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What to know about driver vehicle inspection reports
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) bears responsibility for ensuring that commercial trucks and buses remain safe on America’s roadways. There are a lot of regulations and requirements about inspecting vehicles, and some of those regulations have to do with vehicle inspection reports. Commercial drivers have a responsibility to inspect all major parts of … Read more
How are percentiles for the Safety Measurement System determined?
The Safety Management System (SMS) is a program initiated and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It contains data from crash reports and roadside inspections for every commercial driver for the past 24 months. The FMCSA relies on the SMS to help identify drivers with safety challenges that might require intervention, up … Read more
How often does the SMS update?
The Safety Measurement System (SMS), a program operated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), gathers information about commercial drivers to prioritize those who require a safety intervention. Drivers chosen for intervention will first receive a letter explaining the reasons along with any specific actions the agency plans to take. The goal is to … Read more
What is reefer breakdown coverage?
The typical reefer truck weighs a lot and contains a refrigerated unit or refrigeration built directly into its frame. It helps to keep perishable goods fresh during long-distance deliveries. If you routinely transport refrigerated goods, adding reefer breakdown coverage to your insurance policy can give you added protection and peace of mind. Refrigerated goods need … Read more
Clearinghouse registration has now opened
On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will release an online database called the Clearinghouse that provides real-time information about driver drug and alcohol violations. Those who can access the data include the FMCSA, employers, state driver license agencies (SDLA), and state law enforcement personnel. We’ll go over what you should … Read more
When do I report a name change instead of transfer operating authority?
When you need to change operating authority records, it can be difficult to know what type of change to make. For example, in some cases, you may wonder whether you need to complete a transfer of operating authority or simply report a name change. We’ll explain what the difference is between the two and what’s … Read more
What if I applied for name change but my company profile hasn’t changed?
Completing a name change sometimes takes some time. However, if you have already submitted your application and paid any required fees, you may wonder when you should expect the change to appear. Below is some information to help you understand the name change process and figure out what you should do if you are experiencing … Read more
Are seatbelts required in commercial motor vehicles?
As a commercial driver, you do your best to keep yourself and others safe every day. One thing you may wonder about as you consider safety in your commercial vehicle is whether the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires these vehicles to have working seatbelts. The short answer to this question is yes. The … Read more
ELD malfunctions you should know about and what they mean
Starting in December 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) began requiring the use of an electronic logging device (ELD) for most drivers. This includes drivers who must prepare and submit a record of duty status (RODS) or hours-of-service (HOS) report. The mandate also included design and performance standards as well as the requirement … Read more