Sr. Transportation Management Editor — J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Fleet legalization is more complicated than most carriers think. Take a look at the top 3 FMCSA violations from 2020.
Written by:
Mark Schedler
Sr. Transportation Management Editor — J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Fleet legalization is more complicated than most carriers think. And failing to comply with the rules results in compliance risks with serious consequences. Take a look at the top three FMCSA legalization-related violations from 2020:
But you can avoid the top compliance risks that plague some CMV fleets operating in interstate commerce by following these tips:
OBTAIN A USDOT NUMBER AND MARK VEHICLES IF REQUIRED (§390.21(b))
PROPER REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES USED IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE (§392.2(RG))
FAILURE TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE (§387.7(a))
The questions below will guide you in understanding your vehicle legalization requirements.
Do you operate in interstate or intrastate commerce?
If you answer “Yes” to either of the following questions, you operate in interstate commerce:
If you are involved in interstate commerce, the FMCSA has the authority to enforce its safety regulations.
Are you for-hire or private?
A for-hire carrier is a motor carrier that can haul freight for someone under its authority for compensation. Just one vehicle can make a carrier for-hire, including an owner-operator that hires himself out.
A private carrier hauls only their cargo, tools and equipment.
Are my vehicles considered commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)?
The FMCSA definition of a CMV found in §390.5 is the most widely used.
A vehicle is a CMV if it operates on a highway (any area open to public travel) in interstate commerce with:
In short, if you’re operating at least one CMV, then you must comply with rules for driver qualification, hours of service, vehicle inspections and maintenance, equipment specifications, vehicle marking, insurance, and cargo securement unless otherwise exempt.
Learn more about how the Encompass® System can help you manage your vehicles’ legalization requirements, registrations, credentials, and renewals. Talk with a compliance specialist.
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