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 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that 17 electronic logging devices were removed from its Registered Devices list this month.

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.

Thu. February 20 | 2PM ET The FMCSA’s seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) each have unique recordkeeping requirements.

Thu. February 20 | 2PM ET

A new phase of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse went into effect in November 2024, and it had a major impact on companies with CDL/CLP drivers.

The FMCSA has been known for cracking down on companies that violate its strict federal regulations.

If your commercial driver fleet is growing this year, you must run specific background checks according to federal regulations.

Throughout their careers, many truck drivers consider becoming owner-operators or starting a trucking company. But the process involves many steps with the FMCSA – which can be confusing and expensive if done incorrectly.

Making the shift to digital recordkeeping for your driver qualification files is no longer optional.

This time of year, it’s easy to lose track of your DOT compliance requirements in the holiday hustle and bustle.

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Download our free guide for simple steps you can take to hire and onboard the best drivers for your construction business – all while staying 100% compliant with Regulation Part 391.

Most, if not all, State Department Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) have started sending commercial driver’s license (CDL) downgrade letters via US mail to those drivers with “prohibited” Clearinghouse statuses under the new Clearinghouse-II regulation.

Commercial Auto Insurance Market Trends & Renewal Rate Savings Tips FEATURING:

When a commercial driver is enrolled in the DOT return-to-duty process, their employer must report specific information to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Many employers will be enrolling prohibited CDL/CPL drivers in the RTD process now that the FMCSA Clearinghouse-II is in effect and revoking the commercial driving privileges of drivers with DOT drug and alcohol violations. In this guide, we walk you through the step-by-step process of all the RTD reporting requirements you must meet if your drivers have been impacted by the new Clearinghouse-II.

The 2025 Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) renewal window is now open.

Starting this year, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) will revoke commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) based on drivers' statuses in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

When you run queries on your drivers in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, you may see many different statuses produced throughout the process. What are the statuses, what do they mean, and what actions do you need to take for each one?

Your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score is determined by how well your drivers and company represent DOT compliance and roadway safety.

The DOT Clearinghouse has been in effect since January 2020. You’d think by now that everyone would have it figured out, right?

As a text messaging software solution provider, Avochato knows the power of instant communication. They needed the same advanced approach with their hiring process. Foley’s background screening software offered a better solution than their former impersonal, outdated provider.

In this customer video, Bob Hickey talks about how partnering with Foley has helped their business reduce their risk exposure when it comes to compliance and insurance.

Being new to the trucking industry can feel stressful. Especially when 90% of trucking companies fail in the first 12 months.

Conductor finds a nimble and progressive background check partner in Foley, plus a seamless applicant tracking system (ATS). With Greenhouse Software as their ATS, Conductor had already structured and streamlined their hiring process. But Conductor’s background check vendor (one of the largest in the US and arranged through their former parent company) couldn’t deliver the type of candidate experience that adhered to their strong company culture.

In this customer video, Diana Cooley talks about the benefits she has seen with Foley's Drug and Alcohol Testing, Clearinghouse, Audit Risk Monitor, and Customer Support.

Foley's User-Friendly Solution Helps PKS Achieve Total Compliance and Save Time PKS Concrete Pumping Services turned to Foley to streamline their onboarding and compliance processes. With Foley's user-friendly software, PKS achieved total compliance and saved their team hours each week. The software automated tasks such as drug and alcohol testing, driver file management, DOT physicals, and MVR monitoring, making the onboarding process 75% more efficient.

Streamlining Fleet Management and Improving Compliance: Pet Food Experts' Success with Foley Pet Food Experts, a family-owned distributor of pet food and supplies, faced challenges in managing their fleet of 95 drivers. They needed a cost-effective solution that offered more than just compliance and fleet management features.

Foley streamlined compliance and onboarding so AERO BridgeWorks is audit-ready. AERO BridgeWorks started with manual paper files and reviewing a driver file required the team to look through 3–4 separate locations. The team also needed help making sure they were DOT-compliant.

Torc Robotics will be the first company to use a profitable, scalable, commercialized Level 4 autonomous truck solution for over-the-road trucking applications. But don’t let the word “autonomous” fool you.

What gaps or inefficiencies are slowing down your hiring and onboarding processes? Take this quick quiz and find out.

Take our quick assessment to determine your audit risk – as well as what you can do to prepare.

Our quick quiz will walk you through your requirements to make sure you’re running a safe and compliant program.

How much could you save with an MVR Monitoring Program?

Learn what inspectors will be looking for during the CVSA Roadcheck – and whether your company is prepared.

Make sure your driver files are ready for an offsite audit and beyond with our quick compliance quiz.

Are you running risky background checks? Take our short quiz to find out!