The Latest FMCSA & DOT Regulations and How They Affect You
All too familiar to ever-changing laws and regulations, truckers and carriers are faced with updated and changing laws and policies that directly affect their business. As technology advances and economic landscapes change, the industry must keep up while also staying compliant. Below is a high-level look at some of the major changes in policies this year.
FMCSA changes the requirements for drivers to report their MVR
This month FMCSA has ended the requirement for a driver to report their driving record annually to their companies. This is a mostly redundant requirement as carriers are required to obtains their drivers MVR already. This change was not only supported by a multitude of Trucking associations, carriers and drivers but is estimated to save companies millions over a ten-year period. Read more about this change here.
DOT increases violation fine amounts
This all begins with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 which requires fine amounts be increased for “catching up” as well as to adjust for yearly inflation. This rule was publish on March 21st and you can learn more here.
Entry level driver training
This was enacted on February 7th and requires all new CDL drivers looking to take a CDL skills test, hazardous materials endorsement test, or passenger endorsement test have to complete training from a designated entity listed by the FMCSA.
Apprenticeship pilot program
A new law has allowed individuals under the age of 21 to get a CDL with additional criteria. This is to help mitigate the driver shortage that has only been amplified by the pandemic. The program is temporary and has a goal to bring on 3,000 drivers within three years. Read more about the requirements here.
Some of these changes may not apply directly to every driver but all affect the industry over all. It’s important to keep on top of new regulations and changes to existing ones in order to anticipate shifts in the current market and how to best lead your team.
