Tough Rules For New Entrants Now In Effect
OLIVER B. PATTON
WASHINGTON EDITOR
This is the year it got harder to get into the trucking business. On Jan. 1, 2003, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration started enforcing tough new requirements for newcomers — both private and for-hire.
Would-be truckers must certify that they understand the safety rules and pass a safety audit before they can get permanent registration.
The agency is targeting new companies because data show that they are less likely to comply with safety rules and more likely to be involved in accidents.
Under the rule, new entrants must certify in writing that they have systems in place to comply with federal safety rules — including driver certification, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle condition, accident monitoring and hazmat transport.
The agency said that this certification will remind new entrants that they have legal responsibilities — and that they can be fined or lose their registration if they don't measure up.
When a person or company applies for registration, the agency will send a package of educational materials that spells out how to set up a safety management program, and explains all of the rules.
When the application forms — including the certification — are complete, the company gets a DOT number and can open for business under temporary registration.
Within 18 months, it will be audited by the safety agency. The audit generally will take place at the company's headquarters, and will examine the safety management program. Among other things, it will cover record-keeping for key safety items such as driver qualifications, hours of service and vehicle condition. It also will include an interview with management.
If the company clears the audit, it will be issued a permanent registration at the end of its 18-month period. If it does not, it will have a chance to make corrections. If it does not make the corrections, its registration can be revoked.
Information and applications for new entrants are available at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Or call (800) 832-5660 to get an application by mail.
