FMCSA Names '16 DEADLY SINS' For New Entrant Motor Carriers
New motor carriers face losing their authority if they commit any one of the recently identified 16 deadly sins that the FMCSA outlined in a final rule, which went into effect Feb. 17, 2009, with a compliance deadline of Dec. 16, 2009.
The key safety regulations, quickly dubbed the "16 deadly sins" by industry insiders, are:
1. Failing to implement an alcohol and/or controlled substances testing program
2. Using a driver known to have an alcohol content of 0.04 percent or greater to perform a safety-sensitive function
3. Using a driver who has refused to submit to an alcohol or controlled substances test required under Part 382
4. Using a driver known to have tested positive for a controlled substance
5. Failing to implement a random controlled substances and/or alcohol testing program
6. Knowingly using a driver who does not possess a valid CDL
7. Knowingly allowing, requiring, permitting, or authorizing an employee with a commercial driver's license which is suspended, revoked, or canceled by a state or who is disqualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle
8. Knowingly allowing, requiring, permitting, or authorizing a driver to drive who is disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle
9. Operating a motor vehicle without having in effect the required minimum levels of financial responsibility coverage
10. Operating a passenger carrying vehicle without having in effect the required minimum levels of financial responsibility
11. Knowingly using a disqualified driver
12. Knowingly using a physically unqualified driver
13. Failing to require a driver to make a record of duty status
14. Requiring or permitting the operation of a commercial motor vehicle declared ‘‘out-of-service'' before repairs are made
15. Failing to correct out-of-service defects listed by driver in a driver vehicle inspection report before the vehicle is operated again
16. Using a commercial motor vehicle not periodically inspected
Once the regulation is in effect, truckers and trucking companies will have their authority pulled if they are found to have violated one of the regulations during the new entrant safety audit. If one of the violations is found during a roadside inspection, that can trigger an "expedited action," which is a safety audit or compliance review.
Any motor carrier that doesn't prove the violations were corrected will lose its operating authority. Once the FMCSA revokes the authority and issues an out-of-service order, the new entrant will have to wait 30 days before applying for authority again and starting the process all over.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.