DOT Post Accident Drug Testing Simplified
What is DOT Post Accident Drug Testing? DOT Post Accident Drug Testing is a specific type of drug testing that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial drivers to undergo following a DOT recordable accident. This type of DOT drug testing is intended to help ensure that drivers were not impaired by drugs or alcohol when…
Level 3 DOT Inspection (Ultimate Guide)
A level 3 DOT inspection is a type of inspection conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and its state partners. It is also known as a Driver-Only Inspection. This roadside inspection is the least intrusive of the six levels (or 8 levels) of DOT roadside inspections. What is Level 3 Inspection? Basically, a…
Preventing Air Brake System Leaks
Air Brake System hose and tubing violations are the second most common vehicle maintenance violation cited during DOT inspections. Every year, nearly 250,000 trucks and trailers are flagged for issues under 49 CFR 393.45 or 396.3 — and many of these violations could have been prevented with routine inspections. In this guide, we’ll break down…
How Long A Return To Duty Process Takes
Did you or one of your truck drivers just fail a DOT drug test or alcohol test? If so, one of the most important questions that you probably have is ” How long does a return to duty process take? “ The FMCSA Return To Duty process takes at least 12 months from start to…
What is a Mock DOT Audit?
What is a mock DOT audit? A mock DOT audit is a simulation used to test a trucking company’s compliance with the FMCSA/ DOT regulations. The audit typically consists of a review of your company policies and procedures and a review of DOT recordkeeping. Mock audits can help a motor carrier ( trucking company or…
Driver CSA Score: Fact or Crap?
What is a driver CSA score? Well, there isn’t actually a “driver CSA score”. Truck drivers can receive CSA points from FMCSA regulation violations, like lighting violations, during a DOT Level 2 roadside inspection, a Level 3 DOT roadside inspection or a Level I roadside inspection. When a driver goes through a roadside inspection, that…
Avoiding DOT Lighting Violations
Avoiding DOT lighting violations isn’t very hard. Usually, it just takes a few minutes a week to ensure you’re in compliance! Truck drivers should strive be in compliance with the the FMCSA lighting regulations at all times because lighting violations cause almost 70% of all roadside inspections. We often say that lighting violations are “Gateway…
How to Choose a DOT Compliance Company
Choosing a DOT compliance company is crucial for fleet safety and paperwork management. The right provider helps mitigate risks, supports compliance with FMCSA regulations, and prepares for audits. Key considerations include services offered, company experience, pricing, and how they assist with safety ratings and driver qualifications, ensuring effective fleet management.
How To Fix Your Conditional Safety Rating
A Conditional DOT rating is issued by the FMCSA when a trucking company fails to meet safety management standards after compliance reviews. To improve this rating, companies can submit a Corrective Action Plan or undergo another review. Ratings significantly impact operations, affecting business with brokers, insurance costs, and legal liabilities.
Failed DOT Drug Test: What Happens Next?
A Failed DOT Drug Test or alcohol test is a major problem for both truck drivers and trucking companies. The process for a commercial truck driver to work in trucking again can be complicated and lengthy. Let’s break down this process to make it easier to understand. Failed DOT Drug Test Frequently Asked Questions The…