There are so many rules and regulations in the trucking industry, but who exactly is laying down the law? If you’re not familiar, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in charge of regulating the trucking industry as a whole. Many people don’t know what they do, so the question still remains. Who regulates the trucking industry?
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Who is the FMCSA?
The FMCSA was created in 2000 as an agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). They have a variety of tasks including developing the standards for testing commercial drivers, collecting safety data, regulating compliance, and more. In order to enforce the policies and regulations in place, the FMCSA works with state and local governments. They strive to reduce the number of injuries and accidents involving large commercial vehicles on the road. The FMCSA works with somewhere around four million CDL drivers. Crazy right? How can they regulate four million drivers? The answer is very carefully, and with lots of training and compliance programs.
Regulations
Any regulation that the FMCSA issues is automatically documented by the Federal Register and is added to the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Federal Register is published every business day and includes proposed issues as well as final regulations of the government’s agencies. Basically, it’s a daily newsletter with updates from the different government agencies. This means that every time the FMCSA amends or creates a new regulation, all agencies know about it, keeping them in the loop in terms of enforcement. FMCSA regulations include things such as oil spill prevention and response plans to grain inspection to firearm use. There are even regulations for the amount of sleep or down-time truckers should get! They have to make sure that they are always covering all their bases in order to keep the number of injuries and accidents as low as possible. If you ever want to know what they’re up to, you can search the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations to learn more here.
Training and Registration
The FMCSA also offers training programs. In fact, their training center reaches over 20,000 professionals every year! That’s a large outreach! They have training modules available for new applicants that walk them through the process of applying for a new registration with USDOT. If you are already working with the federal government then you don’t need to worry about this step! However, if you are a new driver, learning a little more about registration could be beneficial to you. There are six steps in the registration process according to the FMCSA website, and they are as follows:
- Determine FMCSA registration needs/requirements
- Complete FMCSA application process
- Determine state notification/registration requirements
- Begin a new entrant Safety Assurance Program
- Obtain permanent USDOT registration
- Maintain/Update USDOT number and Operating Authority
Safety
The FMCSA also has a ton of safety programs in place. These programs not only help keep truckers in line, but they collect data that will allow FMCSA to implement new rules. The most widely known program that they have is on compliance, safety and accountability. This program allows them to hold drivers responsible for the part they play in keeping the roads safe. Another safety component that they operate is the Safety Measurement System. This system collects data from different carriers and uses it to keep collision and violation data up-to-date. They also have a Pre-employment Screening Program, which allows the FMCSA to make smart hiring decisions. It gives them access to a driver’s crash records, inspection records, etc. in order to hire the best and safest drivers possible. While this seems like a lot of programs, that isn’t even all of them! The FMCSA is unparalleled in their attention to detail and commitment to keeping the roads safe for everyone. So, who regulates the trucking industry? The FMCSA, but more importantly their rules and regulations.
Now you no longer have to wonder who regulates the trucking industry! Do you have questions or comments about FMCSA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
September 4, 2019
I was the victim of a hit and run driver located in Denver nc who when contacted says they have no insurance on his truck. what can I do. this guy should not be driving the truckj and his company that allows it should be held responsible.
November 5, 2019
Oh man! This is a legal question, so we suggest seeking legal advice from a person who’s familiar with that in your state. Good luck!
May 26, 2020
Where I do believe the clearinghouse is a great idea, I also believe that the driver should be allowed to contest the results of ua’s, and I don’t mean only by testing the split sample. If the first bottle was tampered with or swapped or whatever I really don’t think that there is anyone stupid enough to swap samples but if there were I am sure they would swap both samples so the split is worthless. Also the person providing the sample should have the right to call the test invalid if the proper steps are not taken in the collection process or chain of custody is lost along the way.. Dot should not make/ force education/ treatment on or above what the sap recommends. To make this a mandatory step it should be stated out right instead of putting it on the saps. With the ua being such a important step to keep the roads safe is it in place do that and as a money making process? What is out here to protect the the drivers falsely accused. The process of collection should be regulated and monitored better or not allowed to be done by just anybody. Espeacally without ppe’s Such as gloves in a controlled location. This is our livelihood my driving is how I support my family which includes my widowed daughter and her two babies. Now I have lost thousands of dollars plus I have to pay for whatever the dot and sap desire out of pocket to get back to work because the collection was not done proper, the chain of custody was lost (told to me by the person who did the collection . When I requested to pull it and it be redone I was told he would check and see if I can do that hat and never got back to me, so at the mercy of dot
July 17, 2020
A truck forced me off the road. I have pics of the truck and license number, but the company will not respond to my calls to complain. No injuries. But can I take my complaint directly to the Motor Carrier Safety Administration?
July 20, 2020
Yes, and you could call and report it to the local police as well.
September 23, 2020
I hired an interstate trucker to transport frozen food cargo from Indiana to Southern California. The product was delivered defrosted and video was taken proving the product defrosted at attempt time of delivery. the product could not be accepted in a defrosted condition because unsafe to sell it (could be tainted). Now the carrier will not put in my claim to insurance. Is there any agency that protects consumer from Interstate trucking companies that unwilling to be responsible for damaging cargo and basically tell u tough luck? Appreciate any direction you can help. Marvin Silver
September 25, 2020
This is a very unique situation. I would talk to a legal advisor about what your rights are. Good luck!