When should trucking companies hire a dedicated safety director?
Whether you've just started your motor carrier operation or have been at it for some time, you undoubtedly know that trucking is a heavily regulated industry, and for good reason. Operating large trucks and buses is inherently dangerous. The consequences of unsafe operations can be severe. Navigating the multitude of federal and state safety regulations that govern highway transportation and implementing effective policies and procedures to minimize accidents are tall tasks. And they probably ha
Brandon Wiseman
5 steps to improve your out of service rates
Out of service rates are important metrics for regulated motor carriers. These rates, which are publicly available on each carrier’s SAFER profile, indicate how frequently a carrier’s vehicles and drivers are being placed out of service (i.e., prohibited from operating) for serious violations during roadside inspections. As we detailed in a previous article, out of service rates are one of five critical safety metrics that fleets should be closely monitoring and working to improve. High rates ca
Brandon Wiseman
What to do after a CMV accident
A serious accident involving your commercial vehicle is a trucking company's worst nightmare, and the consequences can be severe. According to FMCSA data, fatality accidents involving large trucks or buses decreased by 34% from 2005 to 2009 but increased by 31% between 2010 and 2020. And according to NHTSA data, the number of these types of accidents increased by yet another 13% from 2020 to 2021. As addressed in a prior article, these types of accidents are leading to multi-million dollar jury
FMCSA clarifies key brokerage definitions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), at the direction of the U.S. Congress, has issued regulatory guidance aimed at clarifying the statutory and regulatory definitions of the terms "broker" and "bona fide agent." As explained in the agency's November 15, 2022 notice, this "interim guidance [is intended] to inform the public and regulated entities about FMCSA’s interpretation of the definitions of 'broker' and 'bona fide agents' as it relates to all brokers of transportation b
Brandon Wiseman
Changes in store for the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?
On January 6, 2023, the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse will have been in effect for three years. That's an important milestone for a f
Brandon Wiseman
How to improve your CSA scores
CSA scores are a big deal for regulated motor carriers. High CSA scores can lead to increased insurance premiums, lost business, and heightened exposure in highway accident litigation. Keeping your scores as low as possible is important, but how do you do it? That's the million dollar question. Although the answer is pretty straightforward, it's unfortunately not what most fleets want to hear. Lowering your CSA scores (and keeping them low) takes time and effort. There is no magic wand. There ar
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA evaluating continued need for COVID emergency declaration
In a notice posted to the Federal Register on September 6, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking comments from regulated motor carriers concerning their use of the existing COVID-19 emergency declaration and exemption, in an effort for the agency to determine whether it should continue to renew that declaration going forward. The FMCSA first issued the declaration on March 13, 2020, offering a fairly broad exemption from various parts of the federal safety regu
Brandon Wiseman
Compliance Myths: Required truck markings
With as much variability in truck markings as there is, you'd be inclined to think there isn't some standard or regulation on the topic.
Brandon Wiseman
5 reasons to consolidate DOT#s (and how to do it)
Managing a regulated fleet of commercial vehicles and drivers is a daunting task. Ensuring each and every driver is properly licensed and qu
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