Emergency Response Guide (E.R.G.)
  • Explain environmental regulations that affect spills.
  • Recognize symptoms of problems.
  • Understand how to contain a spill.
  • Explain how to report and document problems.
  • Explain state and federal regulations about fuel spills.
  • Describe what actions need to be taken at the scene of a spill or problem by referring to the E.R.G.
  • Explain rules about various categories of cargo.
  • Explain procedures for loading and unloading.
  • Explain the procedures for proper completion of freight bill, cargo manifest, bill of lading, and other required forms.
  • Understand it is the driver's responsibility for ensuring paperwork is properly filled out.
  • Understand what "driver count" means.
  • Explain the possible consequences and penalties of improperly completed documentation.
  • Explain proper lifting techniques.
  • Explain procedures for securing cargo including methods of blocking, bracing, packing, stacking, and use of straps, rope, cable, chain, and chain binders for tie down to prevent damage and accidents.
  • Explain the nature, function, and operation of common cargo handling equipment including pallets, jacks, dollies, hand trucks, forklift trucks, nets, slings, rug poles, Johnson bars, and other equipment.
  • Understand how to install various types of seals and record the seal number on the paperwork.
  • Explain Federal and State regulations on loading, weight limits, and distribution of cargo, bridge law, and special concerns of a 53 foot trailer.
  • Explain rules and regulations of shipping hazardous materials.
  • Recognize warning labels and placards for hazardous materials.
  • Identify hazardous materials.
  • Display emergency warning devices.
  • Identify the requirements for maintaining necessary driving qualifications according to Federal and State regulations.
  • Change worn/faulty elements or fuses in the lighting system.
  • Identify over dimensional loads.
  • Follow port of entry and exit procedures.
  • Follow inspection station procedures.

Maintaining Public and Employer Relations and Providing Customer Service

  • Demonstrate fact in dealing with a customer.
  • List attributes of a positive attitude in working with a customer.
  • Discuss ways to show empathy with a customer's situation.
  • Understand the dynamics of the trucking industry and the role and importance of the driver.
  • Show dependability.
  • Demonstrate punctuality.
  • Recognize signs of fatigue.
  • Understand the elements of a good diet.
  • Understand the pay process.
  • Identify a good exercise program for life on the road.
  • Understand personal sleep requirements and individual biorhythms or patterns.
  • Identify safe and quiet truck stops.
  • Understand the effects of drugs and alcohol.
  • Discuss the importance of following rules and regulations of a company.
  • Understand the stress caused by life on the road and being away from home.
  • Attend class, arrive and leave on time, notify instructor in advance of planned absences.
  • Display loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.
  • Respect the rights of others, confidentiality, and be cooperative in attitude and behavior.
  • Display appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude, appear self-confident, and have realistic expectations of self.
  • Follow safety practices, conserve materials, keep work are neat and clean, follow directions and procedures, make up assignments punctually, participate.
  • Display skills in prioritizing and management of time and stress, demonstrate flexibility in handling change.
  • Display appropriate nonverbal (eye contact, body language) and oral (listening, telephone etiquette, grammar) skills.
  • Display leadership skills, appropriately handle criticism, conflicts and complaints, demonstrate problem solving capabilities, maintain appropriate relationships with supervisors and peers, follow chain of command.
  • Accept cultural-racial diversity and do not engage in harassment of any kind.

Successfully Completing the Commercial Driver's License Written Exam

  • Produce a passing score on the CDL written exam.