November 2019

Will I get notified when my biennial update is due and how do I complete it?

If you have a USDOT number, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires an update of your information at least once every two years, regardless of whether any information about your company has changed.

5 tips for choosing a truck driving school

If you have decided to become a truck driver, you can’t begin your new career until you get the proper training. However, with so many truck driving schools operating all around the country, it can be difficult to choose the institution that is best for you.

What is the FMCSA Portal?

The FMCSA portal is maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and offers motor carriers and other involved parties access to a variety of forms of information. If you are a carrier, ship freight, carry passengers, or do other commerce on the roadways, then you can use the FMCSA Portal to check your official safety records and other details the agency maintains.

How is the severity weight of a violation determined?

The Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program uses data that it obtains from crash data and roadside inspection reports to identify drivers with unsafe driving behaviors. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may intervene with these drivers at a later time.

If I’ve applied for my operating authority, can I operate outside my base state?

Your operating authority will eventually allow you to operate as a small business. If you’ve been an owner-operator in the past, then applying for your own operating authority will expand your options and ensure you can legally serve customers and clients in a variety of locations.

What is an exempt for-hire motor carrier?

If you operate an exempt for-hire motor carrier, you may not be required to have the same credentials or insurance coverage as other for-hire motor carriers. Below is some information about exempt for-hire motor carriers and the requirements that apply to them in the United States.