Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
FMCSA declares regional emergency due to Midwest BP refinery fire
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration in response to the "the unanticipated shutdown of the BP Whiting refinery as a result of a fire on August 24, 2022 that affects the supply of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel throughout the Affected States." According to sources, the fire affected utilities to multiple units at BP's largest Midwest refinery and has caused a tightening in the regional wholesale supply of fuel. The FMCSA's declaratio
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
USDOT contemplates electronic recordkeeping for drug & alcohol documents
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is seeking comments on how its regulations for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for federally-regulated transportation companies should be amended to allow the use of electronic signatures and the electronic storage of forms and data. In an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) published on August 5, 2022, the USDOT said "the use of electronic forms and signatures . . . will help DOT- regulated employers and their servi
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
Brandon Wiseman
Answering ELDT questions
In this post, we're answering all your burning questions about the FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule--to whom it applies, who is exempt, and everything in between! For an in-depth breakdown of the rule itself, be sure to check out our prior article. As of the date of this article, we’re about 5 months into the new ELDT requirement, which took effect February 7, 2022. Without a doubt, the rule is a pretty big one…impacting every individual who is now seeking a Class A or B CDL or ce
Brandon Wiseman
BREAKING: SCOTUS denies review in AB5 case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday (6/30) formally denied a petition by the California Trucking Association to review a California federal court's ruling on the controversial 2019 legislation known as AB5. That legislation codifies the so-called "ABC Test" employment classification test in California, making it nearly impossible for carriers to continue to use independent contractor drivers within the state. The court's decision will bring to an end the injunction that has been in place for near
Compliance Myths: Double brokering is illegal
Some will claim double brokering is illegal, but is that actually the case? We tackle this compliance myth in this article.
Brandon Wiseman
Trucksafe tackles compliance myths on Tow Business Podcast
Trucksafe's Brandon Wiseman recently joined the Tow Business Podcast to tackle some of the biggest compliance myths permeating the towing industry. Catch the episode below or wherever you get your podcasts to hear Brandon address the following topics: • How Trucksafe got started • What services Trucksafe offers • Understanding interstate vs. intrastate commerce • The importance of vehicle/combination weight • Exemptions available to towing companies • ELD use for towing companies
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