Understanding Safety in the Trucking Industry: How DOT Ratings, SAP Programs, and ELD Revisions Impact You

When it comes to the trucking industry, safety is always the top priority. Trucking companies have to follow strict rules to make sure everyone on the road stays safe. From the Department of Transportation (DOT) safety ratings to new changes in Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations, it's important to understand how these factors can affect the way trucks operate and how workers are kept safe. In this blog, we will break down these topics and give you a clearer picture of how they impact the trucking industry and its workers.

[A] DOT Safety Ratings: Navigating the Road to Compliance

The Department of Transportation (DOT) rates trucking companies on their safety performance. These ratings show how well a company is following the rules for safe driving and maintaining their vehicles. Companies with a high safety rating are typically better at keeping their drivers, trucks, and the public safe on the road.

But what exactly does this rating mean? The DOT uses several factors to determine a company's safety rating, including the number of accidents, maintenance records, and how well the drivers are following driving hours and regulations. These ratings are important for companies, drivers, and even cargo shippers.

How does this affect you? 

If you’re working with a trucking company, it’s a good idea to check their DOT safety rating before entering into any business agreements. One great way to do this is through CargoCredible, a website that shows the safety scores of different companies. By looking up a company's safety score, you can ensure they are reliable and compliant with all the necessary regulations.

Question for you: Do you check the safety ratings of the trucking companies you work with? How do you ensure the safety of your cargo?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) safety ratings play a critical role in ensuring that trucking companies follow the necessary rules and regulations to keep roads safe for everyone. These ratings are a reflection of a company’s overall safety performance, based on how well they comply with federal safety regulations.

Trucking companies are subject to regular inspections and audits by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is part of the DOT. These inspections assess various safety standards, including vehicle maintenance, driver performance, and adherence to hours-of-service rules. Based on these assessments, the FMCSA assigns each company a safety rating. This rating is an important indicator of the company's safety practices and provides insight into how well they prioritize safety in their operations.

The Three Levels of DOT Safety Ratings

1. Satisfactory Rating:

This is the highest rating a trucking company can receive. A satisfactory rating means that the company is fully compliant with all safety regulations and has effective policies and procedures in place to ensure ongoing safety. Companies with this rating are often trusted by shippers and clients, as it demonstrates that they meet or exceed safety standards.

1. Conditional Rating:

A conditional rating indicates that the company is not in full compliance with certain safety regulations, but the violations aren’t serious enough to be considered a complete failure. Companies with this rating are expected to improve their practices to avoid further issues. A conditional rating may arise from issues such as minor maintenance violations or minor driver log discrepancies. However, it can still signal that the company is a bit riskier to work with compared to one with a satisfactory rating.

1. Unsatisfactory Rating:

This is the most severe rating a trucking company can receive. An unsatisfactory rating means that the company has serious safety violations and is not complying with major safety regulations. This could involve things like repeated maintenance failures, ongoing violations of hours-of-service rules, or serious driver safety concerns. Companies with an unsatisfactory rating are often placed out of service by the FMCSA and are required to make immediate changes to their operations before they can return to service.

How DOT Safety Ratings Impact Safety and Compliance in the Trucking Industry

Driver Safety:

The DOT safety ratings reflect how well a company manages its drivers’ safety, including ensuring that drivers are well-rested, properly trained, and fit for duty. Companies with high safety ratings usually have robust programs in place for hiring qualified drivers, providing regular safety training, and maintaining records of driver performance. A company that fails to meet safety regulations, on the other hand, could be putting their drivers at greater risk of fatigue or accidents.

Vehicle Maintenance:

Vehicle safety is another major factor in the DOT rating. The FMCSA inspects the condition of a company’s fleet to ensure that vehicles are in good working order. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are essential to keeping trucks safe on the road. Companies that score poorly in this area might have old or poorly maintained vehicles, increasing the risk of mechanical failures and accidents.

Compliance with Regulations:

DOT safety ratings are a reflection of how well a company follows federal regulations regarding hours-of-service, maintenance schedules, and other safety standards. Companies with high ratings comply with all these rules and avoid violations that could lead to accidents. However, companies with lower ratings might not be as careful about adhering to regulations, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Public Confidence and Reputation:

Companies with high safety ratings tend to build a reputation for reliability and safety, which can lead to more business opportunities and better relationships with clients. Conversely, companies with poor ratings may struggle to attract clients and employees who value safety. Negative ratings can also hurt a company’s ability to win contracts or get insurance at competitive rates.

The Role of Safety Ratings in Choosing a Company

When choosing a trucking company to transport cargo, it's essential to consider their DOT safety rating. A high rating indicates a company that prioritizes safety, while a lower rating might signal that there are issues to be addressed. Checking the safety rating of a company before engaging with them can help reduce the risks associated with shipping goods and ensure that the trucking company you're working with is trustworthy and compliant with safety standards.

How can you check a company’s safety rating?

One way to easily check the safety rating of a trucking company is by using resources like CargoCredible. This website allows users to view safety scores for different companies, helping you make an informed decision about who you want to partner with. While CargoCredible currently doesn’t offer a directory to choose a compliance team, it’s still a great tool for seeing a company’s safety rating before entering into any agreements.

[B] Recovering from DOT Violations:

Creating a Corrective Action Plan

Sometimes, trucking companies may fail a DOT safety audit. When that happens, they are given a corrective action plan (CAP), which is a set of steps they must follow to fix the issues that caused them to fail. This might involve making changes to their safety procedures, repairing or replacing vehicles, or providing additional training for drivers.

The corrective action plan allows companies to show the DOT that they are committed to improving their safety practices. It’s important that companies take this process seriously because a failed audit could lead to fines or even being put out of business. By following through on the plan, companies can improve their safety rating and continue to operate legally and safely.

Question for you: Have you ever worked with a company that had to create a corrective action plan after a DOT violation? What steps did they take to improve their safety?

In the trucking industry, safety and compliance with federal regulations are essential to maintaining safe roadways and a reliable workforce. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces rules and regulations that trucking companies must adhere to in order to operate legally and safely. However, sometimes trucking companies may fail to meet these standards, resulting in DOT violations. When this happens, the company must take immediate action to correct the violations and prevent future issues. One of the most important steps in this process is creating a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).

A Corrective Action Plan is a formal document that outlines the steps a company will take to fix any safety or compliance issues discovered during a DOT audit or inspection. The plan is required when a company fails a safety audit or when violations are identified that affect safety, such as vehicle maintenance problems, hours-of-service violations, or driver safety issues.

Creating and implementing a CAP is a critical part of recovering from DOT violations and ensuring that the company is compliant with FMCSA regulations. Failure to take corrective actions can result in fines, suspension of operations, or even the loss of a company's operating authority. Let’s break down what the process of creating and implementing a Corrective Action Plan looks like and how it impacts safety and compliance in the trucking industry.

Steps to Create a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

Identify and Understand the Violations: The first step in developing a corrective action plan is understanding exactly what violations have occurred. These could range from maintenance issues to driver behavior concerns, like hours-of-service violations, or failing to meet specific FMCSA regulations. To fully address the violations, companies must carefully review the findings from the DOT audit or inspection.

Example Violations:

• Failure to maintain accurate driver logs or electronic logs.
• Improper vehicle maintenance (e.g., brake issues, tire problems, or expired inspection stickers).
• Non-compliance with drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• Failure to meet hours-of-service requirements.

Identifying the exact nature of the violations will help the company focus on the necessary areas for improvement.

Analyze the Root Causes: After identifying the violations, the company must analyze why the violations occurred in the first place. Understanding the root causes is essential for creating a plan that will prevent the same issues from happening again. Common causes of violations might include lack of training, poor record-keeping, inadequate vehicle inspections, or non-compliance with regulatory changes.

For example, if a company’s drivers failed to comply with hours-of-service rules, it may be because the company didn’t implement an effective system for tracking driving hours or failed to educate drivers on the importance of rest and taking breaks.

Develop Actionable Steps: With the root causes in mind, the next step is to create actionable steps for addressing the violations and preventing future ones. These steps should be clear, measurable, and focused on compliance. Each action item should be assigned to specific personnel, including drivers, fleet managers, and safety officers, who will be responsible for its implementation.

Sample Action Steps:

• Training: Provide additional training to drivers on hours-of-service regulations or vehicle maintenance procedures.
• Upgraded Systems: Implement an electronic logging device (ELD) system to better track driving hours and ensure compliance.
• Vehicle Inspections: Set up a more rigorous schedule for vehicle inspections to ensure that all trucks are in safe, working condition.
• Documentation: Ensure that all drivers maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and inspection results.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance: Ensure that drivers and staff follow FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing regulations by implementing random testing, pre-employment testing, and post-accident testing as required.

Set Clear Deadlines and Monitor Progress: After laying out the steps needed to correct the violations, the company should establish deadlines for each action. This helps ensure that the corrective measures are implemented in a timely manner and that the company remains committed to improving its safety practices.

Additionally, it's crucial to monitor progress throughout the process. Regularly checking in on the implementation of the CAP allows the company to track its improvements, identify any challenges, and adjust the plan as necessary.

Document and Submit the Plan to DOT: Once the corrective action plan is in place, the company must document all steps and submit the plan to the FMCSA or relevant DOT authority for review. This shows that the company is serious about making changes and addressing the violations. The DOT will review the CAP to ensure that it adequately addresses the issues and complies with the regulations.

Follow Up: After submitting the plan, the company should follow up with the DOT or auditing agency to confirm that the corrective actions have been implemented successfully. The company may also be subject to another audit or inspection to verify compliance.

How a Corrective Action Plan Affects Safety and Compliance

Improved Safety Standards: The most important outcome of a Corrective Action Plan is an improvement in safety. By addressing the root causes of violations, trucking companies can implement better safety practices that reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. For instance, fixing vehicle maintenance issues can prevent mechanical breakdowns, and ensuring drivers comply with hours-of-service regulations can reduce fatigue-related accidents.

Ensures Continued Compliance: A well-executed CAP helps ensure that the company remains in compliance with FMCSA and other regulatory requirements. Regular training, updated systems, and thorough vehicle inspections all contribute to maintaining compliance with DOT regulations, avoiding further violations, and keeping the company in good standing with regulatory authorities.

Minimizes Financial Risk: Non-compliance with DOT regulations can result in significant penalties, fines, and even loss of operating authority. A corrective action plan helps minimize the financial risk associated with violations by demonstrating to the DOT that the company is taking proactive steps to correct its shortcomings and maintain compliance.

Protects the Company’s Reputation: Companies that make the effort to correct violations and improve their safety practices are viewed more favorably by clients, partners, and the public. A company with a high safety rating and a history of compliance is more likely to be trusted and sought after by potential clients. On the other hand, repeated violations and poor safety practices can severely damage a company’s reputation and business prospects.

Creates a Culture of Safety and Accountability: By creating a corrective action plan, a company sends a clear message to its employees that safety and compliance are top priorities. This creates a culture of safety and accountability, where everyone, from drivers to management, is actively engaged in maintaining high standards of performance.

[C] Upcoming ELD Revisions: Changes That Will Impact the Trucking Industry

One of the most important tools in the trucking industry is the Electronic Logging Device (ELD). These devices automatically track a driver’s hours, ensuring they are following the rules for rest and driving time. The ELD mandate, which has been in place for several years, helps reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents caused by tired drivers.

What’s changing?

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is planning to make revisions to the ELD regulations. While the exact changes aren’t fully clear yet, it’s expected that they will focus on improving the technology and making it easier for drivers to use. These changes will help streamline the process for drivers, reduce violations, and keep roads safer for everyone.

Question for you: What do you think about the upcoming changes to the ELD regulations? Do you think they will make the roads safer?

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate has been one of the most significant regulatory changes in the trucking industry in recent years. It was introduced to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance by requiring commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to be equipped with electronic devices that automatically track a driver’s hours of service (HOS). ELDs replace paper logs, reducing human error and fraud, and ensuring that drivers follow the mandated limits for driving time and rest.

As technology continues to evolve and the transportation industry adapts, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is revising the ELD regulations to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the industry. These upcoming ELD revisions aim to enhance safety, improve data sharing, and provide more flexibility for drivers and carriers while ensuring continued compliance with federal rules.

Key Upcoming Changes in ELD Regulations

Expanded ELD Exemptions:

• Current Exemptions: As it stands, certain vehicles and operations are exempt from the ELD mandate. For example, vehicles that are used for short-haul operations (those that travel less than 150 miles from their starting point) or vehicles manufactured before 2000 are not required to have ELDs.

• What’s Changing: One of the proposed changes is to potentially revise or expand these exemptions based on new technologies and operations that might not need to be fully tracked by ELDs. This could lead to a more tailored approach, particularly for small fleets or specific operations that might face challenges with the current ELD regulations.

• Impact on Safety: While expanding exemptions might help smaller operators reduce costs, it’s crucial that the safety of all drivers remains the priority. Careful consideration will be needed to ensure that safety isn’t compromised by allowing more vehicles to operate without the monitoring capabilities of ELDs.

Data Privacy and Security:

• Current Regulations: ELDs collect sensitive data about a driver’s work hours, locations, and vehicle performance. The current rules are designed to ensure that this data is used only for safety and compliance purposes, but there have been concerns regarding the privacy and security of this information.

• What’s Changing: As part of the revisions, the FMCSA is likely to strengthen regulations around the privacy and security of the data collected by ELDs. This could include clearer guidelines on who can access the data and how it should be protected, ensuring that driver privacy is respected while still maintaining the ability to enforce safety standards.

• Impact on Safety and Compliance: By improving data security and protecting privacy, the revised rules will help ensure that the integrity of the information collected by ELDs is maintained. Drivers and fleet operators can trust that their personal and operational data won’t be misused, fostering greater confidence in the system.

Enhanced Data Sharing for Inspections:

• Current System: In the current system, roadside inspectors have access to data from ELDs via wireless connections or manual data transfer, allowing them to check drivers’ hours-of-service compliance.

• What’s Changing: The upcoming revisions might streamline the process for sharing data between drivers, enforcement agencies, and third-party service providers. One of the proposed revisions includes enabling more real-time data sharing, so that inspectors and safety officials can access detailed, up-to-date data instantly during inspections, without the need for drivers to manually provide logs or documents.

• Impact on Safety: Real-time access to accurate data allows for quicker enforcement of hours-of-service rules, helping to ensure that drivers do not operate while fatigued. The faster inspection process also improves the efficiency of roadside audits, potentially preventing unsafe drivers from continuing their trips.

User-Friendly Interfaces and Features:

• Current Devices: Many existing ELD systems have been criticized for being difficult to use or prone to errors. Some drivers struggle with devices that have complicated interfaces or require manual intervention to update logs.

• What’s Changing: The FMCSA is expected to include revisions that will improve the usability of ELDs. This could involve designing interfaces that are easier for drivers to interact with and reducing the burden of administrative tasks, like manual entries for special circumstances (e.g., off-duty time, yard moves, etc.).

• Impact on Compliance: ELD revisions that focus on better user experience will likely reduce the number of inadvertent errors caused by difficult-to-use devices. This will help improve compliance with hours-of-service regulations and make it easier for drivers to maintain accurate logs. As a result, driver fatigue—which is a leading cause of accidents—will be better controlled, leading to safer roadways.

Support for Mixed Fleets:

• Current Challenges: Many trucking companies operate mixed fleets, where some vehicles are equipped with ELDs and others are not. This can be difficult to manage, particularly as the regulations evolve.

• What’s Changing: New revisions may provide more guidance and flexibility regarding mixed fleets, potentially allowing for easier management of both ELD-equipped vehicles and older vehicles that may not be subject to the mandate.

• Impact on Safety: Making it easier to operate a mixed fleet could reduce the operational burdens on carriers and encourage more widespread adoption of ELDs. If fleets can more easily comply with the regulations while maintaining older equipment, it could lead to greater compliance across the industry, thus improving overall safety and reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigued drivers.

How Upcoming ELD Revisions Will Impact Safety and Compliance in the Trucking Industry

1. Enhanced Road Safety:

• The primary goal of ELD regulations is to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety. The upcoming revisions are designed to further this goal by providing more accurate data, improving compliance, and ensuring that inspections are more efficient and effective.

• With real-time data sharing and better enforcement tools, inspectors will be able to quickly identify unsafe drivers, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by hours-of-service violations. Additionally, clearer regulations around privacy and data security will ensure that drivers feel more confident in using the technology, knowing their personal information is protected.

Improved Fleet Management:

• For fleet operators, the upcoming revisions could make it easier to manage mixed fleets and reduce the operational costs associated with transitioning to ELD-compliant systems. By streamlining data sharing and improving device interfaces, fleet managers will have an easier time tracking driver behavior, ensuring compliance, and managing resources more effectively.

• Moreover, the revisions could help smaller fleets that face challenges with implementing ELDs due to costs or other factors, by expanding exemptions or providing more flexibility in terms of device features.

Increased Industry Compliance:

• As the ELD revisions make the system easier to use, more trucking companies will likely be able to comply with federal regulations. This increased compliance is vital for maintaining the integrity of the trucking industry and ensuring that operators are meeting safety standards.

• With clearer regulations, improved data security, and better integration with existing fleet management tools, the trucking industry will be better equipped to meet both current and future safety standards. Non-compliance rates may decrease, resulting in fewer violations and penalties for carriers and drivers.

Cost Considerations for Carriers:

• While ELDs may initially seem costly for some carriers, particularly small businesses, the upcoming revisions may reduce some of these financial burdens. For example, providing more flexibility for mixed fleets or expanding exemptions could allow certain companies to avoid the need for immediate, large-scale investments in new technology.

• On the other hand, making ELD systems more user-friendly could reduce the time spent on training drivers and troubleshooting devices, helping to cut down on operational costs. The revisions might also streamline the process for compliance audits and roadside inspections, reducing the potential downtime and delays for carriers.

[D] Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

In the trucking world, one of the most important safety regulations is making sure drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job. That’s where the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program comes in.

The SAP program helps companies make sure that drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol get the help they need. The program ensures that drivers undergo a thorough evaluation and complete the required treatment before they can get back to work. This helps maintain safety on the roads by making sure that drivers are physically and mentally fit for their job.

By making sure drivers follow the SAP program, companies reduce the risk of accidents caused by impaired driving. This is crucial in maintaining safe practices and high standards in the trucking industry.

Question for you: How do you think the SAP program helps in keeping our roads safer? Do you think it’s important for trucking companies to be strict about substance abuse testing?

In the trucking industry, safety is of paramount importance—not only for the drivers themselves but for everyone sharing the road. One of the key programs designed to ensure that trucking companies and their employees stay safe and compliant with federal regulations is the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program. This program plays a crucial role in maintaining safety standards by addressing substance abuse issues within the industry.

What is the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program?

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program is a part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, aimed at helping drivers who are found to have violated drug and alcohol policies return to work safely. This program is designed for drivers who have tested positive for drugs or alcohol or have been involved in serious incidents related to substance use.

When a driver fails a drug or alcohol test, they are not allowed to return to their job without first undergoing an evaluation by a qualified SAP. The SAP’s role is to assess the driver’s condition and determine what kind of treatment, counseling, or education they need before they can be considered fit to return to work. The SAP is also responsible for monitoring the driver’s progress and ensuring that they follow through with all necessary steps for rehabilitation.

How the SAP Program Works

1. Referral and Evaluation:

If a driver fails a drug or alcohol test, the company must refer them to a Substance Abuse Professional. The SAP evaluates the driver to determine the severity of the issue and makes recommendations for treatment or rehabilitation. This step ensures that the driver is properly assessed for any substance abuse problems.

1. Treatment Plan:

Based on the evaluation, the SAP will recommend a specific course of action, which may include counseling, education programs, or rehabilitation treatment. This treatment is designed to help drivers address their substance abuse issues and learn how to manage their behavior.

1. Follow-up Monitoring:

The SAP is also responsible for monitoring the driver’s progress. This might include periodic testing to ensure that the driver is remaining substance-free and successfully following the treatment plan. The SAP is the person who determines when the driver is ready to return to duty.

1. Return-to-Duty Evaluation:

After the driver has completed the treatment program and is considered fit to return to work, they must undergo another evaluation by the SAP. This evaluation is necessary to confirm that the driver is no longer under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is safe to operate a vehicle again.

The Role of SAP in Ensuring Safety

The SAP Program is a critical part of maintaining safety in the trucking industry. Here’s how it affects safety and compliance:

Protecting the Public and Drivers:

By ensuring that drivers with substance abuse issues get the treatment they need, the SAP program helps prevent impaired driving. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a significant risk to the driver and everyone on the road. The SAP program ensures that only drivers who are fit for duty return to the road, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by impaired driving.

Compliance with Federal Regulations:

Trucking companies must comply with FMCSA regulations, which mandate drug and alcohol testing for drivers. The SAP program helps companies meet these compliance standards by ensuring that drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol are properly evaluated and treated. Failure to follow these procedures could result in fines, penalties, or even the loss of a company’s operating authority. By participating in the SAP program, companies can avoid these penalties and stay compliant.

Rehabilitation and Reintegration:

The SAP program offers a pathway for drivers to get the help they need and return to work in a safe and responsible manner. Rather than immediately firing drivers who have substance abuse problems, companies can provide them with the necessary support to recover and return to their roles once they are fit to do so. This is a more humane and productive approach, which benefits both the driver and the company by maintaining a skilled workforce.

Building a Safer and More Responsible Industry:

By adhering to the SAP program, the trucking industry sets a strong example of safety and responsibility. It shows that companies and drivers take the dangers of substance abuse seriously and are committed to keeping the roads safe. This commitment to safety not only protects the public but also helps improve the overall reputation of the trucking industry.

How SAP Affects Compliance in the Trucking Industry

The SAP program is a cornerstone of compliance within the trucking industry, especially in areas related to substance abuse testing. Compliance with FMCSA regulations regarding drug and alcohol testing is mandatory for all commercial drivers. The SAP ensures that drivers who are caught violating these rules do not simply return to work without addressing the underlying problem.

If a trucking company does not comply with the SAP program or fails to ensure that drivers who are returned to duty are sober and fit for work, they risk facing serious consequences. These consequences may include:

• Fines for non-compliance with FMCSA regulations
• Suspension or revocation of the company’s operating authority
• Increased liability risks if an accident occurs involving a driver who was improperly reinstated
• Loss of reputation within the industry and with clients

By following the SAP process, companies not only stay compliant with federal regulations but also contribute to a safer and more responsible trucking industry.

Benefits of the SAP Program for Trucking Companies

Maintains a Safe Workforce:

Having a structured process for handling substance abuse violations ensures that companies can maintain a safe workforce. Drivers who are dealing with substance abuse issues get the help they need, which in turn helps keep everyone on the road safe.

Reduces Risk of Accidents:

Substance abuse is a major factor in traffic accidents, especially in the trucking industry. By participating in the SAP program, companies reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by impaired drivers, which protects the public and reduces potential costs related to accidents.

Improves Compliance and Avoids Penalties:

The SAP program ensures that trucking companies stay in full compliance with FMCSA regulations. This helps avoid penalties, fines, or loss of operating privileges, which can be costly for the business.

Boosts Company Reputation:

Companies that actively follow the SAP program show that they are serious about safety and the well-being of their drivers. This commitment can improve their reputation within the industry, attract better talent, and lead to stronger business partnerships.

How CargoCredible Helps You Make Informed Decisions

When you’re choosing a trucking company to work with, it’s important to know if they are following safety regulations and maintaining good standards. CargoCredible can help with this by providing safety scores for companies, giving you an idea of how well they are doing in terms of DOT compliance and overall safety.

Right now, CargoCredible doesn’t have a directory of companies where you can choose a compliance team. However, their safety score feature can help you assess which companies are taking safety seriously before you make any agreements. This makes it easier to ensure that your cargo is in safe hands.

Final Thoughts

Safety in the trucking industry is more than just a set of rules—it’s about protecting people and ensuring that operations run smoothly. By understanding DOT safety ratings, the Substance Abuse Professional program, corrective action plans, and upcoming ELD revisions, you can make informed decisions about the companies you work with. Checking safety scores on websites like CargoCredible is a great first step toward making sure you’re working with reliable and compliant companies.

So, how do you handle safety when working with trucking companies? Let us know in the comments! Your insights might just help others make safer choices too.