Regulations in Trucking Industry

Trucking regulations are constantly changing. Whether you are a transporter, owner-operator or business driver, you are responsible for following along with them. Today we will give you some pieces of information about basic trucking regulations that you need to know. This is what you need to know about the most recent regulations in the trucking industry.

BASIC TRUCKING REGULATIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1- COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (CDL) QUALIFICATIONS

Commercial driver's licenses (PCBs) are issued by government licensing agencies and have varying requirements by state, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has several criteria that apply at the federal level. To be eligible for an EBP, applicants must:

· be at least 18 years old or 21 years old to cross state borders or transport dangerous goods.

· have at least 1-2 years of driving experience.

· have no active suspensions

· have a current medical examiner's certificate.

In addition, starting February 7, 2022, the FMCSA will require entry-level driver training (ELDT) for all entry-level commercial vehicle drivers, before government-administered CDL exams. This includes those seeking a Class A or Class B CDL, those seeking an upgrade to their CDL (such as Class B holders seeking a Class A CDL), or any additional endorsements (hazardous, passenger, or school bus). These new federal trucking regulations are aimed at establishing baseline knowledge across state programs and standardizing national training protocols.

2- DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING

You must participate in a drug and alcohol pre-test if you’re a new hire within the industry or if you're applying for a job and haven’t participated in random DOT testing within the last 30 days. The pre-test must be performed before performing safety-critical performance. Employers can participate in a program of the DOT Random Drug Testing Consortium, which will assist in managing the company's drug and alcohol testing. Carriers are required to check for illicit drugs and alcohol in prospective employees. If the driving test results are positive, the driver should be removed from duty immediately. If the results are confirmed to be false, the driver should also be removed from the station. Any driver who refuses to take the test will also be pulled out of safety-sensitive functions. Employers may also have to report the results of these tests to the government.

3- HOURS OF SERVICE (HOS)

FMCSA hours of service (HOS) regulations are intended to keep drivers and the public safe by reducing driver fatigue, limiting the number of consecutive hours CDL drivers can work, and mandating breaks and off-duty hours. In June 2020, the FMCSA revised several provisions to extend HOS and provide drivers with greater flexibility:

·Short-Haul Exception: This allows for up to 14 hours of work and extends the exception to 150 air miles.

·Exception of adverse driving conditions: Prolongs driving in adverse conditions for up to two hours.

·Thirty-minute break requirement: Requires drivers to take a 30-minute break after driving for more than eight hours and permits on-duty or not-driving breaks.

·Sleeper Provision: Drivers may spend a minimum of seven hours in the sleeper and a minimum of two hours outside of the sleeper to meet their 10-hour holiday minimum.

4- INSPECTION, REPAIR, AND MAINTE

NANCE OF EQUIPMENT

FMCSA regulations require every highway carrier to systematically inspect, repair and maintain all its vehicles. This includes daily inspections of core equipment (tires, headlights, brakes, trailer connections) and regular thorough inspections over the past 12 months. Documentation of all inspections should be retained in the truck for DOT review upon request. Every defect must be noted, and every defect that could affect the safe operation of the truck must be repaired before the truck can be used.

RESOURCE: https://www.capstonelogistics.com/blog/5-trucking-industry-regulations-to-begin-in-the-new-year/

https://www.uscomplianceservices.org/laws-and-regulations/

https://www.truckingjobfinder.com/members/info/trucking-laws/

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