Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
FMCSA Pulls 133 ELDs in Largest Revocation in Agency History: What Carriers Need to Know
FMCSA has pulled 133 ELDs from its registry in what DOT calls the largest revocation in agency history, citing examples of devices that let carriers erase driving time on demand. FMCSA's notice to carriers points to January 12, but DOT tells inspectors to start citing on November 24, 2026, so carriers with affected devices should treat November 24 as the practical deadline to switch to a compliant device.
Brandon Wiseman
UCR Fees for 2027: Who Must Register, What It Costs and When It's Due
2027 UCR fees rose an average of 20 percent and are due by December 31, 2026. Here is the full fee schedule, who has to register, how to count your fleet and what the SBTC lawsuit means for carriers.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA's New Complaint Center Invites Drivers to Report You. Here's How to Prepare.
FMCSA has rebranded its National Consumer Complaint Database as the FMCSA Complaint Center, making it easier for drivers to report hours-of-service coercion and other violations. Here's what carriers need to know and do now to reduce their investigation risk.
Brandon Wiseman
Do Short-Haul Drivers Need an ELD? Every ELD Exemption Explained
Short-haul drivers who qualify under 49 CFR 395.1(e) do not need an ELD, but every exemption has strict conditions. This guide covers every ELD exemption in effect today, from the 150 air-mile short-haul exceptions to driveaway-towaway, pre-2000 vehicles, agricultural operations, rental trucks, and industry-specific exemptions.
Brandon Wiseman
What a Democratic Congress Means for FMCSA and Trucking
Democrats won the House and the Senate, and FMCSA now faces a Congress that will scrutinize its agenda. Here's what changes for the highway bill, FMCSA's rulemaking, ELP enforcement, non-domiciled CDLs and CSA, and what carriers should do now.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Signals New Round of SMS Proposals: Where the CSA Overhaul Stands Today
FMCSA Chief Safety Officer Steve Dowling said on October 28, 2026 that SMS proposals are coming for industry comment. As of today, carriers are still scored under the existing seven-BASIC SMS methodology. The enhanced system FMCSA approved in November 2024 has not launched.
Brandon Wiseman
Freight Broker Liability After Montgomery v. Caribe: A Guide to Carrier Selection
The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II ended federal preemption of state negligent-selection claims against freight brokers. This guide explains what changed, where broker exposure comes from, how to read carrier safety data, and why documentation is now a front-line defense.
Brandon Wiseman
DataQs Updates & Best Practices: What Every Carrier Needs to Know After FMCSA's Nationwide Rollout
FMCSA has finalized a sweeping DataQs overhaul now live in all 50 states — including a mandatory three-stage review process, strict timelines, and new independence requirements. Here's what changed and what it means for your fleet's appeal strategy.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Clearinghouse September 2026 Report: Key Data Trends Fleet Owners Need to Know
The FMCSA has released its September 2026 Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Monthly Report. Here's a breakdown of the key data — including prohibited driver counts, violation trends, and what it means for your fleet's compliance program.
Brandon WisemanNever Miss an Update
Get in-depth DOT compliance articles and breaking regulatory news delivered right to your inbox
Join thousands of safety professionals staying informed on DOT compliance