Our country’s roads aren’t all built the same and they simply can’t all handle the weight and size that long combination vehicles bring. With the need for efficiency though, thankfully the use of double and triple trailers is possible in many parts of the country.
Moving cargo efficiently is a constant need and the use of double and triple trailers continues to grow. Double and triple trailers require a greater skill set to operate safely and can be ideal for an experienced commercial truck driver.
How Do Long Combination Vehicles Work?
Long combination vehicles, or LCVs, generally include a truck and two or three trailers.
Double Trailer
A double trailer will consist of the truck and two trailers. This means it will be similar to your standard semi-truck and trailer, but it will have an additional trailer.
Triple Trailer
A triple trailer consists of the truck and three trailers. It will have two additional trailers compared to a standard semi-truck and trailer.
When Are Double and Triple Trailers Used?
The main advantage of using double and triple trailers is being able to transport additional cargo without the need for additional trucks and drivers. This may be more common during holidays for major shipping companies as well as during harvesting seasons for agricultural companies.
Double Trailer
When additional cargo space is needed, one trailer can help get the shipment there without additional trucks and drivers being needed.
Triple Trailer
When a double trailer cannot provide the space required, then a third trailer may be put on to fulfill the load demands.
Requirements for Double and Triple Trailer Drivers
Driving long combination vehicles takes skill, experience, and the right endorsements.
- Valid Class A CDL with separate double or triple trailer endorsement
- Experience driving double or triple trailers under your employer
- Only hold one driver’s license
- No previous suspensions, cancellations, or revocations of CDL
- No major offenses or convictions while operating a CMV
- No offenses or convictions regarding railroad-highway grade crossings while operating a CMV
- No convictions for out-of-service order violations
- Only one serious traffic violation conviction while operating a CMV allowed
- No convictions for a violation of State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control arising in connection with any traffic crash while operating a CMV
What States Allow Double and Triple Trailers?
With a much longer length than your standard semi-truck and trailer, it’s no surprise that double and triple trailers are not allowed in every state.
The following states allow triple trailers:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
While double trailers are allowed in many more states than triple trailers, they are still banned in Maryland and many other Eastern states that simply don’t have the road capacity to handle these long combination vehicles.
How to Get a Double or Triple Trailer Endorsement
The double or triple trailer endorsement is one that never expires. Earning it won’t require you to drive long combination vehicles all the time, but it can be advantageous to have the option!
Complete the Written Exam
Ensuring you are prepared for the written exam is crucial. You can help yourself by knowing the components and studying. You will be tested on your knowledge of the following:
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Inspecting trucks or tractors and trailers
- Know what’s on the DOT Inspection checklist
- Checking air brakes
- Overview of operating multiple trailers
- Driving in adverse conditions
- Roller situations
- LCVs are at greater risk
- Reactions to common problems
- Steep grades
- Longer stopping or passing times
Practice Driving Triple or Double Trailers
With a driving test being a component of the endorsement exam, it is crucial that you have experience operating these unique vehicle combinations. Double and triple trailers are longer, heavier and require practice. Having experience operating a standard semi-truck and trailer is not enough, so don’t be fooled.
- Coupling & Uncoupling: Coupling and uncoupling are essentially connecting and disconnecting the truck and trailers. This process gets much trickier when additional trailers are involved.
- Pulling: The weights and lengths of double and triple trailers are far greater than standard trucks. Knowing how to operate these safely is critical.
- Inspecting: Inspections are crucial for any truck driver, but especially so when multiple trailers are involved. With more equipment, there is more to inspect, always give yourself plenty of time. Know what to expect during a roadside truck inspection so you’re never caught off guard.
Finalize Paperwork
You’re almost done! Once you’ve completed your testing, you’ll register and pay a licensing fee. Different states will have varying fees.
Risks Involved with Driving Double and Triple Trailers
Any truck driver knows they are at greater risk on the road. This risk goes up with multiple trailers as the weight behind you increases considerably. This increased weight means it takes far longer to stop and accelerate leaving you less time to react when necessary.
The extended length of double and triple trailers can lead to increased chances of rolling your vehicle as well. While the risks may increase with the addition of trailers, when you continually practice and keep your skills and knowledge up to date, you can remain in control and keep yourself as safe as possible.
Grow Your Driving Resume With Trailer Endorsements
Also known that a double and triple trailer endorsement is one that will never expire. If you are looking to earn this endorsement, it’s a great way to build your driving resume without a long-term commitment.
Driving double or triple trailers can certainly be a great way to earn more, but it also doesn’t need to be a constant if you don’t want it to. Double and triple trailer use is growing and they can help transport goods more quickly and efficiently. You can be a part of that growth!
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