Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
FMCSA Modifies Temporary Waiver for Paper Medical Certificates Amid NRII Transition
According to a notice published August 21, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has modified its temporary waiver, allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, as well as motor carriers, to use paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This waiver, effective until October 12, 2025, addresses ongoing challenges in the transition to the National Re
Brandon Wiseman
Spotlight on non-domiciled CDLs
On August 14, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating Florida highway crash that resulted in three fatalities, linking the incident to possible breaches in Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issuance protocols and English language proficiency (ELP) standards. This inquiry not only exposes the perils of allowing unqualified drivers to handle heavy commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) but also intensifies the ongoing politi
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
Top 5 roadside violations & how to avoid them
Commercial driving can be a challenging profession with significant responsibilities, especially when it comes to understanding and complying with the multitude of safety regulations that govern these operations. With so many rules to follow, even seasoned drivers can make mistakes that lead to roadside violations. On a recent episode of the Drive podcast by HandledNow, I had the privilege of addressing some of the top regulatory violations incurred by drivers and, more important, how they can a
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
How drivers return to duty following a drug or alcohol violation
As of February 2024, there are over 163,000 CDL drivers in so-called “prohibited status” in the FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, meaning they are prohibited from operating commercial vehicles due to a drug or alcohol violation. Of those 163,000+ drivers, 76% have not even started the regulatory process through which they could get back to driving. That process, known as return-to-duty (RTD), is meant to rehabilitate drivers through evaluation, education, and follow-up testing. It’s what we’
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
Drug & alcohol testing for student drivers
The first foray into trucking for many commercial drivers is some type of truck driving or CDL school. These institutions provide a valuable service and mission-critical training to these prospective drivers, helping to ensure they are equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills to safely operate large trucks and buses. CDL schools took on an even more prominent role in the industry with the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules that took effect in 2022. One question you'll occasional
Brandon Wiseman
Wiseman joins FreightWaves to discuss the Drug/Alcohol Clearinghouse
Trucksafe's president Brandon Wiseman recently joined FreightWaves to discuss the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, including who is required to use it, how it functions, and what the most recent data says about drug/alcohol use among commercial drivers. Check out the replay below. About Trucksafe Consulting, LLC: Trucksafe Consulting is a full-service DOT regulatory compliance consulting and training service. We help carriers develop, implement, and improve their safety programs, through pe
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