Thursday, February 14, 2013

Foremost Transport Requirements

One of Foremost Transport's biggest priorities is to keep our drivers safe, profitable, and citation-free. This dedication to our drivers is why we set each of our requirements. The requirements we establish and follow are based on what our safety experts have observed both over time and recently and address specific cases of incidents, accidents, and citations.


Driver Requirements




NEW! Lite Truck, Van, &SUV Requirements and Recommendations




3/4-Ton & Larger Pickup Requirements & Recommendations


Haul & Tow Requirements and Recommendations

Indiana Semi/Lowboy Requirements and Recommendations



Georgia Wedge Trailer Requirements and Recommendations








You can apply to be a Foremost Subcontractor at our online application.
If pen and paper is more your style, download and print a Foremost application that you can email, mail, or fax to us here.
Still have questions? Ask it in the comments section below this post or call one of our great recruiters at 1-866-764-1601.

Georgia Wedge Trailer Requirements

 
Foremost Transport - Georgia transports multiple cargo trailers and automobiles throughout the Southeast.
Pulling a wedge with two or three cargo trailers or cars has a great per-mile rate and excellent reload opportunities!

Truck Requirements:

  • Must be rated 1-ton dually or larger. 250s, 2500s, Dakotas, Tundras, etc. are not acceptable regardless of customization or suspension packages.
  • Should be diesel. If done properly, a gasoline powered truck can do the work, but bear in mind that our rates, including the fuel surcharge, are based on diesel prices.
  • Signing on to move cargo trailers must be 2-wheel drive.  Trucks signing on for our car-hauler division may be 4WD, but must provide their own trailer.
  • Must be made within the past 10 years, but we can go as far back as 15 years if the truck is in exceptional condition. If your truck is older than 10 years, we will require photographs of the truck before we can approve your application. 
  • Must have 5th wheel hitch or Gooseneck, rated for at least 20,000 pounds and connected to the frame of the truck.
  • Must have Mud Flaps that are as wide as the rear wheels and come to 6"-8" from the ground when no trailer is attached.
  • Must have wheel wells (fenders) that cover front, top, and inside of rear wheels to prevent rock damage.
  • Must have extended mirrors capable of providing an appropriate view to the rear when a 102" trailer is in tow. 
  • Must have marker lights (clearance lights) so that you can pull a trailer without clearance lights legally.
  • Must have Electronic Brake Control Module.
  • Must have Battery, Box, and Strap for trailer breakaway system on electric brake trailers. Battery should be a liquid-cell 12V battery (such as a car, motorcycle, boat, or lawnmower battery). Strap can not be a bungee strap.
  • Must have a six-foot safety chain with hooks at each end.
  • Must be registered for appropriate weight of truck and trailer (our average truck has a 36,000 pound IRP plate). 
  • Must pass annual inspection. This can be a D.O.T. inspection or, if your state offers a one year annual inspection, a state inspection. State inspections that are valid for more than one year can not be legally accepted.
  • Must have certificate of insurance, sometimes called the "long form." Insurance must include at least $1,000,000 of commercial liability coverage and appropriate levels of physical damage coverage. If you do not have this insurance, or are finding it to be too expensive, we may have a solution for you.
  • Must have no more than 30% window tint. Federal regulations require that at least 70% of visible light be able to pass through your windshield and front driver- and passenger-side windows. There can be no tint on the windshield below the AS1 line. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see that there is tint on the window, it is too dark.
  • Must not have Radar Detector or Jammer. Either of these items are a violation of federal regulation.
  • Must not have a tool box or auxiliary fuel tank that raises more than 4" above the bed rails. If you have either of these items, they must be securely mounted to the frame of the truck and comply with applicable policies and regulations.
  • Pickups Must have a Standard Exhaust Pipe. All exhaust must be emitted below the bed or frame of the truck. Smoke or exhaust stacks are not allowed on pickups.
  • Must have 3 D.O.T. approved triangles devices. These can be purchased at orientation for $20.
  • Must have a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguisher must be securely mounted to the truck (inside or in the bed – no zip ties), have a gauge, and be rated at least ABC or 5BC.
  • Must have appropriate assorted equipment such as:
    • a flashlight, 
    • heavy duty jack, 
    • wood blocks for blocking trailers, 
    • fuses for truck, 
    • 4-way wrench or ratchet set,
    • first aid kit,
    • 20' jumper cables,
    • 50' heavy duty rope,
    • Extra Clevis hooks.

Trailer Requirements (Trailer and Car Hauler): 

  • Trailer must be D.O.T. certified and must pass a D.O.T. annual inspection. If you already have a current annual inspection, that will suffice.
  • Trailer must be 52' to 53' long and 102" wide. The 102" width is required and is 8" wider than a typical "car hauler."
  • Trailer must have a center rail and ball towers. Trailer must have a set of five (5) ball towers and shims that fit into the center rail.
  • Trailer must have a winch. Winch must be rated for 9,000 pounds or greater. Winch should be electric and have a battery mounted in a case and a cable and hook with appropriate ratings.
  • Trailer must have a spare tire. Tire should be mounted, serviceable, and properly inflated. 
  • Trailer must have functioning trailer break away system. This includes a charged 12V (or appropriate if other) liquid cell battery, proper battery mounting method, and appropriate connectors for electric brake trailers.
  • Trailer Safety Chains. Chains should not be damaged or broken. They must be rated appropriately for trailer weight, and must not use "D-Rings."
  • Wood Blocks for load levelling and chocking. Assorted sizes may be helpful
  • Appropriate straps, tie-downs, and ratchets. This includes at least ten ratchets and straps and one axle strap. Chains can not be used to tie down these units. These items are available for purchase at orientation.

Trailer Requirements (Car Hauler Only):

  • Trailer must be D.O.T. certified and must pass a D.O.T. annual inspection. If you already have a current annual inspection, that will suffice.
  • GVWR of trailer must be at least 21,000 pounds.
  • Trailer must be between 48' and 53' long and 96" wide. Stingers are not useful for this work, and should not be considered part of the minimum length.
  • Trailer should have a winch. Winch must be rated for 9,000 pounds or greater. Winch should be electric and have a battery mounted in a case and a cable and hook with appropriate ratings. If no winch is present, driver will be limited to only operable vehicles, reducing the number of loads available to him or her. 
  • Trailer must have a spare tire. Tire should be mounted, serviceable, and properly inflated.
  • Trailer must have functioning trailer break away system. This includes a charged 12V (or appropriate if other) liquid cell battery, proper battery mounting method, and appropriate connectors for electric brake trailers.
  • Trailer Safety Chains. Chains should not be damaged or broken. They must be rated appropriately for trailer weight, and must not use "D-Rings."
  • Wood Blocks chocking. Assorted sizes may be helpful
  • Appropriate straps, tie-downs, and ratchets. This includes at least six ratchets and straps or wheel bonnets and at least one axle strap. Chains can not be used to tie down these units. These items are available for purchase at orientation.
You can apply to be a Foremost Subcontractor at our online application.
If pen and paper is more your style, download and print a Foremost application that you can email, mail, or fax to us here.
Still have questions? Ask it in the comments section below this post, have a look at our requirements, or call one of our great recruiters at 1-866-764-1601.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Single Pull Pickup Requirements (3/4-ton and larger)

Our truck requirements and recommendations are formulated to ensure that our drivers can run safely and profitable with a minimum chance of expensive citations or damages. Your truck should be fully equipped when you arrive for orientation on the first day. If you have questions about this, please call a recruiter at 1-866-764-1601. Much of this equipment can be purchased locally the day before orientation, and a few items can be purchased directly from Foremost Transport, Inc.


A short-bed with a sliding 5th wheel pulling one of the thousands of trailers we move every year

Pick up trucks and other single pull vehicles:

·        Must be rated 3/4-ton or larger. Typically a 3/4-ton truck has a 250 or 2500 designation, a 1-ton has a 350 or 3500 designation, etc.
·        Must have Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch rated at least 10,000 lbs (class IV or V) properly installed.
·       Must have extended mirrors capable of providing an appropriate view to the rear when a 102" trailer is in tow.
·       Must have Electronic Brake Control Module.
·       Must have Battery, Box, and Strap for trailer breakaway system. Battery should be a liquid-cell 12V battery (such as a car, motorcycle, boat, or lawnmower battery). Strap can not be a bungee strap. Box must fully cover the battery.
·         Should be registered for appropriate weight of truck and trailer (we recommend 18,000-26,000 pounds).
·         Must pass annual inspection. This can be a D.O.T. inspection or, if your state offers a one-year inspection, a state inspection. State inspections that are valid for more than one year cannot be legally accepted.
·        Must have certificate of insurance, sometimes called the "long form" or "declaration page." Insurance must include at least $500,000 of non-trucking liability coverage and appropriate levels of physical damage coverage. If you do not have this insurance, or are finding it to be too expensive, we have a solution for you.
·        Must have no window tint on side front windows or on the windshield below the "AS-1" line. Federal regulations require that at least 70% of visible light be able to pass through your windshield and front driver- and passenger-side windows. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see that there is tint on the window, it is too dark.
·         Must have 3 D.O.T. approved emergency devices. These can be purchased at orientation for $20.
·         Must have a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguisher must be securely mounted to the truck (inside or in the bed – no zip ties), have a gauge, and be rated at least ABC or 5BC.



You can apply to be a Foremost Subcontractor at our online application.
If pen and paper is more your style, download and print a Foremost application that you can email, mail, or fax to us here.
Still have questions? Ask it in the comments section below this post, have a look at our truck requirements, or call one of our great recruiters at 1-866-764-1601.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Flatbed / Lowboy Requirements

Foremost Transport uses Tractor / Trailer combinations to effectively move multiple trailers to the same location. These Owner Operators make some of the industry's highest per-mile rates! If you have a tractor but no trailer, please contact us, as we occasionally have trailers available for lease.
Our Tractor/Trailer owner operators earn some of the highest rates in the industry!

Tractors for our lowboy division:

  • Must be 15 years old or newer. Tractors must also be presentable and in good working order.
  • Must have a 5th wheel plate rated for at least 30,000 pounds. Kingpin hole must be 30" from rear of frame and 90" from rear of cap. Plate must be 40" to 46" above pavement.
  • Must have air ride suspension.
  • Must have mud flaps that cover the back of all rear tires and extend down to within 4"-6" from the ground.
  • Must have IRP plates of an appropriate weight rating of 54,000 to 65,000 pounds.
  • Must have appropriate tie-downs. These include straps (12) or wheel bonnets (6), and rachets capable of properly securing up to three trailers.
  • Must pass annual inspection. This can be a D.O.T. inspection or, if your state offers a one year annual inspection, a state inspection. State inspections that are valid for more than one year can not be legally accepted.
  • Must have certificate of insurance, sometimes called the "long form." Insurance must include at least $1,000,000 of commercial liability coverage and appropriate levels of physical damage coverage. If you do not have this insurance, or are finding it to be too expensive, we may have a solution for you.
  • Must have no more than 30% window tint. Federal regulations require that at least 70% of visible light be able to pass through your windshield and front driver- and passenger-side windows. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see that there is tint on the window, it is too dark.
  • Must not have Radar Detector or Jammer. Either of these items are a violation of federal regulation.
  • Must have appropriate markings. These must be visible and readable from a distance of 50' on both sides of the truck and must contain the GVWR, the last 8 digits of the VIN, and truck number.
  • Must have appropriate brake hookup. This includes electronic brake control for electric brake trailers or air hoses with glad-hands with air brake trailers.
  • Must have 3 D.O.T. approved triangle warning devices.
  • Must have a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguisher must be securely mounted to the truck (inside or in the bed – no zip ties), have a gauge, and be rated at least ABC or 5BC.
  • Must have a six foot safety chain with a hook at each end.
  • Must have assorted tools, including 4-way lug wrench or ratchet set and an assortment of spare fuses.

Trailers for our Lowboy division:

  • Must have a valid D.O.T. inspection.
  • Must be presentable and in good working order.
  • Must have a center rail and appropriate ball stands. There must be at least three ball stands with 2 5/16: ball and three ball stands with 2" ball.
  • Must be 48' to 52' in length. The rear 40' of the trailer must be no more than 42" high off the pavement.
  • Must have 9,000 pound winch.
  • Must have Battery, Box, and Strap if the trailer is an electric break trailer for trailer breakaway system. Battery should be a liquid-cell 12V battery (such as a car, motorcycle, boat, or lawnmower battery). Strap can not be a bungee strap.
  • Must have two ramps capable of latching to the back of the trailer and cupporting the weight of a trailer.

You can apply to be a Foremost Subcontractor at our online application.
If pen and paper is more your style, download and print a Foremost application that you can email, mail, or fax to us here.
Still have questions? Ask it in the comments section below this post, have a look at our truck requirements, or call one of our great recruiters at 1-866-764-1601.