Hiring? Ensure you have qualified drivers who have all the right licensure and endorsements to operate your company's vehicles. Whether you’re a seasoned trucker or you’re considering a new career in trucking, you know that earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step toward a promising career as a truck driver. But did you know that a lack of endorsements or having restrictions on your license could be holding you back from various truck driving jobs? The demand for commercial truck drivers is at an all-time high. Having certain endorsements and removing said restrictions can enhance your chances of being hired by a great company where you want to build a lifelong career. License endorsements also allow you to transport special types of goods as opposed to simply running general freight. As you continue driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you should continue to earn endorsements and have restrictions removed. CDL Classes Let’s start with the three different CDL classes you can earn before you can consider adding endorsements. Class A CDL This is the most commonly issued CDL. With a Class A CDL, you have the authority to operate a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed object/vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds. You can operate the following vehicles with a Class A CDL: Tractor-trailers and flatbeds Livestock carriers Tankers Truck and trailer combinations Tractor-trailer buses Semi-truck with flatbed trailer If you’ve earned the appropriate Class A endorsements, you can even be authorized to operate some Class B and Class C trucks. Class B CDL You can operate a vehicle at or over 26,001 in GCWR with a Class B commercial license. If you are using the vehicle for towing purposes, the GCWR cannot exceed 10,000 pounds. Vehicles you can drive with a Class B CDL include: Straight trucks Public transport and tourist passenger buses Segmented buses School buses Delivery service box trucks Dump trucks with small trailers Tractor-trailers Just like you’re allowed to operate different vehicles with a Class A CDL, you can operate some Class C vehicles with the right Class B endorsements. Class C CDL You must obtain a Class C CDL to drive a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, a vehicle towing another vehicle that has a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 pounds, as well as a passenger vehicle with 16 (including the driver) or more people. You must also hold this CDL class to drive a truck carrying hazardous material (HAZMAT) under federal guidelines. With a Class C CDL (and the right endorsements), you can drive: Small trucks equipped to transport HAZMAT Passenger vans Small trucks towing trailers CDL Endorsements The CDL endorsements you hold determine the different types of CMVs you can operate and the freight you can haul within them. Earning each type of endorsement requires passing its corresponding test. Just like there are different CDL Classes between different states, there are also different endorsement requirements per state. How much do CDL endorsements cost? The price tag attached to most endorsement tests (except HAZMAT, which is more involved) varies by state, but it is relatively affordable. Holding more endorsements only makes you a more desirable hire and increases the likelihood of earning more money and being a successful driver. Once you earn additional endorsements, you need to remember to renew them when you renew your CDL to keep them valid. H Endorsement Also known as the HAZMAT endorsement, an H endorsement is required to operate a vehicle that contains hazardous materials. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A, B, and C Required testing: written knowledge test N Endorsement Drivers with an N CDL endorsement can drive tankers, or vehicles that transport liquids and gases. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A and B Required testing: written knowledge test P Endorsement If you’d like to operate a vehicle or bus that seats upwards of 16 people, you’ll need to earn your P (passenger) endorsement. To be a school bus driver, you will need to fill out separate forms, earn another endorsement in addition to the P endorsement, and pass a federal background check. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A, B, and C Required testing: written knowledge test and road skills test S Endorsement The S (school bus) endorsement is the second endorsement noted above that’s required to be a school bus driver. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A, B, and C Required testing: written knowledge test, road skills test, and background check T Endorsement Once you’ve earned your T endorsement, you’ll be able to haul double or triple trailers. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A Required testing: written knowledge test X Endorsement A combination endorsement by nature, the X endorsement permits you to transport HAZMAT within a tank. Applicable CDL classifications: Class A and B Required testing: written knowledge test CDL Restrictions In contrast to earning endorsements, you can also receive CDL restrictions during the testing portions of your trucking career. It’s best to avoid these as much as possible since they will limit the types of vehicles you can legally operate. The good news is, that most restrictions can be lifted by taking the right restorative actions, but the removal requirements do vary by state. Here are the seven most common CDL driving restrictions you can be marked with. E Restriction The type of transmission the CMV has during your road skill test determines if you’ll receive this restriction. If you complete the test operating a CMV with an automatic transmission, your CDL will be marked with an E restriction, and you will not be able to drive a CMV with a manual transmission. To remove it, you must re-take the road test driving a rig with a manual transmission. L Restriction Having an L restriction on your CDL means you cannot operate a vehicle with a full air brake system. You will receive an L restriction in one of two circumstances: by driving a CMV without a full air brake system, or by failing to pass the air brakes knowledge exam. To remove the restriction, you must pass all sections of the CDL exam relating to air brakes. M Restriction If you have a Class A CDL and passed your P or S endorsements with a Class B or C passenger vehicle, you’ll receive an M restriction on your license, and you’ll be excluded from operating any Class A passenger vehicles. Passing the skills test in a Class A passenger vehicle is required to remove the restriction. N Restriction Like the M restriction, if you have a Class B CDL and obtained your P or S endorsement in a Class C passenger vehicle, you’ll acquire an N restriction on your CDL and be prohibited from operating a Class B passenger vehicle. Removing it involves passing the skills test in a Class B passenger vehicle. O Restriction You will have an O restriction added to your license if you’re a Class A CDL driver and you took your road skill test in a vehicle that did not have a fifth-wheel connection, such as a gooseneck, ball and chain hook up, or pintle hook. From there, you will be able to operate only CMVs without a fifth-wheel connection. Passing the road skills test using a vehicle with a fifth-wheel connection will remove the restriction. V Restriction If you have a reported medical variance as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), your CDL will have a V restriction on it. Medical variances are impairments that can present safety hazards while operating a vehicle. The most common medical variances are: Diabetes Seizures Hearing problems Eyesight impairment As long as your medical certificate states you have any of these conditions, the restriction will remain on your license; however, the FMCSA may provide you with an exemption. Z Restriction You are not authorized to operate a CMV with full air brakes if your license has a Z restriction placed on it. The Z restriction means you performed the road skills test with a vehicle that had a partial air system or hydraulic system. You will need to complete the driving test with a vehicle that has a full air brake system to remove the Z restriction. Be the Best CDL Driver You Can Be Moving forward with your career as a truck driver means knowing which types of vehicles you want to drive and how to legally do so, avoiding license restrictions as much as possible, and working toward the endorsements you can earn along the way. In today’s hot trucking industry, almost nothing is stopping you from working for your ideal company and being a safe, successful driver!

What does a positive drug test mean for you and your employee? Things can get complicated if a non-negative drug test result comes from any of your employees – especially for companies regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT has strict regulations regarding the steps you need to take after this occurs. If the positive result comes from a pre-employment drug test, you cannot allow the employee to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for your company. You must have a negative drug test result in the driver qualification file for every employee in order to operate compliantly and meet DOT recordkeeping requirements. So, what does a positive drug test mean and what happens next? Let’s go over a few scenarios that may apply to your employee’s specific situation, such as... They say the result is a false positive They admit to using drugs They refuse to take a drug test They take prescription medication and are afraid to take a test They need to go through the return-to-duty process What if I received a positive drug test result, but the employee says it’s a mistake? This is a common claim that employers encounter after receiving a non-negative drug test result, which is why it’s important to understand the measures the DOT has in place to address this argument: After a drug test is taken, the urine sample is split into two separate vials – vials A and B – which are shipped to a laboratory. The laboratory tests vial A. If drugs are detected, the specimen goes under further testing to confirm the presence of drug metabolites and is eventually reported to a DOT Medical Review Office (MRO) as positive for at least one controlled substance. Once the MRO receives a positive laboratory result, a “medical review” takes place. This review consists of the following steps: 1. A DOT-qualified physician – the Medical Review Officer – attempts to contact the employee in order to conduct an interview. 2. During the interview, the MRO will determine if there is a valid medical explanation as to why the specimen may have tested positive (such as prescribed medications). 3. If the MRO determines there is no medical explanation, they will offer the employee the option to have Vial B tested (as described above) in order to verify there were no errors made. After the medical review process is complete, the result is reported to the employer as a verified positive. If the MRO is unable to reach the employee to conduct the interview after a minimum of three contact attempts have been made, the result will report to the employer as a “non-contact positive.” What happens if the employee agrees to split-specimen testing? The employee must make the split-specimen test request to the MRO within 72 hours. At that time, vial B will be shipped to a laboratory for testing. This cannot be the same laboratory used to analyze the first sample. What if my FMCSA-regulated driver admitted to me that they use drugs? This is what’s known as “Actual Knowledge,” and it has the same consequences as a positive result. If you are regulated by a DOT agency other than the FMCSA, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), or Maritime Administration (MARAD), please call Foley at 800-253-5506 for assistance. One of my employees refused to take a required drug test. Now what? This is known as “Refusal to Submit.” It involves the same consequences as a positive result. What if I have an employee who is on prescribed medication and doesn’t want to test for fear of the result being positive? This is another common scenario, but thanks to the medical review process, it shouldn’t be a concern. If during the MRO interview the employee states that they are taking prescribed medication, they will be given the opportunity to provide proof of the prescription to the MRO. Once a valid prescription is received, and it is determined that the employee is using the medication as prescribed, the result will be reported as a verified negative to the employer. An employee who has been prescribed medication may be required to obtain a note from their physician that the medication will not affect their ability to perform safety-sensitive functions. What if I have an employee that needs to go through the DOT return-to-duty process? As you might expect, if an employee does test positive, the process they must complete prior to resuming safety-sensitive functions is not usually a quick one. This process consists of the following steps: An initial Evaluation with a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) – This face-to-face interview will determine the course of action the employee must take. Education/Treatment – The employee must comply with the SAP’s recommendations. This could be anything from attending several group meetings to in-house rehabilitation. Follow-Up Evaluation – This must take place with the same SAP who conducted the initial evaluation and will determine whether the employee has satisfied the recommendations. DOT Return-to-Duty Drug Test – When this test comes back negative, the individual may resume safety-sensitive functions. It must be completed under direct observation, meaning a person of the same sex must accompany him or her during the collection process. DOT Follow-Up Testing – The SAP will provide the employer with a schedule of follow-up tests, in which a minimum of six unannounced tests conducted under direct observation are to be scheduled over at least a 12-month period. This process may continue for up to five years. A non-negative drug test result can be a stressful experience for both the employee and you, the employer. Following these steps will ensure you meet DOT regulations while keeping the safety of your company at the top of your list of priorities. Trust Foley for DOT Drug Testing Done Right If you need additional support throughout the drug testing process, turn to a trusted third-party administrator (TPA) like Foley for a DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program. We’ll take care of pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and reasonable suspicion drug tests. Foley also manages all the DOT recordkeeping requirements that go along with these tests. Our nationwide network of collection sites makes it easy for your drivers to find a convenient location along their routes. Ready to make drug testing drivers easier for yourself? Get a FREE demo of Foley’s drug and alcohol testing software today by filling out the form below.

How sleep apnea may impact your DOT physical exam results is a hot topic in the trucking industry. Becoming the driver of a commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds means that you must pass the DOT physical, which must then be retaken at least once every 2 years. The DOT physical exam is done to ensure you are fit and healthy enough to safely operate such a large vehicle. The DOT physical assesses many areas of your health, but one of the areas that has received a lot of focus in the past few years is the detection of sleep apnea. In this article, we’ll guide you through the DOT physical requirements around sleep apnea, and whether you can pass if you have it. If you are new to DOT physicals, make sure you head over to read our overview first to understand what the physical involves. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes your breathing to stop involuntarily for short periods when you are sleeping. It is a serious condition that may lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, heart problems, and diabetes, so it needs to be treated and monitored carefully. If left untreated, it may impair the ability to do your job as a CMV driver and cause motor vehicle accidents. There are three forms of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea – caused by the airway becoming narrowed, blocked, or weakened. This is the most prevalent sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea – where there is no airway problem but the brain fails to send the correct signals to the respiratory system. Mixed sleep apnea – a combination of the above. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common health issue in the US. It affects 2 – 9% of adults, though it is believed that many more cases remain undiagnosed, and is more prevalent among men than women. Can You Pass the DOT Physical if You Have Sleep Apnea? Yes, but to pass your DOT physical, your OSA needs to be under control. Like many other “serious” health conditions, having OSA does not mean you are immediately disqualified from operating a CMV, the DOT just wants to know that the condition is under control and so you are healthy enough to operate such a large vehicle. By its nature, OSA disrupts your sleep quality and patterns, and so can negatively impact your alertness and reaction times – two things that are necessary to avoid accidents. Provided your sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated, you will pass the DOT physical. Can I Pass the DOT Physical if I Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea? The DOT physical has been updated in recent years to make sure drivers who are likely to suffer from sleep apnea are tested. This means that if you have a high BMI or a certain neck width, you will need to submit to a sleep study. If you have a BMI of over 40, or 33 and meet certain conditions, you will need to undergo further testing. To find out more about these requirements, read our article on BMI and the DOT physical. Being diagnosed with a condition is always stressful, especially if you feel as though it can affect your livelihood. However, as soon as you have the right treatment you can pass your DOT and carry on with your work. This could take as little as 30 days. Is a Sleep Apnea Test Required for a DOT Physical? A sleep apnea test is not required for a DOT physical unless you meet certain requirements, which includes having a BMI over 40, a neck-width of over 17 inches for males or 15.5 inches for females, or a BMI over 33 while meeting other requirements, which you can find in our article about BMI requirements for the DOT physical. How is Sleep Apnea Treated? The FMSCA states that Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the (and their) preferred treatment for OSA. This can be provided by an AutoPAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machine or the more well-known CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. A CPAP machine provides pressurized, filtered air that keeps your airway open, allowing you to breathe easily. An AutoPAP essentially does the same thing, but changes with the sleeper’s needs. Does DOT Require a CPAP for Mild Sleep Apnea? If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, then this will depend on the results of your sleep study, and how recently you had that diagnosis. Largely, the DOT does require someone diagnosed with sleep apnea to have some form of PAP machine. These machines ensure you get a full and refreshing night’s sleep and are fully prepared for the next working day. It’s a win-win situation, and drivers who have PAP machines report having an incredible quality of sleep and an all-around improved quality of life! What are the CPAP Requirements for the DOT Physical in 2024? If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea and have a PAP machine, you will need to have a DOT physical once every 12 months to ensure you are still managing your condition properly. This involves documenting your PAP use for 30 consecutive days (or, ideally, more) and showing that you have used your PAP device for at least 4 hours on 70% of nights in the past 30 days, you also need to report no major sleepiness or fatigue for your first DOT physical. For your yearly DOT physical, you’ll need to show the CPAP report for the entire time period since the last medical card expired and the date of the physical. The DOT wants to monitor your condition closely to ensure you are managing it well, because more than 60-90% of people with sleep apnea have it as a symptom of obesity. Obesity can lead to many health complications that may make you a risk behind the wheel of a CMV, so frequent physicals will ensure no condition goes unnoticed. Do You Need a CPAP Report for a DOT Physical? As we covered above, if you have a CPAP (or AutoPAP) machine, you will need to bring a report to your DOT physical to demonstrate that your sleep apnea is under control and that you take it seriously. If it is your first DOT physical, this will be 30 days of records, and for your yearly physical, this will be a report that covers the time from the expiration of your last medical card until the date of your DOT examination. If you cannot meet these requirements, your medical examiner may give you a 30-day certification to allow you to continue working while collecting 30 days of continuous data. If this is done, they can extend it to 60 days, and if that requirement is also reached, they’ll extend it to 90 days, and finally, you’ll get your one-year medical certificate. In short, it’s well worth staying on top of your records! Can CDL Drivers Have Sleep Apnea? Yes – all of the above advice applies. You can have sleep apnea, but it just needs to be under control. Should you refuse treatment once OSA has been identified, you will be denied your CDL. Remember that every element of the DOT physical is geared toward ensuring that you and the public are safe. OSA treatments are easy to use and once your OSA is under control, you’ll not only feel better thanks to better sleep, but you can have a long career. What is the Maximum DOT Physical Sleep Apnea BMI? If you have a BMI of over 40, you’ll need to have a sleep study if you have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Finding out you have sleep apnea is never the end of your career – it simply requires treatment so you can sleep better and thrive in your daily life. Once you have a diagnosis, all you need to do is keep a record of your usage and you won’t have a problem passing the DOT physical in the future. You’ll be able to continue enjoying your life and your job as much, if not more, than you did before, knowing that you are protecting your health and that of others. What are the New DOT Physical Requirements for Sleep Apnea in 2024? The new DOT physical requirements for sleep apnea are around detecting the likelihood of you having sleep apnea. If you meet certain conditions, your medical examiner is obligated to submit you for a sleep study to find out if you suffer from sleep apnea or not. If you do not meet these requirements, you will not have to submit to a sleep study. If you have a BMI over 33 and 3 to 4 of the following conditions, your medical examiner will need to submit you for a sleep study before allowing you to pass your physical: Over 42 years old Male or post-menopausal Hypothyroidism Neck size of over 17 inches for males, or 15.5 inches for females Small airway Loud snoring Hypertension (treated or not) Type 2 diabetes (treated or not) History of stroke, coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmias Micrognathia or retrognathia Witnessed sleep apneas Schedule DOT Physicals with Ease Foley's DOT physicals program allows you to schedule and send your drivers to a medical examiner that's convenient for them. No matter where they're headed, you can find a DOT physical exam location near them. Schedule your free demo of our DOT compliance software, Dash, and see how easy it is to manage your drivers' DOT physicals! Links to Related Articles in This Series: The DOT Physical: Everything You Need to Know DOT Physicals: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals? DOT Physicals: Vision Requirements for the Eye Exam DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a High BMI or While Overweight? DOT Physicals: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State? DOT Physicals: Can You Pass with a Hernia? DOT Physicals: Will I Pass with Diabetes? DOT Physical Blood Pressure: Requirements & Tips for Passing DOT Physicals: What if I have a Medical Condition? DOT Physicals: Do They Include a Drug Test? How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical? DOT Physicals: What Happens When You Fail? Fail a DOT Physical? You Have a Right to a Second Opinion DOT Physicals: Understanding Medical Variances

DOT compliance is complicated, but Foley's solutions make it simple. If you've moved into a new position that handles your company's DOT compliance and you don't know where to start, you're in the right place.

A motor vehicle report, or MVR check, is an effective way to look into your employees' driving histories and gauge how safe they'll be on the roads. What is an MVR background check? An MVR background check is a report of a person's driving history. It includes information, such as license expiration, status, license class, endorsements, restrictions, traffic violations, accidents, vehicular crimes, suspensions—even unpaid parking tickets and, in some states, unpaid child support.

Running Clearinghouse queries on themselves is just one part of owner-operators complying with the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Do you drive for your own company? Whether you’re the only driver or you manage a small fleet, you must comply with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to avoid violations and fines of up to $5,833 for each one you may commit. Owner-operators must comply with the following FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements: Run an annual Clearinghouse query on themselves at least once during a 12-month rolling period. Designate a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) in the Clearinghouse. Get the details about each of these requirements (and how DOT compliance software can help) below. Running Annual FMCSA Clearinghouse Queries Every owner-operator who is enrolled in a DOT drug and alcohol testing program must be registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Once that process has been completed, they are expected to log in to their Clearinghouse account and run a limited query on themselves annually. The designated C/TPA may also run these annual queries on their behalf. If you haven't run a Clearinghouse query on yourself or CDL drivers, this Foley article explains how to do it: Five Steps to Querying the FMCSA Clearinghouse Owner-operators must also keep a record of their annual Clearinghouse query in their own driver qualification file. The FMCSA allows owner-operators to self-manage their driver files, which means it is solely up to them to ensure their qualification documents, such as their employment application, CDL, and medical certificate, meet federal standards and are not expired. DOT compliance software automatically tracks these expiration dates and manages your driver files on an ongoing basis. That way, you don't need to worry about missing key documents if you're ever faced with a DOT audit. How to Find an FMCSA Clearinghouse C/TPA To ensure that owner-operators have a third party who can report drug and alcohol testing violations they or other company drivers have committed, the DOT required that all owner-drivers have a C/TPA designated in the FMCSA Clearinghouse before the January 6, 2020 implementation date. If you haven’t yet designated a C/TPA, you’ll want to do so immediately. Look for a C/TPA who is both an expert in DOT drug and alcohol testing and has kept up with the latest FMCSA Clearinghouse regulations. If you choose the right provider, they’ll be able to manage all of the Clearinghouse requirements on your behalf, which may multiply if you have numerous drivers working for you. These requirements include: Reporting drug and alcohol violations to the Clearinghouse Reporting negative return-to-duty results, as well as updates when a driver completes their follow-up testing plan Running pre-employment Clearinghouse queries on each new hire Running annual Clearinghouse queries on all current drivers Keeping thorough records of all Clearinghouse queries run on all company drivers If you don’t yet have a C/TPA, start your research now so you have plenty of time to find and designate your third-party administrator before this year's annual query deadline. How to Designate Your FMCSA Clearinghouse C/TPA As you work your way through the FMCSA Clearinghouse registration process, you’ll be prompted to designate your C/TPAs. In the search box on this page, simply begin typing in the name of the third-party administrator you’re working with and select them from the results below. If your C/TPA doesn’t show up, it means that they haven’t yet created a Clearinghouse account. If this happens, you should contact them to make sure they’ve completed their Clearinghouse registration. If they are registered, you should click the blue “Designate” button next to their name. You’ll then have an opportunity to select what tasks you’d like to authorize the C/TPA to perform on your behalf. The options include: Reporting violations Reporting return-to-duty information Conducting Clearinghouse queries You can then complete your Clearinghouse registration process. Trust Foley as Your FMCSA Clearinghouse C/TPA At Foley, we have DOT Clearinghouse packages available for owner-operators that will manage your federally mandated requirements and ensure you’re compliant with the ever-changing regulations (like the Clearinghouse-II coming this November). We're ready to take one less compliance task off your already-full plate. To get a FREE demo of our FMCSA Clearinghouse program and DOT compliance software, click here, or fill out the form below.

Fall 2024 DOT compliance and safety events are almost here. Check out what's happening across the transportation industry this month.

Onboarding automation and driver qualification file management software are just two of Foley’s many programs that can help grow your fleet quickly and compliantly. It takes about 28 days to turn an applicant into an official hire for the transportation industry, according to research by the DHI Group. If your employee onboarding process is taking this much time (or longer), you need to address what’s slowing down your process of getting new employees behind the wheel.

What DOT files do you need to keep and for how long? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires the companies they regulate to keep records to document their compliance with safety regulations. This documentation must be saved for varying lengths of time as established by the related regulations. During safety audits and DOT compliance reviews, auditors will carefully comb through your DOT records. By purging unnecessary records and properly organizing your files, you will simplify and streamline the review process — which can go a long way with a DOT officer. Below, we cover some of the most important DOT record-keeping requirements to help companies organize and maintain their files regularly. How Long to Keep DOT Records The following is a quick review of record-retention requirements in a few key DOT compliance areas. DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Records Remember all DOT drug and alcohol test (DAT) records must be maintained in a secure location with controlled access. This means all DAT records must be kept in a separate file under lock and key; they should not be stored with personnel files. Because the rules make no exceptions for one-driver companies, we advise owner-operators to maintain their DAT files separately as well. The following records must be maintained for at least five years: Alcohol test results indicating a BAC of 0.02 or greater Verified positive controlled substances test results Refusal-to-test documentation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation reports Copy of annual calendar year summary if required by 49 CFR 382.403 The following records must be maintained for at least two years: Random selections Reasonable-suspicion testing documentation Medical evaluations for "shy lung" and "shy bladder" situations The following records must be maintained for at least one year: Negative and canceled drug test results Alcohol test results with a BAC below 0.02 Additional record retention requirements: The employer’s policy, driver’s signed receipt, and all records related to employer and supervisor education and training must be retained while the individual performs safety-sensitive and/or supervisory functions and for two years thereafter. Driver Qualification Files Both the Driver Qualification and Safety Performance History Files must be retained for as long as the safety-sensitive individual is employed by the company, and for three years thereafter. The following documentation may be discarded from the Driver Qualification File three years from the date of execution: Annual List of Violations Annual Inquiry to State Agencies Annual Review of Driving Record Medical Examiner’s Certificate Safety Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable) Hours-of-Service Records The following hours-of-service records must be maintained for six months: Drivers' records of duty status (RODS) A backup copy of ELD records on a separate device from which the original is stored Supporting documents, such as: Dispatch records Receipts Statements Bills of lading Weight station tickets Phone bill statements If your drivers operate strictly on short-haul runs, you are required to document the time your drivers clock in and out, the total time worked during the current period, and the total time worked during the previous seven days. Vehicle Maintenance Records For every vehicle in their control for 30 days or more, DOT-regulated companies must retain the following records for one year at the location where the vehicle is garaged and for six months after the vehicle leaves the company’s control: Identifying information (company number, make, serial number, and tire size) Inspection schedule, including type and date Other vehicle maintenance recordkeeping requirements: Post-trip inspection reports must be retained for at least three months from the report date Periodic inspection report (or copy) must be retained for 14 months from the report date Evidence of an inspector’s qualifications for one year after the inspector ceases to perform inspections for the company Use an Organized DOT Record-Keeping System from the Start Remember, it's easier to create a clean, organized DOT record-keeping system from the very beginning. Too much time can be wasted trying to use or fix a recordkeeping system that's barely keeping up with the latest federal regulations. Setting up (or switching) your DOT recordkeeping system in a secure, 100% online platform is the best way to ensure all your DOT files are organized and kept up to date according to FMCSA requirements. Ready to make your recordkeeping easier? You don't have to go very far. Foley's DOT recordkeeping experts are here to help you transfer your files to our platform and help ensure you're audit-ready every day. Get a free demo of our DOT recordkeeping software now by clicking here. Or, fill out the form below and one of our DOT compliance specialists will reach out to you shortly.

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You must comply with FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse regulations to legally operate your trucking company.

Making the shift to digital recordkeeping for your driver qualification files is no longer optional.

The FMCSA is introducing a new phase of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse this year, which will impose additional requirements for companies employing CDL drivers.

If you employ drivers to operate commercial vehicles, you must run specific background checks according to federal regulations.

One of the many requirements you need to fulfill as a trucking company is creating and maintaining DOT driver files.

The Clearinghouse has been in effect for over four years, yet companies are still making the same mistakes when it comes to running queries, getting driver consent, and keeping compliant records.

Bad CSA scores mean serious business to the FMCSA — and they should for your business, too. If you have a poor or even mediocre CSA score, you can expect...

Some of the most important matters to check off your DOT compliance to-do list when you’re starting a trucking company are your permits and registrations.

When you run queries on your drivers in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, you may see many different statuses produced throughout the process. What are the statuses, what do they mean, and what actions do you need to take for each one?

Your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score is determined by how well your drivers and company represent DOT compliance and roadway safety.

The DOT Clearinghouse has been in effect since January 2020. You’d think by now that everyone would have it figured out, right?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is passing a new regulation in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse this year, known as the Clearinghouse-II.

Due to a new federal regulation coming into effect this year, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) will revoke the commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) depending on drivers’ statuses in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

If your drivers and/or vehicles were caught with violations during the International Roadcheck 2024 roadside inspections, your company’s risk for a DOT audit is now higher.

Many assume Roadcheck roadside inspections involve checking ONLY commercial vehicles for safety issues, defects, and violations.

How Transportation Companies & Insurance Agents Get Underwriters to Improve Their Risk Profile

During this year’s International Roadcheck from May 14-16, inspectors will conduct North American Standard Level One Inspections, which involve a thorough 37-step process examining vehicle components and driver documentation.

As a text messaging software solution provider, Avochato knows the power of instant communication. They needed the same advanced approach with their hiring process. Foley’s background screening software offered a better solution than their former impersonal, outdated provider.

In this customer video, Bob Hickey talks about how partnering with Foley has helped their business reduce their risk exposure when it comes to compliance and insurance.

Being new to the trucking industry can feel stressful. Especially when 90% of trucking companies fail in the first 12 months.

Conductor finds a nimble and progressive background check partner in Foley, plus a seamless applicant tracking system (ATS). With Greenhouse Software as their ATS, Conductor had already structured and streamlined their hiring process. But Conductor’s background check vendor (one of the largest in the US and arranged through their former parent company) couldn’t deliver the type of candidate experience that adhered to their strong company culture.

In this customer video, Diana Cooley talks about the benefits she has seen with Foley's Drug and Alcohol Testing, Clearinghouse, Audit Risk Monitor, and Customer Support.

Foley's User-Friendly Solution Helps PKS Achieve Total Compliance and Save Time PKS Concrete Pumping Services turned to Foley to streamline their onboarding and compliance processes. With Foley's user-friendly software, PKS achieved total compliance and saved their team hours each week. The software automated tasks such as drug and alcohol testing, driver file management, DOT physicals, and MVR monitoring, making the onboarding process 75% more efficient.

Streamlining Fleet Management and Improving Compliance: Pet Food Experts' Success with Foley Pet Food Experts, a family-owned distributor of pet food and supplies, faced challenges in managing their fleet of 95 drivers. They needed a cost-effective solution that offered more than just compliance and fleet management features.

Foley streamlined compliance and onboarding so AERO BridgeWorks is audit-ready. AERO BridgeWorks started with manual paper files and reviewing a driver file required the team to look through 3–4 separate locations. The team also needed help making sure they were DOT-compliant.

Torc Robotics will be the first company to use a profitable, scalable, commercialized Level 4 autonomous truck solution for over-the-road trucking applications. But don’t let the word “autonomous” fool you.

What gaps or inefficiencies are slowing down your hiring and onboarding processes? Take this quick quiz and find out.

Take our quick assessment to determine your audit risk – as well as what you can do to prepare.

Our quick quiz will walk you through your requirements to make sure you’re running a safe and compliant program.

How much could you save with an MVR Monitoring Program?

Learn what inspectors will be looking for during the CVSA Roadcheck – and whether your company is prepared.

Make sure your driver files are ready for an offsite audit and beyond with our quick compliance quiz.

Are you running risky background checks? Take our short quiz to find out!