Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
How fleets can best prioritize compliance issues
Fleet safety teams face a complex challenge: ensuring compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and related state regulations while juggling limited time and resources. Roadside inspection violations, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, audits, and accident claims all demand attention, often leaving safety teams uncertain about where to focus their attention. Of course, not all compliance issues are equally weighted. Some have the potential to cause significant headac
Brandon Wiseman
Preparing for Roadside Inspections: A Comprehensive Guide for Fleets and Commercial Drivers
Roadside inspections are a fundamental part of operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), ensuring that drivers and their equipment adhere to safety regulations that protect everyone on the road. For fleet managers and commercial drivers, being well-prepared for these inspections can streamline the process, reduce the risk of violations, and maintain a strong safety record. In this article, we break down who conducts these inspections, where they occur, the types involved, how they unfold, what
Brandon Wiseman
Is your fleet audit ready?
For trucking companies, regulatory compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about ensuring the safety of drivers, protecting the public, and maintaining the ability to operate efficiently. One of the most significant regulatory hurdles a motor carrier can face is an FMCSA compliance review. Whether it’s a new entrant safety audit, a focused review, or a full-scale compliance investigation, being prepared is crucial to keeping your fleet on the road and in good standing with regulators.Und
Brandon Wiseman
Navigating the Overlap: Federal vs. State Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
I. IntroductionThe regulation of motor carriers in the United States is a complex system involving both federal and state oversight. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) establish nationwide safety standards for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce, individual states have the authority to regulate intrastate motor carriers within their borders. This dual regulatory structure often creates challenges for carriers trying to maintain compliance ac
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Regulatory Update: Key Takeaways from the Florida Trucking Association Safety Summit
On February 20, 2025, Trucksafe president Brandon Wiseman presented an FMCSA Regulatory Update at the Florida Trucking Association’s Safety Summit in Tampa. The presentation provided an overview of recent and upcoming regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and compliance considerations for the trucking industry. Below is a summary of the key topics discussed.Download the slides from Brandon's presentation below:FMCSA Enforcement SummaryFMCSA enforcement activity remains robust, with 2.9 mi
Top Critical and Acute Violations for Fleets: Insights and Solutions
In 2024, compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) remained a critical challenge for fleets across the industry. During a webinar sponsored by National Interstate and Vanliner Insurance, industry experts Brandon Wiseman from Trucksafe Consulting and Timothy Henry from Haul Compliance shared their insights on the most common violations and offered practical strategies for addressing them. This article includes a summary of the key takeaways, or catch the full replay below.
Year in Review: 2024 Regulatory Highlights and 2025 Outlook for Fleets
As 2024 winds down, the trucking industry finds itself reflecting on a transformative year while preparing for potential regulatory shifts in 2025. Episode 44 of Trucksafe LIVE! tackled key regulatory milestones, upcoming challenges, and industry-shaping court cases. Here's a comprehensive look back at 2024’s top trucking regulations and a forward-looking perspective on what fleets might expect in 2025. Catch the replay of the episode below! Trucksafe LIVE! | Ep. 44 - Year-in-review & 2025 outlo
Brandon Wiseman
What should fleets expect with a Republican Administration in 2025?
As the U.S. heads toward a presidential transition from a Democrat to a Republican administration in January 2025, fleet managers and industry leaders are preparing yet again for potential shifts in regulatory focus. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in particular, plays a crucial role in shaping the trucking industry, affecting compliance, safety, and operational standards for motor carriers nationwide. And like other federal agencies, the FMCSA and its policies are heavi
Brandon Wiseman
Understanding FMCSA Changes and Compliance Trends: Insights from Jack Van Steenburg
In Episode 43 of the Trucksafe LIVE! podcast, host Brandon Wiseman discussed major FMCSA updates, the agency's operational focus, and regulatory outlook with special guest Jack Van Steenburg, former Chief Safety Officer for the FMCSA and an expert in commercial motor vehicle safety compliance. This episode provided a deep dive into upcoming changes impacting fleet operations and the trucking industry as a whole, especially in light of the 2024 U.S. election, which may lead to significant shifts
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