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Essential Tips to Avoid Overhead Damage for Trucks and Trailers

Accidents involving overhead damage can lead to costly repairs and significant downtime for truck and trailer operators. No matter where you are traveling, being aware of potential hazards is crucial to keeping your vehicle safe. In this post, we’ll explore key strategies to help you avoid turning your truck or trailer into a convertible. By staying alert and taking proactive steps, you can prevent damage and ensure smooth travel!

In this issue:

Do I Need a CDL License to Operate that truck?
Clearinghouse Downgrades of CDLs.

Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.

Overhead Damage: How Not to Turn Your Truck or Trailer Into a Convertible!

An overhead damage accident is entirely preventable and can cause significant damage to the roof, sides, front, and rear of a truck body or trailer.

Here are some tips for drivers to help prevent this type of damage:

Ask for proper directions: When contacting your customers for directions to their facility, remember that the person giving you directions drives there daily in a car. They might not be aware of the necessary height clearances for your truck. Specifically ask if the directions are suitable for trucks and whether there are any low clearances. Regardless of the information provided, proceed with caution; only you can prevent damage.
Stay Alert for Posted Clearances: Overhead clearances are typically posted in advance of underpasses and tunnels. However, be cautious of new roadwork (like 2" of fresh asphalt), which can reduce clearance. Stay alert for construction in areas leading to underpasses, bridges, and tunnels.
Just Because Others Fit, Doesn't Mean You Will: The fact that other trucks have successfully passed through does not guarantee that your truck will fit as well.
Check Low Overpasses: If an overpass appears low, slow down immediately, activate your four-way flashers, and approach the overpass cautiously. Stop to check your actual clearance.
Be Mindful of Bridge Levels: Many bridges and overpasses are not perfectly level- sides are often lower than the center. Whenever possible, cross under in the inside lane.
Assess Road Elevation: Evaluate the road elevation on the far side of the bridge for any sharp inclines or declines. These changes can allow your truck to fit under the beginning of the overpass but cause damage upon exit.
Watch for Winter Conditions: In winter, snow and ice accumulation on roadways can reduce clearance and lead to damage.
Seek Assistance if Necessary: If faced with low overhead and heavy traffic, it is safer to call the police for assistance in backing out rather than trying to reverse against traffic and risking an accident.

Do I Need a CDL to Operate That Truck?

The regulations addressing this question can be found in FMCSA CFR 383.3.

383.3 Applicability

(a) The rules in this part apply to everyone operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, along with employers and states

A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is defined as a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the vehicle:

a) Has a gross weight rating of 11,794 kg (26,001 lbs) or more, including a towed unit with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs); or
b) Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 kg (26,001 lbs) or more; or
c) Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
d) Is of any size and is used to transport hazardous materials, as defined in this section.

Common CDL Questions Answered by FMCSA

May a person operate a CMV solely on private property not open to public travel without a CDL?

Answer: YES.

Do mechanics, salespeople, shop employees, or occasional drivers need a CDL if they are only test-driving a CMV?

Answer: YES, if the CMV is operated on a public street, road, or highway.

If I move, how long do I have to get my CDL reissued by my new state of residence?

Answer: 30 days.

Is a CDL required to test-drive or transport an empty school bus?

Answer: YES, if the bus is designed for 16+ passengers or has a GVWR over 26,000 lbs. A passenger endorsement is not required if no passengers are on board.

A driver operates a tractor with a GVWR of exactly 26,000 lbs, towing a trailer with a GVWR of exactly 10,000 lbs (GCWR 36,000 lbs), with no HM or passengers. Is it a CMV, and is a CDL required?

Answer: NO to both.

Although the GCWR is 36,000 lbs, this configuration does not meet the CMV definition in §383.5.

Clearinghouse Downgrades of CDLs

This is a reminder that the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse can downgrade CDL drivers who have violations in the system.

Under the new Clearinghouse-II rule, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) must:

Remove commercial driving privileges for drivers listed as “prohibited” in the Clearinghouse, which results in a CDL downgrade until they complete the return-to-duty process.
Check the Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring CDLs and CLPs.
Review driver information when there's a status change in the Clearinghouse.

Some SDLAs can voluntarily downgrade prohibited drivers. These automatic downgrades due to drug or alcohol violations can make it harder for companies to find and keep qualified commercial drivers.

Got Chains?

If your state requires chains, ensure they are the correct size, clean, unbroken, and securely stored so you can use them when needed.

Not sure what your state’s chain laws are? Visit: http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html

The 2025 Idealease/NPTC Fall Safety seminars have concluded!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 8 safety seminars in the fall of 2025. Although the Spring and Fall sessions have concluded, get ready for the next sessions in the Spring and Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.

To register for an upcoming seminars in 2026, click on the following link.

http://www.idealease.com/safety-seminar-registration

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards