Learn More About DOT Compliance

What is DOT Compliance?

DOT compliance refers to the regulations and standards that commercial motor carriers in the United States must follow to operate legally and safely on public roads and highways.

Here’s some things to keep in mind for DOT compliance:

• Maintaining valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for drivers. Drivers must have the proper class of CDL for the type of vehicle they operate.
• Adhering to hours of service regulations that limit when and how long drivers can operate vehicles. Drivers must log their hours and keep accurate records.
• Ensuring vehicles receive regular inspections, maintenance and repairs to meet safety standards. Documentation must be kept for all service and repair work.
• Carrying proper levels of insurance coverage. The DOT mandates minimum liability insurance requirements.
• Following rules on truck weight limits, load securement, hazmat transportation and more. Vehicles must be properly loaded and all cargo properly contained and secured.
• Maintaining up-to-date registrations and other paperwork. Motor carrier companies must renew their operating authority and keep all certificates current.
• Enabling drivers and vehicles to pass inspections and audits by DOT officers and other authorities. Compliance must be proven when requested.

Dealing with compliance issues can be a pain there’s no doubt about it. But at the end of the day, it is about safety. Yep, I get it – sometimes they pass rules that don’t help with safety as much as it could.

Hazardous Materials Compliance

Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are located in an entirely separate set of regulations from the DOT compliance rules. The HMR covers all aspects of hazmat transportation in the U.S. like shipping papers, placarding, labeling you name it.