Search our truck insurance information database or browse our recent articles below:
How have roadside inspections been improved?
Roadside inspections are an integral function of the Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) division of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Whether scheduled or random, the purpose of a roadside inspection is to determine if the driver and/or motor carrier has violated any safety rules that could potentially risk public safety. Common examples include … Read more
How to make a correction on the FMCSA or in my carrier profile
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) keeps thousands of electronic records on drivers and motor carriers. While it strives to collect and maintain accurate data, you may occasionally spot an error in your own record or carrier profile. If so, the FMCSA allows you to request a correction through its DataQs system. The purpose … Read more
Is the URS the same thing as the UCR?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operates dozens of programs that it typically refers to only by their abbreviations. The United Registration System (URS) and is no exception. Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a state-operated program. Due to the closeness of the abbreviations and the fact that both involve some type of registration, it … Read more
How do I get my PIN from the FMCSA?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers numerous online resources for drivers and motor carriers. Checking your safety record, challenging incorrect information, updating demographic data, and utilizing resources to become a better commercial driver are just some things you can do through the FMCSA website. However, you need to have a personal identification number … Read more
Do freight forwarders and brokers have to register with the FMCSA?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a freight forwarder is a company that arranges the transportation of goods that carriers licensed by the agency will deliver in the future. Freight forwarding companies provide bill of lading documentation to the shippers and remain responsible for safely delivering the goods.
Who is authorized to use Clearinghouse and how do they sign up?
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a database maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The purpose is to provide real-time access to law enforcement personnel at the state level, State Driver License Agencies (SDLA), and the FMCSA itself regarding violations of alcohol and drug use. It is a violation of the FMCSA … Read more
Are CDL drivers required to register for Clearinghouse?
On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made its Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse available to authorized parties. With the program still being so new, one common question that commercial drivers have is whether CDL drivers must register for the Clearinghouse.
FMCSA Clearinghouse update: January 6th has passed
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) developed more than three years ago, finally became available to authorized users on January 6, 2020. The database collects and stores information about professional drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) as it pertains to drug and … Read more
How long does it take to apply for Operating Authority/DOT Number?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial drivers to apply for an identification number with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) as well as operating authority (MC number) in most cases. To obtain your identification number via the USDOT, you must complete an online registration form at the FMCSA Unified Registration System … Read more