Common Mistakes Carriers Make
The trucking industry has not shortage of rules and regulations to follow, they can be confusing and overwhelming even for the experienced trucker. Below are some of the biggest mistakes we see carriers make.
Signing up with the first third party that calls you upon filing for your USDOT number. Companies will contact you within minutes of completing your USDOT application and before you know it they have charged you $565.00 for you don’t know what. Don’t be fooled, it is not the Federal Motor Carrier. Take your time and do your research and fine a reputable company that has fair fees for the services you need.
Not completing a commercial vehicle inspection for each unit they will be operating. These should be completed on trucks and trailers and these inspections will need to be provided in your new entrance DOT audit.
Companies still not compliant with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse website. This is a federal requirement for all companies as of 01/06/2020. Enrollment in a DOT Drug Program in itself DOES NOT cover the Clearinghouse requirement.
Not following up with previous employers when hiring a driver.
Carriers not adding updated DOT medical cards and CDLs to their drivers files. The new copy should be updated each time these are renewed.
Companies allowing a driver to operate prior to a negative DOT Drug screening being on file.
Companies allowing a driver to operate without a FMCSA Clearinghouse Pre Employment query result on file.
Not having an MVR on file that reflects the most recent federal DOT medical card.
Carriers who fill their UCR and do not take advantage of their exempt units which results in significantly higher fees.
Not filing their MCS150 Biennial Updates on time. This can result in fines up $1,000 per day and cause deactivation of your USDOT number.
Enrolling with a Consortium C/TPA that requires your drivers to get dot drug tested at a specific clinic. This means extra downtime and further costs.
Paying outrageous fees for simple filings. A USDOT update should not cost you hundreds of dollars, your third party is not worth $2400.00 an hour.
