My Driver Failed a Drug Test. What Should the Employer Do?
A failed DOT drug test is one of the most serious compliance events a CDL employer can face. For motor carriers, private fleets, construction companies, utility fleets, owner-operators, and other employers of CDL drivers, the response needs to be immediate, documented, and consistent with DOT and FMCSA requirements. This is not a situation to handle […]
DOT & FMCSA Remaining Deadlines: 2027 Refresher
As commercial motor carriers prepare for 2027, several important DOT, FMCSA, tax, registration, and enforcement dates remain on the 2026 calendar. Some apply broadly to interstate operators. Others depend on a carrier’s USDOT number, equipment, vehicle-use dates, base jurisdiction, or driver roster. Missing an applicable deadline may lead to penalties, registration problems, roadside violations, or […]
Texas Jury Awards $49 Million Against OPG Logistics: What Small Carriers Should Learn From the Latest Nuclear Verdict
A Texas jury just handed down a nearly $50 million verdict against a trucking company many operators have never heard of. That is exactly why the case matters. In May 2026, an Ector County, Texas jury awarded $49 million to the family of Steffan Robert Mick, a 29-year-old husband and father of two who was […]
Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC
The Supreme Court’s decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC is now one of the most important freight broker liability developments in recent trucking litigation. On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that state-law negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers are not automatically preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, commonly […]
FMCSA Removes More ELDs From the Registered List: What Carriers Need to Know
FMCSA’s recent removal of multiple electronic logging devices from its registered ELD list is another reminder that compliance does not stop when a carrier buys a device. On May 20, 2026, FMCSA removed 12 ELDs from its registered list after determining the devices failed to meet the minimum federal requirements in 49 CFR Appendix A […]
Top 25 Trucking Compliance Questions Answered by FMCSA.com
1. Do I need a USDOT number? Many commercial vehicle operators need a USDOT number depending on vehicle type, weight, cargo, passenger status, and interstate or intrastate activity. The determination should be reviewed before operating. 2. Is a DOT number the same as MC authority? No. A DOT number identifies the business for safety registration […]
Do CDL Drivers Always Need Clearinghouse Enrollment?
Understanding When Clearinghouse Requirements Apply CDL drivers are often told they need to “enroll in the Clearinghouse,” but the correct answer actually depends on the driver’s role, employer relationship, testing obligations, and whether the driver performs safety-sensitive functions under FMCSA rules. The Clearinghouse is primarily an employer-facing and compliance-facing system, but drivers also need Clearinghouse […]
The Most Common DOT & FMCSA Compliance Mistakes New Carriers Make
New Entrants Face a Layered Regulatory Environment New carriers often enter the industry with a narrow view of compliance. They understand they need a DOT number. They may know they need insurance. They may hear about MC authority or UCR. But the full compliance environment is broader. In 2026, the challenge has increased with MOTUS […]
FMCSA Clearinghouse Requirements for CDL Employers
What CDL Employers Need to Know in a Stricter Compliance Environment The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is one of the most important compliance systems for employers of CDL drivers. To stay compliant in this day and age, employers need a clear process for registration, driver queries, C/TPA coordination, drug and alcohol testing, and record […]
California Commercial Vehicle Compliance Guide for New Entrants
California is one of the most complex states in the country for commercial vehicle compliance. New entrants must understand not only FMCSA requirements, but also California-specific motor carrier rules, permitting requirements, insurance obligations, vehicle standards, and enforcement expectations. What Is a New Entrant? A new entrant is generally a motor carrier that recently registered with […]