Category: Trucking Regulations

Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

In addition to mastering safe driving skills, professional truck drivers must navigate a complex web of regulations designed to protect drivers, the public, and the integrity of the transportation industry. Defensive driving training should go beyond behind-the-wheel skills to include a strong foundation in regulatory compliance. In the following article of our “Defensive Driving” series, … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers”

FMCSA Releases New Guidance Enforcing English Proficiency

Western Truck Insurance

In late May, at a trucking event in Austin, Texas, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signed an order introducing updated enforcement measures to bolster compliance with English language requirements for commercial truck drivers. Under the new directive, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who do not meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s … Continue reading “FMCSA Releases New Guidance Enforcing English Proficiency”

California’s AB 5 Independent Contractor Rule Upheld by Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

Western Truck Insurance

California’s AB 5 legislation requires applying the “ABC test” to determine if workers in the state are employees or independent contractors for purposes of the Labor Code. Under the ABC test, a worker is considered an employee and not an independent contractor unless the hiring entity satisfies all three of the following conditions: Free from … Continue reading “California’s AB 5 Independent Contractor Rule Upheld by Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals”

Inside the B2B Exemption Chart for Motor Carrier Industry

Western Truck Insurance

California’s Labor Secretary’s office recently published a chart outlining the B2B (business-to-business) exemption criteria in the motor carrier industry. The chart lists the 12 criteria for an owner-operator contractor (service provider) to be considered independent instead of an employee. The classification of truck drivers as independent contractors or employees has been a longstanding issue, further … Continue reading “Inside the B2B Exemption Chart for Motor Carrier Industry”

Transportation Industry Supports Eliminating the Federal Excise Tax for New Trucks, Tractors & Trailers

Western Truck Insurance

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced its support of congressional legislation introduced in late March that repeals a World War I-era federal excise tax (FET) on the purchase of new trucks, tractors, and trailers. The FET adds a significant cost to purchasing commercial vehicles and has been widely criticized by trucking industry leaders and policymakers … Continue reading “Transportation Industry Supports Eliminating the Federal Excise Tax for New Trucks, Tractors & Trailers”

Inside California’s Basic Inspection of Terminal (BIT) Program, Upcoming CTA Webinar Covers Requirements

Western Truck Insurance

California’s Basic Inspection of Terminal (BIT) program mandates 90-day inspections on any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) over 10,001 pounds. During a BIT inspection, the following are examined: steering systems, brakes, wiper blades (must work and not be worn out), wheels and tire tread depth (must be within legal limits), mirrors, functioning lights, defroster, and others. … Continue reading “Inside California’s Basic Inspection of Terminal (BIT) Program, Upcoming CTA Webinar Covers Requirements”

Stay Updated on Truck Driver Qualification Recordkeeping Requirements

Western Truck Insurance

It’s difficult for motor carriers to remain on top of qualification recordkeeping requirements on your truck drivers. Multiple regulatory areas include driver investigation, drug and alcohol testing, MVRs, and more. Additionally, your drivers may operate different classes of vehicles, which impacts their qualification requirements. To help you stay current, compliance experts J.J. Keller developed a DQ … Continue reading “Stay Updated on Truck Driver Qualification Recordkeeping Requirements”

Beware of Fraudulent Certificates of Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

Most recently, the trucking industry has faced an alarming rise in fraudulent Certificates of Insurance (COIs) used by motor carriers to secure loads. This growing trend threatens the integrity of brokerages and the financial and operational security of the entire supply chain. Fake or altered COI documents presented by motor carriers are used to falsely … Continue reading “Beware of Fraudulent Certificates of Insurance”

The Road Ahead: Top Trucking Issues in California

Western Truck Insurance

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) covered several of the top issues facing the trucking industry in California, from strict environmental regulations to driver shortages and rising operation costs. Following is an overview of some of these issues. California’s Environment Policies One of the most pressing concerns for California’s trucking sector is the state’s environmental … Continue reading “The Road Ahead: Top Trucking Issues in California”

Great Ready for FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse II Rule

Western Truck Insurance

Beginning November 18, 2024, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), such as the California Motor Vehicle Department, will be required to remove the commercial driving privileges of drivers in a “prohibited” status in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Clearinghouse was established as Phase I in January … Continue reading “Great Ready for FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse II Rule”