BOHICA

For those of you who may not have ever heard of BOHICA, it's an acronym for Bend Over Here It Comes Again. That's exactly what many motor carriers and drivers can look forward to if they aren't staying current with federal and state safety regulations. The sad truth is, you are required to know but, no one is required to know.

Trucking regulations change almost as we speak, and to rely on information you might get from other drivers, along the road, who may not understand this stuff any better than you do, is a mistake. Understanding regulations and compliance means at some point and time you will actually have to open the regulations book and read it.

Regulations, truck or otherwise, are not the easiest read. Confusion, it would seem, is the basic element of all regulations . . . the rudder that steers the ship. There are however, interpretations (questions and answers) included with these regulations, making comprehension somewhat easier. There are many good online resources available o the industry, as well. One of the finest is the Michigan Center for Truck Safety www.truckingsafety.org.

They provide a wealth of reliable information on their website and an 800 number you can call. They, surprisingly enough, actually answer the phone and understand regulations as well as, if not better than, the DOT. As a matter of fact, if you call any state or federal in Michigan about trucking regulations, they just refer the call the Michigan Center for Truck Safety.

Take advantage of the resources available, get educated and avoid costly fine and penalties

Category Posted: General