Newly registered trucking companies in Minnesota and elsewhere will have to meet more stringent safety standards to pass an initial safety audit or face losing registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).
The agency announced the new rule in mid-December. If you have been in a truck accident, contact a Minnesota truck accident lawyer.
The new rule at FMSCA is aimed to “help new carriers succeed at establishing and maintaining a comprehensive safety management program,” said FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill.
He said that imposing these new tougher standards will ensure that new entrants are fully aware and compliant with federal safety regulations aiding in the continued reduction of highway crashes and fatalities.
Under the rule, a newly registered trucking or bus company will automatically fail its safety audit if it violates any one of 16 essential federal regulations during the 18-month monitoring period. Included in these areas are drug and alcohol testing, hours of service, driver qualification, vehicle condition and carrier financial responsibility. Truck liability and insurance is part of a trucking company’s responsibility.
FMCSA said it will revoke a new carrier’s registration if a company fails the safety audit and does not take necessary corrective action by a deadline.
