Source: https://tivacloud.com/frequently-asked-questions/
Timestamp: 2019-08-25 15:22:57
Document Index: 640443610

Matched Legal Cases: ['§391', 'art 383', 'arts 390', '§391', '§382', 'art 385']

Frequently Asked Questions - TivaCloud
Is there a maximum age limit for driving in interstate commerce?
The FMCSRs do not specify any maximum age limit for drivers.
Does the age requirement in §391.11(b)(1) apply to CMV drivers involved entirely in intrastate commerce?
No. Neither the CDL requirements in part 383 nor the FMCSRs in parts 390-399 require drivers engaged purely in intrastate commerce to be 21 years old. The States may set lower age thresholds for intrastate drivers.
What effect does the Age Discrimination in Employment Act have on the minimum age requirement for an interstate driver?
None. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. 621-634, recognizes an exception when age is a bona fide occupational qualification. 29 U.S.C. 623(f)(1).
May a motor carrier be exempt from driver qualification requirements by hiring a driver leasing company or temporary help service?
No. The FMCSRs apply to, and impose responsibilities on, motor carriers and their drivers. The FHWA does not regulate driver leasing companies or temporary help service companies.
May a motor carrier lawfully permit a person not yet qualified as a driver in accordance with §391.11 to operate a vehicle in interstate commerce for the purpose of attending a training and indoctrination course in the operation of that specific vehicle?
No. If the trip is in interstate commerce, the driver must be fully qualified to operate a CMV.
Does the Military Selective Service Act of 1967 require a motor carrier to place a returning veteran in his/her previous position (driving interstate) even though he/she fails to meet minimum physical standards?
No. The Act does not require a motor carrier to place a returning veteran who does not meet the minimum physical standards into his/her previous driving position. The returning veteran must meet the physical requirements and obtain a medical examiner’s certificate before driving in interstate operations.
Would a driver who fails to meet the hearing standard under 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) but has obtained an exemption from that requirement, be considered unqualified under the English language proficiency requirement in 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) if the driver cannot communicate orally in English?
No, if the hearing-impaired driver with an exemption is capable of reading and writing in the English language. In that circumstance, the hearing-impaired driver satisfies the English language requirement. The absence of an ability to speak in English is not an indication that the individual cannot read and write in English sufficiently to communicate with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.
DOT Previous Employment Verifications
When a motor carrier receives a request for driver information from another motor carrier about a former or current driver, is it required to supply the requested information?
Generally no. See §382.405, however, for requests pertaining to drug and alcohol records.
May motor carriers use third parties to ask State agencies for copies of the driving record of driver-applicants?
Yes. Driver information services or companies acting as the motor carrier’s agent may be used to contact State agencies. However, the motor carrier is responsible for ensuring the information obtained is accurate.
Registration, Operating Authority & Other DOT Filings
Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States —
In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate Operating Authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:
Transport passengers in interstate commerce (for a fee or other compensation, whether direct or indirect)
Transport federally-regulated commodities owned by others or arranging for their transport, (for a fee or other compensation, in interstate commerce)
FMCSA operating authority is often identified as an “MC,” “FF,” or “MX” number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry.
Are there different types of operating authority?
Yes. The type(s) of Operating Authority requested will impact the type and level of insurance that is required by FMCSA. Therefore, carefully select only the type(s) of Operating Authority relevant to the business. FMCSA does not refund application fees. Descriptions of the different types of interstate Operating Authority are as follows:
Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods)
An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports regulated commodities (except household goods) for the general public in exchange for payment. Motor Carriers of Property (except Household Goods) must file proof of public liability (bodily injury and property damage — BI & PD) with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority. Cargo insurance is not required.
Motor Carrier of Household Goods (Moving Companies)
An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for payment. Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home. They include items shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home, and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges. Motor Carriers of Household Goods must file proof of both public liability (BI & PD) and cargo insurance with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority.
Broker of Property (except Household Goods)
An individual, partnership, or corporation that receives payment for arranging the transportation of property (excluding household goods) belonging to others by using an authorized Motor Carrier. A Broker does not assume responsibility for the property and nevertakes possession of it.
An individual, partnership, or corporation that receives payment for arranging the transportation of household goods belonging to others by using an authorized Motor Carrier. A Broker does not assume responsibility for the household goods and never takes possession of the goods. Household goods are personal items and property that will be used in a home. An individual, partnership or corporation requires registration as a household goods broker if the motor carrier providing transportation will also provide some or all of the following additional services, binding and non-binding estimates, inventorying, protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences and loading and unloading at personal residences.
A company that transports international cargo (excluding household goods) and is headquartered in the United States, but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien. International cargo must originate in or be destined for a foreign country.
A company that transports international household goods and is headquartered in the United States, but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien. Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home. They include items shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home, and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges. International household goods must originate in or be destined for a home in a foreign country.
Mexico-based Carriers for Motor Carrier Authority to Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border (Includes instructions and application in Spanish)
How do I apply for operating authority?
Unified Registration System (first-time applicants)
First-time applicants, who have never registered with FMCSA before and have not been issued a US DOT number, need to register via the new Unified Registration System as of December 12, 2015. To register, click here.
Applicants who are already registered for a USDOT number, or who are applying for an additional authority, can apply online using FMCSA’s legacy registration systemwith a credit card.
The FMCSA requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to provide this update every two years even if your company has not changed its information, has ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business and you did not notify FMCSA.
Updating your information is free.
Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times:
Before it begins operations; and
Every 24 months according to the following schedule:
USDOT number ending in:
In order to complete the registration online, you’ll need your USDOT number, assigned PIN, EIN/SSN, and Company Official information. You can request a PIN mailed or e-mailed to you. Carriers needing to complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) OR the Combined Identification and Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Application (MCS-150B) may do so online through the FMCSA Registration Website.
Print an updated MCS-150 form for your records upon completion of the online registration if you prefer a hard copy.
The MCS-150 form may also be submitted to the FMCSA via fax or mail.
What requirements does the FMCSA have for insurance?
In addition to filing an application for operating authority, all applicants for motor carrier, freight forwarder, and broker authorities must have specific insurance and legal process agent documents on file before the FMCSA will issue the authorities. The required filings vary, based on the types of registrations involved. Below is a list of pre-registration forms, followed by an explanation of which types of registrants are subject to filing those forms.
Please note that first-time applicants with FMCSA must apply using the Unified Registration System (URS) as of December 12, 2015. Existing registration- or authority-holders may apply for authorities using the OP-series forms until a later date. On January 17, 2017, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice with more details on the suspension of the URS effectiveness date.
Liability and cargo insurance forms must be submitted directly (online) by the home office of the insurance company furnishing the coverage. The FMCSA does not furnish copies of insurance forms.
Applicants are cautioned to ensure that the name and address of the business as set out in all pre-registration filings match exactly the name and address provided in their application for operating authority filings. Any deviation will result in rejection of the supplemental pre-registration filings.
Also, you may want to try our “Am I Covered?” decision tree. It will assist you in determining whether or not you are covered.
CSA Data & BASIC Scores
What is Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) at the highest level?
CSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) safety compliance and enforcement program, which holds motor carriers and drivers accountable for their safety on our Nation’s roads. CSA affects carriers subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, carriers transporting passengers or cargo in interstate commerce, and Hazardous Materials carriers operating in intrastate commerce. CSA may also impact carriers whose State requires that they obtain a U.S. DOT Number. CSA consists of three key components:
The Safety Measurement System (SMS) is FMCSA’s system for identifying unsafe carriers that should receive interventions. The SMS allows FMCSA, law enforcement, and motor carriers to see a comprehensive profile of safety issues. The SMS automatically identifies carriers that pose the greatest safety risk so that resources can be prioritized. Review the SMS Methodology to learn more about the SMS.
The safety interventions include tools to more efficiently and effectively bring carriers into compliance.
The FMCSA uses the current safety rating process outlined in 49 CFR Part 385, which determines a carrier’s safety fitness through an Onsite Investigation. Safety rating information is available on the SAFER Website.
What are BASIC Scores?
The FMCSA uses seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) to determine a motor carrier’s safety performance and compliance relative to other carriers. Five BASICs used to be publicly available online in the Safety Measurement System (SMS), while Crash Indicator and Hazardous Materials (HM) Compliance were only available to motor carriers logged into their own safety profile, or enforcement personnel.
Currently, all BASIC Scores are hidden from the public, though inspection and violation data for the five original public scores are still viewable.
Unsafe Driving – Operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in a dangerous or careless manner.
Example violations include: speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, texting while
operating a CMV, not wearing safety belts.
Crash Indicator (not public) – Historical pattern of crash involvement, including frequency and severity. This BASIC is
based on information from State-reported crashes that meet reportable crash standards. All
reportable crashes are used regardless of the carrier’s or driver’s role in the crash. This
BASIC uses crash history that is not specifically a behavior but instead the consequence of a
behavior or a set of behaviors.
Hours of Service Compliance – Operation of CMVs by drivers who are ill, fatigued, or in noncompliance with the HOS
regulations. This BASIC includes violations of regulations pertaining to records of duty status
(RODS) as they relate to HOS requirements and the management of CMV driver fatigue.
Example violations include: operating a CMV while ill or fatigued, requiring or permitting a
property-carrying CMV driver to drive more than 11 hours, failing to preserve RODS for 6
months/failing to preserve supporting documents.
Vehicle Maintenance – Failure to properly maintain a CMV and prevent shifting loads, spilled or dropped cargo, and overloading of a CMV. Example violations include: inoperative brakes, lights, and other mechanical defects, improper load securement, failure to make required repairs.
Controlled Substances/Alcohol – Operation of CMVs by drivers who are impaired due to alcohol, illegal drugs, and misuse of
prescription or over-the-counter medications. Example violations include: use or possession
of controlled substances or alcohol, failing to implement an alcohol and/or controlled
substance testing program.
Hazardous Materials Compliance – Unsafe handling of HM on a CMV. Example violations include: failing to mark, label, or
placard in accordance with the regulations, not properly securing a package containing HM,
leaking containers, failing to conduct a test or inspection on a cargo tank when required by
the U.S. DOT.
Driver Fitness – Operation of CMVs by drivers who are unfit to operate a CMV due to lack of training,
experience, or medical qualifications. Example violations include: failing to have a valid and
appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL), being medically unqualified to operate a CMV,
failing to maintain driver qualification files.
The BASICs organize data from roadside inspections, including driver and vehicle violations,
crash reports from the last two years, and investigation results. Violations adversely affect your
company’s SMS results for two years and may prioritize your company for an FMCSA intervention,
ranging from warning letters to full Onsite Investigations that could result in an Out-of-Service Order
(OOSO) or a change to your company’s safety rating.
Check and update your MCS-150 carrier registration information whenever there is a change to your company’s profile and at least every two years, as is required by regulation.