As a motor carrier, there are a lot of rules and federal guidelines to abide by and be aware of, like drug and alcohol testing, hazardous material compliances, inspections, medical requirements, and roadway safety standards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) is one to know if you are new in the industry or starting a new commercial business. The FMCSA’s responsibility is to oversee the safety of commercial vehicles and ensure drivers follow the rules to keep operators and the roads safe. Below you will learn about the importance of the FMCSA, who they are, their mission on safety, what they do, and the various programs they offer.
Who is the FMCSA?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was created on January 1, 2000, and is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Their primary focus is to develop and enforce safety regulations to get commercial drivers to their designation safely by inspecting and monitoring vehicles daily. The FMCSA conducts over 3,000,000 plus inspections a year to improve safety on the road. In addition, they monitor new commercial vehicles by reviewing new registrations to ensure that motor carriers that carry hazardous materials comply with national requirements.
The Mission of the FMCSA
The FMCSA’s mission is to minimize accidents and lower the number of injuries and fatalities by improving the safety performance of large trucks and buses. They uphold their mission by enforcing regulations, educating motor carriers and drivers, conducting research, exploring technology, and developing partnerships.
FMCSA Responsibilities
The FMCSA has a long list of duties that contribute to the safety of motor carrier operations, including
Commercial Driver’s License:
The administration develops standards to test and license commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Collects and Analyzes Data
The administration collects and examines motor carrier safety data and offers numerous resources to enhance motor carrier safety.
Regulates and Enforces Laws Compliance and Enforcement
The administration works diligently to improve safety performance through different programs and eliminates high-risk carriers from the Nation’s highways.
CMV Safety Research and Technology Developments
The FMCSA conducts research throughout the year to stay current to identify areas to improve motor carrier operations’ safety. They also developed different safety technologies for Carrier Motor Vehicles, like the electronic logging device for commercial drivers to input their rest periods during each work shift digitally.
FMCSA Assists with Motor Vehicle and Road Safety
The administration provides States with financial aid for roadside inspections and other commercial motor vehicle safety programs.
FMCSA Programs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration organizes various programs to keep drivers in compliance and improve roadway safety. Here are some of the programs that they provide.
Hazardous Materials Program
This program provides information and training on how to transport hazardous materials safely.
Commercial Drivers’ License Program (CDL): Explains how to obtain a state CDL.
Truck and Bus Traffic Enforcement
This important training is for law enforcement to educate officers about the dangers of unsafe truck and bus driving behaviors. It inform them about violations that cause
crashes, safety concerns during vehicle stops, indicators of severe vehicle defects, and documentation requirements.
Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA)
CSA is FMCSA’s data-driven safety compliance and enforcement program designed to improve safety and prevent commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes, injuries, and fatalities. CSA has three essential components: Safety Measurement, Intervention, and Evaluation.
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
This program provides commercial drivers with a database of trained medical professionals authorized to do required medical exams.
The FMCSA also offers safety programs to prevent cargo tank rollover, highway-rail grade crossing safety training, and interstate moving protection.
And, of course, there’s more to learn about the FMCSA. It’s good to review the website and be in the know of all things required to operate a motor carrier business to stay in compliance with the law and regulations.
Commercial Trucking Insurance is a Must!
Aside from knowing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules and regulations, it’s also pertinent to have adequate commercial truck insurance to avoid the consequences of operating without proper coverage. The Rue Crew has your back, knows the ins and outs of insurance, and can help you find the coverage you need to protect your business. Our quote process is easy and doesn’t take long to complete. Now is the time to get your commercial truck business insured!
