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The trucking industry plays a significant role in the economy of the United States and makes it possible for business owners to transport their goods and materials. However, they are subject to many regulations to ensure public safety. These include obtaining a motor carrier permit, MC Authority, and many more.

The trucking industry is complex, and many branches of government regulate it at the federal and state levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the agency regulating interstate trucking practices. It is a sub-division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Therefore, a basic understanding of how the industry works ensures your trucking company complies with the regulations. Read on as Global Multi Services explain how the government ensures safety in the trucking industry.

ESTABLISHMENT OF AGENCIES

Several agencies within the government impact the transportation industry. They include the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Department of Transportation is the primary regulatory agency for transportation in the United States. It is the largest and most recognized agency influencing the industry. It also ensures the country has the safest, most efficient, and modern transportation system. These boost the country’s economy, productivity, and global competitiveness. Other agencies within the DOT make sure the trucking industry continues to run efficiently.

ROLE OF FMCSA

The FMCSA regulates the interstate trucking industry by enforcing safety rules, driver qualification, and licensing. They create safety regulations for commercial motor carriers and are responsible for developing standards to give commercial driver’s licenses. They also ensure the safe operation of large commercial vehicles to prevent traffic-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. These also include regulating Hours of Service (HOS) and safety programs.

THE ROLE OF NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reduces death, injuries, and economic losses caused by motor vehicle accidents. They achieve this by doing extensive research to understand driver behavior and traffic safety. NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles and provides safety standards. They also enforce vehicle performance standards and fuel economy standards.

IN A NUTSHELL

Federal and state governments influence the transportation industry through safety regulations and funding. The Department of Transportation also improves the quality of life in rural and urban communities across the United States by ensuring safe driving practices.

Global Multi Services is a trucking permit company that provides motor carrier permits, IRP Plates, IFTA permits, and other mandatory licenses for trucking companies. Associate your business with a trucking permit company that knows every detail and is up to date on changes in industry regulations.


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According to the American Trucking Association reports, the trucking industry is experiencing an increase in driver shortage. The costs associated with obtaining your MC Authority, finding and hiring new drivers are also very high. Hence, retaining your truck drivers can save you thousands and faster delivery. It will also create a better environment for your employees. Your drivers need to feel happy enough with you to stick around for a long time.

They also need to be provided a safe and state-of-art truck to retain them. Do you want to cut costs and maintain a healthy work environment for your drivers? Focusing on driver retention is your best bet. Not sure how to retain truck drivers? Global Multi Services explain ways you can make your company more attractive to employees and retain drivers longer.

Appreciate Your Drivers

Acknowledging, appreciating, and rewarding your divers is one of the best retention policies. Drivers who feel appreciated are more likely to stick around. Build a sense of community and mentor-ship program for your drivers. These help them learn ways to manage stress and everyday life as a trucker. According to psychologists, appreciation releases happy hormones in the human body. So don’t be afraid to appreciate your drivers. They also motivate them to perform better.

Invest In The Latest Equipment

Inadequate trucks and poor maintenance are another reason truckers leave their fleets.  Old machinery can increase breakdowns, accidents, unscheduled downtime, and late delivery. It can also put drivers and other road users in danger. Investing in good equipment will improve day-to-day life on the road, keep drivers safe, and save time.

Provide Employers Support

Building a retention strategy that supports your employers is key to driver retention. Providing support through unbiased regulations, financial planning, wellness programs, and time off when needed.

A vital part of providing employer support is knowing what your drivers need and asking for feedback to understand the issues they experience. These help you identify what can lead to disengagement and provide a willingness to listen to drivers’ concerns can have a positive impact.

Obtain Your MC Authority

MC Authority is the authority motor carriers obtain from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to transport goods on public roads. MC Number Registration indicates they have met all the requirements to carry out commercial operations. Getting your Motor Carrier Authority saves your drivers from facing issues with the authorities

Provide Quality Home Time

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road away from home that can sometimes be lonely and frustrating. These make them crave more time with friends and family when they get married or have children. Therefore, it is crucial to help drivers achieve a work-life balance. Understanding the importance of home time and life outside of work impacts driver retention. It is also critical to respect drivers’ time-off requests and driver preferences when building weekly schedules.

Utilize New Technology

Implementing new technology often improves drivers’ productivity. Using technology that prioritizes life on the road and optimizes shipment can increase employee engagement and retention. They also improve monitoring and create entertainment and better working conditions while driving.


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Compliance plays a large part in how trucking companies operate in the United States. And the last thing you want is to be penalized for not complying with the Department of Transportation or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations as a trucking company. It is paramount to stay on top of the laws to keep your employers and fleet safe while upholding the best standards as you transport loads across the interstate and intrastate boundaries. These include obtaining your MC Permit and other license.

Partnering with a trucking permit service provider who knows the ins and outs of trucking regulations can save you from penalties. Global Multi Services is here to help you stay up to date with the FMCSA regulations and assist you in filing your MC Permit when necessary. We will manage all your paperwork and ensure everything is fast and precise. Read on as we go over what you need to do to stay in compliance in the trucking industry.

OBTAIN MOTOR CARRIER PERMIT

Trucking companies operating commercially interstate and intrastate are mandated to apply for motor carrier permits.  Motor carriers transporting federally regulated goods across state lines and intrastate must also obtain their MC Permit. These applications authorize their interstate travel and must be in place before they can operate legally.  Some trucking services also require several MC Authorities. Therefore, check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to know the operating authorities to stay compliant.

REGISTER FOR UCR PERMIT

The Unified Carrier Registration requires trucking companies to register and pay an annual fee in their base state if they participate in international or interstate commerce.  The registration fee is based on the size of your fleet and must be renewed every year. Trucking companies must register with a participating neighboring state if their base state does not participate in UCR.  According to law, motor carriers operating over state lines without paying their yearly fee will get pulled over and subject to fines and penalties.

EMPLOY QUALIFIED TRUCK DRIVER

Trucking companies involved in interstate and intrastate commerce must retain verification of their driver’s legal and physical ability to operate their fleet. Your drivers need to have proper qualifications for successful and safe operations in the United States.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL CONSORTIUM

According to federal law, all trucking companies must adhere to drug and alcohol testing requirements. Therefore, they must perform a drug and alcohol pre-test for truck drivers and other employers that have not participated in random DOT testing within the last 30 days before hiring them. The test needs to be done before conducting any safety-sensitive performances. Truck drivers and other employers can also join a DOT Random Drug Testing Consortium program to help manage the company’s drug and alcohol testing.

STAY INFORMED WITH GLOBAL MULTI SERVICES

Global Multi Services help trucking companies avoid violations and follow the FMCSA laws and regulations. We keep up with the latest requirements and trends to help our customers stay informed, confident, and ready to act when necessary. Our professionals are here to make your job easier by providing all the trucking licenses and permits you need to stay in compliance.