Arkansas enacts new English proficiency law
On April 14, 2025, Arkansas passed Act 604 into law, a sweeping piece of legislation that reshapes the landscape for commercial driver’s license holders operating within the state. The law introduces rigorous requirements aimed at ensuring safety and compliance on Arkansas highways. It mandates that drivers with foreign commercial driver’s licenses possess valid U.S. work authorization, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and face stiff penalties for presenting fraudulent licenses.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to void over 15,000 driver med cards and remove non-compliant medical examiners from National Registry
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has proposed the removal of two Houston-area medical examiners from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) for failure to properly perform physical qualification exams required for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This move, which impacts over 15,000 drivers, underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring only qualified professionals par
Brandon Wiseman
Changes in store for CDL medical examiner certification process
Learn how FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration Rule will impact fleets, drivers, and compliance procedures when it takes eff
Brandon Wiseman
DQ, Personnel, and Drug & Alcohol Testing Files: Understanding the distinction
Managing compliance for regulated drivers in the trucking industry involves a myriad of record-keeping requirements. Among the most important are the Driver Qualification (DQ) File, the Personnel File, and the Drug & Alcohol Testing File. While these files serve different purposes, confusion about their distinctions and proper maintenance can lead to compliance issues and penalties. This article will explore each file type, explain why it is essential to keep them separate, and provide best prac
Brandon Wiseman
DOT Compliance for Small vs. Large Fleets
In the U.S. trucking industry, fleet managers, regardless of fleet size, face a myriad of challenges to ensure their business remains compliant with USDOT regulations. However, the scope and scale of these challenges can differ significantly depending on the size and complexity of the fleet. In this article, we'll explore the key differences in DOT compliance between small and large fleets, identify common challenges, and provide practical strategies for each to stay compliant. The Basics of DOT
Brandon Wiseman
Combating distracted driving & crafting an effective policy
Distracted driving is a major problem in the U.S., and its dangers are magnified in the trucking industry. It's no surprise that a commercial driver's inattention for even a few seconds can result in catastrophic accidents. For fleet managers, the stakes are high: distracted driving can lead to increased insurance premiums, legal liabilities, operational disruptions, and tragically, loss of life.In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,308 deaths due to dist
Brandon Wiseman
What You Need to Know About the Clearinghouse II Roll Out by FMCSA
In an effort to close gaps in federal drug & alcohol testing regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will soon roll out Clearinghouse Phase II—a significant change to the manner in which driver drug & alcohol violation data is accessed and utilized by State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). BIG changes in store for the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse!Effective November 18, 2024, FMCSA, the federal agency charged with regulating the operation of commercial drivers an
Brandon Wiseman
Qualification considerations for multiple-employer drivers
In other articles, we've harped on the importance of thoroughly vetting commercial drivers. Missteps in the qualification process regularly contribute to high CSA scores, downgraded safety ratings, and nuclear verdicts. Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and related state rules, lay out the steps regulated carriers must follow when qualifying new drivers. Driver applications, previous employer safety performance history requests, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), and road test
Brandon Wiseman
Understanding DOT road tests
Ensuring commercial drivers are properly qualified to operate heavy trucks or buses is a major part of complying with federal and state motor carrier safety regulations. That shouldn't come as a surprise since defects in drivers' qualifications routinely contribute to significant accidents. Indeed, Part 391 of the federal safety regulations contains dozens of rules carriers must follow before allowing an individual to operate a commercial vehicle on public highways. Things like pre-employment dr
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