If you are a business owner or manager, you have likely heard of DOT compliance training. But what is it? And more importantly, why do you need it? Put simply, DOT compliance training is a set of standards that provide the regulations for motor carriers and their drivers. Whether you are a private carrier or a for hire carrier you must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.. It ensures the drivers safety as well as the safety of everyone using the road. Let’s take a closer look at why DOT compliance training is essential for your business.  For motor carriers, both private and for hire the following categories apply to you the motor carrier.  They include Hours of Service, Driver Qualification and Driver Qualification files, FMCSA  Drug and Alcohol regulations, Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors, Intrastate Regulations, Interstate Regulations, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, CDL regulations, Cargo Securement, Hazardous Material Basic Training for Drivers and required permits and paperwork.  The motor carrier is responsible to know the regulations and administer their compliance program. The motor carrier is responsible for training their drivers how to be compliant.

 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) FMCSA provides specific guidelines for drivers and motor carriers. These regulations are found in 49CFR Part300-399. Drivers must follow many of the regulations in order to stay safe while performing their duties. These regulations include hours of service, Inspection repair and maintenance, drug and alcohol regulations. Drivers that operate vehicles that fall under the hazardous material must know additional regulations such as how to complete a proper shipping paper and give emergency response guidance to first responder in the event of an emergency. Proper DOT FMCSA compliance training trains those employees and drivers who drive or have any responsibility with record keeping and preforming compliance duties. The duties include keeping Driver Qualification Files in order and up to date, Scheduling maintenance and repairs plus keeping repair and maintenance records. The training includes those personnel that over see a motor carriers drug and alcohol program, and those that audit hours of service and keep those records. Proper training also includes training drivers that move Hazardous Materials and drives in the proper way to inspect their vehicles for safe operation.

 

Why You Need DOT Compliance Training 

 

The most obvious reason for needing DOT compliance training is the safety factor;  the regulations were created to keep the driver’s and motoring public safe on the highways. Without it, your workers will be exposed to unnecessary risks when operating commercial motor vehicles.  Additionally, failure to comply with the regulations can result in hefty fines from FMCSA or PHMSA or other regulatory agencies. Having a solid understanding of all applicable regulations can help protect your business from costly legal issues or an unsatisfactory compliance review and large civil penalties down the line. 

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Another reason to be in compliance is the motor carriers insurance cost.  Insurance underwriters check the companies they insure annually to see what the FMCS Safety Management System (SMS) score is.  If the SMS score is high that translate into higher insurance premiums, or in some cases not being able to be insured at all.  

 

Last but not least, having knowledgeable employees can increase productivity and efficiency within your workplace since they will know exactly how to manage tasks correctly and safely. This can help save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes caused by incorrect or unsafe procedures being performed onsite.

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At Steve Talkington Consulting Inc., we provide comprehensive DOT compliance training to ensure that your business is always up to date with the latest regulations. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our services can help protect your employees and your business!

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