Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
What fleets need to know about Entry-Level Driver Training (2022)
Trucksafe's President and transportation attorney Brandon Wiseman recently joined Tenstreet to discuss the recently implemented Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule and what motor carriers need to understand about that rule. In this article, we'll recap some of the most frequently asked questions about ELDT. Impact of new ELDT on existing training requirementsHistorically, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) have had very little to say about mandatory training for commercial
FMCSA reignites speed limiter proposal for larger trucks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is moving forward with its 2016 proposed rulemaking that would require larger trucks to be equipped with speed limiter technology. In an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking posted on May 3rd, the agency said it is “provid[ing] a series of questions to gather information and data to assist FMCSA in drafting a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” to offer proposed regulatory text and address comments from the initial proposal. The 2016 rule
Brandon Wiseman
Understanding DOT physical exams & med cards
In order for an individual to be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), he/she must meet the minimum qualification standards set forth in Part 391 of the federal motor carrier safety rules, and motor carriers that employ or engage drivers have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are and remain qualified under those rules. One of those minimum qualification standards warrants additional attention and it’s the one that says that drivers must be physically qualified to ope
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 Wiseman
The mechanics of a DOT audit (and practical tips for surviving one)
In a recent webinar, Trucksafe's Brandon Wiseman and Jerad Childress discussed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) auditing methodology, including how the agency prioritizes motor carriers for investigation, what types of audits it conducts, what records it requests, what types of violations it looks for, and the consequences of a "bad" audit. Check out the replay below. As discussed in the webinar and in our prior article, it's important for fleets to proactively examine
5 things fleets should know about DOT audits
No motor carrier expects to be audited, and most do little to prepare until it’s too late. But simply understanding the process goes a long
Brandon Wiseman
What is the split sleeper berth rule?
One of the more confusing aspects of the federal hours-of-service rules, at least for some drivers, is the so-called “split sleeper berth” rule. Used correctly, this rule offers some decent flexibility to drivers whose trucks are equipped with a sleeper berth, particularly when it comes to times they are detained at shipper or receiver facilities. But the rule isn’t all that intuitive, unfortunately, so in this article, we will break down the split sleeper rule. But generally speaking...The spli
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to increase civil penalties for regulatory violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is increasing the fine amounts for certain violations of its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2022, the agency announced its annual inflation adjustments to its civil penalty schedule. These penalties appear in 49 CFR Part 386, Appendix A, and are generally assessed following the discovery of egregious safety violations. Generally speaking, the civil penalty amounts l
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA withdraws third-party and out-of-state CDL testing rulemakings
In two separate notices to be published on March 9, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is formally withdrawing CDL-related rulemakings that would have provided some flexibility to the knowledge and skills testing process. In the first notice, the agency is withdrawing a proposed rule that would have allowed driver applicants to take the commercial driver’s license (CDL) general and specialized knowledge tests in a state other than the applicants state of domicile. That
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