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DOT, aka Department of Transportation compliance, is essential for the safe transportation of vehicles, shipping containers, concrete piping, and other heavy cargo. Increasing compliance among drivers and other employees is crucial because a compliance inspection could happen at any time. With this article, you can learn more about DOT compliance with truck management software and its growing importance for businesses in the fleet and logistics sectors.
Understanding What is DOT Certificate
A DOT certificate guarantees that a driver is qualified to operate commercial vehicles on American highways and roads. It is necessary to operate commercial vehicles in most US states. For instance, semi-trucks, shuttle buses, and delivery vehicles.
You must pass several driving tests to obtain a DOT Certificate. You will receive a DOT certification if you pass the test, but you must reapply for it every two years.
How to Know When to Get a DOT Certificate?
DOT regulations apply to vehicles registering with the DOT and obtaining a USDOT number.
The DOT law is mainly focused on automobiles that satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
- Transportation of hazardous materials, as typed and quantified by DOT.
- If the vehicle weighs 10,001 lbs. (4,536 kg) or more
- If more than 15 passengers, including the driver, are traveling.
- Also, note that using vehicles in interstate commerce is subject to these limitations. Some states require those registering intrastate commercial motor vehicles to have a USDOT number.
How Can You Buy a DOT Certificate?
The FMCSA website will request your credit card number, even though the registration process is free to confirm your identity. You don’t have to be worried about using the FMCSA website for FMCSA registration because the site will not charge your credit card for submitting the form or issuing your USDOT number.
The applicant’s credit card is their digital signature on the FMCSA website. Or, you must complete a paper application and mail it to the FMCSA offices if you don’t own a credit card or feel uncomfortable providing that information online.
Why Do DOT Regulations Matter?
Here is a quick list of DOT compliance requirements to follow:
- Conduct thorough vehicle inspections before and after each trip.
- A copy of the DOT and FMCSA regulations should always be available for review. Every driver should give a copy so they can learn and carry it around.
- Record each occurrence and work to stop it from happening again.
- Keep track of the driver’s past.
- Count the number of hours each driver worked while on duty.
- To avoid unplanned breakdowns, you must put in place a plan for vehicle maintenance.
- To ensure compliance and avoid serious accidents, permit drug and alcohol testing of drivers. You must also permit supervisors to conduct tests as well, per DOT regulations.
What are the Hazards Associated with the Absence of DOT Compliance?
The Department of Transportation regulates the operation and maintenance of DOT-regulated vehicles, as well as the licensing and conduct of drivers. Any rule that is broken could result in severe consequences. Failure to abide by DOT rules and regulations can have the following four serious effects:
Injury or death
Injuries and fatalities are the worst outcomes resulting from disobeying DOT rules and regulations. The FMCSA defines a major non-compliance as “an imminent hazard” caused by a motor carrier’s disregard for safety regulations that “will likely result in serious injury or death” if not stopped immediately.
The operating license can be revoked
A carrier’s ability to conduct business as usual may be immediately suspended in cases of severe non-compliance. Although it rarely happens, revoking a carrier’s operating license can have negative short- and long-term financial effects on a business. When suspension or revocation is requested, the carrier typically has the choice to respond with a corrective action plan (CAP).
Penalties and fines in money
Organizations that disregard DOT compliance risk paying fines and suffering other financial repercussions. Fines for minor infractions can be as low as a few hundred dollars, while the maximum fine for violating rigid hazardous materials standards is $175,000
To Sum Up
All in all, the success and reputation of businesses in the transportation and heavy vehicle industries depend on DOT compliance. Accurate record-keeping is the first step in establishing a compliance culture within your company. It assists you in achieving this crucial objective by giving you access to a practical web-based inspection platform that enables drivers to quickly and accurately report their inspections using their preferred mobile device.
