Commercial Roadside Assistance Frequently-Asked Questions

Auxiliary power units are a form of engine with its own cooling system, heating system, generator or alternator system with or without inverter, and air conditioning compressor, housed in an enclosure and mounted to one of the frame rails of a semi-truck. The most common APU for a commercial truck is a small diesel engine.

APUs are a very common technology. In addition to keeping your cab heater running on cold nights without having to idle the engine, these systems also play a role in military, municipal, aerospace, and other applications. Your truck probably doesn’t need a military-grade APU – but the fact that you can customize yours based on the shape and size of your rig makes getting one much easier.

The main benefit to installing an APU is fuel economy – cutting back on idle time means you spend less money on fuel. It’s been estimated that rigs without APUs waste about one percent of their fuel for every ten percent of the time they spend sitting idly.

Fully Electric:

Electric APUs are the latest alternative to diesel and propane. Powered by batteries that recharge when the engine’s running, these devices are usually easier to maintain and less hefty than fuel-driven alternatives, and they are also less noisy.

Fuel and Fuel Hybrids:

These APUs are commonly installed in vehicles that continuously need to make long runs, but they have some disadvantages. Regular maintenance is extremely important for them to function properly.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is an advanced active emissions control technology system that injects a liquid-reductant agent through a special catalyst into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine.

SCR technology is one of the most  cost-effective and fuel-efficient technologies available to help reduce diesel engine emissions. All heavy-duty diesel truck engines produced after January 1, 2010 must meet the latest EPA emissions standards, among the most stringent in the world, reducing particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to near zero levels.

SCR and other emissions control technology is important to help remove smog, soot and other air pollutants from our environment.

Learn more about the EPA’s current standards and programs to know what you need to in order to stay compliant with the  reduction of carbon pollution from freight vehicles.

You will learn a basic skill set in every commercial driver’s license training program and school that you attend.  The basics of any course will include:

What you will Learn in the Classroom

Logs: A major part of your job involves keeping adequate logs. With your mileage logs, you can get paid correctly for the routes you drive, ensure that you are following state and federal laws, and protect you/your company from liability. In the classroom, you should learn how to properly log and verify your logs.

Federal motor carriers regulations: Over-the-road trucking is heavily regulated at the federal level. Your classroom instructor should cover these restrictions and requirements so you can comply with federal law at all times.

Weight restrictions: With different license classes and endorsements, you must abide by specific weight restrictions. Through your classroom training, you may learn how to weigh your loads and keep track of the different loads you transport.

Loading and unloading: The type of loading and unloading you do depends on which company you work for and which type of truck you drive. However, you must be able to properly load and unload any truck you drive.

Road signs and laws: With a strong understanding of road laws and signs, you can safely drive your truck around the country.

What you will Learn on the Road

Maneuvering: Tasks that are easy in a car—turning, going through roundabouts, stopping at a light, and changing lanes—are considerably more difficult in a large truck. Your instructor may teach you these maneuvers in an off-road skills lot and then take you out on the road.

Starting and parking: Properly starting and parking your truck is an important part of your driving test.

Truck controls: On the dashboard of your truck, you may find a great variety of buttons, controls, and switches. You must be able to properly identify and use all of these controls.

Local and highway driving: Your routes may take you through cities and on major highways. As a result, you should practice all of your new skills in both driving situations.

Vehicle inspection: Vehicle inspection is the first step of your skills test. Your training should show you how to complete a thorough vehicle inspection.