Equipping a commercial motor vehicle

Scope

These vehicle equipment requirements apply to commercial motor vehicles and their operators. Some equipment and/or documentation is required under federal rules, some under state/local rules, and some based on “best practices,” company policies, or just common sense.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR Part 393 — Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation

Key definitions

• Emergency equipment: Specific required equipment to be used in the case of an emergency. This includes a fire extinguisher, warning devices, and spare fuses. See 393.95 for the details.

Summary of requirements

The following is a list of the equipment commonly found on a commercial motor vehicle, although not all items apply to all drivers or situations. Some equipment and/or documentation is required under federal rules, some under state/local rules, and some based on “best practices,” company policies, or just common sense. Refer to applicable laws and regulations, manufacturer recommendations, and company policies for details.

“Must have” items

• Cargo securement equipment:
  • Load bars
  • Load straps
  • Heavy load straps/winch bar/cheater pipe
  • Chains/binders
• All required paperwork, which may include:
  • Bills or manifest — completed and blank
  • Registration (state or International Registration Plan (IRP) cab card)
  • Fuel tax license
  • Permits — size/weight/fuel/registration/state-specific/commodity-specific
  • Annual inspection (form or decal)
  • Lease/Interchange agreement
  • Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)
  • Trip report International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)/IRP
  • Hazardous materials paperwork
  • Log book or exempt log
  • Manual/instructions for electronic log
  • Driver’s license
  • Medical certificate
  • Medical variance
  • Insurance information
• Tire chains, depending on state requirements
• Electronic logging device (ELD), when required, along with:
  • An ELD user’s manual
  • Data transfer instructions
  • Malfunction instructions
  • At least 8 blank paper logs
• Plates/tags (apportioned or state)
• Vehicle markings
• Emergency equipment (49 CFR 393.95)
  • Fire extinguisher(s)
  • Spare fuses (at least one for each type/size of fuse needed to power required equipment)
  • Three reflective triangles, or six fusees or three liquid-burning flares
  • Red warning flags, when required

Recommended items

• Tire gauge
• Jumper cables
• Spare lamps
• Spare wiper
• Spare gladhand seals
• Plumber’s union (to bypass malfunctioning air components)
• Duct tape
• Window cleaner
• Paper towels/shop rags
• Bungee cords
• Fluids: oil, anti-freeze, fuel treatment
• Wheel chocks
• Warning device placement guide
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Clothing:
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Eye protection
  • Gloves
  • Rubber boots
  • Full change of clothing
  • Winter protection: sweater, waterproof coat, facemask, mylar/wool blanket, thick socks
• Basic tool kit:
  • Screwdriver with interchangeable head
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Two large adjustable wrenches
  • Locking pliers, small and large
  • Crowbar/prybar, small and large
  • Spool of wire tie
  • Grease rags
  • Hand maul/hammer
  • Ice scraper
• Trip planning materials:
  • Atlas/maps
  • Truckstop guide
  • Idling rules
  • Ruler/log ruler
  • Pen/paper
  • GPS unit
• Paper address book/notepad
• Loss-prevention materials:
  • Lock(s)
  • Seals
  • Fifth wheel/airbrake/gladhand locks
• Accident kit:
  • Camera (not driver’s cell phone)
  • Tire marker
  • Pen
  • Driver’s report form
  • Witness cards
  • Notification cards
  • Exoneration cards
  • Drug/alcohol testing requirements
• First aid kit
• Sleeper-berth: Bedding, pillow
• Toiletry bag
• Other emergency supplies:
  • Nonperishable food
  • Water
  • Heat source/candle
• Pin puller
• Pre-trip inspection checklist
• Bill box/clipboard
• Driver handbooks:
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
  • Emergency Response Guidebook
  • Hours-of-service handbook
  • Size & weights handbook
  • Cargo securement handbook
  • Hazardous materials handbook
• Spill kit
• Two-wheeler/hand truck
• Power inverter (of the proper size/type/rating)*
• Cooler/heater*
• CB radio
• Dashboard video camera*

*If allowed or required under company policies.