DOT Regulations

Staying in compliance with the latest Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations can prove difficult for a busy fleet manager. Luckily, Merchants Fleet is here to help you ensure compliance with existing rules and stay up to date on new standards. For example, DOT recently issued a new rule requiring all commercial truck and bus industries to use electronic logging devices (ELDs). You can comply with the ELD rule by partnering with Merchants Fleet. See how we use technology to facilitate codes compliance.

DOT Regulations You Need to Know

There are dozens of DOT regulations you should be aware of as a fleet manager. It is your responsibility to know which rules apply to you based on your type of business, fleet size, and vehicle applications. If you don’t know where to begin, you aren’t alone. Work with Merchants Fleet to gain a firm understanding of which DOT rules you need to worry about. Learn more about our strategic fleet consulting services. DOT regulations that may apply to you include:

• Periodic inspection. DOT mandates an inspection program in which you must make sure your fleet vehicles are up to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. These include keeping vehicles in safe operating condition with systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Depending on your leasing agreement, you or your lessor may be in charge of vehicle inspections.
• Driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR). At the end of each shift, your drivers must complete the required DVIR. You must train your drivers to understand what this means and abide by DOT regulations. Merchants Fleet offers compliance services that handle DVIR requirements. View this service.
• Hours of service (HOS) regulations. HOS mandates how long a driver can drive and how long he or she must rest on a given shift. HOS rules are in place to help prevent drowsy driving. Merchants Fleet has electronic devices that can help you keep track of your driver’s HOS and make changes as necessary to comply.
• Driver qualifications. According to the DOT, your fleet drivers must meet certain qualifications to be fit to operate your vehicles. Safety-sensitive drivers (those who transport passengers) must test negative on drug and alcohol tests. They must also hold the proper licensure to drive commercial vehicles.

This is just a sample of the long list of regulations your fleet must abide by. Breaking DOT rules can lead to expensive fines and penalties, as well as damage to your company’s reputation. If your drivers fail to follow a rule and an accident occurs, you may also face major company liability. Avoid these potential pitfalls by partnering with Merchants Fleet for compliance services.

Merchants Fleet’s Solutions to DOT Regulation Compliance

At Merchants Fleet, our main mission is to help clients be more successful in the professional management of a fleet. We partner with our clients and cultivate a long-lasting relationship to better aid compliance and management on a more personal level. If you’re ready to receive help from our experts regarding DOT regulations compliance, submit our online contact form or dial 866.653.2737.