The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established stricter minimum requirements to improve the safety performance of new U.S. and Canadian entrant motor carriers by ensuring they are knowledgeable about applicable federal motor carrier safety standards.
According to the interim final rule, due to become effective January 1, applicants will be required to demonstrate knowledge of safety regulations through an application process and will undergo an on-site safety audit within the first 18 months of operation. Carriers failing to demonstrate basic safety management controls during the 18-month period will be denied operating authority, FMCSA said.
New entrants must certify they will comply with applicable requirements covering driver qualifications, hours of service, controlled substance and alcohol testing, vehicle condition, accident monitoring, and hazardous-materials transportation.
Mexican-domiciled carriers will be subject to similar application and safety monitoring procedures established by FMCSA in March.
