Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
Trucksafe joins CCJ to discuss impact of marijuana rescheduling for trucking
Trucksafe’s Brandon Wiseman recently joined CCJ’s 10-44 podcast to discuss how the Drug Enforcement Administration’s proposal to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III drug could impact DOT drug testing. Check out the article here or the video below!
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
When are drivers eligible for a 16-hour driving window?
If you're a property-carrying motor carrier or driver, you're undoubtedly familiar with the so-called 14-hour rule, which requires commercial drivers to complete all their driving activities within the first 14 hours of first coming on duty following a 10 consecutive hour off-duty break. See 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2). It's one of the fundamental hours limitations contained within the broader hours-of-service rules in Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), along with others l
Brandon Wiseman
Trucksafe's Wiseman discusses rule changes at FreightWaves event
Trucksafe's president Brandon Wiseman recently presented at FreightWave's Small Fleet & Owner Operator Summit on upcoming FMCSA rulemaking initiatives and what they could mean for fleets and drivers. Topics discussed: • Speed limiters • Safety ratings • CSA scores • FMCSA staffingCatch 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 p
5 lessons from a terrible crash
On March 22, 2024, a concrete pumper truck veered into oncoming traffic on State Highway 21 in Texas, striking a school bus full of children and ultimately killing a 5 year-old and an adult. At the time of the crash, the bus was transporting 44 children and 11 adults home from a field trip to the Texas Zoo. According to reports, the driver of the concrete truck, 42 year-old Jerry Hernandez, admitted to law enforcement he had smoked marijuana the night before the accident, had used cocaine the mo
Brandon Wiseman
Understanding DOT road tests
Ensuring commercial drivers are properly qualified to operate heavy trucks or buses is a major part of complying with federal and state motor carrier safety regulations. That shouldn't come as a surprise since defects in drivers' qualifications routinely contribute to significant accidents. Indeed, Part 391 of the federal safety regulations contains dozens of rules carriers must follow before allowing an individual to operate a commercial vehicle on public highways. Things like pre-employment dr
Brandon Wiseman
Trucksafe's Brandon Wiseman featured by FleetOwner in article on 2024 regulatory outlook
Trucksafe's president Brandon Wiseman joined FleetOwner magazine for a two-part series on upcoming rulemaking activities likely to impact regulated fleets in 2024. In the article, Wiseman highlights the following issues and how they could affect motor carriers this year: • Revisions to Safety Measurement System (CSA scores) • Changes to safety rating methodology • Expansion of Crash Preventability Determination Program • DataQs independent appeals board • New entrant knowledge exam • Oral fluid
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
FMCSA proposing to remove over 15,000 medical examiners from National Registry
FMCSA is proposing to remove over 15,000 medical examiners from its National Registry of Medical Examiners, according to a notice to be published in the Federal Register soon.In its notice, the FMCSA explains these examiners have not set up accounts through login.gov, the government-run multi-factor authentication site, and therefore are unable to "fulfill regulatory requirements such as reporting results of physical qualification examinations performed on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers,
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