Trump enacts regulatory freeze: What it means for trucking
Among his first official acts while in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” initiating a comprehensive halt on federal rulemaking activities across executive departments and agencies. This directive mandates a thorough review of all pending regulations, including those promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other agencies under the USDOT’s umbrella. Regulatory freezes are not unprecedented. In fact
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Updates the Crash Preventability Determination Program: What Fleets Need to Know
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has finalized significant updates to its Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP), a key tool for fleets looking to improve their fleet compliance metrics including CSA scores. As forecasted in an earlier article, the CPDP, which allows motor carriers to challenge the classification of certain crashes as "non-preventable," is now being expanded to include new crash types and streamline the determination process. Here’s an in-depth
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA pushing forward with Safety Measurement System (SMS) changes in light of public comments
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released its latest plans to update the Safety Measurement System (SMS) as part of its ongoing efforts to refine how motor carriers are prioritized for safety interventions. Following its latest public comment period after releasing its original February 2023 proposal, the agency's updates reflect significant enhancements and stakeholder contributions. This article summarizes the changes and their implications for motor carriers going f
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA proposes revisions to various CDL processes
FMCSA is proposing several changes to its commercial driver's license (CDL) program to "enhance the flexibility and efficiency of the CDL program," according to a notice published in the Federal Register. The agency says it plans to remove "certain regulatory restrictions to allow applicants to obtain a CDL and be productively employed as a CMV driver in less time than it currently takes, without compromising safety." FMCSA believes the proposal will "further address CMV driver shortages, enhanc
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA proposing to remove over 15,000 medical examiners from National Registry
FMCSA is proposing to remove over 15,000 medical examiners from its National Registry of Medical Examiners, according to a notice to be published in the Federal Register soon.In its notice, the FMCSA explains these examiners have not set up accounts through login.gov, the government-run multi-factor authentication site, and therefore are unable to "fulfill regulatory requirements such as reporting results of physical qualification examinations performed on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers,
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Administrator to resign Jan. 26th
FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson will be resigning from her post effective January 26, 2024. The reasons for her departure are not clear. Sue Lawless, FMCSA's recently appointed Chief Safety Officer and Assistant Administrator, is likely to serve as the agency's Acting Administrator.In a statement, Hutcheson said, “It has been the most profound honor to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration, and I am grateful to President Biden for appointing me to these roles. I thank Secretary Buttigieg
Brandon Wiseman
Shifting Sands of Independence: breaking down the DOL's new independent contractor rule
The rumble of diesel engines and the endless stretch of asphalt have long embodied the spirit of American independence. For countless truckers, the open road is more than a job; it's a way of life, woven into the fabric of our nation's economic and social landscape. However, this familiar landscape is once gain undergoing a shift due to the recently implemented Department of Labor (DOL) final rule on independent contractor classification, potentially altering the course for owner-operators and t
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA amends broker & freight forwarder financial responsibility rules
In a notice to be published in the Federal Register soon, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced revisions to its regulations pertaining to property broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility.This final rule, which is set to take effect 60 days from the date the rule is published in the Federal Register, modifies the following five regulatory areas relating to broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility:Assets Readily Available. In its 2012 MAP-21
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to enhance DataQs appeal process
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has plans to overhaul its DataQs system to accommodate deeper levels of appeal, according to a recent notice from the agency. "Stakeholders from industry, CMV drivers, and the public have expressed concerns regarding the transparency and uniformity of addressing Requests for Data Review (RDRs), and specifically, RDR Reconsiderations. Stakeholders note that program offices do not have a uniform process for initial RDR reviews or for handling
Brandon WisemanNever Miss an Update
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