New Entrant Program
Navigating FMCSA's New Entrant Safety Assurance Program — obtaining operating authority, the 18-month monitoring period, new entrant audit requirements, and building a compliant safety management program from day one.
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Chameleon Carriers, Fraud Detection, and FMCSA’s Evolving Data Strategy
Chameleon carriers—trucking companies that shut down and quickly reopen under new identities to avoid regulatory enforcement—have posed a persistent challenge for federal regulators for more than a decade. These operators, often emerging with new names, DOT numbers, or corporate structures, can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate new entrants simply trying to begin operations. Yet the stakes are high. Reincarnated carriers have historically shown higher crash rates, and their ability to
FMCSA to implement operating authority exemption for providers of recreational activities
According to a June 2023 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) intends to publish new rules to implement a statutory exemption from the interstate for-hire operating authority requirement for certain providers of "recreational activities." This proposal comes on the heels of the agency's recent efforts to clarify what types of passenger operations implicate other aspects of its regulations. According to the agency, Section 23012 of Congress's Inf
Brandon Wiseman
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
What are chameleon carriers?
Chameleons--the reptiles, that is--are known for their ability to change their physical appearance to blend into their surroundings. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is primarily responsible for regulating highway safety, has ascribed similar characteristics to nefarious motor carriers who attempt to avoid the consequences of non-compliance by closing up shop and reincarnating under a different name or USDOT number. These so-called "chameleon carriers" believe that
Brandon Wiseman
5 things to understand about new entrant audits
If you're starting up a new trucking business, you undoubtedly have a lot on your plate! But some things you can't afford to ignore are your compliance-related obligations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and any applicable state regulations. Indeed, most newly registered motor carriers end up going out of business within the first year of operations, and too often, noncompliance is the culprit.Highway transportation remains one of the most heavily regulated industries
Brandon WisemanNever Miss an Update
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