Purpose: To enable students to carry out those activities not directly related to the vehicle that professional drivers must perform.

Unit 5.1 Handling Cargo
Basic principles of loading and unloading cargo, including weight distribution and techniques for securing and covering cargo
Students practice loading a vehicle under instructor's supervision. Students visit local freight handling company to observe operations.
Lesson 1 - Basic Cargo Handling Procedures and Requirements (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Techniques for Loading, Securing, and Unloading Cargo (Classroom)
Lesson 3 - Demonstration of Cargo Securement (Lab)
Lesson 4 - Observation of Cargo Handling Operations (Lab)*

Unit 5.2 Cargo Documentation
Discussion of basic forms and procedures required when driver handles cargo, e.g., bills of lading and other freight documentation. Basic procedures and responsibilities for placarding vehicles that carry hazardous materials.
Lesson 1 - Cargo Documentation: Basic Forms and Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Cargo Documentation Problems (Classroom)

Unit 5.3 Hours of Service Requirements
Classroom instruction in permissible hours of duty, rest periods, etc. Introduction to and practice using driver log to record time. Use of log to record time for remainder of course.
Lesson 1 - Basic Requirements of Hours of Service Regulations (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Complying with the Hours of Service Regulations (Classroom)
Lesson 3 - Log Keeping Exercise (Classroom)

Unit 5.4 Accident Procedures
Basic instructions for handling the scene of an accident, reporting accidents, rules and regulations related to accidents. Introduction to basic first aid practices* Introduction to use of fire extinguishers and basic fire-fighting techniques, especially those related to truckers,
Lesson 1 - Accidents and Accident Reporting (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Principles of First Aid (Classroom)*
Lesson 3 - Fires and Firefighting (Classroom)
Lesson 4 - Firefighting Demonstration (Classroom or Lab)

Unit 5.5 Personal Health and Safety
Physical requirements for driving an interstate vehicle, medical examination and certification. Discussion of basic health maintenance requirement, diet, exercise, use of alcohol, drugs and avoidance of fatigue. Discussion of common non-driving safety hazards and use of special equipment (e.g., gloves, hard hats, goggles, equipment used with hazardous material).
Lesson 1 - Personal Health and Driving (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Safety Equipment and Practices (Classroom)
Lesson 3 - The Truck Driver's Environment (Classroom)

Unit 5.6 Trip Planning
Class discussion of importance of and requirements for planning trips. Federal and State requirements, including need for permits, vehicle size and weight limitations, etc. Classroom exercise in which students plan an overnight trip with school vehicle, including identification of permits, estimating time of arrival, fuel stops, etc.
Lesson 1 - Trip Analysis and Trip Procedures (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Trip Planning Exercise (Classroom)

Unit 5.7 Public and Employer Relations
Classroom instruction and discussion on maintaining a good image, public relations problems of trucking industry, dealing with public and customers. Classroom instruction and discussion of relationship to employer, including how to look for a job, get a job and keep a job. Student practices interviewing for a job.
Lesson 1 - The Driver's Role in Public Relations (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Employer Relations (Classroom)**

* indicates an optional lesson. ** indicates portion of lesson is optional.