Compliance FAQ
What is trucking compliance?
Trucking compliance refers to adhering to the rules and regulations set by federal, state, and local authorities governing the operation of commercial vehicles. This includes vehicle safety standards, driver qualifications, and operational practices. Failure to follow these standards may result in audits, fines, shutdowns and direct liability for negligence.
Why outsource compliance?
Outsourcing compliance dramatically decreases internal workload, improves safety and other compliance metrics and allows you to focus on your business and driving profitably. In 2023 the FMCA reported four million commercial vehicle inspections, performed thousands inspections with a reported 88,000 carriers closing. We are your first line of defense and offer complementary compliance assessments for insurance companies, private carriers and shippers. Simply drop us a note and we'll build your custom report.
Why are my compliance scores important?
Your compliance scores good or bad are public information. Your potential customers, insurers and other stakeholders judge and price their offerings to your company in part on your scores. If your scores are worse than the national average in any category your company is considered high risk. Wide Open Road can typically turn around a failing program within 6-12 months.
What are some common compliance issues facing trucking companies?
Common compliance issues include hours of service (HOS) violations, improper maintenance records, failure to maintain driver qualification files, drug testing violations and not having proper permits for oversize or hazmat loads. Wide Open Road manage all of these programs and ensure that your drivers are complaint with state and federal regulations.
What penalties can be imposed for non-compliance?
Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, suspension of operating authority, increased scrutiny from enforcement agencies, and potential legal action.
How can trucking companies keep up with changing regulations?
We recommend reading and updating internal compliance systems based on FMCSA updates have key personnel attend industry workshops and seminars and subscribe to tricking industry trade and association publications. Wide Open Road manage all aspects of compliance for our clients so your fleet stays up to date. If you have specific regulatory or compliance questions contact us for a complementary compliance review.
Outsourcing compliance vs. in house management
Internal management of compliance doable for small fleets but requires dedicated personnel as trucking companies begin to scale. Outsourced compliance options such as Wide Open Road are typically more cost effective than inhouse personnel and provide targeted, professional support that allows you to focus on profitability rather than additional overhead.
What are the federal agencies regulating trucking?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are the primary federal agencies responsible for regulating the trucking industry in the United States.
What is the FMCSA what is its mission?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) is a federal agency within the Department of Transpiration (DOT) that regulates the trucking industry in the U.S. Its primary mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
What is a DOT number and why is it important?
A DOT number is a unique identifier assigned to trucking companies by the DOT. It is used to monitor and track a company’s safety record, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.
What is a motor carrier number and do I need one?
An MC number is a Motor Carrier number assigned by the FMCSA to companies that transport goods for hire across state lines. It is necessary for companies engaged in interstate commerce
What is the International Registration Plan (Plan IRP)?
The IRP is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces that allows for the payment of licensing fees based on distance traveled in each jurisdiction.
What are Hours of Service Regulations?
HOS regulations are rules set by the FMCSA that govern the working hours of commercial vehicle drivers to ensure they have adequate rest and reduce fatigue-related accidents.
What is the International Registration Plan (IRP)?
The IRP is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces that allows for the payment of licensing fees based on distance traveled in each jurisdiction.
What is the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)?
IFTA is an agreement between U.S. states and Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of fuel use by motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. IFRA requires that all trucking companies log their fuel usage for the accurate assessment of fuel taxes.
What permits are required for oversized, overweight or hazmat loads?
To obtain a HazMat endorsement, a driver must pass a knowledge test, complete a background check, and submit fingerprints through the TSA. The endorsement allows drivers to transport hazardous materials.
How do I obtain a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement?
To obtain a HazMat endorsement, a driver must pass a knowledge test, complete a background check, and submit fingerprints through the TSA. The endorsement allows drivers to transport hazardous materials.
What is the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program?
The CSA program is an FMCSA initiative that uses data and safety information to identify high-risk motor carriers and drivers. It aims to improve safety by prioritizing enforcement and compliance efforts.
What are the requirements for driver qualification files?
Driver qualification files must include a driver’s application for employment, motor vehicle record, medical examiner’s certificate, pre-employment drug testing and other required road test results or certifications.
What is a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) agreement?
The UCR is a federally mandated program for registering and collecting fees from motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders operating in interstate commerce.
How can I better ensure compliance with electronic logging device (ELD) requirements?
To comply with ELD requirements, carriers must equip their vehicles with FMCSA-approved ELDs that record driving hours and submit data to enforcement personnel when requested.
What is the new entrant safety assurance program?
This FMCSA program monitors new motor carriers to ensure they have basic safety management controls in place. New carriers undergo a safety audit within their first 18 months of operation.
How often are DOT inspections required?
DOT inspections are required annually for most commercial vehicles, but the frequency can vary based on specific state regulations and the vehicle's operation type.
What is a safety rating and how is it determined?
A safety rating is an assessment of a motor carrier’s compliance with safety regulations, determined through on-site reviews and inspections. Ratings include Satisfactory, Conditional, and Unsatisfactory.
Have Additional Questions?
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