Archive for November 2019
What You Need to Do if You Fail Your DOT Physical
DOT physicals are a common aspect of the trucking industry. Before initial operation, and every two years thereafter, drivers are required to have a DOT-certified physician perform a physical examination to ensure that they are fit to operate under DOT and FMCSA regulations. But what happens if you fail this exam, and a doctor finds…
Read MoreUnderstanding Reasonable Suspicion Testing for Trucking Fleets
Would you be able to recognize the signs if one of your drivers showed up to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol? The answer should be “yes” according to the FMCSA. In fact, if you supervise at least one driver for a company that operates CDL vehicles on public roads, you are required…
Read MoreCheck Out This Tip for Hiring and Keeping Quality Drivers for Trucking
Driver shortages. High turnover rates. These issues are making it increasingly difficult for carriers to hire and maintain drivers. Many companies find themselves in a constant time-consuming and expensive hiring cycle to keep their vehicles on the road. Companies have approached this issue by raising their pay and / or offering sign-on bonuses. This may…
Read MoreUnderstanding Post-Accident Testing Procedures for Trucking Companies
As a carrier, you hope that you will never come across a situation where you driver has been in an accident. Nevertheless, it is important to be prepared should that unfortunate situation ever arise. While there are probably many concerns that you will have in the event an accident ever does occur, one concern that…
Read MoreHow to Maintain Compliant Trucking Driver Files
In order to maintain compliance with Regulation Part 391, there are several key items in your Driver Qualification file that must be regularly maintained and updated during each driver’s tenure with your company. Medical Certificates Before operating a CMV, all drivers must submit to a medical evaluation by a DOT-certified physician. Drivers are also expected…
Read MoreUnderstanding the DOT Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Centure (MAP-21) highway bill of 2012, effective January 6, 2020, requires registration by drivers, employees, consortium / third-party administrators, and medical review officers and substance abuse professionals. To help you assure that you as an employer remain in compliance, we…
Read MoreTop Roadside Inspection Driver Violations for Truckers
Over 60,000 vehicles were pulled to the side of the road and inspected throughout North America last June. Of that number, almost 30% were put out of service! That is almost triple what it was just a few years ago. Even worse, over a third of these could have been prevented with a simple Motor…
Read MoreMost Common Driver Qualification Violations for Truckers
There are many steps that go into the creation and maintenance of DOT driver qualification files. And if the FMCSA violation data is any indicator, it’s a process that many carriers are struggling with in the course of their operation. Here are 4 of the most common Driver Qualification violations – and the steps you…
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