CGSI
Active Member
To Everyone with a DOT number and trucks that will require a CDL
Well as everyone knows now that since July 7th 2006 the feds require us to have a DOT number on trucks over 10,000lbs and a class "A" CDL with trailers 10,000lbs and also if the GCVW of truck and trailer is over 26,000 lbs regardless of trailer registered weight. Straight trucks over 26,000lbs require a CDL "B".
Yesterday we went through our FMCSA saftey audit and review (just like it called out for within 18 months of getting the number). We did well and passed our review with just a 4.5 point deduction but the missed points are a biggie and must get corrected very quickly and I wanted to share with you guys so you may be able to correct them before you are visited.
The first Biggie is Drug and Alcohol Testing Both Pre-employment and Random Testing. It used to depend on the size of the fleet but no longer. Whether you have 1 or 100 CDL trucks or drivers you need to be enrolled in a testing program and have it all on file. It is a big cost that has to be absorbed regardless of size.
You also have to have a written drug and alcohol written policy that the employee signs stating he has recieved the policy and understands it just in case he has an issue.
You also have to have a written drug and alcohol abuse policy stating the ramifications (consequences) for someone failing a random test or being suspected of arriving to work in violation of the policy.
You also have to have someone "Trained" as a competent person to evaluate/observe your other employees for substance and alcohol abuse.
Seperate time sheets for CDL drivers running log book exemption (100 air mile radius) showing hours of service last 8 days if you are a 7 day a week operation.
I just wanted to let you all know that if you thought the hassle was over when you got your number for your fleet you are wrong. It is just starting. The daily vehicle inspection reports, the safety equipment, the maintanence forms and stuff is just the tip of the iceburg (Don't forget that anyone adjusting and servicing air brakes needs a special cert).
I must say my inspector spent 4 hours going over everything with me and checking what we already had in compliance and was a pleasure to deal with. He was very patient with me as I asked questions and supplied me with answers that helped me understand what I needed to do. He also showed me in the FeD Law where the requirement came from so that there werre no issues with interpratation of the law. It was all there in Black and White.
Well as everyone knows now that since July 7th 2006 the feds require us to have a DOT number on trucks over 10,000lbs and a class "A" CDL with trailers 10,000lbs and also if the GCVW of truck and trailer is over 26,000 lbs regardless of trailer registered weight. Straight trucks over 26,000lbs require a CDL "B".
Yesterday we went through our FMCSA saftey audit and review (just like it called out for within 18 months of getting the number). We did well and passed our review with just a 4.5 point deduction but the missed points are a biggie and must get corrected very quickly and I wanted to share with you guys so you may be able to correct them before you are visited.
The first Biggie is Drug and Alcohol Testing Both Pre-employment and Random Testing. It used to depend on the size of the fleet but no longer. Whether you have 1 or 100 CDL trucks or drivers you need to be enrolled in a testing program and have it all on file. It is a big cost that has to be absorbed regardless of size.
You also have to have a written drug and alcohol written policy that the employee signs stating he has recieved the policy and understands it just in case he has an issue.
You also have to have a written drug and alcohol abuse policy stating the ramifications (consequences) for someone failing a random test or being suspected of arriving to work in violation of the policy.
You also have to have someone "Trained" as a competent person to evaluate/observe your other employees for substance and alcohol abuse.
Seperate time sheets for CDL drivers running log book exemption (100 air mile radius) showing hours of service last 8 days if you are a 7 day a week operation.
I just wanted to let you all know that if you thought the hassle was over when you got your number for your fleet you are wrong. It is just starting. The daily vehicle inspection reports, the safety equipment, the maintanence forms and stuff is just the tip of the iceburg (Don't forget that anyone adjusting and servicing air brakes needs a special cert).
I must say my inspector spent 4 hours going over everything with me and checking what we already had in compliance and was a pleasure to deal with. He was very patient with me as I asked questions and supplied me with answers that helped me understand what I needed to do. He also showed me in the FeD Law where the requirement came from so that there werre no issues with interpratation of the law. It was all there in Black and White.