DOT Requirements for Trucking Companies: A Safety Compliance Guide

Complying with the strict regulations imparted by the FMCSA is a hefty undertaking for all trucking companies. However, newly opened businesses might face a difficult challenge when navigating the endless requirements for permits, information updates, and fees. 

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings can help you understand and meet the DOT requirements for trucking companies. Learn where you stand with an FMCSA compliance checklist. Then, explore our guide below to strategize your next steps. 

What Is the FMCSA?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a federal organization that regulates and manages the performance of individual truckers, trucking companies, and other pertinent individuals within the shipping industry. This agency’s primary focus is maintaining safety during interstate cargo shipments. They develop regulations for truckers to follow while ensuring that only qualified individuals participate in the industry.

It works under the Department of Transportation to keep certified truck drivers, regular vehicle drivers, and cargo safe during transits nationwide. These agencies developed what most trucking professionals call DOT compliance. While the FMCSA connects to the DOT, it specifically oversees qualified CDL drivers and their employers.  

What Is DOT Compliance?

DOT compliance is a collection of regulations that trucking companies must follow to maintain safe vehicles and roads. They apply to almost all cargo trucks traveling in the United States. The few exceptions include drivers who stay within a specific state. 

Even then, most state-run DOTs require that drivers adhere to the compliance regulations. To comply with the FMCSA’s regulations, you must consistently reapply for and update your licenses, insurance policies, and other pertinent documentation. Your company’s reputation, permits, and legality depend on strict, continuous adherence. 

DOT Requirements for Trucking Companies: What You Should Know

The FMCSA ensures a company’s compliance through a series of audits. Most of these audits occur during the new entrant phase. New entrants are new trucking companies that must prove their willingness to follow the regulations throughout their first years. DOT officials might perform subsequent audits following accidents or reports of dangerous activities. 

Demonstrate motor carrier compliance by ensuring you meet the listed DOT requirements for trucking companies. 

Updated Permits and Certifications

Your trucking company likely has various permits, including:

• Motor carrier number
• USDOT number
• Authority numbers
• UCRs
• Carrier codes
• CDLs

You must update these documents with current company information regularly. Failure to do so could stall your operating authority, affecting your ability to do business. DOT officers almost always check for these permits during audits. 

Careful Record Keeping

Supervisors and drivers should consistently maintain records of:

• Hours of service
• Insurance coverage
• Internal inspections and maintenance reports
• Previous incidents or concerns
• Driver files

Keeping this information updated and readily available demonstrates your awareness of internal concerns, processes, and proactivity. Keep and review your records regularly to protect you from unpleasant surprises or penalties during audits. 

Safety Inspections and Vehicle Maintenance

The DOT mandates Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports before and after each journey. DVIRs allow drivers to report mechanical and safety concerns to their companies. The companies can track maintenance needs, required repairs, and other services to ensure their fleet stays in safe working condition. 

Secure Cargo

Cargo securement keeps the roads safe from unpredictable shipment spills. It also protects the costly cargo inside the truck. Insecure tailgates and tie-downs can damage your relationship with shippers and manufacturers that rely on your transportation services. 

Cargo securement also involves:

• Spare tires
• Break wedges
• Removing obstructions from pertinent viewpoints

You can comply with cargo securement regulations by checking these elements during DVIRs.

Driver Files

Each driver under your employ should have a file containing the following details:

• Driver qualifications
• Safety records
• Substance test results and related records
• Other pertinent driver information from the past three years

A DOT officer can assess each driver’s history and capabilities by skimming through their driver qualification file. 

Adherence to Materials Regulations

Materials regulations ensure that only qualified drivers operate vehicles that contain hazardous cargo. Shipments that contain hazardous materials may require specially designed vehicles. Drivers must understand the separate regulations that apply to such dangerous shipments. 

Consequences for Noncompliance

If a DOT officer finds that your company failed to comply with these regulations, they could recommend a corrective action plan. These plans assist companies in improving their compliance by focusing on the areas of concern. Subsequent instances of noncompliance may result in:

• Revocation of permits and licensing
• Expensive fines that may cost thousands of dollars per day until the company successfully complies
• Damaged reputation resulting in lost business and growth opportunities
• Legal repercussions, including jail time
• Inability to attract and retain reputable, reliant talent

Protect Your Company’s Compliance Through FMCA Filings

Do you feel overwhelmed by the unending list of DOT requirements for trucking companies? Let FMCA Filings take the wheel! Our DOT portal streamlines the way you file for permits, maintain records, and handle each DOT vehicle inspection. We also offer online support through our chat feature. 

Explore solutions today with FMCA Filings.