Category: Trucking Regulations

FMCSA Announces Plans to Revamp Its Registration System

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced plans to revamp its registration system to improve security, combat fraud, and streamline customer experience for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. “Obviously, we’ve had our registration system in its current form for many years,” said Tom Keane, associate administrator of the Office of Research & … Continue reading “FMCSA Announces Plans to Revamp Its Registration System”

What to Check for Before Moving Through Scales

Western Truck Insurance

Commercial truckers should be ready for inspections when approaching a weigh station or scales to guarantee compliance with weight limits and various safety standards. If a vehicle is found to have violated or violates any roadside inspection conducted by an officer, the vehicle will be put out of service (OOS). Certain critical vehicle inspection items … Continue reading “What to Check for Before Moving Through Scales”

Under the FLSA Truckers Are Entitled to Sleeper Berth Compensation

Western Truck Insurance

Earlier this month, an appeals court upheld a lower court ruling involving carrier CRST that truck drivers working in teams must be compensated under federal minimum wage laws for time spent in the sleeper cab even if they aren’t sleeping. The question posed in the lower court and on appeal was whether “the time long-haul … Continue reading “Under the FLSA Truckers Are Entitled to Sleeper Berth Compensation”

Why Updating FMCSA MCS-150 Form Is Important for Transportation Carriers

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that, every two years, transportation companies update their Motor Carrier Identification Report (Form MCS-150). Updates may include changes or modifications to contact information (phone number, address, etc.), operating authority changes, ownership and control changes, insurance information, safety data, USDOT number, vehicle and equipment information, and other info. … Continue reading “Why Updating FMCSA MCS-150 Form Is Important for Transportation Carriers”

Down the Road: Electronic Truck Inspections

Western Truck Insurance

Truck inspections are expected to change as federal trucking regulators and commercial vehicle enforcement agencies push for wireless roadside inspections. Motor carriers will have to equip their trucks with devices to transmit the identity and condition of trucks and drivers to roadside enforcement. However, according to the North American Transportation Association (NTA), how motor carriers … Continue reading “Down the Road: Electronic Truck Inspections”

The Importance of Small Trucking Fleets in Freight Transportation

Western Truck Insurance

The trucking industry is responsible for moving 72.5% of our country’s freight. Small trucking fleets, characterized by six or fewer vehicles, are responsible for handling 91.5% of this freight, demonstrating the significant role they play in the movement of goods across the country. Following are several reasons why we rely on small trucking fleets to … Continue reading “The Importance of Small Trucking Fleets in Freight Transportation”

Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel

Western Truck Insurance

As part of a requirement under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), in 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP). The goal of the three-year program is to help individuals ages 18, 19, and 20 explore interstate trucking careers and help trucking companies hire … Continue reading “Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel”

FMCSA Proposes Changes to Its Safety Measurement System

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) in February announced proposed changes to its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program to reduce and prevent crashes. Public comments on the proposed changes are due this month. The FMCSA’s goal is to ensure greater consistency in results by holding similar carriers to the same standard, regardless of how … Continue reading “FMCSA Proposes Changes to Its Safety Measurement System”

90-Day Truck Inspections: Part II

Western Truck Insurance

In a previous article, we discussed the requirement for daily vehicle inspections by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In this article, we will look at the requirements for 90-day inspections, as required by the state of California. If your truck has a GVW (gross vehicle weight) rating of … Continue reading “90-Day Truck Inspections: Part II”

How Florida’s Tort Reform Will Impact Trucking Industry

Bob Holtzman

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed sweeping tort reforms into law on March 24, 2023, making significant changes to the state’s litigation system. The reforms took effect immediately and are seen as a win for the trucking industry. Florida has been among the worst states in the nation for nuclear verdicts, where damage awards exceed $10 … Continue reading “How Florida’s Tort Reform Will Impact Trucking Industry”