OTA Dispatch Issue 3

SAFETY 36 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Driver Training Compliance Long Combination Vehicles By Adam Williamson, OTA Director of Training & Development L ong combination vehicles (LCV’s) are defined as any combination of a truck- tractor and two or more semi-trailers (doubles and triples) with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) greater than 80,000 pounds. They have been in use in the western United States since the early 60’s and their advantages are several: increased load capacity, lower transport costs, more efficient fuel use, and less exhaust emissions per unit of cargo. Depending on the specific configuration, they can improve carrier productivity anywhere from 30% to 100%. Those are numbers that will get a carrier’s attention. As is to be expected, when compared to a standard 5-axle semi-truck, more specialized training is necessary to operate these larger vehicles safely. Basic physics requires an allowance for wider off- tracking around curves, increased stopping distances for heavier loads, slower turns to prevent side-to-side movement (otherwise known as “serpentine sway”), and reduced horse power for climbing steep grades. Consequently, a higher degree of proficiency is necessary for safe driving, and this is reflected in the driver qualifications. FMCSA has stipulated training requirements for LCV drivers, consisting of both a knowledge and skills assessment that is unique to doubles and triples. The knowledge portion involves classroom instruction and testing on five standard topics (Orientation, Basic Operation, Safe Operating Practices, Advanced Operations, and Non-Driving Activities). The skills portion involves a road test evaluation of each driver’s ability to safely operate LCV’s. As of June 1, 2005, grandfathering is no longer an acceptable option, and employers are prohibited from allowing employees to operate this class of vehicle unless they have successfully completed the required training. Tractors combined with lowboy trailers and used to transport heavy cargo are a particular configuration to be aware of. These combinations often require additional axles on the ground in order to safely and legally distribute the weight of the load. Additional axles are added by hooking a jeep or booster to the trailer, thereby providing the desired number of axles. This creates a “double” trailer with a second point of articulation and, when the GVW exceeds 80,000 pounds, drivers are subject to LCV training requirements.  If you would like to learn more about compliance with LCV training requirements or to schedule on-site training, please reach out to Adam at safety@ortrucking.org or 503.513.0005. We are happy to work with you on any question you might have! As is to be expected, when compared to a standard 5-axle semi-truck, more specialized training is necessary to operate these larger vehicles safely. Watch our calendar for upcoming LCV classes.