Are Your Trucking Clients Overlooking These 3 FMCSA Regulations?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA), out of the approximate 1.5 million state and federal roadside inspections this year, 57% resulted in violations. The fact is that trucking is, and has always been, a highly regulated industry.
To better ensure the efficiency of operations and safety of drivers and the public, trucking companies must adhere to a number of key FMCSA regulations and compliance rules. However, during the course of business, rules and regulations can be (and often are) easily overlooked. But why is that?
There are a number of possible reasons why your trucking clients may fail to observe certain rules and FMCSA regulations. According to the industry news source Freight Waves, trucking businesses may not be aware of or are unfamiliar with recent FMCSA updates or lack the time for or access to pertinent information or resources. In other cases, it may be the result of simple human error or neglect.
Based on multiple FMCSA regulation violations over the past 24 months and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the following are three of the most commonly overlooked regulations in the trucking industry today:
1. Hours-of-service regulations
Electronic logging devices monitor the hours of service that commercial drivers are allowed to drive as well as when they are to take breaks.
OSHA states that drivers must maintain and produce updated logs upon the request of an officer to prove they are operating within HOS limits.
2. License and permit regulations
A growing number of drivers are being found noncompliant for driving without a commercial driver’s license or operating a truck without the proper endorsement for a specific vehicle or cargo.
In addition, permit violations that are most often overlooked include operating without a Department of Transportation (DOT) carrier number, a motor carrier number, unified carrier registration or a standard carrier alpha code.
3. Training regulations
The DOT and FMSCA regulation that’s most often overlooked is meeting training requirements. It’s important to note that the DOT doesn’t review or certify driver training programs; therefore, it’s up to the trucking company employer to select and comply with all required training programs or be in violation.
In conclusion, the world of trucking is governed by a multitude of FMCSA regulations and compliance rules, making it essential for trucking companies to maintain a keen awareness of these standards to ensure the safety of their drivers and the public, as well as the efficiency of their operations.
As insurance professionals, it is imperative to engage in proactive discussions with your trucking clients, addressing these areas of noncompliance and helping them take the necessary steps to rectify these issues. By doing so, you can not only safeguard their operations but also minimize the risk of FMCSA regulation violations, ultimately contributing to a safer and more compliant trucking industry.
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