Frequently Asked Questions

You have the right to order a drug test if you suspect drug use. You are also legally required to test a driver if they are involved in a collision.

Testing can be done via oral solution (saliva), urine, blood, and hair.

Drivers must be tested before they are allowed to transport material, after a collision, if a supervisor suspects drug use, and as a follow-up to a positive test result.

Yes, a driver can refuse, but they will be unable to continue driving until the test is completed and may face penalties to their credentials or employment.

The employer must document the reasons why the test was not conducted promptly and continue to attempt to administer a post-accident alcohol test for up to eight hours and a post-accident controlled substances test for up to 32 hours after the incident.

No, random drug tests must be unannounced.

Yes. Within 24 hours of an accident happening (regardless if big or small) drivers involved must take a post accident drug test.

At a minimum, employees must bring a photo ID. Employers may also provide the necessary Custody and Control Form (CCF).

All New Entrant motor carriers are subject to a safety audit within 12 months of registering with the DOT. Passenger carriers must undergo the audit within 120 days.

New Entrants who fail an audit cannot get permanent operating authority without first correcting any non-compliance issues.

Audits focus on driver qualifications, hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance, accident registers, controlled substances and alcohol use testing, and hazardous materials requirements.

It typically takes the FMCSA between three and four weeks to process a new authority after all forms are submitted.

Driver Qualification Files are required for anyone who operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), regardless of the type of license they hold.

Motor carriers who operate an IFTA-qualified motor vehicle in commerce. This includes vehicles with three or more axles (regardless of weight) or two axles with a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds.

No, but they should check if their state has a fuel tax license requirement.

MC Authority is used for interstate work, while MCP is mainly used within the state of California.

CTC is for emissions (smog) and is mandatory. ARB is for engine efficiency and is not currently mandatory, though it is increasingly requested by brokers.

Yes, but the driver is prohibited from operating a vehicle between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. A Class A CDL only allows them to operate a vehicle that is 26,001 pounds and over with a trailer in excess of 10,001 pounds.

A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property.

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of hardware or software that attaches to a CMV engine to record driving hours and hours of service (HOS).

Yes, we just need a valid form of driver license copy and social security number, and the state you are planning to open the corporation in, a valid physical address.

Once you have your DOT and MC numbers, you can receive insurance quotes.

It depends on the state, but after you get the IRP Plates, and IFTA is set up you are good to start operating.

Yes, you need to have insurance filed and your dot/mc authority and state required permits active in order to start operating.