QuestionHey Don
Recently someone asked you about driving for a vehicle moving company and the requirements involved. Thanks for the answer. At the bottom of your answer you said the following which raised a few questions I would like you to answer.
"A few other related requirements are.... each truck and trailer must have a current annual DOT inspection. Each driver must have a current US DOT certified physical exam and carry the documentation while on operating the vehicle. There are specific motor carrier company records that must be maintained. The company records are subject to audit at any time. Each driver must possess the appropriate state issued drivers license for the class of vehicle operated. If the company operates vehicles that require a CDL, the drug test/screening requirements become effective. The driver is subject to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and must maintain a driver's logbook.
This is not intended to be all inclusive of the requirements that must be satisfied to haul motor vehicles for hire, but just some of the basic requirements.
Transporting without having the appropriate credentials including active interstate authority is viewed as substantial hazard to the public highways. Over recents months, several states have stepped up the emphasis on enforcing the statutory requirements, especially on the smaller trucks in the 1 to 2 ton range towing car hauling trailers and so called "hot shot" freight haulers operating similar small trucks and other types of trailers. From most indications, the public can expect even more stringent enforcement in the future. The fines and other punishment can be quite significant, even for the first offense. Subsequent offenses will be even more costly."
As a start up "hotshot" in this category of truck I am endeavoring to be compliant with the law. Please further explain:
1.Where do I get a DOT inspection for my truck and trailer
2.Is there an expiration on the DOT physical?
3.What records are being specifically referred to here? "There are specific motor carrier company records that must be maintained." What records do I need to keep and maintain?
4. "If the company operates vehicles that require a CDL, the drug test/screening requirements become effective."
I will have a CDL A/57: what must I do to comply with the law here?
AnswerHi Sheldon and thanks for the questions.....
1.Where do I get a DOT inspection for my truck and trailer
^^^
There are a number of ways you can obtain the US DOT Commercial Vehicle inspection. Both trucks and trailers must be inspected. First of all, some state inspections meet the requirements to satisfy the US DOT vehicle inspection. You would need to see if your state is on that list of approved state inspections to determine if your state of residence inspection is approved. Secondly, you can, in some cases perform the inspection yourself, but you must be certified and that certification would have to be kept in your company records. Not too many drivers would meet the criteria to inspect their own vehicle, so that is probably not your best choice especially unless your company has a fairly large fleet of trucks. Many truckstops have US DOT qualified inspectors and they will inspect your truck and trailer for a fee. My suggestion is that you ask around at some of the local trucking companies in your area. Many times they'll know of a particular shop that can perform the inspection. And last of all, frequently the officer performing your initial safety compliance review or audit will perform the inspection and place a decal on the windshield. The problem with that is that most of the time you'll want to be operating several weeks before you audit or compliance review occurs.
2.Is there an expiration on the DOT physical?
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The DOT driver's physical is normally good for two years. There are exceptions where an individual has a particular disease or impediment that may require a more frequent exam. However, if you're in reasonably good health and do not have any problems, it will be good for the full two years from the date of the examination.
3.What records are being specifically referred to here?
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There are a series of mandatory records you must keep in your company files. I'm a little hesitant to try to be all inclusive here because I might omit some. However, I'll cite some of those that may surprise you if you're newly entering the owner-operator business. First of all you must have a "Driver's Qualification" file for each driver. Among other things, that must include a certified copy of the driving record for the most recent years. That applies whether it is a CDL driver or not. That record can be obtained from your state's DMV or Drivers License bureau. Some states do charge a small fee for the service. Another required record is the last ten years employment history for each driver. That is inclusive of all employment whether it is driving related or not. A few other documents that you'll need are an employment application for all drivers, including yourself. You'll also need to have a "road test" documented in your driver's qualification files for the vehicles you'll be driving. And you'll need a copy of the driver's physical exam results on file along with the pre employment drug screening test results. I'm sure I've missed several, but those are likely ones that are not always obvious to someone entering the business. For all vehicles, you'll need a written maintenance plan. It should reflect when scheduled or periodic inspections are due and how you normally complete them. That can be as simple as taking the periodic inspections from the owner's manual and projecting when, where, and who will do them. Additionally, you must maintain a record of services and repairs for historical purposes. There are specific timeframes that these must be maintained, even if you go out of business or sell that particular vehicle.
4. "If the company operates vehicles that require a CDL, the drug test/screening requirements become effective."
I will have a CDL A/57: what must I do to comply with the law here?
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The most common and convenient way a small company can satisfy the drug screening requirement is to join a drug testing consortium. Because of the random drug screening requirements and the numbers of employees required, it is probably the only practical way a single owner operator can satisfy the requirement. Again there are a number of sources that will provide these services for a fee. The internet is saturated with them so they're quite easy to google. One suggestion is for you to check with OOIDA and utilize the consortium service they offer. Just google OOIDA to find their website. I think you'll find it among the least expensive and it will satisfy the requirements for your company.
I hope this helps a little, but if you have any additional questions please feel free to ask. Another source of information can be found at "stopillegaltrucking.com. Feel free to check out the website and read the forums. I have a rather inclusive checklist/guide posted in that forum that you may find of value.
Good luck and thanks again for the question.
.....Don
