Safety & Compliance

Meeting the requirements set forth in each of the several DOT areas of supervision is referred to as DOT compliance. Any of them can have severe repercussions, thus commercial motor carriers are frequently watched to make sure they don't break the law. Achieving DOT compliance is adhering to the demands of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the government body responsible for enforcing the laws (DOT regulations) controlling the use of commercial motor vehicles. A breach of these regulations stems from non-DOT compliance. Sanctions for infractions might include monetary fines, the suspension of a business's ability to use its fleet of commercial vehicles, or even jail time.

• Keep a copy of the most recent FMCSA regulations on file at the office.
• Complete vehicle inspections before and after each travel, supported by documentation.
• Create a vehicle maintenance schedule and follow it, along with supporting paperwork.
• Ensure that the DOT registration number is clearly displayed on each vehicle.
• Keep a record of any accidents on the road for each car.

• Give a copy of the FMCSA rules to each driver, and get their signature confirming they have read and agree to abide by the rules they include.
• Keep track of each driver's certification history and safety record.
• Keep track of each driver's HOS (hours of service) (usually required to be via a registered ELD)
• Keep track of each driver's pre-employment drug test results. If there have been any reports of drug and alcohol misuse at prior jobs, they should be included here as well.
• As required by DOT standards, randomly test drivers for drugs and alcohol on a regular basis.
• DOT regulations should be followed, and supervisors must receive drug and alcohol education.

The essential components of DOT compliance are covered by this checklist, however to ensure that all standards are completed, a commercial fleet manager must become extensively knowledgeable about DOT guidelines and make the necessary changes to the organization's policy and procedures. These routine reviews can reduce the possibility of noncompliance. We are here to help you with all these complications and make your life easier.