Marijuana Reclassification Does Not Change the Rules for CDL Drivers
Marijuana may have a new classification at the federal level, but that doesn’t give CDL holders new permission to use it. Recent federal action moved certain medical marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III, creating plenty of headlines and even more confusion. For CDL holders and motor carriers, though, the practical answer is still […]
How to Start a Trucking Company Part 2: Compliance Programs, Driver Files, and Audit Readiness
Most new carriers are eager to hit the road once their authority becomes active. The USDOT number is issued, the MC number is live, the insurance is on file, and it feels like the only thing left to do is start hauling and start making money. Not quite. The filings covered in Part 1 get […]
What the Supreme Court’s Broker Liability Decision Means for Small Carriers
When was the last time you looked closely at your company’s safety and compliance record? After last week’s unanimous Supreme Court ruling on freight broker liability, carriers have a new reason to pay attention. The decision makes it clear that brokers can face negligent-hiring claims when they are accused of selecting unsafe carriers, which means […]
FMCSA’s Security Push Is Bigger Than Motus
Today is the last day motor carriers can use FMCSA’s current registration tools to make updates before the agency transitions to Motus. After 8:00 PM ET, current registration functionality will be retired, and carriers that still need to update account access, clean up company information, or make registration changes will have to wait until Motus […]
[WEBINAR] How to Start Your Own Trucking Company: Step-by-Step Guidance for New Carriers
On Demand Register Now Being a good driver and running a compliant motor carrier operation are two very different things. For most new carriers stepping out on their own for the first time, it’s not the driving that trips them up. It’s the filings, the compliance programs, and the documentation that FMCSA expects to see […]
How to Start a Trucking Company Part 1: DOT Numbers, Authority, and Required Filings
Each year, roughly 100,000 new motor carriers apply for their USDOT numbers. Many are experienced drivers stepping out on their own for the first time. But being a good driver and running a compliant operation are two very different things—and it’s usually not the driving that trips people up. Rather, it’s the filings, the compliance […]
The 37-Step Level I Inspection: What to Expect During Roadcheck
International Roadcheck kicks off May 12. For three straight days, inspectors across North America will be pulling over and inspecting commercial motor vehicles at a pace of nearly 15 trucks per minute. While this year’s spotlight is on cargo securement and ELD compliance, most Roadcheck inspections are full Level I inspections. This 37-step process evaluates […]
Skip the Shop: Virtual DOT Annual Vehicle Inspections Are Here
As a motor carrier, every minute your trucks are off the road is a minute your company isn’t making money. Some downtime can’t be helped. Occasional repairs are inevitable, and driver rest breaks will always be required. But the annual vehicle inspection? That doesn’t have to mean a full lost day per truck and trailer. […]
Diesel Above $5 Per Gallon: How Motor Carriers Can Protect Their Margins
Diesel prices have surged over the past several weeks, and motor carriers across the country are feeling the impact. The national average for on-highway diesel reached $5.40 per gallon for the week ending March 30, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That’s more than 50% higher than this time last year and closing in […]
6 DOT Drug Tests CDL Drivers May Be Required to Take
Drug and alcohol testing violations are among the most common findings in FMCSA safety investigations. Between 2022 and 2026, Part 382 violations accounted for roughly one in four of all citations issued during carrier audits, with failures in pre-employment testing, random testing, and post-accident testing topping the list. The first step in preventing these violations […]