New FMCSA Trucking Rules
Posted on Mon, Jan 21, 2013 @ 02:41 PM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will implement at least five new and updated rules
in 2013, with a few coming by March. The new rules will include:
1) An electronic logging device (ELD) rule that will piggyback on a 2011 FMCSA rule by addressing driver privacy issues. Almost all interstate trucks will need to carry an ELD.
2) A drug and alcohol rule will establish a universal database which will contain records of drivers with positive drug and alcohol tests, as well as drivers who refuse to submit to testing. This rule is meant to help carriers make proper employee hiring decisions.
3) A new health and fitness rule will outline how the FMCSA will use the Compliance Safety Accountability program in evaluating transportation carriers.
4) In April, a registration rule will combine four legacy FMCSA systems to help spot unsafe carriers who recently formed new companies in order to avoid regulations.
5) A medical rule coming in March will require medical examiners to submit their results through FMCSA to state driver-licensing agencies.
These are just a few of the new rules that will be established this year. A 2012 MAP-21 law requires the FMCSA to propose 29 new and updated rules over the course of the next couple years. The FMCSA must also complete 34 programmatic changes and 15 studies on transportation and logistics issues.