Driver CSA Score: Fact or Crap?
What is a driver CSA score? Well, there isn’t actually a “driver CSA score”. Truck drivers can receive CSA points from FMCSA regulation violations, like lighting violations, during a DOT Level 2 roadside inspection, a Level 3 DOT roadside inspection or a Level I roadside inspection. When a driver goes through a roadside inspection, that…
Avoiding DOT Lighting Violations
Avoiding DOT lighting violations isn’t very hard. Usually, it just takes a few minutes a week to ensure you’re in compliance! Truck drivers should strive be in compliance with the the FMCSA lighting regulations at all times because lighting violations cause almost 70% of all roadside inspections. We often say that lighting violations are “Gateway…
How to Choose a DOT Compliance Company
Owner-Operators can usually keep a good handle on their own safety and compliance with a DOT compliance checklist and a good drug and alcohol testing consortium. Large motor carriers usually have a safety director and/or a team of safety and compliance managers. But, what about the trucking companies in between? Managing all of your fleet’s…
How To Fix Your Conditional Safety Rating
What is a Conditional DOT Rating? A Conditional safety rating can be issued to a motor carrier by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at the end of a DOT compliance review (or DOT audit). This is one of 4 possible FMCSA safety ratings that can be received by a trucking company. An FMCSA…
Failed DOT Drug Test: What Happens Next?
A Failed DOT Drug Test or alcohol test is a major problem for both truck drivers and trucking companies. The process for a commercial truck driver to work in trucking again can be complicated and lengthy. Let’s break down this process to make it easier to understand. Failed DOT Drug Test Frequently Asked Questions The…
Find Your DOT PIN in 5 Minutes
Where Can I Find My Dot Pin Number? This is a question that many of our clients ask! When you complete your registration for your US DOT authority, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sends you a letter with your DOT PIN on it. If you’re like me, any snail mail that comes to…
Driver Qualification Management Software Stinks
Driver qualification file management software is overrated! If you’re like many trucking companies, you’re probably considering driver qualification file management software. After all, if only some of your truck drivers are compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) DQ file requirements, that’s a big regulatory risk for you and your company. DQ Files:…
What is the FMCSA PSP?
FMCSA PSP is a program that is provided to help companies screen potential truck and bus drivers. It’s like an MVR, but for roadside inspections! What is the FMCSA PSP? The FMCSA Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) is a system that allows employers to request information from data in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS)…
FMCSA Biennial Update: How to Update MCS 150
An FMCSA biennial update (or MCS 150 update) is required if you operate a trucking company in the United States. You’re required to make an update to your Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) record every two years. There are many reasons why it’s important to stay on top of your updates—if there are mistakes…
FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit
The FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit checks a new trucking company’s compliance with the FMCSA regulations. The mere words New Entrant Safety Audit can drive your anxiety through the roof. Don’t worry! Most new trucking companies will pass this review. What is the New Entrant Safety Audit? The DOT new entrant safety audit examines a…