If you’re a commercial driver, a fleet manager, or anyone dealing with DOT compliance, you’ve probably heard about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that 19 electronic logging devices were removed from its Registered Devices list so far this year.

A better candidate experience and successful hiring process are possible with employee onboarding software. Your company is growing. You need more employees who are qualified to fill your open roles. You need to know how to attract the best talent and move them through the hiring and onboarding processes without them losing interest.

DOT roadside inspections will be on the rise in the next few months. Over 400,000 roadside inspections have been conducted so far in 2025, with nearly 82,000 of them resulting in at least one out-of-service (OOS) violation. The number of these inspections is expected to continue to climb, especially as International Roadcheck 2025 kicks off in less than two months.

Your driver files must be in a digital format to meet DOT compliance requirements. Are you ready to make the switch to driver file management software?

DOT drug testing violations can result in expensive fines. You can save your company from penalties of up to $16,864 by working with a third-party administrator (TPA). Drug and alcohol testing violations were some of the most common shortcomings auditors found during DOT compliance reviews in 2024.

A DOT driver application must contain specific candidate information to comply with federal regulations.

Are your drivers prohibited in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse? The CVSA has added FMCSA Clearinghouse queries to their roadside inspection list for CDL and CLP drivers during Roadcheck 2025. During this check, inspectors will look to verify that the driver doesn’t have any violations in the DOT Clearinghouse that would prohibit them from legally operating a commercial motor vehicle. If a violation is found, the driver will be pulled from safety-sensitive functions immediately — and any cargo being hauled will be stranded until a relief driver can be located. Violations in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Since the FMCSA Clearinghouse went into effect on January 6, 2020, all employers of CDL drivers have been required to report DOT drug and alcohol violations to the Clearinghouse. Until drivers complete the return-to-duty process, these violations will result in a “prohibited” status that enforcement officers will see during roadside inspections. The FMCSA Clearinghouse helps keep drivers with active drug and alcohol violations off the road; it makes it easier for employers, law enforcement officials, and state licensing agencies to see if a violation exists. Suppose it does, and the return-to-duty process hasn’t been completed. In that case, the driver won’t be eligible for employment as a CDL driver, won’t be able to obtain or renew their CDL, and will be pulled from service immediately during a roadside inspection. The Safety Gap: Annual FMCSA Clearinghouse Queries The only problem? There is a safety gap in the current Clearinghouse regulation that could allow prohibited drivers to continue operating for up to a year without their employer’s knowledge. Employers are only required to run a Clearinghouse query on their drivers annually. If you recently conducted your yearly queries on all your drivers, if any of them commit a DOT drug or alcohol violation from now until next year, they may be undetected. Undetected, that is, until they are pulled over for an inspection. Maintaining a Safe & Compliant Fleet Beyond CVSA Roadcheck 2025 Running compliant FMCSA Clearinghouse queries on an ongoing basis can help prevent this issue. Because these queries are considered consumer reports, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Privacy Act protect them. You must get a driver’s consent before running a query — with different permission levels required depending on whether a limited or full query is requested. You can learn more about the different types of FMCSA Clearinghouse queries in our informative on-demand webinar, State of the FMCSA Clearinghouse-II: Changes Impacting Your Business in 2025. Need help running Clearinghouse queries on your drivers? Foley's comprehensive DOT compliance software, Dash, makes it easy. Schedule a free software demo now by clicking here, or filling out the form below.

A motor vehicle report, or MVR check, is an effective way to look into your employees' driving histories and gauge how safe they'll be on the roads. What is an MVR background check? An MVR background check is a report of a person's driving history. It includes information, such as license expiration, status, license class, endorsements, restrictions, traffic violations, accidents, vehicular crimes, suspensions—even unpaid parking tickets and, in some states, unpaid child support.

Owner-operator insurance costs, semi-truck expenses, and annual registrations can add up and be the demise of any business — unless you have a careful financial plan in place.

Everything you need to know about DOT medical certificates, and then some. The physical toll of driving any vehicle for a living is often forgotten, but that’s why the DOT medical card exists. It is essential to any federally regulated driver’s qualification file.

Commercial truck insurance costs are rising. How can you save on your premiums while keeping the required coverage? If you’ve renewed your truck insurance policy recently, you may have been hit with some sticker shock: as the insurance market hardens in 2025, premiums are rising rapidly. “It’s a hardening market…carriers are coming to us as they are seeing a 25-30 percent increase in commercial insurance premiums across the board,” said Aaron Black, Director of Business Development for Keystone (formerly known as East Coast Risk Management). What does this mean for trucking companies? In addition to higher premiums, standards are also tightening, with underwriters scrutinizing carriers’ safety and compliance even more carefully. According to Black, “Underwriters are looking at risk much more closely than they did in the past.” It’s not just individual carrier risk that is important, but the type of trucks they operate and the industry they’re in,” Black said. “Insurance is a business, and if they’ve found in the past that the payouts for certain vehicle types were too high, for example, they might decide to stop writing policies for those vehicles across the board.” “This is why there aren’t a lot of options for towing or HAZMAT carriers right now. It’s a high risk that many insurance carriers don’t want to take.” Shopping for Truck Insurance? Reducing Your Company's Risk Level is Key to Securing Affordable Coverage. Although you can’t control the commercial trucking insurance market, something in your control can help you secure coverage and get the best possible rates: improving your risk profile. With high-risk companies often paying $100-200K a year more than a policy purchased through the standard insurance market, you’ll want to consider the following steps (at a minimum) to ensure you’re in a good spot before shopping around for coverage. #1: Track Your CSA Score Your company’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score can influence your insurance premiums — for better or for worse. This score represents how well you've maintained roadway safety, compliance with DOT regulations, and avoiding crashes. Scores range from 0-100, with higher numbers showing an increased risk level due to accidents, DOT violations, failed roadside DOT inspections, or a combination of these factors. You can learn more about CSA scores in this Foley article: CSA Scores: What They Are & Why They Matter. Foley's Audit Risk Monitor (ARM) program provides monthly CSA score updates so you can see where your company's risk level stands. If you see any changes to your CSA score, you can react accordingly to fix the problem that's raising your safety and compliance risk (and, potentially, your insurance premiums). #2: Audit Your Safety & DOT Compliance Programs “A big part of what we do at East Coast Risk Management [Keystone] is performing mock audits for carriers to ensure they don’t have any compliance and safety gaps,” Black said. “If there are gaps — that’s where Foley steps in. Together, we can help ensure motor carriers are operating compliantly.” No matter your company size or how long you've been in business, DOT compliance is complicated. But you don't have to try to meet all the DOT regulations on your own. Foley can help ensure you have compliant driver files, you're running the right FMCSA Clearinghouse queries, you're performing accurate DOT drug and alcohol tests on your drivers, and more. #3: Evaluate Your Company's Loss History Your total incurred claims shouldn’t be more than the amount you paid for coverage in any given year. PLUS, insurance companies also have to pay costs to underwrite, purchase reinsurance, and adjust claims on top of claim payments. Remember: insurance companies are a business, and if they think they’re going to lose money on you, they’ll be less likely to provide you with a quote. Or, if they do quote, they will charge you far more than you would like to pay. Simply put, insurance companies will charge you what they believe it will take to make money on you. Therefore, insurance companies usually price what they view as the best-performing companies at two times the expected or average annual claim costs. For those they believe to be poorer performing companies, the costs are often three to four times the expected or average claim costs. #4: Establish a Risk Management Plan Black recommends putting a risk management plan in place before shopping for insurance if a company’s CSA score is a concern. “Even if their scores aren’t great, if carriers can prove that they have a plan for improving their safety and compliance, and have shown they are serious about following through, it can drastically increase their odds of getting coverage.” #5: Implement an MVR Monitoring Program Insurance companies look at these programs very favorably because they help companies like yours effectively manage driver risk and often result in lower insurance premiums. “Companies are required to pull an MVR annually as a best practice, but what about the other 364 days that drivers are out on the road?” Black said. “That provides a lot of opportunities for violations to occur that an employer may not be aware of.” According to David R Leng, CPCU, CIC, CBWA, CWCA, CRM of the Duncan Insurance Group, “Risk Profile Improvement is a simple concept, but it is more complex to implement. As the expression goes, the devil is in the detail.” “If you can get insurance companies to believe you can mitigate future claims, they will discount those claims that did occur in the past and provide you with lower rates than your claims’ data merits from a straight actuarial math standpoint,” he said. “You can influence the assumptions an underwriter uses to set up the actuarial math calculation of your premium.” However, just having policies and procedures written down on paper is not enough. “Insurance companies live by the rule ‘Trust, But Verify’,” he said. “They will want to see proof of proactive programs, how they are managed, what decisions are being made, and what steps are taken when things pop up.” For example, if your telematics shows a driver that repeatedly speeds excessively, or their monitored motor vehicle report has repeated significant speeding violations, and your files show no actions of discipline or termination of the driver, the insurance companies will not believe that you use any of the Risk Profile Improvement programs you say you have implemented. “Unfortunately, insurance companies do not care that drivers are hard to find,” Leng said. “Insurance companies continually state that poor drivers and poor risk management processes lead to more claims, and they will act accordingly when it comes to quoting and pricing insurance policies.” Foley's MVR monitoring program has been proven to reduce driver violations by up to 34 percent. Start investing in the safety of your drivers and get a free demo of our MVR check software. Start Using DOT Compliance Software to Help You Save on Commercial Truck Insurance History tells us that these challenging market conditions could stick around for a while, as the last few hard market periods lasted an average of three years. With that in mind, it’s essential to take whatever risk mitigation steps you can to improve your likelihood of securing insurance — and getting the best possible rate for your business. If you're interested in learning more about the connection between DOT compliance software and lower insurance premiums, check out the Fixing Your Fleet with Foley Services episode on The Power Producers Podcast, where David Carothers interviews our CEO, Joel Sitak, and Head of Solutions Enablement, Scott Mogensen. Foley's compliance experts also offer FREE DOT compliance software demos to help you take control of your truck insurance costs. Request your demo appointment by clicking here, or fill out the form below to get started.

Your driver job ads give potential candidates their first impression of your company. If your ad is difficult to read, doesn’t answer common applicant questions, or fails to make the position sound appealing, you’re losing promising hires.

Being proactive, not reactive, when it comes to DOT audits can make or break the chances of your company passing them. Being a federally regulated motor carrier or company with regulated drivers comes with a slew of responsibilities—one of the most important being a safe and reliable business, especially in the eyes of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Your drivers' hours of service may be impacted by upcoming spring weather. Here's how to use the adverse driving conditions exemption to stay compliant. Many regions across the US can soon expect to see increased levels of rainfall; however, some states are still dealing with sleet, snow, and blizzard conditions. If you're still driving through the white stuff, we recommend this Foley article. It explains specific state snow removal laws to help you stay compliant. You may also wish to review the FMCSA hours-of-service rules, including the adverse driving exception, which is mostly used during snowy conditions. But if you're operating a business with drivers who are traveling through springtime states, you may be wondering... Can CMV drivers use the adverse driving exception during spring storms? Below, we'll answer that question and address how severe weather can impact your operations and the hours-of-service regulations you need to follow. When Can You Use the Adverse Driving Conditions Exception? The FMCSA defines adverse driving conditions as: “Snow, sleet, fog, or other challenging weather conditions, a highway covered with snow or ice, or unusual road and traffic conditions, which were not known to the dispatcher or driver at the time the run began." So, while this may include an unexpected storm or a traffic delay due to a crash, it doesn’t apply to drivers sitting in traffic due to regular or rush-hour congestion. If unexpected adverse driving conditions slow down your drivers, they may drive up to two additional hours to travel distances that could have been completed under normal conditions. This boosts the maximum driving time up to 13 hours for property motor carriers and 12 hours for passenger carriers. It’s important to note that the adverse conditions exemption only applies to driving time. This means that no matter what conditions exist, property motor carriers cannot drive after having been on duty for 14 consecutive hours, and passenger motor carriers cannot drive after having been on duty for 15 consecutive hours. Maintaining DOT Compliance Under the Adverse Driving Conditions Exception If your drivers use an electronic logging device (ELD), they are required to note the adverse driving conditions on their record of duty status (RODS) and include details about the condition. Drivers using paper logs or alternative logging systems are encouraged to note when they experience adverse driving conditions as well. The RODS are the appropriate spaces for your drivers to explain the weather and/or road conditions during spring storms to ensure they fall under the adverse driving conditions exception, so you can maintain your DOT compliance. Put Some Spring in Your Step with Comprehensive DOT Compliance Solutions The adverse driving conditions exception is designed to help your drivers safely travel to their destinations without making rash decisions to stay under traditional hours-of-service restrictions. Ensuring your drivers use the exception appropriately, even in the spring, is key to staying under the FMCSA's radar (avoiding compliance reviews as much as possible). Foley can also help your company avoid FMCSA interventions with Dash, our DOT compliance software. Meeting hours-of-service regulations (and the recordkeeping requirements that accompany them) can be challenging on your own. With the right software solution, you don't need to worry if you're meeting federal guidelines or prepared to pass an audit. Request your FREE DOT compliance software demo with one of our experts now. We'll walk you through your compliance requirements and clear the air with any hours-of-service questions you may have. Fill out the form below to get started.

Spring is on its way, and with spring comes warmer weather and the start of inspection season. Now is the time to start getting your fleets ready for roadside inspections. And speaking of time, don't forget that Sunday, March 12 is the start of Daylight Savings Time. Set your clocks one hour ahead! March is also National Workplace Eye Wellness Month, so now is a great time to remind your employees to schedule their annual eye exams or DOT physicals if their medical certificates are expiring soon. You can also host educational sessions around eye safety or provide eye safety tips to your staff. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on March 17, and while it's a celebratory day, it also coincides with a day of awareness called Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving a reminder to stay off the roads if you’ve consumed even a little bit of alcohol. Impaired driving is dangerous for you and other drivers on the road, and having a clean record in the DOT Clearinghouse is an added bonus. Register for Upcoming Safety Events March is a busy month! Here are the series of events offered, touching on everything from new technologies to safety: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Recalls Week National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Week Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Truckload 2025 Mid-American Trucking Show (MATS) Find out what you can look forward to at these events below. NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls Week No matter what type of vehicle you drive, for personal or professional use, this March 3-9 awareness initiative is one of the most important events occurring this month. During it, the NHTSA encourages drivers to check their vehicles for safety recalls and immediately take them to any local dealership for free repairs. To learn how to check your vehicle for current recalls, click here. NTEA Work Truck Week If your business relies on any type of commercial vehicle (or you simply have a passion for them), you need to be at Work Truck Week 2025 from March 4-7 in Indianapolis, IN. Join leaders in the innovation, design, engineering, maintenance, and parts sectors of the work truck and equipment industries to get an inside look at the latest products and technology from 500 exhibitors. It's an excellent occasion to evaluate vendors' latest offerings, seek new business opportunities within the industry, and even collaborate with current and prospective customers. You can register for this year's Work Truck Week here. TCA Truckload 2025 Hosted in Phoenix, AZ from March 15-18, Truckload 2025 is the premier event for C-Suite executives, managers, and trucking professionals representing for-hire carrier companies and vendors. Attendees will enjoy networking and collaborating opportunities with other industry professionals, and Oz Pearlman is this year's keynote speaker. Additional activities will include inspirational sessions, a special spouse event, and an open forum on today's industry hot topics. Click here to register for Truckload 2025. MATS More than 58,000 people are expected to attend the Mid-American Trucking Show from March 27-29 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville. The show's "Pro Talks" educational sessions will include updates from the FMCSA and topics such as "Starting Strong: How to Launch a Thriving Trucking Business in Your First 90 Days," and "The Importance of Data Q and Crash Challenges." Other events include the PKY Truck Championship competition, a chance to ride and drive commercial vehicles with the latest technologies, and a Veterans in Trucking event to honor the military. Don't forget about the MATs concert! You're invited to register for this year's MATS by clicking here. Upcoming CVSA Compliance Event: International Roadcheck 2025 Although International Roadcheck is not until May 13-15, now is the time to start preparing. Since 1988, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), along with the FMCSA and several other North American transportation organizations, have sponsored this safety event. International Roadcheck is a high-volume commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection and enforcement initiative that is annually conducted by certified inspectors across North America. Trucks that pass inspection will receive a CVSA decal and will be excused from another inspection for three months. Each International Roadcheck focuses on different components of CMVs. This year’s specific focus will be tires and records of duty status. Click here to learn more about the 2025 International Roadcheck event, and keep an eye out for additional Foley articles on how to prepare your fleet for the inevitable inspection blitz! Rely on Foley for the Latest Transportation Industry Updates Foley's experts not only keep you informed on the upcoming industry and safety events throughout the country, but we also stay up to date on the latest DOT compliance regulations. Make sure you check our blog for daily updates! If you think your company is missing any of its DOT compliance requirements, we can help with them too. Schedule a FREE software demo now and talk to a Foley specialist about Dash, our automated compliance software that can make meeting FMCSA regulations (and passing DOT audits) a breeze.

Over the past decade, nuclear verdicts have become a big issue for the trucking industry. According to a study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), these judgments have risen sharply — a whopping 967% between 2010 and 2018. For million-dollar lawsuits involving a truck crash, it’s pushed the average verdict size to $22.3 million. Not only are these verdicts putting companies out of business, but they’re causing insurance premiums across the industry to skyrocket. According to the ATRI report on this issue, one motor carrier was forced to close its doors after its single-year insurance rates nearly doubled from $340,000 to $700,000. And they haven’t been the only casualty of the insurance hike — there have been many other fleets and family-owned businesses that have been forced into closure, as well. The Role of Reptile Theory One of the reasons these verdicts are thought to be so effective is because of a litigation tactic known as “reptile theory.” It was first used in 2009, and the strategy behind this approach is to play on the jurors’ emotions by prompting feelings of anger and fear — and ultimately encouraging these detrimental nuclear verdicts. The plaintiff’s attorney has one job: to win the case. And they’ll do just about anything to get there. As a trucking company, there’s nothing you can do to prevent these tactics in court. But you can take the necessary safety and compliance steps to avoid a lawsuit in the first place. How to Build a Culture of Safety Although not all accidents can be prevented, data from the FMCSA found that only three percent of all crashes were the result of environmental factors. A whopping 87 percent of crashes were the result of driver error and 10 percent were due to mechanical issues with the truck. In other words? By creating a culture of safety and compliance in your company, you’ll not only make it much less likely that your drivers will be involved in an accident, but you’ll be creating a solid shield of protection to fight back against claims of negligence should you find yourself sitting in a courtroom someday. It’s without a doubt, the simplest and least expensive way to protect the future of your company. Create & Maintain Compliant Driver Qualification Files According to the ATRI report, in every case where the driver’s history played a role in the accident, the defendant was found guilty of negligence. However, it’s also an area that is completely avoidable — both by having thorough background screening processes in place and by maintaining compliant Driver Qualification Files (DQFs). It’s Time to Transition to Digital Driver Files Non-compliant driver files are a big industry problem. In fact, they account for many of the top acute and critical FMCSA violations annually. The top five driver qualification file violations are as follows: Driving a commercial motor vehicle while disqualified Using a physically unqualified driver Not keeping inquiries into driving records in a driver qualification file Failing to maintain a driver file on each driver Not keeping a medical certificate in a driver file It’s not that these files are necessarily difficult to create when a new driver is hired (though there are often steps missed in the process), but it can be difficult for companies to keep these files updated on an ongoing basis — and the more drivers they hire, the more difficult it gets. Free Guide: How to Manage Compliant Driver Files If you think you might be committing any of these violations or your DOT driver files are hurting more than helping you, don’t worry, there is light at the end of the compliance and litigation tunnel. Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone when it comes to your DQFs and ensuring you’re meeting — or exceeding – DQF regulations and best practices. Foley’s Driver Qualification Files Solution To comply with the FMCSA’s offsite audit requirement, driver files should be maintained in a secure, digital format. Foley offers easy-to-use driver file creation and maintenance in our exclusive platform, Dash. We’ll convert your paper files to an electronic format so they can be easily downloaded and presented to a compliance officer (or a judge if you’re ever faced with a lawsuit). All files are securely stored to prevent tampering. Dash also keeps track of important dates and provides alerts when a CDL or medical card is up for renewal, or a change is detected on the driver’s MVR report. At Foley, we’ll evaluate your current safety and compliance procedures and set you up with our automated compliance platform that will help keep your files organized and compliant. Take our free quiz to see if your driver files are where they need to be, or click here to get started with a free Dash demo today.

The DOT physical eye test must be passed to ensure the safe operation of your company's vehicles and maintain your DOT compliance. Over 12 million people over 40 in the US have vision impairment, so it’s certainly not an uncommon issue to come up in a DOT physical. The DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is designed to ensure any driver of a large commercial vehicle (CMV) weighing over 10,000 lbs is healthy enough to safely operate the vehicle. If you’ve recently found out that your vision has deteriorated, or if you are preparing for your first DOT physical, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the DOT vision requirements so you can walk into your physical feeling confident about your ability to pass and get your medical card. If you’re not sure what to expect from your DOT physical exam, make sure you read our overview here, but to find out about what the eye exam entails, read on. What Eye Chart is Used for the DOT Physical? The DOT physical eye chart is the Snellen eye chart, which can be found in any doctor’s office or optician’s office. You stand or sit 10 feet away from the chart and are asked to read the lines. Alternatively, the Titmus Vision Tester, which is a small device that measures vision, may be used, though this is rare. What are the Vision Requirements for a DOT Physical? To pass the DOT physical, you need to have 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses, and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye. You also need to have the ability to recognize different colors of traffic lights and signals that show red, green, and amber. If you require glasses to correct your vision to this level, you must wear them at all times while driving, and this will be noted on your certificate saying “Qualified only if wearing corrective lenses.” If you choose to use contact lenses, this is also permissible, provided you are used to wearing and using them. The use of telescopic lenses is not acceptable for driving CMVs. You can apply for the Federal vision exemption if you do not meet the Federal vision standard, provided you meet all other physical standards. Click here to find out more. What is the DOT Eye Test for? The DOT eye test is designed to ensure you have sufficient natural vision or sufficient corrected vision to allow you to safely operate a CMV. It tests for your distance vision, peripheral vision, and color blindness. Should I Wear My Glasses or Contact Lenses for the DOT Vision Test? If you normally wear your glasses or contact lenses for most of the day, then it’s a good idea to go to your physical wearing them as normal. You can then tell the Medical Examiner that you wear them all the time, and you can tell them about your quality of vision. They will likely allow you to complete the vision test wearing your glasses or contact lenses. What Does Your Eyesight Have to Be to Pass a DOT Physical? To pass the DOT physical eye test, your eyesight needs to be at least 20/40 on the Snellen eye chart, with or without corrective eyewear in each eye, and both eyes. Your peripheral vision needs to be 70 degrees or better in both eyes. Can I Pass the DOT Physical Eye Exam with Monocular Vision? You cannot pass the DOT physical eye exam with monocular vision, but if you pass the physical in all other aspects, then you can apply for a Federal Vision Exemption. To be applicable for the Federal Vision Exemption, you need to have at least 20/40 vision in your good eye, and 70 degrees peripheral vision in that eye too. New Webinar Series: Clearinghouse Recordkeeping & Data Management Can I Pass the DOT Physical if I’ve Had Laser Eye Surgery? If you’ve had laser eye surgery, then you should have an extremely good quality of vision and won’t have any problems passing the eye test. What Happens if You Fail the DOT Eye Exam? If you fail the DOT physical eye exam but pass all other aspects of the exam, you can apply for Federal Vision Exemption. Your Medical Examiner may refer you to have your vision tested by a specialist to determine if you are safe to operate CMVs or they may recommend you apply for the Federal Vision Exemption. Make sure your Medical Examiner continues to complete your physical so you can apply for the exemption. What Does the DOT Physical Eye Exam Involve? Your Medical Examiner will ask you about any changes to your vision, ability to see in the dark, and other changes to your eye health. If you have experienced any changes, they may inquire about how those issues are being treated or kept under control. They will then examine your eyes to look for abnormalities and any other issues that may disrupt your vision or cause problems in the future if it goes unchecked. Once the physical examination is over, your Medical Examiner will test your distant visual acuity in each eye, and your distant binocular vision acuity. You must score 20/40 for all 3. This is usually done with a Snellen eye chart but is sometimes used with a Titmus screening instrument. Next, they will test your peripheral vision. Your peripheral vision needs to be at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye. This is usually tested using the confrontational method, which is simply where you look at the Medical Examiner’s nose and are asked to tell them how many fingers they’re holding up in your peripheral. Alternatively, the Titmus device will be used. Finally, they’ll check your ability to identify different colors to ensure you can distinguish between red, amber, and green. Should I Get an Eye Test Before My DOT Physical? Passing your DOT physical eye test isn’t something you need to worry about, provided you are looking after your eye health and vision. If you are worried that your vision has deteriorated or may not be good enough to pass the DOT physical eye test, it may be a good idea to get an eye test before your DOT physical so you can have the correct glasses or contact lenses that will allow you to pass the physical. The DOT physical eye exam does not need to be stressful, and if you look after your eye health and wear corrective eyewear, you shouldn’t have a problem passing the eye test. If you are concerned, consider getting an eye test before your DOT physical so you know where you stand, and won’t have any avoidable surprises. The last thing you want is to go to the physical, find out you need corrective eyewear, and have to retake the physical to pass. If you have any other concerns about what you need to pass, you can find all of our DOT physical articles here. Schedule Your Drivers' DOT Physical Exams with Foley Worrying about whether your CDL drivers will pass their DOT physicals is stressful enough; you don't have to add scheduling these physicals before your drivers' medical certificates expire to the list. Dash, Foley's DOT compliance platform, takes the stress out of managing DOT physicals for fleets of all sizes. Plus, with its intuitive, immediate notifications, you get plenty of a heads-up to ensure your drivers' physical exams are scheduled ahead of their med card expirations. Click here to schedule a free demo of Dash and see how easy DOT physical management can be for you and your team. Links to Related Articles in This Series: The DOT Physical: Everything You Need to Know DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physicals: Will I Pass with Diabetes? DOT Physical Blood Pressure: Requirements & Tips for Passing DOT Physicals: Can I Pass With Sleep Apnea? DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? DOT Physicals: Do They Include a Drug Test? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical? DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

Chain of custody forms are one of the most important federal records to keep in your digital driver qualification files. Whether you call them “Chain of Custody forms" or "Custody and Control forms," they are essential to any DOT-regulated company's compliance. Not only are these forms a required component of the DOT drug and alcohol testing process, but they also involve numerous recordkeeping requirements that must be met by motor carriers and companies like yours. Auditors will often request the forms during compliance reviews — yet many carriers aren't sure what to do with them after their drivers' DOT drug tests are complete. Filing them in a secure, digital location is the best way to ensure you don't put your company at risk for recordkeeping violations or hefty fines. If you don’t have one already, it’s critical that you have a DOT recordkeeping solution in place that includes your drivers’ Custody and Control forms (CCFs). That way, you don't have to worry about using the most up-to-date forms or retaining them for the appropriate amount of time. Below, we'll cover the purpose of CCFs, the benefits of electronic CCFs (eCCFs), and how the right DOT compliance services can help you keep up with your eCCF recordkeeping requirements. Chain of Custody Forms Explained Chain of Custody forms serve as paper trails for drug and alcohol specimen tests. They track the entire collection process, from the moment a specimen is received, to its transfer, analysis, and disposal. According to federal law, these forms must be clear, complete, and concise to ensure accurate results that can be quickly reported and acted on. These forms also serve as legal evidence that reported test results are actually those of a given donor. These forms also enable Medical Review Officers (MROs) to report positive drug and alcohol violations to the DOT Clearinghouse – a requirement that started in 2020. To make this possible, the Custody and Control form was recently updated to include the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) number. This is now used instead of the driver’s EIN or SSN for identification purposes. Advantages of Electronic Chain of Custody Forms Electronic Chain of Custody forms (eCCFs) simplify the process of sending employees for tests by eliminating paper handoffs — not to mention human legibility and transcription errors. If there are mistakes on your paper forms, they may be rejected, and your drivers' tests could be canceled. Electronic forms also allow drug test collections to happen quickly. Working with a third-party administrator (TPA) that uses eCCFs as part of their DOT compliance services streamlines the testing process, from the initial test order to the final result delivery. Since electronic forms can be tracked, you're consistently informed through each step. Chain of Custody Form Recordkeeping Requirements When the DOT requires you to use a certain form, it also requires you to keep it in a secure location for a specific period of time. Here are the CCF-related documents you must keep, and for how long. CCFs/MRO results from negative or canceled tests - 1 year from the document date CCFs/MRO results from positive tests - 5 years from the document date Refusal to test records - 5 years from the document date CCFs/MRO results from return-to-duty and follow-up tests (positive and negative) - 5 years from the document date Click here for a complete checklist of DOT recordkeeping requirements you need to know to prepare for your next compliance review. Switching to Electronic Chain of Custody Forms Using DOT compliance software, like Foley’s intuitive platform, makes the transition to eCCFs easy for companies like yours. Once your drivers are enrolled in our DOT drug and alcohol testing program, all forms are automatically stored in the drivers' files, which are accessible from any device. You'll never have to think about whether you’ve maintained all of your drivers’ DOT drug testing records. With Foley’s DOT compliance services, eCCFs are automatically sent to testing facilities and updated throughout the process. Foley customers also receive real-time test status notifications. And if you're looking for a DOT pre-employment drug testing solution, take a look at our new hiring, screening, and onboarding software, Dash. Consolidating your hiring and compliance programs is easier than ever. Remember: custody and control forms are an FMCSA recordkeeping requirement, and you may be asked to provide them during audits. Prepare your company and be compliant! Foley is here to help with your drug and alcohol testing. Get a free software demo now to ensure you're meeting all federal testing and recordkeeping requirements. Fill out the form below to get started!

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has introduced important updates to the out-of-service criteria (OOSC) for drivers and vehicles, set to take effect on April 1, 2025. This year, the changes primarily focus on mechanical components, such as brakes, tires, and suspension elements, with minor adjustments to driver out-of-service conditions.

Your fleet management tech stack should work for you. What are your current software solutions missing that today's applications could offer you? Nearly every aspect of managing a fleet of commercial vehicles requires an efficient tech stack. If you're still using unresponsive or outdated programs for your dispatch, vehicle maintenance, DOT compliance, and hiring and onboarding processes, your team (who is likely wearing many hats already) is wasting valuable time, money, and resources.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that the highly anticipated International Roadcheck will occur May 13-15 this year. This three-day event, covering Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is designed to ensure that commercial motor vehicles comply with regulations and to enhance roadway safety.

Thinking about starting a trucking company? Here's what to do before you start looking for a free DOT number. Becoming an owner-operator can be a promising business venture for anyone interested in how to start a trucking company and ultimately be their own boss. But in order for the business to be successful, there are a few considerations to make even before applying for a free DOT number.

What are CMV drivers actually looking for in employers? Foley uncovers the top 10 driver concerns so you know how to recruit drivers.

Random DOT drug testing is something every FMCSA-regulated employer and driver who has worked in the industry is familiar with. That doesn’t make the process of implementing random drug tests any easier. As a business owner, there are many concerns that may arise within the company and with your drivers when it comes to random drug testing.

Here are three ways you can help drivers improve their cardiovascular health.

What questions do you have about the FMCSA Clearinghouse? Get the information you need from Foley, your trusted compliance partner. Are you still wondering if you’re compliant with the DOT Clearinghouse? Now is the time to make sure, especially with the new regulations coming into effect on November 18, 2024

These thoughtful gifts will make any truck driver swoon. Everyone deserves a little extra TLC on Valentine's Day, including truck drivers. Don't let them fool you into thinking they don't. No matter how tough and rugged they seem on the outside, they also have soft little underbellies like the rest of us. So this Valentine's Day, make sure you send some extra love their way.

Your CSA score can be the difference between operating a safe fleet and paying top dollar for insurance premiums. We've discussed Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores on the Foley blog before, but there are still too many transportation companies that fail to regularly monitor their scores. As a DOT-regulated company, you have to remain compliant. Following federal safety regulations not only helps keep you in business from a legal standpoint, but it also helps your business succeed. You can remain fine- and-violation-free while building up a strong, steady, reliable company with trusted, satisfied partners. A crucial element of this is maintaining a low profile and avoiding extra scrutiny from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Specifically, one of your top goals should be to stay off FMCSA risk-based priority lists. Where companies land on these lists is based on their safety data, but no matter where they rank, they're flagged to be selected first for DOT safety audits. What's Your Priority? Don't Be a Priority on FMCSA Safety Audit Lists. Much as the name suggests, FMCSA priority lists identify companies that pose varying levels of safety risk based on past audit results, overall performance, and safety ratings calculated by the agency’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scoring program. Although the CSA program may be subject to change, it remains an important source for the FMCSA in determining safety and compliance. To calculate their unique CSA scores, companies are ranked in seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) based on roadside and crash inspection data, intervention history, and violation status. As a refresher, the BASICs include: Unsafe Driving — Watch our on-demand webinar on the Unsafe Driving BASIC. Crash Indicator Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance — Find out the HOS BASIC recordkeeping requirements you need to be following. Vehicle Maintenance — Make sure you're keeping these files to comply with the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. Controlled Substances/Alcohol — Watch our on-demand webinar on this BASIC. Hazardous Materials Compliance Driver Fitness — Watch our on-demand webinar on the Driver Fitness BASIC. Companies are grouped by BASIC with others with a similar number of safety events, then assigned a percentile from 0 to 100, prioritizing them for interventions. The higher the percentile, the worse the performance. Companies can be assigned “High Risk,” “Moderate Risk,” Risk,” “Monitor,” or “Warning Level” based on their failure to meet acceptable BASIC thresholds. The most serious is “High Risk,” resulting from two or more consecutive months at or above the 90th percentile for several BASICs. These companies are subject to immediate action and will be investigated by the FMCSA within 90 days of their assignment to the prioritization list. High CSA scores are red flags for the FMCSA — and the more your business is audited, the more likely you are to continue to be audited until you correct your compliance issues. The Top FMCSA Violations that Impacted CSA Scores in 2024 Here are the top FMCSA violations of 2024 that negatively impacted performance in the BASIC categories, plus the number of instances companies were caught committing the violations. DOT Driver Qualification FMCSA Violations Inquiries into driving records not kept in driver qualification file - 1,494 violations Incomplete or no employment application - 1,126 violations Failing to maintain a driver qualification file on each driver - 1,073 violations Drug & Alcohol Testing FMCSA Violations Using a driver before receiving a pre-employment result - 1,789 violations Using an unqualified driver (positive or refused drug test) - 1,144 violations Failing to get "reasonable suspicion" designee 60 min training - 1,099 violations Hours of Service FMCSA Violations False reports of records of duty status - 2,840 violations Not using the appropriate method to record hours of service - 1,721 violations Requiring or permitting a driver to drive after 15 hours on duty - 1,381 violations Vehicle Maintenance FMCSA Violations Failing to have a means of indicating maintenance due dates - 1,952 violations Failing to keep a maintenance record identifying the vehicle - 1,728 violations Using a CMV that is not periodically inspected - 1,333 violations The main takeaway? Be diligent with your CSA safety and violation data. Get more information about CSA scores in our new webinar, CSA Scores: The Secrets to Risk Prevention for 2024 Track Your Safety & Compliance Data with Foley's CSA Monitor Knowing where you stand with the FMCSA isn't easy, and finding time to manually check your CSA score is nearly impossible when you have a growing fleet of drivers and trucks to manage. With Foley’s CSA Monitor, you get a 360-degree view of your fleet with daily insights you can access right from your email inbox. You can easily view critical data that includes all updated CSA violations, compliance scores, crash reports, violation reports, and more. You can then use this data to monitor fleet performance, understand your drivers, and manage risk — all of which can turn into fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, and reduced chances of FMCSA safety audits. Get the safety and compliance data your business needs, right at your fingertips. Request a FREE demo of Foley's CSA Monitor now, or fill out the form below to get started.

Did you know Foley's safety calendar updates you on the latest industry events every month? Let’s review what new safety events and DOT compliance requirements are coming up in February. American Heart Month February is American Heart Month and a perfect time for employers to promote awareness of heart and cardiovascular disease concerning their truck drivers' health. It’s no surprise that truck drivers are at high risk for heart disease. Higher rates of smoking, poor diet, lack of physical exercise, irregular sleep, and stress are major risk factors for heart disease and strokes. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese compared to other US workers. Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of heart health issues. That said, simple lifestyle changes, both at home and on the road, can make a big difference in truck driver health conditions. Here are some suggestions to pass on to your drivers: Exercise. Encourage drivers to do simple exercises for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day, especially before driving or during breaks. Start slowly and focus on getting a total of 12 minutes or more of stretching, squatting, or fast walking. Offer drivers aids to help them quit smoking. Even something as simple as smoking cessation audios can help reduce nicotine cravings. Encourage your drivers to cook in their trucks or bring homemade meals along with them on the road rather than stopping for fast food. Also, consider distributing handouts that list healthy food choices and their nutritional value and calorie counts. Teaching drivers about the importance of power naps and sleep hygiene is crucial. Poor sleep is related to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Drivers can black out their cabins, turn off all electronics an hour before bedtime, and even use relaxation or meditation apps for sound sleep. Stress. If motor carriers implement these supportive strategies to promote heart health among their drivers, stress reduction will likely follow. Having a healthy fleet is a vital step toward having a happy one, too. Check out our other Foley blog articles related to truck driver health: How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical Exam How to Handle Substance Use Disorder in the Workplace Driver Fatigue & the CVSA’s Plan to Combat it Register for Upcoming Safety Events Now that we’ve covered the major awareness events on our safety calendar, here are the annual conferences and organizational meets that will take place this month around the country: Manifest 2025 Super Bowl LVIII Specialized Transportation Symposium American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo Keep reading to find out more about these February trucking and safety events. Manifest 2025 Hosted at the Venetian in Las Vegas, NV from February 10–12, Manifest is the leading industry event that brings together innovators in the supply chain and logistics sector. From top executives of Fortune 500 global supply chains to emerging startup logistics providers, the event showcases a diverse array of participants. Attendees will have unparalleled access to the key players and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of global movement. Learn more about Manifest here. Super Bowl LVIII The 2025 Super Bowl premieres on February 9. Each year, the Super Bowl garners millions of viewers, many of whom like to cheer on their favorite team by partying, celebrating, and drinking. To help keep everyone safe on the roads, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with State and local highway traffic safety advocates and organizations to remind football enthusiasts: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Do what you can to spread the word and be safe! Specialized Transportation Symposium Safety will be a major topic, along with regulations, compliance, and other pressing issues at the Specialized Transportation Symposium from February 18-20 at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Each year, this symposium brings together the industry’s foremost specialized transportation professionals and government officials to discuss some of the most critical topics in specialized transportation today. There will be education sessions and first-rate speakers in addition to an exhibit arena with 60 booths. American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Annual Convention & Traffic Expo In an initiative to advance roadway safety, the ATTSA’s annual event will be held February 28-March 4, 2025 in Orlando, FL. There will be nearly 50 educational sessions covering a variety of relevant topics, including modernizing teen driver work zone safety, digital traffic sign printing, creating a strong safety culture, and many more that would benefit anyone in the road work or transportation spaces. Every Month: NEW Foley Webinars Keep an eye out for other DOT compliance events, such as Foley’s regularly scheduled webinars, to stay up to date on the latest compliance news and recommendations. Have a question or need help with your DOT compliance now? Don’t hesitate to contact our experts!

If you need to register a truck, see if your state registration fees are included below. If not, check out part one of our Foley article series! We've all registered a passenger vehicle and are familiar with our state's registration fees. But how much would it cost you to register a tractor-trailer or commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

The connection between DOT drug tests and prescription drugs can be a muddy one, especially with the upcoming Clearinghouse-II. Many CDL drivers take prescriptions on a regular basis to treat ailments or help with diagnosed medical conditions. However, due to strict DOT drug testing requirements, many wonder whether a particular drug will cause them to fail a drug test and disqualify them from getting behind the wheel. This is an especially concerning situation since the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse-II will soon revoke the CDL/CPL privileges of drivers with "prohibited" statuses in the Clearinghouse database.

If you need to register a truck, see if your state registration fees are included below. If not, check back for part two of this Foley blog article series! It’s easy to assume you’ve registered a passenger vehicle before and know the fees your state charges for it. But how much does it cost to register a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or tractor-trailer?

Recruiting truck drivers requires an organized, DOT-compliant hiring process now more than ever before. Truck driver recruiting is more challenging than ever. With driver shortages and high turnover rates, finding good, dependable drivers can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Or, worse, your job postings are met with crickets. All is not lost, however. You won’t need to climb into the driver’s seat to keep shipments moving. If you need staff, you need to step up your CDL driver recruiting efforts and make sure your company stands out and catches the eye of skilled truck drivers. In this guide, we’ll take you through your options and share our top tips, tricks, and strategies to find truck drivers for your business. Where to Find Truck Drivers for Hire If you’re struggling to find truck drivers, or perhaps just the right truck drivers, then you may be looking in the wrong place. While the average age of a truck driver is 50, this is 2025 and most people pull out their phone when they have a question, no matter their age. That means they’re looking for jobs online, and so if you’re spending time putting ads in newspapers or industry print publications, make sure you’re seeing an ROI (return on investment) from your efforts. 34% of driver violations can be prevented with Foley's MVR Monitoring Where to Recruit Truck Drivers: Social Media These days, almost everyone is on social media. Over 72% of Internet users in the US check Facebook regularly, and 75% of truck drivers check it daily, so if you aren’t utilizing Facebook as a tool for recruitment, you’re leaving a lot of stones unturned. Don’t forget that your page is not your only asset on Facebook. Facebook pages are notorious for their poor levels of organic reach, so think outside the box. An increasing number of users largely use Facebook for the groups feature, so seek out groups that allow you to post about your job listings in the locality and industry you’re targeting. If you find some that look like they may be a good place to post, join and look at what people are talking about. If you think you may be able to reach potential drivers there, ask the admin if you can post, or post the link to your job listings if the group rules allow. Other social media platforms are also useful, like Instagram, especially if you’re looking to attract a younger demographic. Where to Hire CDL Drivers: Job Boards You’re likely familiar with job boards like Indeed, but you may not be utilizing them to their full potential or be using the right ones. There are plenty of boards exclusively for businesses looking to hire truck drivers, so take advantage of the ones that look like a good fit for you. Here are some of the most popular: AllTruckJobs.com CDLJobs.com ClassADrivers.com GarysJobBoard.com Regardless of what platform you’re using to promote your open positions, you need to optimize the job description and what you’ve got to offer to attract the right drivers. In this article, we’ll guide you through best practices and how to finally attract the attention of the best drivers out there. Don’t Panic, Be Selective When your driver numbers dwindle it can be tempting to hire any driver you can find. However, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make and often leads to high turnover rates and wasted money. You may need drivers yesterday, but hiring 5 unreliable drivers will cost you more than taking a little extra time to ensure you hire one good employee. Ensure Your Job Description is Accurate If you’ve been looking to hire truck drivers without much luck, chances are your job description isn’t selling your company the way it should. Your first port of call should be to check its accuracy and look if it has any missing information a discerning driver would be suspicious of. Make sure your description outlines not just what you need from them, but what you can offer. You’d be surprised how often a job description lacks essential information, and a lot of reliable drivers won’t give your company a second look if you don’t tell them upfront what they need and want to know – especially if another company does. Ensure Your ATS Supports You Make sure your ATS (applicant tracking system) supports your efforts. A good ATS will allow you to customize your application, link it to your job ads, and create an applicant profile. This can make the process much easier for both you and your applicants. Respect Your Applicants' Time Don’t wait too long between when you receive applications to when you reach out to applicants for the next step. Remember, it’s highly unlikely your listing is the only one a driver has applied to, so you may find another company has snapped up the best applicants by the time you reach out. Call Applicants Arrange a short call with each applicant you’re interested in. It can seem like a lot of work, but a quick five to 15-minute call gives you plenty of time to get a feel for someone and screen out anyone who won’t be a good fit. That means you can reduce the number of people you invite to an on-site interview. The Best Ways to Hire CDL Drivers: Foley's 9 Top Tips & Strategies #1: Make Sure Career Information is Easy to Find If you’re actively looking for drivers, make sure the “careers” information is easy to find on your website. So many businesses have it buried under other pages or hidden, but if you’re actively searching for drivers, you’ll want it on the main menu of your website. #2: Don’t Set the Standard Too High There’s a difference between making sure someone is paying attention and forcing them to jump through dozens of hoops just to get their application in front of you. Get the applications and then filter down. Using an online application will make things easier for your applicants and your staff, so consider using driver recruiting software like ours so you can tailor your application and not have to deal with miscommunication. #3: Make Sure You’re Mobile-Friendly Whatever application platform you use, make sure it’s mobile-friendly. Most people are searching and doing things on the move, and this is even more true of truck drivers. Make sure your applications are easy to complete from a phone, not just in size ratio, but practicality. If you’ve ever tried to fill out a form while memorizing the requirements from a page before, or scrolling up to see them, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. You want to give drivers the sense that it’s easy to work with (and for) you – right from the beginning. #4: Sell the Job Selling the position to drivers doesn’t involve talking about how successful your company is – you’ve got to speak their language. Think about what drivers are looking for in a role. They’re thinking about: Hourly rate or salary Flexibility (an understanding of family life and hobbies) A positive and fun environment Wi-fi access if they’re driving long-haul Compensation in other forms (time off, bonuses, health insurance, dental care, etc) Being able to bring a furry friend along for the ride You don’t have to offer it all, and you don’t need to put yourself out of business paying more than any other company out there — you just need to show that you care about your drivers as people. Think about what you offer and why they’d care, and put that in your job ad. If you’ve lost a lot of drivers recently and they left of their own accord, do you know why? Could you speak to them or your current drivers for feedback? Yes, it will be uncomfortable, but it can be one of the best ways to recruit CDL drivers, improve morale, and keep your drivers for the long term. #5: Try Referral Incentives You’ve likely received emails from stores offering you and a friend a discount when your friend makes their first purchase, and you can do the same thing for your drivers. Ask them to refer other drivers to you and give them incentives for doing so. Try offering something small for each applicant who applies and was referred by them, and then if you hire them, give them both a bonus. Ideally, this bonus would be given 1, 3, 6, or 12 months after you made the hire so you don’t have to pay for anyone who doesn’t work out, but if you wait until the 12-month mark, the bonus will need to be of more value than something given after 1 month. Note that “bonus” doesn’t have to be monetary (though that’s often the most effective), you could give them extra vacation days or something else your drivers value. #6: Actively Advertise Job boards and social media are great for free visibility, but often, they just don’t compare to what you can achieve when you put a little money into your truck driver advertising. Consider trying paid promotion opportunities (sometimes called a “sponsored” post) and social media ads. This will help you drastically increase your visibility and reach people who may not be actively looking for a new position. #7: Do a “Drive” Are you always advertising for new drivers? Whether you’re doing Class A driver recruiting or Class B, being “always open” for applications can be a turn-off. People won't know if you're accepting applications if your posts are old. If you keep updating them, they may think you can't keep staff. Instead, try doing a marketing campaign for your truck driver recruiting. When you give a limited window for applications, you give them a reason to act quickly, and you have a chance to go all-in on your marketing before processing your applications. Keep the window short, and then close applications while you process them. That way, when you next open to applications, people will start to feel a sense of urgency and that you’re a sought-after company to work for. This is not the best way for every company, but if you want to hire new drivers all at once a few times a year to make it easier to sign up and train them, this can be a good choice. #8: Use Social Media to Show the Lifestyle Truck drivers often complain about not having enough time for their families. Use social media to show what it's like working for your company every day. This will help candidates get a realistic feel of what working for you would be like, and attract them to apply. #9: Be Willing to Train Drivers If you can't find good, experienced drivers, hiring new CDL grads can be a great way to save money and train people the way you want them to work. One problem with experienced employees is they already know how they do things, and it's hard to get them to change. It's also a good chance to hire people who are excited about their new job and usually get ignored for other jobs. The driver shortage means there are many jobs, but only for those who can drive the truck and go to work tomorrow. If you’re happy to show them the ropes, advertising roles for recent CDL grads will give you a much bigger pond to fish from. Truck Driver Recruiting Services We've talked about the best ways to find truck drivers, but if you don't have the staff to do all of this, a truck driver recruitment agency may be the right choice for you. CDL driver recruiting companies will do all of the hard work for you in return for a fee. They'll advertise for you, write the ads, and check candidates. This will let you make the final interview(s) and hire the best candidate for the job. If you're willing to give up a lot of control, working with a truck driver recruiting agency may be the best choice for you. Costs: How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Driver? This number changes depending on where you are, what you do, and who you ask. But the general consensus is that it costs $5,000 – $12,000 to find a truck driver, whether it's an extra driver or a replacement. Some replacement figures are higher, at as much as $10,000 – $25,000. Best Truck Driver Recruiting Strategies We’ve covered a lot of tips and strategies that will help you find truck drivers who will stick around for the long haul. With the right strategies, working environment, and truck driver recruiting software, you’ll never struggle to find available truck drivers again. Foley's hiring and DOT compliance software platform, Dash, has helped companies like yours grow their applicant pool (and business overall) in a matter of days — not weeks. Ready to see how Dash can help you meet your 2024 hiring goals? Fill out the form below to get your FREE software demo.

Did you know your commercial vehicle maintenance can impact your CSA score, for better or worse?

Are you prepared for the 2025 FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse? The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has felt like a burden for many companies since it was established in January 2020, but its safety advantages have become clear over the past year.

What is MVR monitoring? Motor vehicle record monitoring, or MVR monitoring, is a digital solution that continuously keeps track of each of your drivers’ motor vehicle reports. If any changes – or “hits” as they’re often called – happen at any time, a new report is uploaded, then scanned for accuracy, and you are notified immediately. These “hits” can be good or bad, depending on the situation. Some of the negative “hits” can be any of the following: Accidents DUIs Speeding tickets or other motor vehicle violations or convictions CDL suspensions or revocations Safety violations Medical certificate downgrades On the other hand, continuous MVR monitoring can also let you know when any driver renews or updates their DOT medical card or CDL. Benefits of Continuous MVR Monitoring There are specific benefits to utilizing an MVR check for employers, including identifying high-risk drivers, improving driver behavior, and avoiding driver violations and legal penalties. We'll dive into each of these advantages below. Easily Identify High-Risk Drivers Just as you know pre-employment and annual MVR checks are required, you also know that unsafe drivers are a huge liability. A single unsafe driver can commit numerous driving violations. These are the top violations for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from the DOT: Moving violations: Speeding; following too closely; improper lane changing; reckless driving; improper turning; failure to yield to right of way; railroad grade crossing violations; and failure to obey traffic control devices. Driving with a suspended or revoked license Expired medical certificate Driving under the influence of drugs or while in possession of an intoxicating substance Not wearing a seat belt Using a hand-held device Having an unauthorized passenger on board Failing to conduct pre-trip inspections Failing to use/improper placement of warning devices If all these violations have you seeing dollar signs, you’re in the right mindset. Each infraction can cost you thousands of dollars. You’ll also lose money and precious time if a driver is placed out of service, and you need to find someone to take their place behind the wheel until they are once again fit for duty. Protect Your CSA Score & FMCSA Safety Rating Driver violations can cause your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score and safety rating to suffer as well. Depending on the severity (and number) of the offense(s), you could even be downgraded to a Conditional or Unsatisfactory rating – both of which can be incredibly costly and involve a long road to recovery – think a lot of paperwork and proving to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) that your company really does prioritize safety. Save on Commercial Insurance Premiums Your insurance premiums can be majorly impacted by driver violations – or your provider may even decide to drop your coverage altogether. Your valued partners and customers may be hesitant to work with you after the fact, and they may decide to take their business elsewhere. No matter what happens, you’ll lose the precious resources you need to run a safe, successful business. Quickly Improve Driver Behavior Before it gets to the point of no return — or, in other terms, losing those invaluable resources we mentioned above — you have an opportunity to correct any questionable, risky, or unsafe driving habits you're seeing across your fleet once you have an MVR report for employers on your side. If one of your drivers gets a DUI or commits a serious traffic or safety violation a day, week, or month after you pull their annual report, or if their license is suspended for another significant offense, you could be in the dark until you run their next annual MVR report or an auditor finds the offenses for you. It can be difficult to always keep track of all your drivers, especially if your fleet is not so small. MVR monitoring consistently checks your employees' driving records so you can pinpoint who is driving erratically and needs corrective action put in place. Avoid FMCSA Penalties, Fines & Legal Fees Before you order an MVR for a driver applicant or current employee, you should familiarize yourself with the federal regulations surrounding them. From how to notify individuals about an MVR compliance check, to disposing of sensitive information, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has steps you must take to stay compliant. Please note, the steps below deal only with the FCRA and do not address applicable state laws. Employers should familiarize themselves with the laws in their governing state, as well as other applicable laws. For your MVR check to be completely FCRA compliant, the driver will need to be supplied with three documents: Disclosure: This notice must be given to the applicant or employee independently of other paperwork. For applicants, for example, you cannot include the disclosure statement on the application. The disclosure must be clear and conspicuous, in writing, and consist solely of the disclosure. If you intend to run periodic MVRs on a driver after they’re hired (as part of an MVR Monitoring program, for example), that information must be very clearly stated within the disclosure. Authorization: You must receive authorization from the driver that acknowledges they received the disclosure. The driver must also give their consent before you can obtain their motor vehicle report. Summary of Rights: The driver must be provided with a copy of the “Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.” In addition to providing your driver with the above, you must certify that you’re running compliant MVR checks with the company that is conducting them for you. Through this process, you must verify you’ve provided the driver with the disclosure, received authorization, and will not misuse the information or discriminate based on the results. When you order your MVR check for employers through a DOT background check company that understands the federal regulatory requirements you need to meet, you don’t have to worry about missing any steps in the MVR check process or putting your company at risk for hefty fines. You’ll also have a dedicated account manager to walk you through the process the first time around, and from there, they’ll run each MVR check you need for every new or existing employee you have on your roster. This is then added to your driver qualification files to meet DOT recordkeeping requirements. How does continuous MVR monitoring prevent accidents? Although employers are only required to do an MVR check annually, it has become standard practice to monitor drivers’ MVRs throughout the year. Unless drivers come clean and voluntarily tell you about their run-ins with the law, you won't be aware of them. MVR monitoring solves this problem by providing you with valuable insights into your drivers' habits so you can address any red flags as soon as possible, and hopefully prevent accidents through corrective action plans. Can MVR monitoring help me avoid DOT audits? As we've explained above, drivers may be cited for moving violations or accidents may occur between their annual MVR checks, and drivers may not take it upon themselves to report them to you. They may withhold the information for fear of losing their jobs, simply forget about the violations, or may not realize they are required to notify you about them. The last thing you want (or need) to come up during an audit is a serious infraction that you had no idea about – especially if many months have passed since it happened! Regular MVR monitoring can save you from this potential nightmare. Plus, it shows auditors you've taken additional proactive steps to prioritize driver safety and ensure you're operating a compliant fleet. How does continuous MVR monitoring help with DOT recordkeeping? MVR checks must be run on new job applicants for the previous three years in all states where the applicant held a license. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure MVR checks are run no less than once every 12 months once the applicant is employed. Along with the annual MVR checks, employers must require drivers to submit a list of any moving violations they received over the previous 12 months. If no violations occurred, documentation must be maintained that the employee has indicated such. After you've run the initial MVR check on new employees, enrolling them in a continuous MVR monitoring program means you'll automatically meet the annual check requirement. With Foley's exclusive DOT compliance software, the results of that MVR check are also added to their driver file for seamless recordkeeping compliance. Enroll in Foley's MVR Monitor Program Not all MVR monitoring programs are created equal. At Foley, we help protect you and your fleet from hefty fines and legal ramifications by providing you with ongoing MVR checks. Whenever new information is detected, their updated MVR report is immediately uploaded to your secure online platform, and you receive real-time e-notifications. Purchasing a continuous MVR Monitor program is inexpensive when you compare it to the costs your company could incur for an infraction or violation. Plus, it can also help lower insurance premiums. Get a free demo of Foley's MVR check program today and see how easy it can be to track your employees' driving habits, pinpoint problem areas, and correct them before they risk the safety of our roadways and the success of your business. Fill out the form below to get started.

If taking the leap and becoming a trucking owner-operator is one of your New Year's resolutions for 2025, there's a world of new opportunities waiting for you. There comes a time in most truck drivers’ lives when they consider shrugging off the employee role, getting their own rig, and hitting the road as a trucking owner-operator. When you feel tied down working for someone else’s company, it’s easy to romanticize the idea of making your own rules and picking your loads, but it’s unfortunately not all about hitting the open road and cashing checks. The trucking owner-operator lifestyle isn't for everyone, but if you think it may be the right next step for you, keep reading. Below, we’ll guide you through how to become an owner-operator — and the realities behind it. What is an Owner-Operator? An owner-operator truck driver is someone who not only drives the truck but also runs the business behind it. That means you are responsible for: Landing clients and maintaining relationships Driving the rig, loading, and unloading Planning routes and other associated administrative tasks Buying or leasing your rig and equipment Maintaining your rig and equipment Paying for insurance and other overheads Keeping the financial records necessary for any business Maintaining DOT records It also means that you have full freedom to decide which jobs to take and which not to. That means if you hate doing a certain type of work, or dislike working for businesses in a certain industry, you can avoid those jobs or specialize in the work you do enjoy. You also set your own rates, which provided you’re confident and don’t undercharge, can be lucrative and help you make more than you would in an employed position. A freight agent is also viewed as an owner-operator. This is someone who runs the business side and hires or manages other drivers. If you still operate your rig, this can be a lot of work if you go it alone, so this is usually only a good option if you’ve got a head for business and want to take a step back (in part or fully) from driving. What's the difference between an owner-operator and a company truck driver? Unlike a company truck driver, owner-operators have full freedom to decide which jobs to take and which ones to avoid. That means if you hate doing a certain type of work, or dislike working for businesses in a certain industry, you can avoid those jobs or specialize in the work you do enjoy. A freight agent is also viewed as an owner-operator. This is someone who runs the business side and hires or manages other drivers. If you still operate your rig, this can be a lot of work if you go it alone, so this is usually only a good option if you’ve got a head for business and want to take a step back (in part or fully) from driving. 12 Steps to Becoming a Successful Owner-Operator Truck Driver Understand the startup costs of running a trucking business There are very few businesses you can start with no money, and becoming a trucking owner-operator isn’t one of them. Whether you already own a rig, are planning to buy one, or are looking to lease, there are other expenses besides just the cost of the vehicle. Here are some of the costs you’ll need to set a budget for: Legal fees and licenses – we’ll get into these in the next section, but this will cost $100 – $1,500 to get started, with some fees paid annually. Trucking equipment maintenance – this doesn’t come cheap. Estimates put maintenance costs at $15,000 a year, with annual tire expenses sitting at around $4,000 for an 18-wheeler. The bigger the rig, the bigger the expenses. Loans or leases you take out to buy or lease your rig and cover any other startup costs. Insurance. Living expenses (including your own health insurance) until your business starts covering them. Marketing – a website and other ads if/as necessary. Do your research on what it will cost you to get your business up and running. You can often bootstrap and save money, but make sure you don’t cut corners where you shouldn’t. Outline a Trucking Business Plan Your next step should be to consider how you wish to operate your new business. You have two options: Operate your own business under your own authority, or Lease your vehicle out to a motor carrier Option 1, operating your own business under your own authority, will allow you to make all the decisions, grow your business, and ultimately, make more money. You’ll need to market your business, make connections, and try to find your niche where you are the go-to for customers of a certain type, who need a certain thing from you, or in a certain area. This is the option to choose if you want to be a free agent, with the possibility of growing in the future to have other drivers working for you. Option 2, leasing to a motor carrier, means you are self-employed but essentially have an agent to act for you, ensuring you have work and they may also cover some of the expenses associated with doing business as an owner-operator. This is a good option if you want to be self-employed and have some freedom, but are concerned about your ability to find work and market yourself. The downside here is, clearly, they take a cut for their side of the work. Form a Business Entity Foley highly recommends working with a trusted accountant to help you decide which type of business structure will work best for your new company. You may choose from a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each of these units has different levels of liability, and the tax rates depend on your operating state. Find out more about the business entity options you have in this Foley article. Get a commercial driver's license (CDL) If you already have a CDL, you can skip this section. But if not, you'll need to find out how to get a CDL before becoming an owner-operator. The FMCSA offers step-by-step instructions to help you get started. You may also require specific license classes and endorsements, depending on the type of commercial vehicles you'd like to operate and the categories of freight you plan on hauling. Familiarize Yourself with Federal Requirements for Owner-Operators Heavy Vehicle Use Tax If you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) over 55,000 pounds, you’ll need to pay HVUT. Note that this weight is unladen — so a fully equipped rig without a load. HVUT is an annual fee, and the cost will depend on the size of your vehicle. Any vehicle between 55,000 and 75,000 pounds will pay $100 a year, plus an additional $22 for every 1,000 pounds above 55,000 pounds. This means the minimum fee will be $100, and the maximum is $530. If your CMV is over 75,000 pounds, you’ll pay a flat rate of $550. (Note: if a CMV is driven less than 5,000 miles a year, you can use IRS form 2290 to apply for an exemption.) International Fuel Tax Agreement As an owner-operator, you may need to file under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Those who file simply report their fuel use and pay taxes on it accordingly. If you operate out of a qualifying state, you must complete an IFTA registration on an annual basis. Then, in most states, you will then file your IFTA fuel taxes on a quarterly basis. If you operate a vehicle with two axels and a gross rate of over 26,000 pounds or operate a vehicle with more than two axels (regardless of weight), you’ll need to display two decals on the exterior of the cab and carry a photocopy of the IFTA license. To register for IFTA, you’ll need your USDOT number, federal business number, and registered business name, and must apply through your home state agency. For more information on IFTA, Foley answers fuel tax FAQs on this page. File for a USDOT Number and MC Number Most owner-operators need a USDOT number, but not all of them do. If you plan to drive for passengers, transport hazardous material, or deliver interstate freight, you’ll need this number. You can find out if you need a USDOT number here. You may also need an MC number, which is still needed for transporting regulated commodities. An MC number is an “authority to operate” number. To find out if you need an MC number, click here. MC numbers are changing this year. Find out how in this Foley blog article: MC Numbers are Changing in 2025. What Does this Mean for Your Business? File a BOC-3 Form The BOC-3 (blanket of coverage) form designates an agent who can file legal documents on your behalf and is required for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders by the federal government. Foley covers BOC-3 form filing in blog our informative blog article, How to File Your BOC-3 Form: A Step-by-Step Guide. Decide Whether to Buy or Lease a Truck Investing in your own truck is not only fun, but it also comes with the excitement of knowing you’re starting something new. The good news is that purchasing a truck (and other equipment) will give your business an asset. Make sure you carefully consider what you plan to do and buy something that will manage it easily. If you don’t want to buy a semi truck outright, there are plenty of opportunities to lease one. Like leasing a car, you’ll find companies are ready to lease your vehicle to you, though it may not be at an affordable rate. Make sure you shop around and understand exactly what the lease will mean for your bottom line. Lease operator requirements vary from company to company, so find those with requirements you fit and make sure they are well-rated before moving forward. The last thing you want is to start your new business and be unable to make good money because your lease takes too much from your bottom line. For example, a Percent of Revenue lease is a great way to make sure you pay it back (often with more flexible terms). Just make sure that it’s a percentage you can afford to pay. Purchase Trucking Insurance Insurance is a big factor in becoming a legitimate owner-driver, but what you need (and can get) will depend on how you choose to operate. Those planning to work with a motor carrier will often find that the motor carrier offers some insurance coverage, but it is often lacking. Make sure you get coverage to protect you in all situations, not just what is necessary to be legal on the road. Some of the types of insurance policies you may need if you are working for a motor carrier are: Physical damage coverage – this covers the cost of damages to your vehicle if it is involved in an accident. Non-trucking liability insurance – this covers you (the driver) when you are not working for the motor carrier. Motor truck cargo coverage – this covers any goods you are hauling if they are damaged or stolen in transit. Lease gap coverage – this covers you if your vehicle is totaled and the value of the vehicle is less than the amount you owe on the lease. If you are going to work completely independently, then you should be able to find a policy that covers all of the bases for you. Regardless, make sure you do your research thoroughly to get the right coverage at the right price. Find Your First Load The most common way owner-operators find work is through load boards. Here, brokers and freight forwarders will post the freight they need to be moved when and where. Some of the most popular load boards you may have heard of are the DAT load board, Landstar load board, or Truckstop load board. But there are plenty of other load boards out there for you to find consistent work across the country. Remember, getting access to some of the best load boards may be another business expense for you. You may wish to research free load boards when you're first starting out as an owner-operator. Maintain DOT Records and Documentation Being a CMV driver isn’t without its administrative tasks, but being an owner-operator certainly multiplies these tenfold. You need to keep your DOT records up to date, keep track of invoices and other financial matters, and ensure you file your taxes on time. If this isn’t your forte, consider hiring someone to help you a few hours a week to ensure you stay on top of things (this can simply be your spouse, family friend, or other trusted individual), but working with a DOT compliance partner is the best way to ensure you're staying on top of your DOT recordkeeping requirements. Stay on Top of Your Taxes In addition to the HVUT and IFTA taxes we covered above, owner-operators are also responsible for business and self-employment taxes. Each state carries different tax rates, so it's best to work with your accountant to ensure you're prepared to file and pay according to your specific business requirements. Being financially conservative as you start a trucking company can help you prepare for your new tax liabilities. Start Your Journey as a New Owner-Operator Now that you know how to become an owner-operator, you can easily see how it can be one of the best decisions you’ll make in your career, but it’s certainly not one to jump into without having an accurate idea of your costs vs. profit. Do your research and talk to any friends or acquaintances that have already made the jump. With a realistic view of what to expect, you’ll be able to move confidently forward with your new life as an owner-operator in 2025. Foley is a dependable partner throughout the exciting yet overwhelming process of becoming an owner-operator. From filing your DOT number and operating authority to purchasing insurance and passing your new entrant safety audit, we're here for you! Fill out the form below if you're ready to take the next steps in becoming a trucking owner-operator.

FMCSA-regulated companies will soon be required to have a USDOT number to reduce fraudulent behaviors and streamline the safety and compliance tracking process. Originally announced in an FMCSA final ruling in August 2013, the goal of establishing the Unified Registration System (URS) to improve the registration experience is coming into effect this year. Part of this process involves the elimination of MC numbers.

Driver qualification files go hand-in-hand with DOT background check requirements, ensuring you have qualified employees behind the wheel. Failing to maintain driver qualification files on each driver has been in the top ten critical FMCSA audit violations for the past five years. The current maximum penalty amount for committing this violation is $11,956. The more drivers you employ, the more difficult it can be to create and maintain driver files for each of your employees who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs); however, it’s a major risk you don’t want to take with your DOT compliance. Below, we’ll break down a few key steps that will make creating DOT-compliant driver files easier for you or those responsible for doing so at your company: Use a DOT-compliant job application Verify drivers’ basic qualifications Run DOT-required background checks Compile driver documents into two digital folders Switch to driver file creation and management software Following these recommendations will help reduce your risk of driver file violations during your next compliance audit. #1. Use a DOT-Compliant Application Everything that your CDL driver application should include can be found in this related Foley article. As for the formatting, a short, mobile-friendly job application is how you can improve the process of getting all the driver information you need. Dash, Foley’s hiring, screening, and onboarding software, includes a driver-first job app that requires candidates to provide their personal information, contact information, current licenses and endorsements, and all disclosures and authorizations required for meeting DOT background check requirements and running driving record checks. This information not only helps you make better hiring decisions, but it’s also necessary to fulfill DOT recordkeeping requirements. DOT Recordkeeping Retention Period: Keep each driver’s application for the duration of their employment at your company, plus three years after. #2. Verify the Driver’s Basic DOT Requirements In order to operate CMVs, drivers must meet specific qualifications as defined by the DOT. You must ensure that each driver you employ: Is at least 21 years old (for interstate transport) Can fluently read and speak English Has successfully completed and received a road test certificate (or equivalent) Is physically qualified to drive AND has a valid medical certificate Has provided you with a list of violations for the past 12 months (or a document stating they haven’t committed any) Has a solid understanding of cargo securement regarding the CMV being driven These must-haves make up the “qualification” part of “driver qualification file.” DOT Recordkeeping Retention Period: When creating an employee’s initial driver file, you must keep their annual list of violations and medical certificate for three years. The road test certificate must be kept for the duration of their employment, plus three years after. #3. Fulfill DOT Background Check Requirements When reviewing a candidate, you must contact their DOT-regulated employers from the past three years to learn as much as you can about their work history. This includes verifying dates of employment, accidents the applicant was involved in, and whether they failed to complete a prescribed return-to-duty process. The information collected from this process is then used to create an employee’s Safety Performance History (SPH) file. The process of obtaining your candidate’s drug and alcohol violation information as a part of the SPH has changed. As of January 6, you can now fulfill the requirement of checking for drug and alcohol violations from the past three years by running a pre-employment query in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. For more information on this change, click here. DOT Recordkeeping Retention Period: You must also request a Motor vehicle report (MVR) in each state where the driver held a motor vehicle operator’s license or permit in the last three years. The MVR and SPH must both be kept for the duration of the driver’s employment, plus three years after. Phased background checks in Dash can make running these screens much easier for your HR or compliance team. Click here to learn more about this intuitive feature that can streamline your screening process. #4. Compile Driver Documents into Two Folders Once you’ve run all the required background checks, all the documents you’ve compiled during the pre-hire process must be compiled into two folders: the Driver Qualification File and the Safety Performance History. Both files must be 100% complete within 30 days of a new driver’s employment. The Driver Qualification File must contain the driver’s: DOT-compliant application Motor Vehicle Report Certificate of Road Test Medical Examination Report Medical Examiner’s National Registry Verification Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate Application (if required) The Safety Performance History must contain the driver’s: Record of previous employers contacted Driver’s written authorization to release information DOT Recordkeeping Retention Period: Once these files are created, they must be kept for the duration of the driver’s employment and for three years thereafter. Per DOT regulations, it’s important that the Safety Performance History information be kept in a secure location with limited access. #5. Switch to Driver File Creation & Management Software Technological advancements have made it easier for DOT officers to complete audits faster than ever. In fact, offsite audits increased by a whopping 400% between 2019 and 2020. That’s not all — you may have only 48 hours to submit your DOT driver files to officials in a digital format. With more DOT audits being conducted remotely (meaning an auditor doesn't even need to knock on your business' door to collect your records and check your compliance efforts), you truly never know when or where you’ll be faced with an unexpected audit. Making the switch from paper to digital files saves time and helps protect you against noncompliance as all your documents are safely stored on a single platform. Once your files are created, there’s no risk of important files (some of which may contain your employees’ personal information) going missing. When you go digital with Foley, we’ll also maintain the files on an ongoing basis by pulling annual MVRs and alerting you when any of your employees’ CDLs or medical cards have upcoming expiration dates. Now that you've seen everything necessary on our DOT driver qualification file checklist 2025, schedule a free demo of our driver file creation and management software platform, Dash. Our DOT compliance experts will ensure your driver files contain all the required documents and are updated on an ongoing basis, no matter how many commercial drivers you employ.

Knowing the difference between acute FMCSA violations and critical FMCSA violations can help you avoid steep federal fines. During Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety reviews, auditors look for violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). All FMCSA violations are classified as acute or critical, depending on their nature and severity level. What are Acute Violations? Acute violations, as defined by FMCSA, are so severe that they require immediate corrective action. Failing to implement an alcohol and/or controlled substances testing program is an example of an acute violation. What are Critical Violations? FMCSA views a critical violation as a sign of poor safety control management. Failing to require a driver to make a record of duty status is an example of a critical violation. The Top Acute & Critical FMCSA Violations of 2024 The tables below, which list the top 10 critical and acute violations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, provide a snapshot of the most commonly cited FMCSA violations. Reviewing these tables closely will help you learn from the mistakes of other companies, and give you the opportunity to correct potential DOT compliance issues before they are discovered during a DOT audit or other federal safety review.

Does a DOT physical include a drug test? If you’re a commercial vehicle driver, fleet safety manager, or owner of a trucking company, then you know the drill: At least once every two years, drivers need to have a DOT physical exam to renew their DOT medical card. These exams are conducted by certified medical examiners whose job it is to evaluate drivers for a wide range of medical conditions and ensure they’re healthy enough to operate a motor vehicle safely. In addition to a general physical examination, your DOT physical will include a urinalysis. But unless the examiner requests a second sample be given for a DOT drug test (sometimes requested during the pre-employment process), the urine sample you provide during the exam isn’t used to detect drug use — but to screen for medical conditions, such as diabetes. It’s important to note that if your employer does require a pre-employment drug test at the same time, the examiner will be very clear with you about the testing procedures during your appointment. Related: Learn What to Expect at Your DOT Physical Here What About Medications? What Prescription Drugs are Banned by DOT? Although a standard DOT drug test isn’t conducted during DOT physicals, the medical examiner will review your current medications with you — including those you take for diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and recent surgeries. Some of these medications may automatically disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle (at least temporarily), but that decision is left up to the medical examiner’s discretion, as well as the advice of your doctor. In these cases, your medical examiner will want to see a note from your doctor that describes your condition, the medications you take, and the impact it will have on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you're wondering what specific drugs are prohibited by the DOT, check out this Foley article for more information: What Drugs Will Disqualify Drivers from Operating Commercial Vehicles? If the medical examiner deems that the medications you’re on cannot be used while driving a commercial motor vehicle, you may receive a temporary disqualification. Once you’ve been off the medication for a certain period of time, you can then be reevaluated for a medical card. In other cases, you may be granted a medical card, but you’ll need to have another DOT physical exam in the next 6–12 months instead of the normal two-year timeframe. Links to Related Foley Articles in the DOT Physicals Series: The DOT Physical: Everything You Need to Know DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physicals: Will I Pass with Diabetes? DOT Physical Blood Pressure: Requirements & Tips for Passing DOT Physicals: Can I Pass With Sleep Apnea? DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical? DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

You should always strive to avoid committing DOT recordkeeping and CDL violations, but these higher penalties may be the extra motivation you need to stay compliant this year. Trucking violation fines have gone up — again. The FMCSA’s latest change took effect on December 30, 2024, and the fines have increased by a multiple of 1.02598, to be exact. While this may seem like a slight increase, it’s only adding to the ever-rising costs throughout the trucking industry, such as insurance premiums, CDL speeding ticket fines, and unfortunate accidents. And if you take a look at some of the maximum FMCSA fines and penalties below, you'll see that this increase isn't so small after all. We’re more than familiar with the steep penalties for failing DOT safety inspections and committing recordkeeping violations, and this recent spike makes it even more important for companies to keep up with regular truck maintenance as well as up-to-date driver file management. FMCSA’s civil penalties affected by this rule are all located in Appendix B to Part 386, Title 49. Below are some of the most prevalent commercial vehicle, DOT recordkeeping, and CDL violations; the current fines; and the new fines for 2025. Violation Description 2024 Penalty 2025 Penalty Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver). $23,048 $23,647 Out-of-service order (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service). $2,304 $2,364 Out-of-service order (failure to return written certification of correction). $1,152 $1,182 Out-of-service order (failure to cease operations as ordered). $33,252 $34,116 Out-of-service order (conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties). $18,759 $19,246 Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty). $38,612 $39,615 Recordkeeping — maximum penalty per day $1,544 $1,584 Recordkeeping — maximum total penalty $15,445 $15,846 Knowing falsification of records $15,445 $15,846 Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations $6,974 $7,155 One of the most concerning penalty increases? The maximum daily penalty for committing DOT recordkeeping violations has increased from $1,544 to $1,584, and the maximum total penalty is now $15,846 instead of $15,445. Failing to Prepare for DOT Audits is Preparing to Fail What's another noteworthy FMCSA tactic that’s on the rise? Unannounced offsite DOT audits. Technological advancements have made it easier for enforcement officers to complete audits faster than ever. In fact, offsite audits increased by a whopping 400% between 2019 and 2020 alone. That’s not all — you may have only 48 hours to submit all of your DOT driver records in a digital format. With more DOT audits being conducted remotely (meaning an auditor doesn't even need to knock on your business' door to collect your records), you truly never know when or where you’ll be faced with an unexpected compliance evaluation. Take Control of Your DOT Compliance in 2025 The combination of increased FMCSA fines and penalties and surprise compliance reviews means it’s time to do your business audit before you’re faced with an official DOT audit. Keeping your driver files in order and audit-ready takes diligence, accuracy, and organization. If you’re not sure where to start, you may want to involve a DOT compliance consultant who can help identify problem areas and provide suggestions on programs that will help bring you — and keep you — in full compliance. Foley’s DOT compliance software platform, Dash, keeps all your compliance programs in one place. You'll never have to worry about DOT recordkeeping violations with your driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing program, FMCSA Clearinghouse compliance, or other important federal requirements. Ready to avoid CDL violations and expensive DOT fines like the ones above? Talk to one of our compliance experts today or fill out the form below!

You can meet FMCSA background check requirements AND customize your screens for specific employee positions in Dash. No matter what precious cargo your employees get from place to place, you trust them to get it there safely. That trust is earned through honest, hard work throughout their employment, but how do you establish this trust from the beginning, when you’re hiring for positions that require driving?

What DOT compliance updates does January 2025 have in store for the transportation industry? The new year is officially in full swing, which means it's time to find out what new safety events and DOT compliance requirements are coming up.

The FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) now evaluates 21 specific types of crashes and adjusts the information in the Agency’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) to identify crashes that were not preventable. If you or a driver were involved in an eligible crash on or after December 1, 2024, you can submit a Request for Data Review (RDR) along with the required police accident report and any other supporting documents, photos, or videos through the Agency’s DataQs system.

UCR enforcement starts on January 1, 2025. Now is the time to take care of this DOT compliance requirement. Time is ticking! You only have until December 31, 2024, to complete your 2025 Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) filing.

The first step in starting your own trucking company is filling out a USDOT number application. Foley has been providing DOT number support for over 30 years. What is a DOT number? This unique identifier is required by the government and will be used to ensure the safe and compliant operation of your business. A USDOT number is an identification number that allows FMCSA (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to monitor a company’s safety record and other information acquired during inspections and audits. Who needs a DOT number? Any company that operates interstate commercial vehicles that transport either passengers or cargo, as well as all hazardous materials carriers with cargo that requires a safety permit, need to not only be registered with the FMCSA, but they also must have a USDOT number. If you’re involved in interstate commerce, and meet at least one of the following qualifications: A gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 lbs or more If your vehicle is designed or used to carry more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation If your vehicle is designed or used to carry more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, regardless of compensation If your vehicle is used to transport material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous Then, according to federal law, you are one of the many companies that needs a DOT number. How much does a DOT number cost? You can get a free DOT number when you file through Foley. Our compliance consultants are here to help ensure all the required paperwork is completed and submitted correctly. We can also assist with your DOT operating authority and any other permits and registrations you need to operate legally. What documents are needed to get a DOT number? To fill out your DOT number application, you will need your Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number, your Dun & Bradstreet Number, and the names and titles of all of your company officers. How long does it take to get a DOT number? Although motor carriers used to be able to complete a DOT number application on paper, it now must be filled out online using the FMCSA’s Unified Registration website. Carriers should be prepared – the process of filing for a USDOT number will take a few hours and can be a burdensome and confusing process for anyone unfamiliar with the process. You’ll want to make sure to take your time and get it right, as going back and fixing errors after your initial DOT number application is submitted, is a longer and more difficult process. How to Apply for a DOT Number Step 1: Gather Required Documents Ensure you have the three or four documents mentioned above before you start the DOT number application process. Preparing beforehand will make it much easier to complete each step, instead of scrambling to find the right paperwork as you need it. Step 2: Complete the FMCSA’s Unified Registration Navigate to the FMCSA website to begin the registration process. You’ll want to start by reading the directions and then clicking the “To Get Started, Click Here” link. This will send you to a new page with information on filling out the DOT Number application form. It’s important that you take a few minutes to read it carefully. At the bottom of the page, you’ll have the ability to continue on with the registration process. To do so, click, “To continue to the Unified Registration System, click here.” You’ll be prompted to either log in or create a new account. If you’re creating a new account, there will be several pages of directions that you’ll want to read through before beginning the process. Create an FMSCA User Account Once you’ve read through all of the instructions, you’ll be sent to a screen where you can create your new FMCSA account. This account will allow you to access your application later on and track its process through the FMCSA system once it’s submitted. As part of the registration process, you’ll be assigned an applicant ID. You’ll want to make a note of this ID and hold onto it for future reference. You’ll then be prompted to select and enter a password, as well as to enter three security questions and answers. Please note, you’ll have 30 days from the date you create your FMCSA account to complete and submit your DOT number application. If your DOT number application isn’t submitted by this date, your account will be deleted. Step 3: Begin the DOT Number Application Now that your account is created, you can begin filling out the application. In the first section, is where you’ll enter all of your company’s identifying information. This includes: Your name and/or the name of your company Your business’ principal address Your Dun & Bradstreet Number (if applicable) Your company’s phone number, email address, and fax number Your Social Security Number or tax identification number This is also where you’ll need to select your operator classification. This classification is important, as the government will want to know who you’re doing business for. For many DOT number applicants, this will be either “for hire” or “private passenger.” You may also be filling out a DOT number application to operate for a federal/state government, Indian tribe, or local mail. Step 4: Select Your DOT Cargo Classification What are the DOT Cargo Classifications? Now that you’ve told the FMCSA who you’ll be working for, you need to tell them what type of cargo you’ll be hauling. It’s important to read the cargo classifications carefully and to check all of the boxes that will apply to your business. These include: General freight Household goods Passengers Farm supplies Beverages You’ll also need to declare whether you will be transporting hazardous materials. This is important, as the DOT tracks the transportation of some hazardous materials – and you’ll have certain FMCSA regulations that you’ll need to comply with. DOT Hazard Classifications The DOT identifies nine different hazard classes: Class 1: Explosives Class 2: Gases Class 3: Flammable Liquid and Combustible Liquid Class 4: Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerous When Wet Class 5: Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide Class 6: Poison (Toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard Class 7: Radioactive Class 8: Corrosive Class 9: Miscellaneous Ensuring you, the owner-operator, and your future drivers have the right hazmat endorsements to legally transport hazardous materials is also required once you're ready to hit the road. Step 5: Complete and Sign the Application Once you’ve completed the DOT number application, you’ll need to certify that all of the information you’ve provided on the application is correct and then provide an authorized signature. In order to legally sign the DOT number application form, you must be either an owner or partner in the business, an authorized representative or official of the company, or hold power of attorney for the applicant. Is there an easier way to get a DOT number? When you get DOT number support from Foley, yes. You can file for your USDOT number with help from our compliance experts. We're ready to help you get on the road as quickly as possible. And once you're officially ready to operate, Foley can also provide you with comprehensive DOT compliance services in one user-friendly platform. You'll work with your account manager for everything from creating and managing driver files, getting compliant with the FMCSA Clearinghouse, setting up a drug and alcohol testing program, and more. If you're ready to run your own small trucking company and get your DOT number with Foley, click here.

The blood pressure requirements for DOT physicals can seem daunting. Here's what you need to know if you or your drivers have high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is an extremely common health problem in the US. Almost 50% of adults, that’s over 100 million people, have blood pressure exceeding 130 mm Hg for their systolic blood pressure or 80 mm Hg for their diastolic blood pressure, or are on medication for their hypertension. Even more surprising is that 76% of this group are not aware or in control of their condition. Besides the need to get high blood pressure under control to maintain good health well into your twilight years, as a commercial truck driver, you need to keep your blood pressure under control to pass the DOT physical every 1–2 years. To help you understand what is required of you in terms of blood pressure to pass the DOT physical, we’ve answered all the most common questions below and outlined some tips that can help you lower your blood pressure quickly before your upcoming exam. If you’re looking for an overview of DOT Physicals, you’ll find that here. Can You Pass the DOT Physical with High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is measured with two figures. The systolic blood pressure (higher figure) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around the body while the diastolic pressure (lower figure) is the pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury – mm Hg. You can pass your physical with above-normal blood pressure, but if your blood pressure is too high, you will not pass. If your blood pressure is normal, you will pass with no conditions. If your blood pressure is high, between 140-159 systolic and/or 90-99 mm Hg diastolic, it is described as “Stage 1” high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is in this range, you will pass but you will be required to take the DOT physical annually. If your blood pressure is between 160-179 systolic and/or 100-109 diastolic it is considered “Stage 2” high blood pressure, and you will only be granted a 3-month certificate in which you will be asked to take action to reduce your blood pressure down to 140/90 or better. If your blood pressure is higher than 180 systolic and 110 diastolic, you are considered “Stage 3” high blood pressure, are high risk, and you will not pass the DOT physical. At Stage 3, no certification will be granted. To continue driving a commercial motor vehicle, you must reduce your blood pressure to or below 140/90. Should they do so they will be approved to drive for six months before they have to get another physical. The biannual checks will continue provided the figures are maintained. What is Considered Normal Blood Pressure for the DOT Physical? Normal blood pressure is defined as anything below 120/80 mm Hg – you’ll often hear this as 120-over-80. Elevated blood pressure for the DOT physical is defined as 120-139 systolic and/or 80-89 diastolic, and blood pressure within this range will also not flag any problems during your exam. What is Considered High Blood Pressure for the DOT Physical? The blood pressure limits set anything above 140 systolic and/or 90 diastolic as high blood pressure. If you are below these numbers no action is taken. Anything above and some form of restriction will be imposed. At Stage 1, you will be required to take the DOT physical annually rather than the normal biannual. At Stage 2 you will be allowed to drive but have to reduce your blood pressure to Stage 1 levels within three months. At Stage 3, you will have to stop driving a truck until your blood pressure is under control. What is the Highest Blood Pressure for the DOT Physical? The highest blood pressure you can have as a commercial truck driver and still pass, though not without restriction, is 179/109, though it’s likely your Medical Examiner will have some concerns. If your blood pressure is over 140/90, it’s a good idea to start tackling your high blood pressure, both for your well-being and so you do not encounter future problems passing the DOT physical. Treatment usually includes both medication and lifestyle changes but results are often swift. What is the Blood Pressure Range for the DOT Physical? The blood pressure requirements are simple – anything below 140/90 and you pass. Anything above, and some action is necessary. Blood pressure regulations for the DOT physical help to make sure that truck drivers remain safe. Hypertension is an overlooked risk factor for everyone and catching it early and controlling it is key for a healthy life. The blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association, along with other health authorities, lowered the Stage 1 figures to 130/80 showing how seriously high blood pressure should be taken. Can you Pass the DOT Physical on Blood Pressure Medication? There is no problem if you routinely take prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Taking such medication is common and allows blood pressure to return to safe levels offering an improved long-term outlook. What are the New 2025 DOT Physical Requirements for Blood Pressure? The figures listed above are the current 2025 DOT physical requirements for blood pressure, though they may change to reflect the medical profession’s raised awareness of the problems hypertension can cause. Can You Fail a DOT Physical for High Blood Pressure? Once your blood pressure rises to more than 140/90 you will have to take action to continue to get certification on a long-term basis. Once it rises above 180/110 you will fail the physical examination, but if you can go away and reduce your blood pressure levels below 140/90 you can reapply. How to Lower Your Blood Pressure to Pass the DOT Physical If your blood pressure is high, the best thing to do is start taking action to lower your blood pressure for your well-being so you can continue doing your job as a commercial truck driver. There are several ways to lower your blood pressure to allow you to pass the DOT physical, though many are not quick fixes. Lose unnecessary pounds. Being overweight can cause all sorts of health issues and nearly always leads to increased blood pressure – even losing a little will help reduce your blood pressure as your heart won’t have to work so hard to pump blood around your body. Exercise regularly. Even as little as 20 minutes of purposeful walking every day can make a real difference, lowering your blood pressure by up to 8 mm Hg. Commercial drivers often don’t get time to get to the gym so walking can be important. Try parking at the back of the lot so you naturally walk a little further when stopping to eat or shop. Reduce sodium. Too much sodium will push up your blood pressure. Cut down on salt and where possible use low sodium salt. Eat healthily. That doesn’t mean just vegetables, lean protein is great too. It is so easy to get fast food but they tend to be loaded with sugar and salt. And cut out sugary drinks and go to the low-cal alternatives. Limit your alcohol. A little can be good for lowering your blood pressure but too much will raise it. By a little we are talking a small glass of beer or wine, so stay aware. Stop smoking. Apart from other health problems it can cause, smoking does increase your blood pressure for a period after you smoke. At the very least, don’t smoke before you take the DOT physical. Reduce stress. Learn to relax. Practice breathing exercises and avoid stress triggers. Buy a blood pressure monitor. They only cost a few dollars and allow you to monitor regularly what your blood pressure is and if it changes. Talk to your doctor about medication. This is a good idea even if you plan to make lifestyle changes, especially if your blood pressure is dangerously high. Your heart health is not a matter to be taken lightly, so take care of yourself! Hypertension is a potential killer. We should all be more aware of high blood pressure and the DOT physical is a good place to start. If the examination shows inflated figures, use it as an opportunity to start making positive changes for a better, healthier future. Quicker & Easier DOT Physical Exam Scheduling in 2025 Now that you know the DOT physical blood pressure requirements for 2025, it's time to schedule your DOT physical. Scheduling DOT physicals for drivers is easier than ever for owner-operators and fleet managers. Foley's automated DOT physicals software automatically sends reminders whenever drivers need an exam and auto-orders them for you. Plus, the drivers' new medical certificates are uploaded to their digital driver files once they pass their DOT physical exams. Get a FREE demo of the Foley DOT physical software today. Links to Related Articles in This Series: The DOT Physical: Everything You Need to Know DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physicals: Will I Pass with Diabetes? DOT Physicals: Can I Pass With Sleep Apnea? DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? DOT Physicals: Do They Include a Drug Test? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical? DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

Wondering how to run a Clearinghouse query? The process may be much easier than you think.

What DOT files do you need to keep and for how long? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires the companies they regulate to keep records to document their compliance with safety regulations. This documentation must be saved for varying lengths of time as established by the related regulations. During safety audits and DOT compliance reviews, auditors will carefully comb through your DOT records. By purging unnecessary records and properly organizing your files, you will simplify and streamline the review process — which can go a long way with a DOT officer. Below, we cover some of the most important DOT record-keeping requirements to help companies organize and maintain their files regularly. How Long to Keep DOT Records The following is a quick review of record-retention requirements in a few key DOT compliance areas. DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Records Remember all DOT drug and alcohol test (DAT) records must be maintained in a secure location with controlled access. This means all DAT records must be kept in a separate file under lock and key; they should not be stored with personnel files. Because the rules make no exceptions for one-driver companies, we advise owner-operators to maintain their DAT files separately as well. The following records must be maintained for at least five years: Alcohol test results indicating a BAC of 0.02 or greater Verified positive controlled substances test results Refusal-to-test documentation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation reports Copy of annual calendar year summary if required by 49 CFR 382.403 The following records must be maintained for at least two years: Random selections Reasonable-suspicion testing documentation Medical evaluations for "shy lung" and "shy bladder" situations The following records must be maintained for at least one year: Negative and canceled drug test results Alcohol test results with a BAC below 0.02 Additional record retention requirements: The employer’s policy, driver’s signed receipt, and all records related to employer and supervisor education and training must be retained while the individual performs safety-sensitive and/or supervisory functions and for two years thereafter. DOT Driver Qualification Files Both the Driver Qualification and Safety Performance History Files must be retained for as long as the safety-sensitive individual is employed by the company, and for three years thereafter. The following documentation may be discarded from the Driver Qualification File three years from the date of execution: Annual List of Violations Annual Inquiry to State Agencies Annual Review of Driving Record Medical Examiner’s Certificate Safety Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable) DOT Hours-of-Service Records The following hours-of-service records must be maintained for six months: Drivers' records of duty status (RODS) A backup copy of ELD records on a separate device from which the original is stored Supporting documents, such as: Dispatch records Receipts Statements Bills of lading Weight station tickets Phone bill statements If your drivers operate strictly on short-haul runs, you are required to document the time your drivers clock in and out, the total time worked during the current period, and the total time worked during the previous seven days. DOT Vehicle Maintenance Records For every vehicle in their control for 30 days or more, DOT-regulated companies must retain the following records for one year at the location where the vehicle is garaged and for six months after the vehicle leaves the company’s control: Identifying information (company number, make, serial number, and tire size) Inspection schedule, including type and date Other vehicle maintenance recordkeeping requirements: Post-trip inspection reports must be retained for at least three months from the report date Periodic inspection report (or copy) must be retained for 14 months from the report date Evidence of an inspector’s qualifications for one year after the inspector ceases to perform inspections for the company Use an Organized DOT Recordkeeping System from the Start Remember, it's easier to create a clean, organized DOT record-keeping system from the very beginning. Too much time can be wasted trying to use or fix a recordkeeping system that's barely keeping up with the latest federal regulations. Setting up (or switching) your DOT recordkeeping system in a secure, 100% online platform is the best way to ensure all your DOT files are organized and kept up to date according to FMCSA requirements. Ready to make your recordkeeping easier? You don't have to go very far. Foley's DOT recordkeeping experts are here to help you transfer your files to our platform and help ensure you're audit-ready every day. Get a free demo of our DOT recordkeeping software now by clicking here. Or, fill out the form below and one of our DOT compliance specialists will reach out to you shortly.

MVR monitoring, DOT drug testing, and DOT driver file management programs all help to prevent the most common FMCSA violations. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) safety investigation summary report, 94% of safety investigations performed this year have resulted in violations. The top five acute violations (severe enough that they require immediate corrective action) for 2024 are as follows: Allowing a driver to operate with a suspended or revoked CDL Failing to implement an alcohol and/or drug testing program Failing to randomly test for drugs and/or alcohol Using a driver who has tested positive for a drug Allowing a driver with more than one CDL to drive a CMV Committing any of these violations can mean paying significant fines, and your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores can take a hit. See why these scores hold so much weight in our related blog article: CSA Scores: What They Are & Why They Matter The key to remaining compliant and avoiding violations is always to be audit-ready. This is more important than ever, as offsite audits have increased by 400% over the past few years. Your chances of being called for a safety investigation are likely higher than ever. While your goal should be to maintain a completely violation-free record, below are some steps you can take to avoid the most common acute violations of 2024. #1. Allowing a driver to operate with a suspended or revoked CDL This has been the top acute FMCSA violation for the last six years, and it was cited by FMCSA officers 1,366 times in 2024. You may be thinking, why would anyone take the risk of letting a driver with a compromised CDL continue to drive for them? Sometimes CDL suspensions or revocations occur without employers knowing — and oftentimes, it’s far too late when they find out. Even though companies like yours are required to run annual motor vehicle record (MVR) checks on drivers, it’s a better idea to regularly monitor your drivers’ records with an automated MVR monitoring program so suspensions or revocations like this don’t pop up unexpectedly. Foley’s MVR Monitor constantly keeps track of your drivers’ records and instantly alerts you when violations are detected. That way, you don’t end up committing the above violation and putting yourself at risk of paying hefty fines or being put out of service. #2. Failing to implement an alcohol and/or drug testing program #3. Failing to randomly test for drugs and/or alcohol #4. Using a driver who has tested positive for a drug These have all been top acute violations for several years, together accounting for over 37% of all acute violations so far this year. Fines for non-compliant drug testing programs average more than $8,000. To meet federal regulations, employers must perform pre-employment drug tests, random tests, and post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up tests. A compliant DOT drug and alcohol testing program can manage these tests and ensure they’re scheduled when needed. You won’t have to worry about meeting compliance requirements or ensuring the safety of your drivers and other drivers on the road. It's also a good idea to invest in a DOT drug testing program ahead of potential oral fluid drug test changes. The FMCSA hasn't officially announced anything, but it could soon be a comparable option to the current urine drug test requirement. What if one of your drivers tests positive for drugs or alcohol? Then they must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately. Failure to do so could endanger them, other motorists, and your business, leaving you with hefty fines to pay. It’s not worth the risk. #5. Allowing a driver with more than one CDL to drive a CMV This may not seem like a big deal, but it is in the eyes of the FMCSA. In September, a motor carrier based in North Carolina was fined $4,300 for committing this violation. Although the state responsible for issuing a driver’s CDL is supposed to perform a check of the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) before issuing the new license to ensure that they don’t hold licenses elsewhere, compliance with this can vary from state to state, and the resulting reposts don’t always provide a crystal-clear look into a driver’s licensing history. Related Foley Article: Why You Should be Rechecking Drivers’ CDLIS Records To protect yourself, it’s best to perform pre-employment checks of the CDLIS yourself — and then regularly for all employees. Partnering with a DOT background check partner can help ensure that your drivers are compliant without adding yet another administrative duty to your long list of responsibilities. BONUS! #6. Keeping fraudulent DOT records Organized and up-to-date DOT recordkeeping is a must — and now with the shift to offsite audits, officers may expect companies like yours to have a digital recordkeeping system in place. No matter how much of a pinch you may find yourself in, if you’re contacted for an offsite audit and you’re nowhere near prepared to present your compliance files, do not try to make up for it by falsifying them. It WILL catch up with you! Instead, stay diligent when it comes to maintaining your driver qualification files and documenting all vehicle inspections and maintenance. If it all feels like too much — and trust us, we get it — consider partnering with a company like Foley that manages and updates many of your records for you to help you remain compliant. Partner with Foley to Avoid the Top FMCSA Audit Violations Keeping up with ever-changing FMCSA regulations and making sure your company is audit-ready can be tough on your own. The last thing you need is an audit that results in violations, which can negatively impact your CSA score, empty your wallet, and tarnish your hard-earned business reputation! The violations listed above are just some of the many offenses that motor carriers can be guilty of. But you don’t have to follow the same path, especially when you have Foley to back you up. Foley’s MVR Monitor, DOT drug and alcohol testing, and DOT background check programs all work together to help keep you compliant. We can also manage your driver qualification files to keep your DOT recordkeeping on track. You can find out how prepared your company is for a compliance review by taking our audit risk quiz! See how easy it can be to get out of your next audit violation-free. Fill out the form below or request a FREE Foley software demo today!

Foley can help you take care of annual FMCSA Clearinghouse queries, UCR filings, and MVR checks for your business. The end of 2024 is right around the corner. The holiday season is officially here, and so is the hustle and bustle that comes with it.

Are you prepared to follow the 2025 DOT drug testing requirements? Foley can help ensure you know if your drivers test positive for any of the substances below. The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is here to stay, and unfortunately, so are the violations reported to it.

Time is running out to conduct your annual DOT vehicle inspections in 2024. Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and their components must be inspected every 12 months according to FMCSA regulations. Not only does this ensure your CMVs are safe to drive, but it also helps improve your chances of passing a DOT roadside inspection.

What is a DOT physical? What will make drivers fail a DOT physical? Get the answers to popular DOT physical questions like these. If you want to drive large commercial vehicles for a living you’ll need a CDL (commercial driver’s license) and a valid DOT medical card. This card can only be obtained once you have successfully passed a DOT physical, which you’ll need to have again every 1-2 years for the duration of your career. Finally, A Better Way to Manage DOT Physicals While the process of getting your DOT physical and medical card is straightforward, many people feel confused about the requirements they have to meet to pass. Below, we’ll talk you through each aspect of the physical, what standards you need to meet to pass, and links to further resources where you can find out more about the requirements for each element of the DOT medical exam. What is a DOT physical? The DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a medical examination you must undergo before being permitted to drive commercial vehicles for a living. This physical ensures you are fit enough to meet the demands of your job and can operate large vehicles or vehicles with passengers without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Do I need a DOT physical? You are required to have a DOT physical exam if: You transport hazardous materials You operate a vehicle that carries more than 15 people You are paid to operate a vehicle that carries more than 8 people You operate a vehicle with a gross combined weight of more than 10,000lbs What does the physical exam consist of? The DOT exam will include the following: Physical examination - The doctor will check your eyes, ears, mouth, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, extremities, and neurological system for signs of any potential problems, impairments, or injuries. Vision test - While you don't need perfect 20/20 vision to pass a DOT physical, you will need to have a minimum 20/40 visual acuity in both of your eyes, even with contact lenses or glasses. You will also need a minimum peripheral vision of 70" in both of your eyes. Hearing test - You must be able to hear a "forced whisper" from five feet away, with or without hearing aids. Blood pressure check - Many people wonder, "Can you pass a DOT physical with high blood pressure?" The answer is yes, but only if it is below a certain limit. You can find out the current limitations in this Foley blog article. Urine test - While many assume the urine test in a DOT physical is a drug test, it doesn't check for drug use. The DOT physical urine test is simply to look for underlying conditions, such as diabetes. Sleep apnea test - If you report having symptoms such as drowsiness during the day, headaches in the morning, gasping while sleeping, or heavy snoring, you may need to undergo a sleep apnea test. As well as a range of other health indicators that can indicate that there is a problem that may put you at risk while operating a commercial vehicle. How do I prepare for a DOT physical? If you’re fit and in good health, there’s very little you need to do to prepare. The DOT exam is simply a check-up by a doctor to ensure you are fit enough to operate such a large vehicle. If you’re overweight, are recovering from a bigger health issue, or are having a serious health issue managed by a doctor, you may want to make additional preparations. Whether or not you need to make any changes before your CDL DOT physical or bring anything with you will depend on your circumstances and current level of health. If you are currently managing any health issues, make sure your prescriptions and medications are up to date, you’ve recently had a vision test and have the right corrective eyewear, and the same for your hearing if you suffer from hearing loss. It’s good practice for anyone getting ready for their DOT physical to cut back on processed foods, alcohol, and smoking to ensure they’re in good health at the time of their physical.NEW CSA Score Webinar - Reserve Your Spot Now! What do I need to bring? You need to bring: Your medical records, if your exam is being carried out by a new doctor Medical records from any specialists you see, such as a sleep apnea specialist Your most recent laboratory reports if you have diabetes or a similar condition Your glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you require them to drive A list of any prescription medication you take, including what dose you take and when You may also want to bring the DOT physical medical examination report form with you so you can fill it out ahead of time at home. You can find that form here and in the forms section at the end of this article. What are the DOT physical requirements? Vision Requirements To pass the vision test, you need to have 20/40 vision in each eye either with or without glasses, a field of vision of 70 degrees or more in each eye, and be able to differentiate between red, green, and amber. If you do not meet these standards but meet all other standards of the DOT Physical, you may be able to apply for an exemption. To find out more about the DOT physical eye exam, see our guide here. Hearing Requirements To pass your hearing test, you must be able to hear a harsh whisper in your best ear, at no less than 5 feet, with or without a hearing aid. If you fail this basic hearing test, you’ll be referred for an audiometry test which will further determine if you are safe to drive. In most cases, you’ll be able to get a hearing correction device and then pass your DOT physical. If you need a hearing aid, you must wear it at all times while driving. You’ll only fail the hearing test if you are completely deaf and cannot pass the whisper test even with hearing aids. Blood Pressure Requirements High blood pressure is an extremely common health problem, and the DOT medical exam uses it as a key health indicator. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or below, you’ll pass the DOT physical blood pressure requirements with flying colors. Between 140/90 and 179/109, you may need to have a medical exam more frequently or be given a temporary medical card and be asked to reduce your blood pressure within a 3-month period. For more information, see our dedicated guide here. What medical conditions can impact your ability to pass a DOT physical? There are a handful of health issues that are DOT physical disqualifying conditions, meaning that if they are out of control or too severe for you to operate a large commercial vehicle safely, you will not be able to pass the DOT physical. These conditions are: Diabetes Hernias High BMI (Obesity) Sleep Apnea Find out more about how to pass the DOT physical with a medical condition here, or click the links above to learn more about the individual conditions and their physical requirements. What do they do in a DOT physical? Your medical examiner will first talk through your medical history with you and any ongoing treatment you have. They’ll then take your height and weight, so they can calculate your BMI, and check your blood pressure, vision, and hearing. They’ll do a general assessment of your physical health, look at your skin, check your reflexes, and examine you for hernias. You’ll also submit a urine sample that will be analyzed to calculate your blood sugar levels and a few other health markers. In most cases, the DOT exam will end there and you’ll get your medical certificate. However, if your medical examiner found something they believe warrants further testing, or if the requirements of the physical demand it, you may be referred on for another test before you can get your certificate. How much does a DOT physical cost? The DOT physical price varies depending on where you get it, and if you are fronting the cost, or if the company you work for will cover part or all of the cost. Generally, the physical costs $85 – $150. Related: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? Can I get a free DOT physical? Many companies pay for their drivers’ DOT physicals, so if you’re about to move to a new company, ask them if they will cover the costs of your medical exam. Related: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? Do DOT physicals include a drug test? The DOT physical does not specifically test for drugs. The urine sample you give as a part of your DOT physical checks your blood sugar levels. Some employers will require you to submit a urine sample for a DOT drug test, but the DOT physical itself will not look for legal or illegal substances. For more information on how your drug and medication use will affect your ability to pass the DOT physical, click here. What will make you fail a DOT physical? If you have extremely high blood pressure, high blood sugar, an untreated hernia, or uncorrected vision or hearing, you may fail the DOT physical. What happens if you fail the DOT physical? Failing your medical exam is never good news, but it’s also rarely the end of your driving career. In most cases, failing your physical simply means you need to make some lifestyle changes and improve your health so you can safely get back on the open road. Remember that the DOT physical isn’t trying to catch you out – it looks at your overall well-being and considers if you may have a major health episode in the near future that would jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If you fail a DOT physical, work with your doctor to get your health back on track so you can get back on the road. For more information on what happens if you fail a DOT Physical, click here. Where can I find the DOT physical forms? You need to fill out a medical examination report before or when you start your physical. Many people find that having time to think through their answers makes the process of getting their DOT medical exam less stressful, so you can find the form and fill it out ahead of time here. You can also find an example of the medical examiner’s handbook here. Generally, the DOT physical is straightforward and nothing to worry about. The medical examiner merely needs to ensure you are fit and healthy enough to operate a large commercial vehicle. We have plenty of information for each medical condition and how they affect your ability to pass the DOT physical, so if you have any concerns, make sure you read those guides to put your mind at ease. Where can I get a DOT physical? Locating a certified medical examiner is easy with Foley's Collection Site Locator. Simply enter your zip code and click the "DOT Physical" button to solve the DOT physical near me search. Links to Related Articles in the DOT Physical Series Do you still have questions about DOT physicals? Check out these Foley blog articles addressing specific components of the DOT physical exam: DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physicals: Will I Pass with Diabetes? DOT Physical Blood Pressure: Requirements & Tips for Passing DOT Physicals: Can I Pass With Sleep Apnea? DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? DOT Physicals: Do They Include a Drug Test? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

Does your business require a UCR registration? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about the 2025 UCR filing. If you’re a motor carrier and you don’t currently have a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), it’s important to get one right away. Unregistered motor carriers who cross state lines without one could be fined and have their trucks pulled off the road — meaning resources, time, and money can all be wasted. But what if you’re not sure your business is subject to UCR requirements? Now that the UCR filing period is officially open, the compliance specialists at Foley are ready to answer all your UCR-related questions. In this article, we’ll cover … What a UCR registration is When the 2025 UCR is due When UCR enforcement begins Who needs UCR registration How much a UCR registration costs The consequences of not completing your UCR filing If you can file multiple UCRs at once Who can help you with UCR filing What is a UCR registration? UCR stands for Unified Carrier Registration. It is a federally mandated system for registering operators of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in North America. Whether you operate CMVs in two states or twenty, you are required to complete your UCR filing every year, as long as you meet the requirements detailed below. When is this year’s UCR due? This annual UCR filing must be renewed by December 31st each year. Registration for the upcoming year began on October 1st, giving motor carriers over two months to file before the end of the year. When does UCR enforcement begin? According to UCR Board policy, enforcement for the 2025 registration year is recommended to begin on January 1st, 2025. But this doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. The sooner you file, the more prepared you’ll be for a successful, compliant year. Foley can take care of your UCR filing for you, so there’s no reason to put it off any longer! Who needs a UCR registration? Any motor carrier who drives a commercial vehicle carrying cargo over state or international lines must file an annual UCR. Individuals and companies who arrange the shipment of goods, such as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies are also subject to the UCR fee. Specifically, any business that operates CMVs meeting the following thresholds is required to file: Has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over 10,000 pounds, or Carries placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or Transports more than 10 passengers (including driver) Still not sure if you need a UCR? The Unified Carrier Registration has a convenient questionnaire to help you determine if you must file. How much do UCRs cost? For motor carriers, the cost of the UCR filing fee is dependent on the total number of vehicles in a fleet. Brokers and leasing companies pay the lowest fee to register. You can see how fees are distributed based on this information in the chart on the bottom of this page. What happens if I don’t file my UCR registration? If you don’t pay for the UCR, and you are caught driving over state lines, enforcement officials could detain your vehicles. Plus, you could be required to pay additional fines and penalties. Depending on which state you’re from, the fine could be anywhere from $100 to $5000 for first-time offenders. What if my state doesn’t participate? Do I need a UCR registration in Florida? Do I need a UCR registration in Maryland? Do I need a UCR registration in Arizona? Currently, 41 states in the U.S. are participating in the UCR program. The following states are not participating: Arizona Florida Hawaii Maryland Nevada New Jersey Oregon Vermont Wyoming District of Columbia If the state in which your business is located doesn’t participate in the UCR program, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. UCR enforcement starts January 1st. Have you filed your UCR yet? Any motor carrier who travels over state lines is required to purchase a UCR. If your business is in a state that doesn’t participate, you are required to purchase a UCR filing in the nearest participating state. Can I purchase multiple UCRs at once? Because the UCR system is based on a motor carrier’s unique DOT number, each business needs to file its UCR registration individually. If your business did not file a UCR for 2024 and it was in operation at any time during the year, however, you can file both your 2024 and 2025 UCR registrations at once to avoid additional fines and the risk of being put out of service. Trust Your DOT Compliance & UCR Registration Partner Now that you have the answers to the most common UCR questions, you should be able to determine if you need to file a UCR. We know you already have a lot on your plate with other annual DOT compliance matters. Foley can make the UCR filing process simple. Call us at (860) 530-6310 or click here to file your 2025 UCR registration with Foley now!

Hiring in 2025? Make sure you're hiring qualified drivers who have all the right licensure and endorsements to operate your company's vehicles. Whether you’re a seasoned trucker or you’re considering a new career in trucking, you know that earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step toward a promising career as a truck driver. But did you know that a lack of endorsements or having restrictions on your license could be holding you back from various truck driving jobs? The demand for commercial truck drivers is at an all-time high. Having certain endorsements and removing said restrictions can enhance your chances of being hired by a great company where you want to build a lifelong career. License endorsements also allow you to transport special types of goods as opposed to simply running general freight. As you continue driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you should continue to earn endorsements and have restrictions removed. CDL Classes Let’s start with the three different CDL classes you can earn before you can consider adding endorsements. Class A CDL This is the most commonly issued CDL. With a Class A CDL, you have the authority to operate a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed object/vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds. You can operate the following vehicles with a Class A CDL: Tractor-trailers and flatbeds Livestock carriers Tankers Truck and trailer combinations Tractor-trailer buses Semi-truck with flatbed trailer If you’ve earned the appropriate Class A endorsements, you can even be authorized to operate some Class B and Class C trucks. Class B CDL You can operate a vehicle at or over 26,001 in GCWR with a Class B commercial license. If you are using the vehicle for towing purposes, the GCWR cannot exceed 10,000 pounds. Vehicles you can drive with a Class B CDL include: Straight trucks Public transport and tourist passenger buses Segmented buses School buses Delivery service box trucks Dump trucks with small trailers Tractor-trailers Just like you’re allowed to operate different vehicles with a Class A CDL, you can operate some Class C vehicles with the right Class B endorsements. Class C CDL You must obtain a Class C CDL to drive a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, a vehicle towing another vehicle that has a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 pounds, as well as a passenger vehicle with 16 (including the driver) or more people. You must also hold this CDL class to drive a truck carrying hazardous material (HAZMAT) under federal guidelines. With a Class C CDL (and the right endorsements), you can drive: Small trucks equipped to transport HAZMAT Passenger vans Small trucks towing trailers CDL Endorsements The CDL endorsements you hold determine the different types of CMVs you can operate and the freight you can haul within them. Earning each type of endorsement requires passing its corresponding test. Just like there are different CDL Classes between different states, there are also different endorsement requirements per state. How much do CDL endorsements cost? The price tag attached to most endorsement tests (except HAZMAT, which is more involved) varies by state, but it is relatively affordable. Holding more endorsements only makes you a more desirable hire and increases the likelihood of earning more money and being a successful driver. Once you earn additional endorsements, you need to remember to renew them when you renew your CDL to keep them valid. H Endorsement Also known as the HAZMAT endorsement, an H endorsement is required to operate a vehicle that contains hazardous materials. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A, B, and C Required testing: written knowledge test N Endorsement Drivers with an N CDL endorsement can drive tankers, or vehicles that transport liquids and gases. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A and B Required testing: written knowledge test P Endorsement If you’d like to operate a vehicle or bus that seats upwards of 16 people, you’ll need to earn your P (passenger) endorsement. To be a school bus driver, you will need to fill out separate forms, earn another endorsement in addition to the P endorsement, and pass a federal background check. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A, B, and C Required testing: written knowledge test and road skills test S Endorsement The S (school bus) endorsement is the second endorsement noted above that’s required to be a school bus driver. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A, B, and C Required testing: written knowledge test, road skills test, and background check T Endorsement Once you’ve earned your T endorsement, you’ll be able to haul double or triple trailers. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A Required testing: written knowledge test X Endorsement A combination endorsement by nature, the X endorsement permits you to transport HAZMAT within a tank. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A and B Required testing: written knowledge test CDL Restrictions In contrast to earning endorsements, you can also receive CDL restrictions during the testing portions of your trucking career. It’s best to avoid these as much as possible since they will limit the types of vehicles you can legally operate. The good news is, that most restrictions can be lifted by taking the right restorative actions, but the removal requirements do vary by state. Here are the seven most common CDL driving restrictions you can be marked with. E Restriction The type of transmission the CMV has during your road skill test determines if you’ll receive this restriction. If you complete the test operating a CMV with an automatic transmission, your CDL will be marked with an E restriction, and you will not be able to drive a CMV with a manual transmission. To remove it, you must re-take the road test driving a rig with a manual transmission. L Restriction Having an L restriction on your CDL means you cannot operate a vehicle with a full air brake system. You will receive an L restriction in one of two circumstances: by driving a CMV without a full air brake system, or by failing to pass the air brakes knowledge exam. To remove the restriction, you must pass all sections of the CDL exam relating to air brakes. M Restriction If you have a Class A CDL and passed your P or S endorsements with a Class B or C passenger vehicle, you’ll receive an M restriction on your license, and you’ll be excluded from operating any Class A passenger vehicles. Passing the skills test in a Class A passenger vehicle is required to remove the restriction. N Restriction Like the M restriction, if you have a Class B CDL and obtained your P or S endorsement in a Class C passenger vehicle, you’ll acquire an N restriction on your CDL and be prohibited from operating a Class B passenger vehicle. Removing it involves passing the skills test in a Class B passenger vehicle. O Restriction You will have an O restriction added to your license if you’re a Class A CDL driver and you took your road skill test in a vehicle that did not have a fifth-wheel connection, such as a gooseneck, ball and chain hook up, or pintle hook. From there, you will be able to operate only CMVs without a fifth-wheel connection. Passing the road skills test using a vehicle with a fifth-wheel connection will remove the restriction. V Restriction If you have a reported medical variance as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), your CDL will have a V restriction on it. Medical variances are impairments that can present safety hazards while operating a vehicle. The most common medical variances are: Diabetes Seizures Hearing problems Eyesight impairment As long as your medical certificate states you have any of these conditions, the restriction will remain on your license; however, the FMCSA may provide you with an exemption. Z Restriction You are not authorized to operate a CMV with full air brakes if your license has a Z restriction placed on it. The Z restriction means you performed the road skills test with a vehicle that had a partial air system or hydraulic system. You will need to complete the driving test with a vehicle that has a full air brake system to remove the Z restriction. Be the Best CDL Driver You Can Be Moving forward with your career as a truck driver means knowing which types of vehicles you want to drive and how to legally do so, avoiding license restrictions as much as possible, and working toward the endorsements you can earn along the way. In today’s hot trucking industry, almost nothing can stop you from working for your ideal company and being a safe, successful driver!

There's still time to finish your holiday shopping (and run your annual FMCSA Clearinghouse queries). If you have a trucker in your life, you’re probably wondering what to get them for the holidays. Here are 20 gifts for truck drivers that they’ll actually use and enjoy.

Driver qualification files stump many safety and compliance managers, which lead to DOT violations and hefty fines. But these consequences can be avoided. As a company regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you must maintain specific files on all your drivers — federal law requires it. Still, many companies continue to rack up violations and hefty fines because their driver qualification files aren’t complete or up-to-date. In fact, many violations result because companies don’t maintain fully compliant driver files — whether due to oversight, clerical error, because their drivers withhold information, or simply because they aren’t up to speed on the many Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations. No matter if you’re operating a fleet or running as an owner-operator, compliance is your priority No. 1, and maintaining complete driver files is a crucial element to this. Below are the most significant (and common) driver file infractions that you always want to avoid. The Top 5 Driver Qualification File Violations #1: Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle while Disqualified It should go without saying that drivers should not get behind the wheel — ever — if they are disqualified from doing so due to various convictions. Yet this remains a top driver file violation. This is because a motor carrier is held liable whether or not a driver notifies them of a conviction or violation (even though, per law, drivers are required to tell their employers about revocations, suspensions, or withdrawals immediately upon receiving notice). Per federal regulation, you are on the hook either way: “So long as a motor carrier knows, or should have known, about a driver’s conviction for a disqualifying offense, it is prohibited from using the driver during the disqualification period.” Drivers are considered disqualified if their offense was committed during on-duty time and they were employed by a motor carrier engaged in commercial interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce. Offenses that automatically disqualify drivers from driving vary in duration and are also based on their number of previous offenses. Some examples include: Driving a CMV with an alcohol concentration of .04 percent or more. Driving a CMV under the influence of a Schedule I-identified controlled substance, amphetamine, or other narcotic drug. Refusing to undergo alcohol testing as required by state or jurisdictional law. Leaving the scene of an accident while operating a CMV. For all of the above: Drivers are disqualified for at least 1 year for the first offense; and at least 3 years for subsequent offenses. Additional reasons for disqualification: Texting while driving a CMV. Using a hand-held device while driving a CMV. For both of the above: Drivers are disqualified for 60 days if they have two violations within a 3-year period; or for 120 days if they have three or more violations in a 3-year period. #2: Using a Physically Unqualified Driver All DOT-regulated drivers operating a vehicle weighing at least 10,001 pounds must meet the requirements to receive a medical card. This means they must have a DOT physical exam once every two years. These are conducted by certified medical examiners who perform general physical exams — looking at a driver’s eyes, heart, lungs, abdomen, and spine, for example — while also assessing their medical history and prescribed medications. Drivers deemed medically fit for duty are then issued a DOT medical card that is valid for two years. However, some medical conditions may disqualify drivers from operating a CMV, or may require more frequent monitoring/exams (which examiners will specify). #3: Not Keeping Inquiries into Driving Records in a Driver Qualification File Upon employing a driver, all motor carriers must investigate, document, and retain that driver's employment safety performance history for the previous three years. This involves contacting previous employers, and the history must include, at minimum: Any accident and accident details (where possible). Any alcohol or controlled substance prohibition violations. General driver identification and employment verification information. Companies must also run Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) in all states where drivers have held CDLs or permits for the previous three years. From then on, carriers must continue to obtain updated MVRs annually and closely review them to determine that drivers have had no disqualifying offenses. All of these inquiries into a driver’s safety performance history must be closely documented and retained for the length of employment and for three years thereafter. Critically, they must be kept in a secure — that is, under a lock and key — location. #4: Failing to Maintain a Driver File on Each Driver This is a basic notion. All companies must compile, maintain, and update a Driver Qualification File (DQF) for every driver. These must contain: Driver’s application for employment. Inquiries to previous employers for safety performance history. Inquiries to state agencies for a driver’s MVR and carrier’s annual review of record. Annual driver’s certification of violations. Driver’s road test certificate or equivalent. Medical examiner’s certificate. Inquiry about drug and alcohol tests. #5: Not Keeping a Medical Certificate in a Driver File As noted above, drivers must pass medical exams and be issued medical examiner’s certificates before they can legally operate a CMV. These must be kept in their driver file and updated every time they are issued new or modified certificates. The Ongoing Benefits of Digital DOT Driver Files Violations can be costly, and they can also impact your company’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores. The best way to ensure safety and compliance is to keep tabs on your driver files (and your drivers). Switching to a digital solution can make this much easier. With Dash, the Foley platform, you can convert all your files to digital (if you haven’t already), and then help manage upcoming deadlines such as CDL and medical card expiration dates. All your files are then kept in a secure, easy-to-access location on any mobile device. Don’t get caught off guard during annual reviews or when DOT auditors come calling. Stay compliant by contacting Foley today!

The FMCSA hours of service (HOS) regulations are a complex set of rules to ensure drivers of large vehicles aren't too tired or overworked to drive safely.

Every 12 months, employers must obtain an updated Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for each CDL driver to ensure they are qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. This MVR check will show a record of all moving violations, accidents, and license suspensions and revocations. During this process, you must consider the following: Did the driver violate any hazardous materials regulations? Did the driver violate any motor vehicle laws that show a general disregard for public safety? This may include drug and alcohol violations, speeding, or reckless driving. This annual MVR must be placed in the driver qualification file along with a note showing the name of the person who performed the annual review and the date the review occurred. Reminder: Annual List of Driving Violations Eliminated by FMCSA According to an FMCSA final ruling passed on May 9, 2022, CDL drivers are no longer required to submit an annual list of moving violations to their employer. Employers are still required to retain the Record of Violations documents collected before May 9, 2022, and keep them for three years from the original document date, unless otherwise clarified by FMCSA. Automatically Comply with Annual Motor Vehicle Record Checks with MVR Monitoring Not only does an MVR monitoring program help you track your drivers' habits behind the wheel by alerting you to new violations and accidents, but it also fulfills your annual MVR check requirement. Don't worry about what your drivers are doing behind the wheel, or missing your annual motor vehicle record check deadline! Click here to schedule a call with our DOT compliance specialists or fill out the form below to see how MVR monitoring can make your job easier.

Filing a DOT number application gets you on track toward meeting DOT recordkeeping requirements. At first glance, understanding and dealing with DOT regulations and DOT recordkeeping requirements seems complicated.

If you've never filed a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) for your business, it’s important for you to file right away. Unregistered motor carriers who cross state lines without a UCR could be fined and have their trucks pulled off the road. But who needs a UCR filing? And what if you live in a state that doesn’t participate? Keep reading to find out what you need to know to be compliant. What is a UCR registration? UCR stands for Unified Carrier Registration. It is a federally mandated system for registering operators of commercial vehicles who are involved in interstate and international travel. This annual UCR filing must be renewed by December 31 each year. Registration for the upcoming year begins on October 1. Who needs a UCR filing? Any motor carrier who drives a commercial vehicle carrying cargo over state or international lines needs to file a UCR. Individuals and companies who make arrangements for the shipment of goods, such as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies are also subject to the UCR fee. For motor carriers, the cost of the UCR filing fee is dependent on the total number of vehicles in a fleet. Brokers and leasing companies are required to pay the lowest fee to register. What happens if you don’t get a UCR registration? If you don’t pay for the UCR, and you or your drivers are caught driving over state lines, enforcement officials could detain your vehicles. Plus, you could be required to pay additional fines and penalties. Depending on which state you’re from, the fine could be anywhere from $100 to $5000 for first-time offenders. What if my state doesn’t participate in UCR registration? Currently, 41 states in the US are participating in the UCR program. The following states are not participating: Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. If your state of residence doesn’t participate in the UCR program, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Any motor carrier who travels over state lines is required to purchase a UCR registration. If you live in a state that doesn’t participate, you are required to purchase a UCR filing in the nearest participating state. File Your 2025 UCR Registration with Foley Now Need to file a UCR? Foley can help make the process simple. Click here or call 860-530-6310 and we’ll take care of the registration process for you before UCR enforcement starts in 2025!

Starting a new trucking company or becoming an owner-operator involves countless considerations, from business and profit management to DOT compliance.

What does a positive drug test mean for you and your employee? Things can get complicated if a non-negative drug test result comes from any of your employees – especially for companies regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT has strict regulations regarding the steps you need to take after this occurs. If the positive result comes from a pre-employment drug test, you cannot allow the employee to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for your company. You must have a negative drug test result in the driver qualification file for every employee in order to operate compliantly and meet DOT recordkeeping requirements. So, what does a positive drug test mean and what happens next? Let’s go over a few scenarios that may apply to your employee’s specific situation, such as... They say the result is a false positive They admit to using drugs They refuse to take a drug test They take prescription medication and are afraid to take a test They need to go through the return-to-duty process What if I received a positive drug test result, but the employee says it’s a mistake? This is a common claim that employers encounter after receiving a non-negative drug test result, which is why it’s important to understand the measures the DOT has in place to address this argument: After a drug test is taken, the urine sample is split into two separate vials – vials A and B – which are shipped to a laboratory. The laboratory tests vial A. If drugs are detected, the specimen goes under further testing to confirm the presence of drug metabolites and is eventually reported to a DOT Medical Review Office (MRO) as positive for at least one controlled substance. Once the MRO receives a positive laboratory result, a “medical review” takes place. This review consists of the following steps: 1. A DOT-qualified physician – the Medical Review Officer – attempts to contact the employee in order to conduct an interview. 2. During the interview, the MRO will determine if there is a valid medical explanation as to why the specimen may have tested positive (such as prescribed medications). 3. If the MRO determines there is no medical explanation, they will offer the employee the option to have Vial B tested (as described above) in order to verify there were no errors made. After the medical review process is complete, the result is reported to the employer as a verified positive. If the MRO is unable to reach the employee to conduct the interview after a minimum of three contact attempts have been made, the result will report to the employer as a “non-contact positive.” What happens if the employee agrees to split-specimen testing? The employee must make the split-specimen test request to the MRO within 72 hours. At that time, vial B will be shipped to a laboratory for testing. This cannot be the same laboratory used to analyze the first sample. What if my FMCSA-regulated driver admitted to me that they use drugs? This is what’s known as “Actual Knowledge,” and it has the same consequences as a positive result. If you are regulated by a DOT agency other than the FMCSA, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), or Maritime Administration (MARAD), please call Foley at 800-253-5506 for assistance. One of my employees refused to take a required drug test. Now what? This is known as “Refusal to Submit.” It involves the same consequences as a positive result. What if I have an employee who is on prescribed medication and doesn’t want to test for fear of the result being positive? This is another common scenario, but thanks to the medical review process, it shouldn’t be a concern. If during the MRO interview the employee states that they are taking prescribed medication, they will be given the opportunity to provide proof of the prescription to the MRO. Once a valid prescription is received, and it is determined that the employee is using the medication as prescribed, the result will be reported as a verified negative to the employer. An employee who has been prescribed medication may be required to obtain a note from their physician that the medication will not affect their ability to perform safety-sensitive functions. What if I have an employee that needs to go through the DOT return-to-duty process? As you might expect, if an employee does test positive, the process they must complete prior to resuming safety-sensitive functions is not usually a quick one. This process consists of the following steps: An initial Evaluation with a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) – This face-to-face interview will determine the course of action the employee must take. Education/Treatment – The employee must comply with the SAP’s recommendations. This could be anything from attending several group meetings to in-house rehabilitation. Follow-Up Evaluation – This must take place with the same SAP who conducted the initial evaluation and will determine whether the employee has satisfied the recommendations. DOT Return-to-Duty Drug Test – When this test comes back negative, the individual may resume safety-sensitive functions. It must be completed under direct observation, meaning a person of the same sex must accompany him or her during the collection process. DOT Follow-Up Testing – The SAP will provide the employer with a schedule of follow-up tests, in which a minimum of six unannounced tests conducted under direct observation are to be scheduled over at least a 12-month period. This process may continue for up to five years. A non-negative drug test result can be a stressful experience for both the employee and you, the employer. Following these steps will ensure you meet DOT regulations while keeping the safety of your company at the top of your list of priorities. Trust Foley for DOT Drug Testing Done Right If you need additional support throughout the drug testing process, turn to a trusted third-party administrator (TPA) like Foley for a DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program. We’ll take care of pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and reasonable suspicion drug tests. Foley also manages all the DOT recordkeeping requirements that go along with these tests. Our nationwide network of collection sites makes it easy for your drivers to find a convenient location along their routes. Ready to make drug testing drivers easier for yourself? Get a FREE demo of Foley’s drug and alcohol testing software today by filling out the form below.

Heavy snowfall and UCR enforcement are on their way in 2025. Are you prepared? It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! In many areas across the US, temperatures are dropping, and snow is starting to fall. Do you know the ice and snow removal laws for your state?

A new regulation in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is now in effect, revoking driving privileges from some commercial drivers. Starting today, November 18, 2024, drivers listed as "prohibited" in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse due to reported violations will face a denial or revocation of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

DOT regulations on diabetes can be murky. Foley clears up the confusion surrounding diabetes and DOT physical requirements during National Diabetes Awareness Month. To drive a commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds, you need to pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical. The DOT physical isn’t something you need to be afraid of, but if you have diabetes or high blood sugar levels (or suspect you do), you may have some concerns about your ability to pass. Drivers must pass their DOT physicals at least once every 24 months, so whether you’re preparing for your first DOT physical or your fifth, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and restrictions surrounding diabetes and blood sugar levels. Below, we’ll answer all the most frequently asked questions regarding DOT physicals and diabetes, but if you’re new to DOT physicals, read our overview here first. Impact of Diabetes on CMV Drivers When diabetes is undiagnosed and so uncontrolled (which accounts for around 7.3 million people in the US), it can cause fatigue, stress, and sluggishness, all of which can impede your ability to drive a CMV. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, truck drivers have a 50% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than the general population. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to hypoglycemia which may result in loss of consciousness and seizure, so it’s important to control diabetes if you do indeed have it. Does the DOT Physical Test for Diabetes? The DOT physical will look for signs of diabetes and may recommend further investigation if they believe you have diabetes. Your examiner will ask whether you have a history of diabetes or control elevated blood sugar levels with your diet, pills, or insulin. They’ll also examine you for other conditions potentially caused by diabetes, and test your urine for the presence of sugars. Can You Pass a DOT Physical with Diabetes? Yes, however, diabetes is one of the four conditions that have objective disqualifiers – that means that if your symptoms of diabetes meet one of their disqualifying conditions, you’ll automatically fail the exam. This will not apply to most but will apply if you’ve been diagnosed with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It is also subject to other standards that are “discretionary,” which means your medical examiner will determine whether they believe your condition may impede your ability to safely do your job. If you have diabetes or another health condition such as high blood pressure, you will be required to have your DOT physical annually (or more frequently) to ensure you continue to be fit enough to operate large commercial vehicles. You’ll also be required to have annual eye tests because diabetes can lead to some vision impairment. Can You Pass a DOT Physical With Type 2 Diabetes? Yes, though it will depend on the circumstances of your condition and the opinion of your medical examiner. It will be largely up to their professional opinion whether you are safe to operate a CMV. If you control your diabetes and regularly monitor your condition, you won’t likely have a problem getting the all-clear from your medical examiner. Your medical examiner may ask you: Do you regularly monitor your blood sugar level? Do you take any over-the-counter medications/supplements for diabetes? Do you have a history of feeling faint, dizzy, or any other loss of consciousness? Have you had a hypoglycemic reaction in the past? What did that look like? When did it happen? What were the circumstances? Your doctor will also test your urine for the presence of sugars. What is the FMCSA Diabetes Standard? Previously, the only way for diabetic drivers to legally operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce was through applying for an exemption in the Diabetes Exemption Program; however, the program was officially discontinued in November 2018. Instead, the healthcare professional who prescribes insulin for a driver must now provide the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (ITDM Assessment Form), MCSA-5870, to the certified medical examiner performing the DOT physical, which indicates the driver has a stable insulin regimen in place. This means the entire process is faster and less burdensome for all involved, and you no longer have to obtain a separate evaluation by the doctor treating your diabetes. Drivers who have diabetes also need to bring their latest lab work to the examination, which should include fasting blood sugar and HGA1C. This needs to be from within the last four months. If you are new to using insulin to control your diabetes, you need to have used it for four months before you can pass the DOT physical. If you have another medical condition and you're wondering how it may impact your DOT physical results, check out this Foley article for more information. How to Pass A DOT Physical with Diabetes Don’t worry, passing the DOT physical with diabetes isn’t complicated — you just need to have your diabetes under control. In other words, you need to prove that you’re healthy and properly managing your condition. If you already monitor and treat your diabetes appropriately, you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you’re concerned you may not pass, here are a few things you can do to improve your ability to pass: Stay on top of monitoring your blood glucose and treating your diabetes appropriately Get some exercise — even just a short walk can help you keep your insulin levels in a healthy range Cut back on foods that spike your insulin levels (sugary, processed foods, sodas, salty foods, and so on) Make sure you don’t overeat — your insulin levels will spike after eating Cut back on alcohol, smoking, and caffeine Make sure you’re well-hydrated before your physical How long is a DOT physical valid with diabetes? Under the new FMCSA final rule on insulin-treated diabetes, the maximum period of medical certification is 12 months. A1c Guidelines for DOT Physical Hemoglobin A1c is blood sugar that can show in your urine test if you have poor glucose control — as would be the case if you have uncontrolled diabetes. This is the sugar that is detected that we discussed above, and so 10% is the A1c limit for the physical exam. The DOT A1c guidelines 2024 are that you must have less than 10% to pass. However, if it is higher than 8%, your medical examiner may have some concerns about your ongoing health, and so may refer you for further testing and monitoring. If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, you can improve your diet and get more regular exercise to lower your A1c levels. High A1c levels are from excess sugars being produced when your cells have enough energy to function, so if you eat foods with less sugar and avoid overeating, your A1c levels will naturally start to lower. Remember that your medical examiner isn’t trying to find reasons to fail you – they’ll want to pass you but they also have to make sure you’re healthy and safe to operate CMVs, for your safety and that of others. If you find you do have high A1c levels, speak to your physician about what next steps you can take to avoid future health problems that may cause you to fail the DOT physical in the future. If you do fail due to uncontrolled diabetes or high A1c levels, you’ll be able to reapply once your condition is under control. What are the DOT Physical Blood Sugar Requirements? If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes but know or suspect you have blood sugar levels, then you may be concerned about having a nasty surprise when your urine is tested for excess sugar. The physical requires you to have a blood sugar level of less than 8% in this test — a normal range is less than 5.7%. What are Acceptable Blood Sugar Levels? If you have a blood sugar level of under 5.7%, you’re within a normal range. If it’s between 5.7% and 6.4%, then you’re considered “pre-diabetic,” and so your medical examiner may have some concerns and refer you for further investigation or monitoring, or recommend you make some lifestyle changes. That alone is not enough to fail the DOT physical, but you do need to be aware that it’s high and monitor it so that you don’t get diabetes or end up with a level that’s too high when you go for your next physical. New DOT Physical Requirements for Diabetes in 2024 As long as you have a diabetes management regime in place, your blood sugar levels are monitored, and your insulin-prescribing doctor provides the Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (ITDM Assessment Form), MCSA-5870, to the certified medical examiner performing the DOT physical, you should be in good standing to pass it. Now that you know the FMCSA diabetes guidelines for 2024, it's time to schedule your DOT physical. Foley makes it easier for owner-operators and fleet managers to schedule DOT physicals for drivers. Our NEW automated DOT physicals software automatically sends alerts whenever drivers need a physical and auto-orders them for you. Plus, the system uploads new medical certificates to drivers’ electronic files once they pass their DOT physical exams. Ready to stop tracking medical certificate expirations on your own? Get a FREE demo of the Foley DOT physical software now. Links to Related Articles in This Series: The DOT Physical: Everything You Need to Know DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physical Blood Pressure: Requirements & Tips for Passing DOT Physicals: Can I Pass With Sleep Apnea? DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? DOT Physicals: Do They Include a Drug Test? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical? DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

The annual FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse deadline is closing in, with annual queries for all DOT-regulated drivers due by the end of 2024. If you haven’t yet run a query on each CDL driver you employ (including yourself if you’re an owner-operator), you must do so within a 12-month rolling period of their initial query. Failure to run these annual queries could lead to fines of up to $5,833 per driver. The latest FMCSA Clearinghouse data suggests that there are still many employers and drivers who haven’t yet registered for the Clearinghouse, which could create a demand similar to the one we saw earlier this year when the system became overwhelmed by the large volume of traffic trying to register and login to the site. If this occurs in the weeks leading up to the deadline, as projected, it could make it difficult for employers to meet their requirements before the deadline. Our suggestion? Take care of this annual FMCSA requirement before the holidays and last-minute annual compliance demands pile up. About the Annual Clearinghouse Query For the annual query requirement, you have the option of running either a full or a limited query, but if a limited query shows that there is information on a driver’s record, you will be required to run a full query within 24 hours. Failure to do so will result in the driver being pulled from safety-sensitive functions until you’re able to run the full query. Required First Steps in the FMCSA Clearinghouse #1: Employer Registration Before you’re able to run an annual DOT Clearinghouse query on your drivers, you must set up an account first. Without an account, you can’t run queries on your drivers — you also can’t report DOT drug and alcohol violations when they occur. #2: Driver Registration Not only does having a Clearinghouse account enable drivers to check their accounts for inaccuracies, but it also enables them to give consent before an employer runs a full query of their Clearinghouse record. Because a full query shows all of the details of a driver’s record, the driver is required to give consent within the Clearinghouse before a full query is run. Because an employer only has 24 hours from the time a limited query shows a “hit” on a driver’s record, until the time they run a full query, drivers must have their account set up in advance. #3: Limited Consent Form Although consent for full queries must be obtained each time an employer runs a full query in the Clearinghouse, a blanket consent form is all that is needed for limited queries. Employers should provide all CDL drivers with a limited consent form which gives them permission to run an unlimited number of limited queries for the duration of their employment. Employers must keep a signed consent form on file for each driver they employ. #4: DOT Recordkeeping System Employers must have signed consent forms on file for each driver, as well as a record of all queries that they’ve run throughout each driver’s employment. These records will be critical during an audit and should be stored digitally to both accommodate remote workers and ensure you’re ready for an offsite audit. Fulfill Your Annual FMCSA Clearinghouse Query Requirement Now Because of the steps required in fulfilling the annual query process, it’s important that employers take care of it as soon as possible. If you have questions or need help navigating the process, Foley can help. To learn more about our comprehensive FMCSA Clearinghouse management program, please click here.

The UCR fee increase follows a two-year streak of fee reductions for those subject to the federal filing requirements. Federal regulators have approved a 25 percent hike in fees charged to motor carriers, brokers, and leasing companies under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan for the 2025 registration year.

You must file your MCS-150 update on a regular basis to maintain your FMCSA compliance. There are a variety of reasons why motor carriers are required to update their MCS-150 filing. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the update, why it’s important, and how to get it done fast. What is MCS-150? The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form filed to obtain and update your USDOT number. Through this form, you provide specific information about your business to the FMCSA, including whether you’re designated as a passenger vehicle or hazardous materials carrier, your mileage, and the number of vehicles in your fleet. This allows the FMCSA to verify that the information associated with your DOT number is correct. Any motor carrier with a DOT Number is required to file a biennial MCS-150 update. You should also file an update any time something about your business changes, for instance, if you have a new company name or add trucks to your fleet. File Your MCS-150 Update Now Why it’s Important to Provide Accurate Information on Your MCS-150 The FMCSA uses the information you file in the report to calculate safety scores according to its safety measurement system, Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA). The data you provide is used to analyze your safety performance within CSA’s Behavior Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories, otherwise known as the BASICS. Inaccurate data can negatively impact your safety performance scores. What Happens if You Don’t Update Your MCS-150? The FMCSA takes this update seriously. Failure to file the update by the deadline could result in a deactivation of your DOT number, along with fines of up to $1,000 a day. You’ll need to know your DOT number when determining when your update is due, as it is based on the last two digits of your DOT number: The second to last number in your DOT Number determines what year your biennial update needs to be filed. If it’s odd, you’re required to file your MCS-150 in every odd-numbered calendar year. If it’s even, then you file in even-numbered calendar years. For example: If your DOT Number is 5555515, you’re required to file in odd numbered years. If your DOT Number is 5555525, you’re required to file in even numbered years. The last number in your DOT number determines what month your biennial update needs to be filed. If your DOT number ends with the number one, you need to file in January. If your DOT number ends with the number two, you need to file in February, and so on. Updates are due no later than the last day of the month in which it’s due. How Do I Update My Biennial MCS-150? If your biennial update is due, or you’ve made any changes to your business since your last filing, you must file your MCS-150 renewal. At Foley, we make the process simple by filing all the paperwork for you. Click here to file your update quickly and accurately today.

If we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times: DOT driver qualification files can be difficult to create and maintain, especially as your business and driver count grows. It’s a process that many companies struggle to execute, according to FMCSA regulations. From using a physically unqualified driver to not keeping inquiries into a driver’s employment record in the DOT driver qualification file, several small mistakes often lead to big fines for companies with DOT-regulated drivers. Here are a few of the most common driver qualification file mistakes and the steps you can take to avoid them. #1. Using an Unqualified/Physically Unqualified Driver The DOT has certain requirements for commercial vehicle drivers that employers must consider before putting them behind the wheel. These requirements include being at least 21 years old, able to speak and write English, and having the training needed to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. Drivers must also be in good medical health, as determined by a DOT medical examiner during a DOT physical exam. ✅ How to avoid this violation: Not only is the DOT job application a required part of each driver qualification file, but it will answer all the questions above. During the pre-hire process and then on an ongoing basis throughout each driver’s employment, you should also have an updated copy of their DOT medical card. In addition to having this in their possession while on the road, you should have a copy on record in their DOT driver file. Download Your FREE Guide on Driver File Creation Today #2: Not Keeping Inquiries into a Driver’s Employment Record in the Driver Qualification File This is a common violation — accounting for 6,896 DOT violations in 2024. Before a driver is permitted to drive for a new company, the employer must contact the driver's prior employers regarding violations other than those found in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and keep records of either their attempts to make contact or the information found through this process. All of this information must be securely stored in the driver file as part of their Safety Performance History. ✅ How to avoid this violation: All of the information you’ll need to complete this investigation will be found on the driver’s DOT application, so make sure you’re having every prospective driver complete one before you begin onboarding. Once you’ve made the phone calls and collected the necessary information, make sure these employer inquiries are kept in the DOT driver file. Because of the sensitive nature of the information, it must be kept in a file that is accessible by only those who are involved in the hiring process. #3: Not Having a Current DOT Medical Card in the Driver Qualification File As we mentioned earlier, you must check each driver’s DOT medical card during the pre-hire process. But once that’s done, it’s also important that you make a copy of this document and keep it in their DOT driver file, too. This document must then be updated each time the driver’s medical card is renewed. ✅ How to avoid this violation: Having a system to track medical card expiration dates will ensure that you know when your drivers are due for their DOT physicals so that you can get a copy of the updated certificate as soon as it’s available. Any driver who doesn’t have a current medical card should not drive or perform safety-sensitive duties until it has been updated. #4: Failing to Maintain a Driver Qualification File for Each Driver If you hire and manage drivers, then you are responsible for creating and maintaining driver files for each of them — even if they don’t require a CDL. The FMCSA requires any driver who operates a CMV with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more to have a driver qualification file maintained throughout their employment. ✅ How to avoid this violation: Most of the information you need to create a DOT driver qualification file is collected through the pre-hire process — it’s simply a matter of organizing the files where they can be easily accessed and maintained throughout the driver’s employment. Tracking expiration dates is key, as CDLs, medical cards, and motor vehicle reports will need to be updated periodically. For many employers who currently keep updated DOT driver files, the issue isn’t creating them — it’s keeping them updated on an ongoing basis. From monitoring DOT medical card expiration dates to running and filing away each driver’s annual motor vehicle report, there are a variety of dates that must be tracked during each driver’s employment to stay compliant. Protect Your Business- Download Your FREE Driver File Maintenance Guide Today! Stay Violation-Free with DOT Driver Qualification File Software At Foley, our driver file program manages all of these expiration dates for you and sends alerts when specific driver records need to be updated through our exclusive Dash Platform. All driver files are filed securely in a digital format, and they are available to view or download whenever you need them. To learn more about our DOT driver file creation and management program, click here or give us a call at (860) 815-0764.

Following DOT hours of service regulations can be the difference between passing and failing a compliance audit. The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations are a complex set of rules that help ensure drivers of large property-carrying vehicles are not too tired or overworked to drive safely. DOT-regulated businesses that operate primarily in a local area are allowed to use what was once known as the 100-air-mile rule, but it is now the 150-air-mile radius exemption.

The holiday season is getting closer and so are annual compliance deadlines (like FMCSA Clearinghouse queries). We can’t believe it’s already November! Here’s what you need to know for this month.

We get many questions regarding background check lookback periods, and like so many other things in life, the answer is, "It depends." It can depend on the type of background check you're ordering, the state you're operating in, as well as other stipulations, like those dictated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Let Foley keep an eye on your driver’s potential drug and alcohol violations in the DOT Clearinghouse and their traffic violations with MVR monitoring. We all wait until the last minute for things, but your annual FMCSA Clearinghouse queries should not be one of them.

The economy continues to plague large companies and owner-operators. For the second year in a row, the economy tops the list of concerns for the transportation industry, according to the American Transportation Research Institute's (ATRI) 20th annual Top Industry Issues report. Released at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition in Nashville, the report highlights that rising operational costs, coupled with a persistent freight recession and stagnant rates, are major worries for motor carriers and drivers. Top Concerns for Truck Drivers & Motor Carriers The Ongoing Battle for More Truck Parking Moving up to the number one placement from number two in 2023, drivers continued to express concern over the lack of available truck parking this year. According to the American Trucking Associations, there are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the US and approximately 313,000 truck parking spaces nationally. In other words, for every 11 drivers, there is only one truck parking space. Adequate truck parking allows commercial drivers to safely and comfortably take their much-needed breaks and follow strict DOT hours-of-service rules. Thankfully, awareness of this ongoing industry issue has increased and led to developing programs to tackle it. Programs like Truck Parking Club allow drivers to find and instantly reserve truck parking spaces throughout the US. Rise in Insurance Costs & CSA Concerns for Carriers While the top three concerns of carriers in 2024 reflect the same issues cited in the 2023 ATRI report, two new subjects have climbed the list: insurance and CSA. The current commercial insurance market is a hard one with premiums climbing year-over-year. More carriers are taking proactive steps to find relief and relying on new technologies like MVR monitoring to prove to underwriters that they take their drivers' safety seriously. Although the increase in CSA concerns is new to this list, it's not surprising. Numerous brokers, load boards, and contractors (like Amazon Relay!) now check carriers' CSA scores to ensure their compliance and safety adhere to their standards. What to Take Away from the ATRI Report If you’re struggling to hire and keep drivers, one or more of the ATRI top ten driver issues may be to blame. Taking the time to review your safety and DOT compliance policies, parking arrangements, equipment, and compensation rates and make any necessary changes could convince your current employees to stay behind the wheel and entice new drivers to join your fleet. Employers can also update their driver application process to show new recruits they put drivers first from the very beginning of the professional relationship. Remember, what you do now to satisfy the needs of modern-day drivers will only strengthen your company’s reputation and employee retention rates for the long term.

When a driver fails a DOT drug test, they must complete the return to duty process before resuming their safety-sensitive duties. We’ve previously covered what to do when you’re faced with different situations involving a non-negative drug test result, but what happens when the employee who produced it is ready to go back to work? They must first complete what’s known as the return-to-duty and follow-up testing process. It’s important to note that any failed DOT drug tests, including refusals to test, that your CDL drivers produce will be added to their FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse record. They will remain on their record until the return-to-duty process has been completed and five years from the date the violation was committed has passed. A NEW regulation regarding the FMCSA Clearinghouse will go into effect next month, and over 235,000 CDL drivers will have to complete the return-to-duty process to avoid losing their commercial driving privileges. You can find out more by watching our on-demand webinar: Read on to make sure you’re prepared in the event any of your CDL drivers test positive for drugs or alcohol now or in the future, and get the solutions to these common concerns: What is the return to duty process? How many follow-up DOT drug tests need to be taken? Do follow-up tests replace random drug testing? What are the return to duty DOT recordkeeping requirements? How do I manage the return to duty process and recordkeeping? What is the Return to Duty process? The DOT requires the following specific steps to be taken after a CDL driver fails a drug or alcohol test: Removal from safety-sensitive functions (like driving) immediately: Even if they’re on the road in another state, the driver must be notified to stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so. Initial evaluation with a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): During this face-to-face interview, the SAP will evaluate the employee to understand their situation and usage history. This evaluation allows the SAP to determine what type of activities or treatment the employee must undergo. Education and treatment program: The SAP will prescribe a treatment program for the employee based on their initial interview. Follow-up evaluation with the SAP: After the employee has completed the SAP’s treatment program, another evaluation must take place with the same SAP. At that time, they will determine whether the employee may take a return to duty test and resume safety-sensitive functions. Follow-up test schedule: The SAP will provide the Designated Employer Representative (DER) with a schedule of follow-up tests. Return to duty drug test: Once the SAP confirms that the employee has successfully completed all requirements, they will recommend to the DER that the employee may take an RTD test. The collection of the specimen must be directly observed by an individual of the same sex during the entire process to ensure the integrity of the test. FMCSA Clearinghouse reporting: Employers must report negative return-to-duty test results to the FMCSA Clearinghouse by the close of the third business day following the date on which the results were received. Returning to duty: Once a negative DOT drug test result is received, the employee may resume their safety-sensitive functions, such as driving. A little more detail on the follow-up tests: once your driver is ready to get behind the wheel once again, their interaction with their designated SAP isn’t over. They must continue with the follow-up testing schedule that’s been assigned to them. Here are the answers to some common questions on follow-up testing. How many follow-up DOT drug tests need to be taken? The DOT requires the SAP to schedule a minimum of six tests over a 12-month period, but the process may include more tests and continue for up to five years. Like the return to duty test, each follow-up test must be taken under direct observation. Do follow-up tests replace random drug testing? No. Just like all other CDL drivers on your roster, the employee must be included in a regular random testing pool and complete any selections they may receive in addition to their scheduled follow-up tests. A random test cannot replace a follow-up and vice versa, since random drug tests are not taken under direct observation. Return to Duty DOT Recordkeeping Requirements In addition to complying with RTD regulations, you must also ensure you’re staying on track with any records associated with the return to duty process. You need to follow these recordkeeping requirements even if one employee needs to complete the RTD and follow-up process: Have a written DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program in place that includes RTD/follow-up testing procedures for the duration of time it was enforced, plus five years after it has been replaced or revised Keep the following records for five years: Positive alcohol test results indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater Verified positive drug test results Refusals to take required alcohol and/or drug tests (including substituted or adulterated drug test results) SAP reports All follow-up tests and schedules for follow-up tests Remember, all DOT drug and alcohol testing records must be kept in a secure location with controlled access. Keep paper files locked in filing cabinets, and password-protect your electronic records. Ensure all records are legible and signatures can be authenticated in the event of an audit. Automating the Return to Duty DOT Recordkeeping Process Now that you know all the steps involved in completing and tracking the RTD process, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to do it on your own. The good news? You don’t have to. A third-party administrator (like Foley) can handle all aspects of your DOT drug and alcohol testing needs, including the RTD and follow-up testing components, as well as FMCSA Clearinghouse compliance. With our DOT Compliance Platform, Dash, you’ll be able to implement the RTD process for any employee, keep track of their progress, and automatically store all the documentation in their driver file. You won’t have to stress about scheduling the necessary tests or being prepared for a compliance review once it’s all said and done. If worrying less about DOT drug testing is on your compliance wish list, schedule a FREE software demo with Foley now by clicking here or filling out the form below. Your dedicated Foley account manager can help simplify your DOT compliance needs one return-to-duty test at a time.

Starting a new trucking company and doing all the administrative tasks that come with it can be stressful, overwhelming, and difficult to figure out on your own.

CDL drivers may feel stressed about the DOT medical exam, but there are some simple ways to make sure they're ready for it. Even if you’ve been through a DOT physical a dozen times, or don’t have any immediate concerns, there’s something about this test and the career impact if you fail, that may cause you to feel nervous about going through it. And while we understand how stressful it can be, the number one piece of advice when getting ready for your exam is this: Try to relax. The physical effects of stress are real — and can impact the results of your DOT medical exam. If you already expect your blood pressure reading to be a bit higher, for example, you don’t need your nerves to push it even higher. If you feel anxious as your appointment gets closer, try some deep breathing exercises to calm your body. This can lower your heart rate in preparation for the exam. Knowing you’re prepared for your appointment will also help keep your nerves in check. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your DOT physical exam. Be Mindful of Your Blood Pressure Stay away from coffee, tobacco, and energy drinks as much as you can in the 24 hours leading up to your exam. These products can raise your blood pressure by as much as 20 points. If your blood pressure is already high, this may be enough to disqualify you from renewing your medical card. Related Foley Article: DOT Physical Blood Pressure: New Requirements & Tips for Passing Prepare to Discuss Your Health Openly Know your health history and be prepared to discuss recent diagnoses of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. You’ll want to bring any information you have available from your prescribing physician — including current prescribed medications, regiments, and your CPAP machine. Related Foley Articles: DOT Physical: Diabetes Guidelines 2024 DOT Physicals: Can I Pass with Sleep Apnea? American Heart Month 2024: Get Your Drivers on Board Arrive to Your Appointment Well-Rested Get plenty of sleep the night before your DOT physical exam and give yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment. Rushing to gather paperwork at the last minute — or dealing with traffic delays — can increase your stress levels prior to your test. Remember Your Hearing & Vision Supports Wear or bring prescription glasses, contacts, or hearing aids if you’re required to wear them for driving. There will be a vision and hearing test that you’ll need to pass during the exam. Related Foley Articles: DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam in 2024 DOT Physicals: All About the Hearing Exam Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate Some More Drink plenty of water so that you can provide the required urine sample. This sample is not used for a dot drug test (hair or urine), but rather to check for the presence of sugars, protein, or blood — all of which can indicate certain health conditions. Know Your Rights Always remember you have the right to a second opinion if your DOT medical examiner won’t issue you a medical card. Keep in mind, however, that even though the FMCSA does allow second opinions, you can’t “shop around” until you find someone willing to pass you. This means that you must be clear with the new medical examiner that you are looking for a second opinion after being disqualified during your initial exam. Don’t Try to Cheat Your DOT Medical Exam No matter what myths you may have heard, like drinking an overabundance of water to lower the risk of detecting medical issues from your "clean" urine sample, there’s simply no way to fake passing a DOT physical. You must be 100% truthful in your answers to the health history report as well. As a professional driver, you must refrain from driving if you cannot safely do so. If you’re involved in an accident, your medical history will be reviewed with a fine-tooth comb, and you could face legal action if you’re caught being knowingly untruthful in your responses. Get DOT Physical Exam Support from Foley This related Foley article, Everything You Need to Know About the DOT Physical Exam, answers common questions, like what do you need to bring to a DOT physical? And, what happens if you fail a DOT physical exam? If you still need help with anything related to DOT physicals, you can rely on Foley’s compliance experts. Is it time to schedule a DOT physical for one of your drivers? We have you covered. Our DOT physical program includes an impressive nationwide network of FMCSA-certified medical examiners to see your employees when and where it’s convenient for them. Dash, the Foley Platform, automatically sends alerts whenever your drivers are due for DOT physicals based on their medical certificate expiration dates. You’ll never have to scramble to schedule a DOT medical exam at the last minute or deal with the hassle of expired medical cards again. Get your FREE demo of our DOT compliance software and experience how easy it is to manage your DOT physical exams with Foley. Fill out the brief form below!

Class 9 hazmat is a catch-all category for hazardous materials that do not fit into other specific hazmat classes. If you’re confused about what exactly is required of your company to transport class 9 hazmat (hazardous materials), you’re not alone. Read on to have all your class 9 hazmat questions answered. Related: Hazmat Endorsements: Everything You Need to Know What is a Class 9 Hazmat? A “class 9 hazmat” is the term the DOT (Department of Transportation) uses to categorize any hazardous materials that don’t fit into any of the other well-defined hazardous material categories, such as explosives, flammables, and corrosives. What is Included as an FMCSA Class 9 Hazmat? Some of the hazardous materials that are included under class 9 are: Hazardous waste Hazardous substances Hazardous pollutants Any noxious materials Materials that need to be transported by air but could cause the flight crew extreme irritation (such as breathing or sight difficulties) Materials that are considered hazardous at an elevated temperature Any material that has an anesthetic quality Materials that can pollute waterways (called a marine pollutant) What are the Class 9 Hazmat Requirements? In terms of material, they must meet any of the points in the section above, but not meet any of the requirements of hazmat classes 1 through 8. In terms of requirements for drivers, there are no requirements for drivers transporting class 9 hazmat, besides needing their CDL and a valid medical card. But there are shipping requirements for class 9 hazmat materials, which we’ll cover below. Does Class 9 Hazmat Need Placards? No, you don’t need placards to transport class 9 hazmat domestically in the US. Any bulk packaging that contains class 9 hazmat must be labeled with the correct identification number on a white diamond, an orange panel, or a class 9 placard. Any other class 9 hazmat must be marked with the identification number and shipping name. Is a Hazmat Endorsement Required for Class 9? This is one of the areas that often confuses people because there are different requirements for other types of hazmat and for class 9. You do not need a hazmat endorsement to transport class 9 hazmat domestically. Essentially, if you are required to placard what you’re transporting (which you don’t for class 9) you need a hazmat endorsement. You also need a hazmat endorsement if you offer transportation services for hazardous materials that require a placard, even if you aren’t actively transporting them at this time. Why is There a Class 9 Placard if You Don’t Need to Use it? The class 9 placard is provided for international travel. So, if your drivers often cross into Mexico or Canada, they will likely need to use the placard. You can also use the placard to label shipments of class 9 hazmat. What are the Hazmat Class 9 Shipping Requirements? All bulk packaging must be labeled with the correct ID number on a class 9 hazmat placard, OR an orange label, OR a white diamond on all 4 sides. If the class 9 hazmat is not in bulk packaging, then it must be labeled with the ID number on 2 opposite sides. If you are transporting an elevated temperature material, you’ll also need to include a “HOT” label on your packaging, and if you’re transporting a marine pollutant, you’ll need to attach the correct marine pollutant label. What is Considered Bulk Packaging for Hazmat Class 9 Shipping Requirements? Bulk packaging is anything over 1,000 gallons in capacity. If I Use a Class 9 Hazmat Placard, Will I Be Subject to Additional Requirements? No, using a class 9 hazmat placard will not make your shipments subject to the same additional requirements as other hazardous materials. Do I Need to be Registered with PHMSA to Haul Class 9 Hazmat? No, if you haul class 9 hazmat and no other form of hazardous materials, you do not need to be registered with PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration). What are Some Common Examples of Class 9 Hazmat? Some of the most common class 9 hazmat are: Ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers Asbestos Nickle batteries Any battery-powered vehicles or equipment Dry ice (or any form of carbon dioxide) Loose cotton Fuel cells First aid kits Fish meal Life preservers Lithium-ion batteries Oxygen generators Electrical safety devices Mace and pepper spray This is not an exhaustive list, but covers some of the more common products people often aren’t sure are class 9 hazmat or not. What are Hazmat Class 9 Examples of Elevated Temperature Materials? One of the areas that is perhaps most confusing is around “elevated temperature materials”, all of which are considered class 9. An elevated temperature material is one that is: In a liquid form at boiling point (100C/212F) Is in a liquid form and has a flashpoint of (or above) 38C/100F Is in a solid form at (or above) 240C/464F Many elevated-temperature materials will, by nature, be categorized in other classes of hazardous materials (because they’re liable to catch on fire or explode). However, while the definition is confusing, you can fit anything that must be transported at an elevated temperature into this category. Examples are: Asphalt Roof tar Road oils Sulfur Molten aluminum Molten glass Molten metal salts If you are transporting a hot material, you are required to add a “HOT” label to the packaging. This follows the same requirements as the other labeling requirements, i.e., you need to label bulk packaging with 4 HOT labels, and anything else with 2. This HOT label should be a white diamond with the word printed in the middle of the square, or a white diamond with the word “HOT” and the ID number below it printed in the center of the diamond. What are Class 9 Hazmat Examples of Marine Pollutants? You don’t need to be transporting a hazardous material over a large body of water for it to be considered a marine pollutant. Some examples of marine pollutants are: Paints Oils Zinc oxide Alcohol ethoxylate Calcium arsenate Coal tar Gasoline Mercury (You can find a full list of chemicals here.) If you are transporting a marine pollutant, you’ll need to label it accordingly with a “MARINE POLLUTANT” label (which must be the same size as a placard). Do I Need to Identify Marine Pollutants if it’s Not Going to be Shipped Overseas? Yes, marine pollutants are what they are by their nature, and their classification doesn’t change simply because it’s not going to come close to an ocean. While you may genuinely never go near a waterway while transporting a marine pollutant, many will. If there were to be an accident where a truck ended up in a lake or river, the attendees would need to know that it contained marine pollutants in order to take the right action. Class 9 Hazmat FAQs for 2024 Is Class 9 Considered Hazmat? Yes, class 9 are still hazardous materials, they just may not be as obviously hazardous as some of the more well-defined hazmat classes. What are the 9 Classes of Hazardous Materials? The 9 classes are: Class 1: explosives Class 2: gases Class 3: flammable liquids Class 4: flammable solids Class 5: organic peroxides and oxidizing substances Class 6: infectious or toxic substances Class 7: radioactive material Class 8: corrosives Class 9: miscellaneous Do My Drivers Need a Class 9 Hazmat Certification? No, there is no training they must take to transport class 9 hazardous materials. It’s recommended you give your drivers some additional training in-house, but a format certification is not needed. Are Lithium Batteries Considered Class 9 Hazmat? Yes, all lithium batteries are class 9. Is Dry Ice Considered Class 9 Hazmat? Yes, dry ice and other products that contain carbon dioxide are all class 9. Are e-Cigarettes Considered Class 9 Hazmat? Yes, since they contain batteries and electrical components, and often the nicotine-flavored liquid (all of which are class 9) they are considered class 9 hazmat. Remember, Hazmat Training is the Key to Safe Transport Although class 9 materials are not held to the same standards as other hazmat classes, they are still hazardous. Consider providing your drivers with additional training before they transport class 9 hazmat. Do you still have questions about class 9 hazmat or other DOT compliance matters? Talk to a Foley compliance expert today. We're ready to help you haul safely and compliantly!

What is the FMCSA’s CSA Program? The CSA program (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) is designed to improve the safety of all drivers on the road. Each motor carrier has a CSA score that represents how well they meet the established requirements. While your CSA score may feel like just another compliance matter you need to worry about, with the right mindset, you can turn your CSA score into one of your best business assets. FMCSA's Safety Measurement System The FMCSA SMS assesses the safety and compliance of motor carriers by calculating their performance in seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). This performance is based on the number of safety violations, severity and recency of crashes, and how many trucks operate under the carrier's name. What is a CSA score? The CSA program launched in November 2010, and it is a program run by the FMCSA that’s designed to encourage carriers to be aware of their responsibility to keep our roadways safe. Each carrier has a CSA score that represents how well they’ve maintained that road safety. The score is calculated on a 0-100 scale, with higher numbers indicating a worse level of safety. CSA scores are updated through the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) each month. Since 2010, the CSA point system has gone through some changes to make the system fairer to drivers who were involved in accidents that were not their fault. And as you'll read later in this post, more changes could be coming down the line. How is a CSA score calculated? The core metrics are called the BASIC scores, which stands for Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories. They’re calculated using crash report and roadside inspection data that’s collected in the FMCSA SMS, and will differ depending on factors like how long ago an incident occurred (only the last 24 months contribute to your score), the severity of a crash, and annual miles driven. The 7 BASICs are defined as: Crash Indicator: the frequency and severity of crashes. Controlled Substances and Alcohol: having a driver found to be operating a CMV under the influence. Read more about the Controlled Substances and Alcohol BASIC. Driver Fitness: having a driver who has failed to maintain qualification files or is operating without a CDL. Read more about the Driver Fitness BASIC. Hazardous Materials Compliance: handling hazardous materials in an improper manner, such as failing to label materials or having leaky containers. HOS Compliance: driving while sick or tired, or failing to maintain records of duty status for at least 6 months. Read more about the HOS Compliance BASIC. Vehicle Maintenance: failing to maintain vehicles, such as faulty lights, brakes, or improper load securement. Read more about the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. Unsafe Driving: speeding, improper lane changes, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving in a dangerous manner. Read more about the Unsafe Driving BASIC. What is a bad CSA score for a driver? Drivers do not get individual CSA scores, only carriers do. But if you’re an owner-operator, then your CSA score will reflect your driving and safety habits, as well as those of any other drivers for your company. What is a good CSA score? The closer you can get your CSA score to 0, the better. If you have a good CSA score you can benefit from fewer DOT audits, lower insurance premiums, and may find it easier to land more clients as a responsible and trusted carrier. What is a bad CSA score? Generally, any score that’s 50 or over needs to be taken seriously. If you have a score of 65% or higher in Crash Indicator, HOS Compliance, or Unsafe Driving you’ll be subject to an FMCSA investigation (this lowers to 50% if you transport passengers or hazardous materials). If you reach a score of 80% in any of the other BASIC categories, you’ll also be subject to an investigation. How CSA Scores Impact Truck Drivers While truck drivers don't earn individual CSA scores, their decisions behind the wheel can impact the safety events or accidents that contribute to their employers' CSA scores. Some employers may choose to take disciplinary action if their drivers' choices or habits lead to DOT violations or crashes. What happens if you get a DOT violation? Any violation remains on your record for two years. If your CSA score becomes too high, the FMCSA may decide to give you a compliance review, and if your score suggests that you are a danger on the road, an out-of-service order may be issued (this should only happen after multiple violations and warning letters, so it won’t come out of the blue). How severe is each potential violation? Starting on page 49 of the SMS Methodology handbook, you’ll find a full breakdown of the severity of each violation and how much it may affect your score. How to Improve CSA Scores It’s best to approach your CSA score proactively – meaning you should try to prevent incidents that would affect your CSA score rather than reacting when something bad does happen. You should make sure you do background checks when hiring drivers and make sure your drivers prioritize safety while on the road. If you can, try to keep drivers connected to your main office so they can call in for advice if they are in a potentially risky situation, such as feeling ill or facing adverse weather conditions. But accidents DO happen. If you need to improve your score, here are some tips. Hire Drivers Carefully With the current driver shortages, it can be tempting to onboard drivers quickly without doing the proper background checks. However, try to balance getting trucks out on the road with making sure your drivers don’t have any red flags that may cause your score to suffer in the future. Foley's new hiring, screening, and onboarding software, Dash, helps ensure you put quality employees behind the wheel of your company vehicles. Train Your Drivers Properly Make sure your drivers understand how to handle difficult situations, and review any incidents to understand what happened and if they can be prevented. Maintain Your Trucks and Other Vehicles Drivers should report any vehicle issues requiring repair immediately, and carriers should have the resources to complete the repairs as quickly as possible. Don’t Skip Pre-Trip Inspections Maintenance is always important, but a quick check of a vehicle before leaving for a trip (or even during trips for a long haul) can help ensure you aren’t cited for a violation that could have been easily fixed, like a broken light. What's changing with CSA scores in 2024? In a February 15, 2023 notice, the FMCSA proposed multiple updates to SMS, which is the part of the CSA program that evaluates the crash risk rates of motor carriers and prioritizes them for safety interventions (such as roadside inspections or compliance reviews) based on their performance in the BASICs we covered above. The FMCSA is considering the following changes. Consolidating the BASICs to better pinpoint those that have the largest impact on crash risk. Revising the severity weights of violations to eliminate any unnecessary bias from deciding compliance officials. Adjusting intervention thresholds to focus on carriers that have committed recent violations and have the highest crash rates. Click here for an in-depth review of the proposed updates from Foley's compliance experts. How to Check Your CSA Score You can get daily updates on your CSA score delivered directly to your inbox when you sign up for Foley's CSA Monitor. Whether your score (and your risk of a DOT audit) increases or decreases, you'll be the first to know. Depend on Foley for Daily CSA Score Updates Staying on top of your vehicle maintenance, driver training, and pre-employment background checks will help ensure you keep your CSA score low and take advantage of all the benefits of operating a safe and compliant business. Foley's CSA Monitor can keep you updated on your CSA score on a daily basis, including a breakdown of crash, inspection, and violation reports for every driver so you can see where your business is staying safe and what areas may need attention. You'll receive a comprehensive report that details any changes to your CSA score, what safety events caused the changes, and how to recover your all-important compliance performance. Get your FREE demo of Foley’s CSA Monitor and DOT compliance software today to start taking charge of your CSA score, driver qualification files, and overall DOT compliance. Fill out the form below to get started.

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse-II is a new phase of the federal database that tracks commercial drivers' DOT drug and alcohol violation records.

New trucking companies are considered New Entrant Motor Carriers by the FMCSA. If you recently obtained a USDOT number and/or an Operating Authority (MC Number), you have been entered into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) New Entrant Program.

Think you know the FMCSA HOS regulations? Brush up on them and some exclusions, like the 16-hour exemption, so you can operate a safe fleet. The FMCSA hours-of-service (HOS) rules are designed to help drivers operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) safely by avoiding excessive fatigue. They regulate how long employees can drive, when they need to take off, and how long they need to rest.

Driver qualification files can be one of the biggest DOT compliance weaknesses for trucking companies. Many DOT-regulated companies do not have their driver qualification files in order, and they are still relying on paper even though the deadline to switch to digital files has passed. We hope your company meets the current driver file requirements, but if it doesn't, you could be committing numerous violations and eventually face hefty fines. Below are the top five FMCSA driver file violations and their potential fines in 2024. See if your company is committing any of them, and find out how Foley can help you get back on track with our driver qualification file management software. The Top 5 DOT Driver File Violations of 2024 (So Far) #1. Inquiries into driving records not kept in driver qualification files According to the FMCSA Analysis and Information Online database, 1,383 instances of this DOT violation have been cited in 2024. Before officially employing a driver, you must obtain a motor vehicle record (MVR) from all states where they held a commercial driver's license or permit within the past three years, and place these MVRs in the driver qualification file. On an annual basis, you're also required to obtain an updated MVR check on each of your drivers who operate your company's commercial vehicles. The annual MVR check, along with a note indicating who performed the review and when, must be placed in the driver file. #2. Failing to have a complete, DOT-compliant employment application on file for each driver Every step in the application process needs to be completed and recorded in your driver files, and the application itself needs to meet DOT regulation standards. The FMCSA has cited 1,058 violations of this requirement this year. Violating this regulation could result in paying a fine of $1,388 daily, up to $13,885 in total. Foley’s CDL driver employment application is DOT compliant, and when bundled with our driver qualification file management software, it will be stored securely in each of your driver files for auditors to check. And with Apply By License, job applicants can easily complete the process from start to finish on any mobile device, helping to avoid this violation altogether. You’ll also benefit from having all the necessary information about your prospective employees in one place. #3. Using an unqualified driver (positive or refused drug test) Coming in at 1,012 violations in 2024, this violation can be dangerous for not only your unqualified driver but also everyone else they share the road with. Simply put, if a driver produces a non-negative drug test, you cannot allow them to resume their safety-sensitive duties (including driving a truck!) until they've completed the return-to-duty process. #4. Failing to maintain a driver qualification file on each driver Maybe the most severe driver file violation, this DOT recordkeeping mistake has been cited 974 times in 2024 so far. Any business that relies on drivers who operate commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, transports at least 8 passengers including the driver, or transports hazardous materials that require placarding, must create and maintain a driver qualification file for each of their CDL drivers. #5. Inquiries into driving record not kept in qualification file Not only is it required by the DOT, but running MVR checks on an annual basis (or more frequently) is also a best practice to ensure your employees haven’t committed any moving violations within the past year. Plus, you're required to keep proof of these checks in your employees' driver qualification files. The FMCSA has reported 847 violations of this code in 2024. In most states, our MVR Monitor program fulfills both the pre-employment and the annual MVR report requirements. You’ll also be able to keep an eye on your drivers’ habits on an ongoing basis (as opposed to just once per year), which can help you address any problems that may arise before they turn into violations, fines, or accidents. It’s a win-win situation in terms of on-the-road safety as well as your DOT recordkeeping requirements. Avoid Violations & Fines with DOT Driver Qualification File Management Software The DOT won’t listen to any excuses when it comes to committing any of these driver file violations. Plus, these aren’t even all the possible violations and penalties you could be dealing with if your company isn’t following DOT compliance regulations! Take a look at our list of the top driver file violations and fines that actual companies had to pay their hard-earned money for when they were cited for them. And as always, if you have questions about anything related to DOT compliance and you don’t want to face the same fate as these carriers, rely on Foley! We’ll help you make the seamless transition from paper files to digital, or even set up driver files from scratch if that’s what it takes for you to achieve complete compliance. Before you know it, we might even cut your driver file management time by 50% – just like we did for this happy customer. Fill out the form below or call us to create or convert your driver files today.

Passing a DOT compliance audit starts with keeping your risk profile low. DOT compliance audit… A phrase that strikes fear into the hearts of many. While federal compliance reviews are often stressful and extensive processes, there are a few things you should know to help reduce your company's audit risk and understand how you're evaluated. Common DOT Compliance Review Triggers DOT compliance reviews can occur at any point while a company is regulated by the FMCSA. Although these reviews can occur at any time, various factors may “red flag” the FMCSA to review your company’s DOT operations. These triggers include: Accidents: One accident can alert the FMCSA to conduct a compliance review. How much notice the FMCSA provides depends on the severity of the accident. Accidents that result in a fatality or serious injury will prompt the FMCSA to conduct a review with as little notice as possible. Roadside Inspections resulting in “out-of-service” violations: The more roadside inspections that occur with violations – such as mechanical, hours of service, or moving violations — the more likely the FMCSA will want to conduct a compliance review. Failure of a New Entrant Safety Audit: It is never a good thing to start on the wrong foot. The FMCSA tends to monitor companies that did not pass the NESA at the get-go. Having a firm grasp on the regulations is the best way to ensure the NESA is passed and the FMCSA won’t follow up with a compliance review later on. Learn more about the New Entrant Safety Audit here. Understanding the Outcomes of a DOT Compliance Review Unlike the New Entrant Safety Audit, a compliance review may result in substantial financial penalties depending on the amount and severity of the violations found. In addition, three “safety rating” designations may be assigned to a company following a compliance review. Satisfactory – This is the most desired designation. It means the FMCSA has determined the company has adequate safety management controls in place and is doing its best to comply with federal requirements. Unsatisfactory – While satisfactory is the most desired safety rating, unsatisfactory is the most dreaded. This means the FMCSA has found serious violations and/or non-compliance with federal requirements that may cause safety hazards. In addition to the financial penalties incurred, the company must prove corrective action by submitting a “Safety Management Plan” deemed acceptable by the FMCSA within 60 days for property carriers or 45 days for passenger/hazmat carriers. If they fail to do this, they risk being placed out of service. Conditional –A conditional safety rating designation means that although the FMCSA found at least one violation and/or non-compliance with federal requirements, the company does not necessarily pose an imminent safety hazard. Although a company will not face an out-of-service order, they will incur financial penalties and their DOT operations may be negatively impacted due to contractors and insurance companies being reluctant to work with them. Therefore, to remove a conditional safety rating designation, the company must prove corrective action by submitting a “Safety Management Plan” deemed acceptable by the FMCSA. Un-ratable — Sometimes the FMCSA conducts a “focused” compliance review that only deals with one aspect of federal requirements, and therefore a safety rating designation will not be assigned. However, violations found may result in financial penalties. If you're selected for a DOT compliance review, there are some key DOT violations to watch out for. All of the following are considered “critical” or “acute” in the eyes of the FMCSA and will cause an immediate unsatisfactory or conditional safety rating designation. They can also lead to substantial fines. These DOT violations include, but are not limited to: Any type of drug and alcohol testing violation (provided drug and alcohol testing is required). Using a driver without a valid license. Using a driver who has been deemed medically unqualified. Operating a CMV without the required level of insurance. Failing to maintain hours-of-service records. Operating a vehicle declared out-of-service during a roadside inspection before the required repairs are made. Operating a CMV that has not undergone an annual/periodic DOT inspection. Falsification of records. Have you had an FMCSA Compliance Review that resulted in a Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety rating? Foley is here to help your business recover. To speak with a compliance specialist about how we can help, call Foley at (800) 253-5506 or fill out the form below.

If a driver operates a commercial vehicle across state lines that weighs over 10,000 lbs, carries more than 15 people, or is paid to transport more than eight people, they will need to pass the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam.  This physical assesses their overall health and ensures they are healthy enough to operate such a large vehicle without putting their safety and that of others at risk. If you are preparing for your first DOT physical or your first in many years, make sure you read our overview of the DOT physical so you know what to expect. Many drivers schedule their first DOT physical close to home, but what should you do if it’s time for your DOT renewal and you’re nowhere near your permanent address? Read on to find out. Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State?  Yes, drivers can get their physical in any state, whether they call that state home or not. That means if you’re traveling when your DOT medical card needs to be renewed, or if you currently live in a different state to where you plan to find work, you can get your physical done as soon as you are ready.  Do I Have to Get My DOT Physical in the Same State I Got My CDL? No, it doesn’t matter where you received your CDL, you can still get your DOT physical in any state.  Does the DOT Physical Vary From State to State? No. The DOT physical follows a standardized process and there are set requirements your Medical Examiner must follow and that you must meet, no matter where in the country you book your exam or what kind of doctor is doing it for you. Your first physical may be with a medical doctor in North Carolina, and your second with a Chiropractor in Nevada, for example — unless there's been a change to your health condition between the two physicals, the exam itself should be the same.  Where Do I Get a DOT Physical? You can get your DOT physical done by any Certified Medical Examiner who is registered with the FMCSA. The Medical Examiner doesn’t have to be a medical doctor (MD), but they will have a doctorate (or similar) in the medical field. You can find a registered Medical Examiner by searching on the FMCSA website here. How do I Choose a DOT Physical Provider? If you’re working with a new company, ask them if they have a recommended or preferred provider. When you find a potential provider, try to verify that they are certified by searching for them within the NRCME (National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners) database. Once you’ve confirmed that they are registered, here are a few other qualities to look for:  Good reviews: Check that any potential provider has good reviews. Ideally, these will be reviews of the DOT physical service, but if they are a new examiner, look at the reviews for the other services they offer. Look for comments around professionalism, bedside manner, and level of care. Ignore any reviews that are negative because the examiner followed protocol (such as recommending someone for a sleep study when their BMI is over 40, which is mandatory). While it may be understandable that a driver found a requirement frustrating, the examiner was doing their job. Pricing: This may be of little consequence to you if the company you work for is paying for the physical, but if you’re paying for it, it’s worth looking at the pricing of different providers near you. The cost for a DOT physical varies from provider to provider and in different locations across the country, so choose one that feels good to you. Decide if the qualifications matter to you: A wide range of medical professionals can become certified medical examiners, and all have undergone the same training to complete DOT physicals. However, some drivers have felt more uncomfortable having a medical examiner that is not a fully qualified medical doctor (MD) as they worried the advice or assessment of their health would not be quite as accurate. While Chiropractors are just as capable of offering accurate physicals and medical advice, consider if you have a preference and if you require a medical examiner that is the same sex as you.  Do I Have to Pay for the DOT Physical? Whose responsibility it is to pay for your DOT physical varies from company to company — there are no rules or requirements. Some companies will pay for it because it is necessary to do the job and they want to either provide it as a benefit or have control over where the physical is done. Others, however, expect the driver to pay for it since it is likely the driver will need the physical anyway. It simply depends on the company you are working for.  Do I Have to Get a New DOT Physical if I Start a New Job? No, from the DOT’s point of view, the medical card is valid anywhere in the country, provided it’s up to date. You can use that medical card no matter what company you work for, so if you get a new job, you do not have to get a new medical card.  However, it’s worth noting that some drivers find that the new company requires them to have a physical done by their medical examiner, and some have a company policy of requiring all new drivers to get a new physical before they start driving for them. However, if this is the case, they will usually pay for the physical.  The DOT physical may be new to you now, but after a few years, it will become routine and be a mild inconvenience to you every year or two. Provided the company you work for has no internal policies around their drivers’ DOT medical exams, you can get your physical anywhere in the country provided it’s with a Certified Medical Examiner. If you have any other questions about the DOT physical or your ability to pass, explore our DOT physical guides and articles for more information here. Or, if you're a safety or hiring manager responsible for your drivers' DOT physicals, check out our automated DOT physical management program. Links to Related Articles in This Series: The DOT Physical: Everything You Need to Know DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physicals: Will I Pass with Diabetes? DOT Physical Blood Pressure: Requirements & Tips for Passing DOT Physicals: Can I Pass With Sleep Apnea? DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? DOT Physicals: Do They Include a Drug Test? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical? DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

The Unified Carrier Registration period is officially open. Are you required to file a UCR for 2025? The UCR Board made a statement in the past that changed the definition of what is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). They also changed who needs Unified Carrier Registration to legally operate in interstate commerce. Below, we cover the definition of a CMV, what the UCR is, and when UCR filing is due for the upcoming year. What is a commercial motor vehicle? All CMVs that operate in interstate commerce (meaning across state lines) are required to have a valid UCR registration. But what qualifies as a CMV? Here’s how the UCR Board defines it: The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds — whichever is greater. The UCR Board also added that eligible vehicles include those with connected trailing equipment having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is greater. The vehicle carries placarded amounts of hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle weight. The vehicle is designed to carry more than 10 passengers. The UCR Board has added that the driver is included in this number. While these changes may not seem significant, it’s important for carriers and drivers to know whether or not they needed a UCR in the past, they should double-check these definitions to see if they are liable. Otherwise, they may not be compliant and risk being subject to fines, violations, and vehicle detainment. What is Unified Carrier Registration? The UCR is a state revenue-sharing program and interstate compact established by federal law in 2005 that requires all operators of commercial vehicles who are involved in interstate and international travel to register and pay annual fees. Fees collected through the UCR program are used to fund the enforcement of safety and compliance programs throughout the country. Companies who make arrangements for the shipment of goods, such as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies, are subject to UCR payments — as is any company with a federal MC number. When is the Unified Carrier Registration due? Carriers must file their UCR for the upcoming year no later than December 31 of the preceding year. For 2025 UCR registration, payments must be made no later than December 31, 2024. The UCR filing period officially opened on October 1, with payment amounts based on the size of a carrier’s fleet. It’s important to note that leased vehicles under a carrier’s DOT number are also their responsibility. File Your Unified Carrier Registration Renewal Now If you don’t file your annual UCR and your drivers are caught moving freight over state lines, enforcement officials could detain your vehicles, and you could be required to pay additional fines and penalties — which, depending on the state, can be as high as $5,000 for first-time offenders. Is your UCR registration ready for 2025? Rather than waiting until the last minute, Foley can manage the registration for you and ensure your UCR is updated and compliant. Click here or call (860) 530-6310 to let Foley take UCR filing off your end-of-year compliance to-do list.

A criminal background check is a key part of the pre-employment screening process, as it can provide a deeper understanding of a person's character, habits, and safety values. When evaluating this information, however, it's important to remember that it isn't simply what a person did in the past that matters, but when the arrest or conviction occurred. City, state, and federal employment laws ensure everyone is given a fair chance at rehabilitation — and, in time, a clean slate that prohibits consideration of certain adverse information.

Over 9,000 vehicles and 2,000 drivers were placed out of service during the CVSA Roadcheck 2024 inspections.

How can DOT compliance software help you meet upcoming annual safety and compliance deadlines? With the first day of fall officially behind us, it’s time to look ahead on the calendar to see what’s happening in the safety and transportation industry in October. Here are this month’s DOT compliance and safety events:

NYS marijuana laws — regarding use and testing — have changed in recent years. But federal regulations and the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse still take priority for truck drivers. The New York State Department of Labor announced that employers may not include marijuana on its drug testing panel for most employees in the state in October 2021. This followed the legalization of recreational marijuana use in the state earlier in the same year. According to guidelines released by the DOL, employees (in most instances) must be allowed the freedom to use recreational marijuana outside of the workplace. Similar to alcohol use, restrictions only come into play when the substance is used during work hours or creates “articulable symptoms of impairment” that either impact the employee’s performance or the overall safety of the workplace. The only employers exempt from this rule are those who hire state and/or federal employees. This would include employers of safety-sensitive commercial vehicle drivers. What NYS Marijuana Laws Mean for DOT-Regulated Companies If you employ DOT-regulated drivers who reside in the state of New York, the above drug testing regulations will not apply to them. They should be enrolled in a federally regulated drug and alcohol testing program that includes marijuana on the drug testing panel. This means that although recreational marijuana is legal in the state in which they reside, it is illegal for them to consume it as a federally-regulated employee. If they produce a positive drug test result for marijuana use, you will be required to pull them from duty and report the results of that test to the DOT Clearinghouse. That driver will then need to complete the return-to-duty process before they’re able to operate a CMV for any employer in the future. However, suppose you employ non-CDL drivers, front-desk staff, or other non-federally regulated employees that reside in New York. In that case, you can no longer include marijuana on your drug tests for these employees – either for pre-employment drug tests or random drug tests. Educating Employees on New York Drug Testing Laws It’s important to reiterate to your federally regulated drivers that marijuana is still prohibited for safety-sensitive employees and that a positive drug test for the substance will result in them being pulled from the road immediately. Over 159,000 positive drug tests for marijuana were reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse this year alone — a number that continues to rise as medical and recreational marijuana is legalized across the country. It's important to warn your DOT-regulated drivers about the potential dangers of using CBD, which may contain trace amounts of THC and has been known to contribute to a positive drug test result. If they are uncertain whether the product they’re using is 100% safe, they should err on the side of caution and look for an alternate remedy that is not CBD-based. Managing Your DOT Clearinghouse & Drug Testing Programs Navigating DOT drug test rules is no easy task, especially if you employ a mix of DOT-regulated and non-regulated workers. But working with a reliable third-party administrator (TPA) like Foley can make it a little less confusing and stressful. Our compliance experts will work closely with you to determine who on your employment roster needs to be enrolled in a DOT drug and alcohol testing program, and who needs to be enrolled in a drug-free workplace program. Foley also specializes in DOT Clearinghouse compliance. We can help register your company, ensure you're getting the right consent to perform compliant Clearinghouse queries, and report positive drug test results to the Clearinghouse on your behalf. Ready to make drug testing easier and have peace of mind that you're following the most recent New York drug testing laws? Get a free demo of our drug testing program today. This Foley article has been updated with the latest regulatory information as of September 30, 2024.

What is MVR Monitoring and how does it work? As a Department of Transportation-regulated business, you’re well-accustomed to the process of pulling annual Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) for every driver you employ. You must do so to meet federal recordkeeping requirements. Still, this process doesn’t just check a box to ensure your compliance as a company that relies on commercial drivers — it is an important step to make sure that safe, qualified drivers are behind the wheel. This ultimately helps protect your business, your drivers, and other motorists. The only problem: What happens when one of your drivers gets a DUI or commits a serious traffic or safety violation a day, week, or month after you pull their annual report? Or if they have their license suspended for another significant offense? It can be difficult to keep track of all your drivers, all the time. And unless they voluntarily come clean with new information on infractions or violations, you’ll be in the dark until the next annual review or audit. For a growing number of carriers, the solution is MVR Monitoring. These automated programs actively monitor the MVRs for CDL drivers on an ongoing basis to help businesses more easily identify problems, address concerns, and put corrective action plans in place (if needed) before an out-of-service issue arises. Don’t get caught off guard — not staying in the know about your drivers can be costly, dangerous, and have serious ramifications for your business. Here’s how you can protect yourself. How Do MVR Monitoring Programs Work? Much as the name would suggest, MVR Monitoring keeps tabs on drivers by constantly monitoring their driving records and looking for new information. As soon as there is any change, or “hit,” found on an MVR for CDL drivers, an updated report is pulled and evaluated for accuracy. Employers are immediately alerted to any “hit” and receive the updated MVR for review. These “hits” could be anything from accidents to DUIs, to speeding tickets or other motor vehicle violations or convictions. They could also signify CDL suspensions or revocations, safety violations, or medical certificate downgrades. MVR hits also include positive changes, such as when a driver renews or updates their CDL or medical certificate. As an added benefit, enrollment in an MVR Monitoring program often fulfills the Department of Transportation’s annual MVR requirement by running a new MVR for CDL drivers annually for each driver’s file and annual violation review. Why MVR Monitoring is Important Unsafe drivers are a huge liability, and the statistics say it all: The commercial fleet accident rate is 20%, and the average cost for motor carriers when one of their fleet is in an accident is $6,000. That amount grows astronomically — to an average of $150,000 — if injuries are involved. As Foley has found with its own digital solution, MVR Monitoring can help prevent up to 34% of common Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) violations. According to the Department of Transportation, the top violations for commercial motor vehicles include: Moving violations: Speeding; following too closely; improper lane changing; reckless driving; improper turning; failure to yield to right of way; railroad grade crossing violations; and failure to obey traffic control devices. Driving with a suspended or revoked license. Not having a current medical certificate. Driving under the influence of drugs or while in possession of an intoxicating substance. Failing to use a seat belt. Using a hand-held device. Having an unauthorized passenger on board. Failing to conduct pre-trip inspections. Failing to use/improper placement of warning devices. The cost of these violations can be steep — in the thousands of dollars per infraction. Then there’s the lost time and money if you have to pull a driver from the road and search for a temporary or permanent replacement. Your insurance premiums will likely go up — or your provider might decide to drop you — and your partners and customers may be hesitant to work with you, or decide to take their business elsewhere. Most significantly, your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score and safety rating could be impacted. Depending on the severity (and number) of the offense(s), you could even be hit with a Conditional or Unsatisfactory rating — both of which, while also being incredibly costly, can involve a long road to recovery as you take corrective action. Simply put, as a company operating under the watchful eye of the Department of Transportation, you are ultimately responsible — and liable — for your workers’ actions. Staying up to speed on each MVR for CDL drivers can help you identify those at highest risk, so you can work with them to reduce incidents and improve their safety on the road. It can also help you more quickly identify unqualified drivers who might otherwise have continued hauling freight unchecked until their annual record caught up with them. MVR Monitoring keeps you in the know, allowing you to operate a safe, compliant fleet and maintain a strong safety rating. When you are armed with the information in real time, you can take immediate corrective action. What’s more, making use of a motor vehicle report monitoring service for monthly records can reduce administrative time — so you can stay focused on what’s most important to you: Running your business. Foley’s Continuous MVR Monitor Program Not continuously monitoring your drivers’ MVRs is risky and could end up being costly, but Foley is here to help protect you. We provide you with a secure, dedicated online portal that can be accessed anywhere via phone, tablet, or computer. All of your drivers are then enrolled in the program and continuously monitored, and whenever new information is detected, their updated MVR is immediately uploaded, and you receive real-time e-notifications. Our MVR for CDL drivers program is part of a comprehensive screening and compliance portal that will help you better manage your drivers’ safety and regulatory requirements. Don’t get caught off guard. Protect yourself today.

As you know, there are many rules and regulations to comply with in the industry, from DOT record-keeping requirements to the physical condition of your drivers. But one of your most significant concerns? FMCSA intervention thresholds. If you’re not familiar with them, these thresholds are strong indicators of your company’s risk of crashes, and your overall safety fitness level. Exceeding intervention thresholds can put you on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) priority lists, and result in fines and violations. If they are bad enough — and worse, if you don’t do anything about them — they could even put you out of business. FMCSA Intervention Thresholds & Crash Risk Intervention thresholds are based on seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) percentiles. These are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the agency’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scoring program. These seven BASICs include: Unsafe Driving – Speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, inattention, or failure to use seatbelts Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance Crash Indicator – History of crash involvement Driver fitness – Invalid license, medically unfit to operate a CMV Controlled substances/alcohol – Use or possession Vehicle maintenance – Failure to make necessary repairs Hazardous materials compliance – Leaking containers, improper packaging, and/or placarding Need more details on these BASICs and how they impact your DOT compliance? This free Foley guide explains their impact on your CSA score and recordkeeping requirements. Based on relation to crash risk, the FMCSA has determined the following intervention thresholds for each of those BASICs: Unsafe Driving, HOS Compliance, and Crash Indicator: 65% (with percentiles of 50% for passenger vehicles and 60% for hazardous materials vehicles); Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances/Alcohol, and Vehicle Maintenance: 80% (with percentiles of 65% for passenger vehicles and 75% for hazardous materials vehicles); Hazardous Materials Compliance: 80% How FMCSA Thresholds are Set Carrier safety performance in the SMS system is based on the previous 24 months of on-road performance, inspection and crash data, as well as any Acute and Critical Violations found during investigations over the last 12 months. As expected, more recent inspections weigh more heavily on SMS calculations. Violations are broken down into three time periods: Those that occurred within the last six months; those that occurred between six months and one year ago; and those older than 12 months, but more recent than 24 months. Carriers are then grouped by BASIC with other carriers with a similar number of safety events, and then assigned a percentile from 0 to 100, prioritizing them for interventions. Exceeding FMCSA Thresholds: The Consequences & What You Can Do On-road performance, investigation results, annual audits, and safety events such as International Roadcheck can all result in a carrier being identified for CSA interventions. During any of these, a company could also be given “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” ratings, which puts them at increased risk for audits, not to mention more scrutiny from auditors, inspectors, and federal entities. Then there are the fines and potential lost business from carrying such a negative reputation. Companies like yours can improve their BASIC thresholds by demonstrating improved performance at roadside inspections and remaining violation-free so that their poor inspections eventually fall outside the 24-month timeframe. They can also increase their standing when going an entire year without any BASIC violations — this is particularly important when it comes to the Unsafe Driving and Crash Indicator BASICs. The SMS also stops flagging motor carriers a year after Acute or Critical Violations have been issued. Stay off the FMCSA's Radar with Foley It can be confusing to understand all these FMCSA regulations and their various consequences. Ensure that you and your drivers are informed of the BASICs. Also, remain vigilant about the physical condition of your fleet. You can also boost your chances of passing DOT audits and improving your FMCSA safety rating by partnering with Foley. The Foley Audit Risk Monitor keeps track of where you stand with the FMCSA, and if you're at risk of an audit due to your BASICs performance. Contact us today or request a FREE DOT compliance software demo to learn how we can help you remain in good standing when it comes to the BASICs and stay below FMCSA intervention thresholds!

Make sure you have the proper consent to run your annual Clearinghouse queries before the end of 2024. Since the official commencement of the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse in January 2020, the federal government has proved that it is taking drug and alcohol testing and reporting seriously. FMCSA-regulated employers must run pre-employment and annual Clearinghouse queries on all current and prospective drivers. This is to ensure that they are not prohibited from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)—or performing other safety-sensitive functions — due to unresolved drug or alcohol violations. Because the information contained in the FMCSA Clearinghouse is sensitive and can impact employment, employers must receive consent from drivers before conducting queries of the system. If they don’t, they will be in violation and subject to steep fines. Two Types of FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Queries & What They Show As of January 2020, DOT-regulated employers are required by law to be registered within the FMCSA Clearinghouse system and use it to run queries on drivers. There are two different types of queries that these companies must run: limited and full. Both require driver consent, but the type of consent depends on the query. Limited Clearinghouse Queries Limited queries allow employers to determine if a driver’s Clearinghouse record contains any information about resolved or unresolved drug or alcohol program violations. However, they do not release any specific violation information contained in the driver’s Clearinghouse record. Limited queries are run: As annual checks on currently employed drivers. As ad hoc/periodic checks on drivers. Consent can be received outside of the Clearinghouse and via electronic or paper signature. The consent form must also specify a time range that allows the employer to run queries on the employee. Remember, you can only run a query if a driver provides consent—and you must then retain the consent form in a secure location. If a driver refuses to consent, they must be pulled from duty until the required queries have been run. If the Clearinghouse returns a record on a driver, you must: Conduct a full query to release violation and/or return-to-duty details. If this query is not conducted within 24 hours, the driver must be removed from operating a CMV or performing other safety-sensitive functions. Full Clearinghouse Queries In contrast to limited queries, full queries allow employers to see detailed information about any drug or alcohol program violations in a driver’s Clearinghouse record. They are run: As pre-employment checks on prospective drivers. As ad hoc/periodic checks on drivers. When a limited query has returned records on a driver. Consent must be received electronically within the Clearinghouse—for every full query performed for every individual driver. If consent is provided, a full query will be conducted, and full violations and/or return-to-duty details (if any) will be released. If a driver refuses to consent, however, you will be notified, a query will not be run, and the driver will be prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions until they've provided their consent to run the query. Consequences for Non-Compliance with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Because the FMCSA Clearinghouse is subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, there are consequences for running queries without consent. The Department of Transportation (DOT) set a fine of $5,833 for each violation of any provisions in the Clearinghouse. This applies to all drivers, employers, and medical review officers. For employers, that would be $5,833 per violation—so if you don’t receive consent for every driver as required, it could be costly. Bottom line: Follow the Clearinghouse query consent rules for all prospective and current drivers. Background on the FMCSA Clearinghouse The Clearinghouse is a secure online database providing real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. It was enacted by Congress to improve highway safety by keeping drivers in violation off the roads and ensuring that they receive required evaluation and treatment before operating a CMV or performing other safety-sensitive functions. It also makes it easier for employers to meet their pre-employment investigation and reporting obligations, as well as for the FMCSA to determine employer compliance with testing, investigation, and reporting requirements. The Clearinghouse contains the following information: Report for duty/remain on duty for safety-sensitive functions with alcohol concentrations of .04 or greater or while using any other drug other than those prescribed. Alcohol or drug use while performing or within four hours of performing a safety-sensitive function. Alcohol or drug use within eight hours of an accident or until the post-accident test is completed, whichever occurs first. Positive tests for use of specified drugs. Refusal to submit to a required alcohol or drug test. Per federal law, both employers and commercial motor vehicle drivers must register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPAs), medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals must also register. Keeping up with these requirements can be overwhelming, and the statistics are startling: More than 230,000 violations have been recorded in the Clearinghouse, and more than 70% of those drivers are still in prohibited status, according to the latest Clearinghouse Monthly Summary Report. Partner with a Third-Party Administrator for Complete FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance Foley offers comprehensive DOT Clearinghouse program management in our platform, Dash. Once you're enrolled, we'll collect timely consent from your drivers and run full, limited, and follow-up queries on your behalf. Hands-free Clearinghouse compliance is possible with Dash! If you still need to run your annual Clearinghouse queries for 2024, reach out to one of our compliance consultants now. Our team will ensure you're all set before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

Now that the temperatures will start to drop in most regions of the US, more CDL drivers are hauling flammable liquids, explosives, and gases on our roadways. Hauling these hazardous materials, also known as hazmat, can be dangerous. These materials can cause damage and often pose a health risk to people, animals, and the environment, so it’s no surprise that the government requires drivers transporting these materials to have additional qualifications. These qualifications are known as hazmat endorsements. What is Hazmat Endorsement? Hazmat endorsement is a certification a driver can get to allow them to legally transport hazardous materials in the United States. To get a hazmat endorsement you need to pass a written exam and background screening (known as the Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program), and then you’ll be given your hazmat endorsement which is signified on your license with a capital “H.” Is Tanker Endorsement the Same as Hazmat? No, while they both involve transporting hazardous materials, drivers need additional knowledge to drive tankers. You can, however, obtain both a hazmat endorsement and a tanker endorsement. If you do both, you’ll have an “X” on your license instead of an “H.” When is Hazmat Endorsement Required? A hazmat endorsement is required whenever transporting hazmat that requires the display of placards (i.e., any hazmat in classes 1-8). What are the Requirements to Get Hazmat Endorsement? The general requirements are: Be 21 or older Hold a valid CDL (commercial driver’s license) or CDL permit in the state you’re applying Do not have any disqualifying criminal offenses (we’ll cover this in another section shortly) Complete the TSA Threat Assessment in either of the following ways: You can complete an online application Complete the entire process at an application center OR at your local DMV if you are in FL, MD, MS, NY, PA, TX, VA, or WI Go to the DMV and present: Proof of identity and birth date with your US passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of US citizenship OR Proof that you are a lawful permanent resident with your permanent resident card, alien registration receipt card, temporary I-551 stamp in your foreign passport or on form I-94 with arrival/departure record and a photograph, OR Reentry permit (form I-327) Valid DOT card (and medical waiver if applicable) You’ll also need to: Pass a vision test Willingly give your fingerprints Pass the Hazmat CDL written exam at an application center Pay test and endorsement fees Note that some differences may exist depending on what state you’re applying in, so make sure you check if there is any additional information or differences for your state. How to Get a Hazmat Endorsement Getting hazmat endorsement isn’t a complicated process, you simply need to: Apply and pay for your hazmat endorsement and have a background check (this can be done online, at an application center, or at your DMV depending on your state requirements) Take a vision test Take the written test How Long Does it Take to Get Hazmat Endorsement? The first step, which is applying and having a background check completed, shouldn’t take any longer than 60 days. You can check the status of your application here. How Do You Apply for a Hazmat Endorsement? You can apply online, at your local application center, or your local DMV, depending on the requirements of the state you’re in. To start your application, click here. How Much is the Hazmat Endorsement? The fee for getting a hazmat endorsement is usually around $90. About the Hazmat Endorsement Test How many questions are on the hazmat endorsement test? The hazmat endorsement test is made up of 30 questions, though this can differ from state to state. How much does the hazmat test cost? The cost of the test itself depends on your state, but they’re generally minimal, at about $15-$20. You may choose to purchase study materials to help you pass, and this rarely exceeds $20. What do you need to pass the hazmat endorsement test? You’ll need a score of 80% to pass, so around 24 answers right out of 30. How hard is the test? If you spend some time studying, you won’t find it difficult. The test covers topics like: Why the regulations are in place Bulk tank marking, unloading, and loading Your responsibilities as a hazmat driver Parking and driving regulations Communication rules What to do in emergencies Safety procedures when loading and unloading You can find plenty of study materials online, so take advantage of those to prepare. If you’ve been encouraged to take the test by your employer, ask if they have any recommended materials you can use. What’s Involved With the Hazmat Endorsement Background Check? The requirement for a hazmat endorsement background check was introduced after the events of September 11, 2001, so the main thing they’re looking for is any previous criminal history that may indicate that you pose a risk to public safety. It involves: Fingerprint FBI criminal history record check Intelligence-related history check Immigration status verification Where Do I Go to Get Fingerprinted? This varies somewhat depending on what state you’re in, so check what your state requires. That said, most states will either allow you to have your fingerprints taken at an application center or at your local DMV. What Can Disqualify You From Getting a Hazmat Endorsement? Since the background check is to ensure you won’t pose a serious threat to personal safety and national security, the crimes that will disqualify you are serious in nature. They are: Espionage Illegal handling, purchase, use, dealing, or possession of explosives Improper transportation of hazardous material Murder Sedition Transportation security incident Terrorism Treason Conspiracy or an attempt to commit any of the above crimes will also disqualify you. There are some other crimes that, if convicted within the past 5 years, will disqualify you temporarily. They are: Aggravated sexual abuse Arson Assault with intent to kill Bribery Drug dealing Extortion Fraud Immigration violations Kidnapping Rape Robbery Smuggling Weapons violation (such as unlawful possession, use, sale, or dealing of a firearm) Your state may differ slightly, so check their requirements if you’re not sure. What Happens if You Fail the Background Check? If you believe you have failed in error, you can appeal the decision. Otherwise, there are no consequences of failing the background check and you will be able to continue your job as normal. What’s the Penalty for Hauling Hazmat Without Endorsement? If you knowingly haul hazmat without an endorsement, the penalties can be serious. You can face a $55,000 – $75,000 fine, and if serious harm is caused to a person or property, this increases to $110,000 to $175,000 – though it is worth noting that these fines are for the business. Penalties for a driver may be different but are likely to be just as serious (such as job loss). How Long is a Hazmat Endorsement Good for? A hazmat endorsement is good for five years, though this can vary from state to state. You will need to submit new fingerprints at each renewal and you may need to complete another test if it has changed since you last completed it. Does a Hazmat Endorsement Enable You to Get Paid More? Yes, a hazmat endorsement will enable you to get higher-paying jobs. A general breakdown of salary is: Class A CDL salary: $53,948 With hazmat (“H”): $62,471 With hazmat and tanker (“X”): $71,461 Does Hazmat Endorsement Transfer From State to State? You only need the hazmat endorsement to be issued in your home state but if you move to a new state, you’ll need to transfer your hazmat endorsement. Check with the requirements of the state you’re moving to, but in most cases, you’ll need to resubmit to a background and fingerprint check to transfer your hazmat endorsement. Hazmat Endorsement FAQs Is the hazmat endorsement worth it? If your goal is to make the most money from your job — as it is for most of us — a hazmat endorsement is worth it. With this additional endorsement you can demand more money for your skills and the additional risk involved in transporting hazmat also increases the amount you’re paid. You will also be able to be pickier about the jobs you take and don’t because you’re more in demand. Can you get a hazmat endorsement without a CDL? No, you need to hold a valid CDL to get a hazmat endorsement. Are there hazmat and tanker endorsement classes? You can find online learning resources to help you pass your hazmat and tanker endorsement tests. Can you get a hazmat endorsement with a felony? Yes, though it does depend on the felony. The Disqualifications section above lists out the specific crimes that will disqualify you from a hazmat endorsement permanently or temporarily. Can you get a hazmat endorsement with a misdemeanor? Yes – or at least, it’s highly unlikely a misdemeanor will get you disqualified. The crimes that disqualify you from getting a hazmat endorsement are generally felonies. Check with the requirements of your state if you aren’t sure. Can you get a hazmat endorsement with a DUI? If your CDL is currently valid, then you shouldn’t have any problems getting a hazmat endorsement. That said, DUIs are taken seriously for commercial drivers and you will lose your CDL permanently if you are convicted of two DUIs. How do I know when my hazmat endorsement expires? It will expire 5 years after you get it, or sooner if that’s what your state requires. Do I need a hazmat endorsement to haul class 9 hazmat? No, you don’t need an endorsement for class 9 hazmat. You do for classes 1-8, however. Do I need a hazmat to haul batteries? No, in almost all cases batteries are class 9, and so while they need to be labeled appropriately, they do not need to be transported by a driver with a hazmat endorsement. That said, it’s good to have some additional knowledge of transporting hazmat if you are transporting class 9 hazmat regularly. How much hazmat can I carry without placards? You can only carry class 9 hazmat without placards, but you need to ensure you’re labeling as needed. Start Hauling Hazardous Materials with Your Hazmat Endorsement Getting a hazmat endorsement can open a lot of new doors for you as a driver and the process is straightforward and affordable. If you’re thinking about going through the process, it will be well worth it. Have additional questions about hazmat endorsements or other DOT compliance matters? Talk to a Foley compliance expert today. We're here to help!

Foley is here to answer your questions about DOT compliance and prepare your business for DOT audits. You may remember part one of this Foley article series we published earlier this month. As promised, here's part two!

The end of the year is approaching, and that means the annual Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) period will open soon. At that time, all motor carriers operating in 2025 will need to purchase an updated UCR registration. Registration officially opens on October 1, 2025.