Transportation Compliance Insider

Understanding FMCSA Regulations: A Simplified Explanation of Parts 390 and 391 for Trucking Industry Professionals

As a Purcell Compliance Services client, it is crucial that you understand these guidelines and qualifications in order to operate your motor carrier business in compliance with federal regulations. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of your operating authority. 

Under Part 390, motor carriers of passengers are required to maintain certain records and provide certain information to the FMCSA. These records include driver qualification files, accident registers, and hours-of-service records, among others. Additionally, carriers are required to have a safety management system in place to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations. 

Part 391 outlines the driver qualifications required for motor carriers of passengers. Drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet certain physical and medical requirements. They must also have a clean driving record and pass a drug and alcohol screening before operating a commercial motor vehicle. 

In order to ensure compliance with these regulations, Purcell Compliance Services recommends utilizing the USDOTapp portal. This online portal provides a central location for carriers to access and manage their compliance records, including driver qualification files, hours-of-service records, and safety management systems. 

By using the USDOT App portal, carriers can easily monitor and maintain their compliance records, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential fines and penalties. Additionally, the portal provides valuable insights into carrier safety performance, allowing carriers to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to enhance safety and grow their business. 

In conclusion, compliance with Parts 390 and 391 is crucial for motor carriers of passengers. By utilizing the USDOTapp portal, Purcell Compliance Services clients can streamline their compliance processes, reduce the risk of non-compliance, and improve safety performance, ultimately leading to the growth and success of their business.

A driver qualification is a set of requirements that must be met by any individual who wishes to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for a motor carrier of passengers. These requirements are set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). 

In order to be qualified to drive a CMV, a driver must meet certain basic requirements. First, the driver must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement. The driver must also have a clean driving record, free of any major traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving. 

Additionally, drivers must meet certain physical and medical requirements. These requirements include passing a physical examination every two years to ensure that the driver is physically capable of operating a CMV safely. The examination includes checks of the driver’s vision, hearing, and overall health. 

Finally, drivers must also pass a drug and alcohol screening before operating a CMV. The screening includes both a pre-employment test and ongoing testing throughout the driver’s employment. 

In order to verify that a driver meets all of these requirements, motor carriers of passengers are required to maintain driver qualification files for each driver. These files must include the driver’s application for employment, driving record, medical examination report, and drug and alcohol testing results. 

By ensuring that all of their drivers meet the qualification requirements set forth by the FMCSA, motor carriers of passengers can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and ensure the safety of their passengers and other motorists on the road. 

In summary, a driver qualification is a set of requirements that must be met by any individual who wishes to operate a commercial motor vehicle for a motor carrier of passengers. These requirements include having a valid CDL with a passenger endorsement, meeting certain physical and medical requirements, passing a drug and alcohol screening, and maintaining a clean driving record. By maintaining driver qualification files and ensuring that all of their drivers meet these requirements, motor carriers of passengers can ensure the safety of their passengers and other motorists on the road. 

The Purcell USDOTapp portal offers an advanced driver screening process that ensures that all drivers are properly vetted and in compliance with federal regulations in real-time. Employers can see and approve the driver’s Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), Pre-Employment Query (PEQ) pull, and Pre-Employment Drug Test results through the portal within 24 to 48 hours of submission. This allows employers to quickly determine if a driver is qualified and make hiring decisions efficiently. 

Once a driver is hired, the USDOTapp portal automatically organizes all compliance documents, including the driver’s qualifications file and other necessary records, to ensure that they are in compliance with the FMCSA document retention regulation. The Virtual Fleet Manager, which is part of the USDOTapp portal, then reminds employers of any upcoming compliance expirations and automatically renews all compliances on time. 

By utilizing the Purcell USDOTapp portal, motor carriers of passengers can ensure that their drivers are properly screened and in compliance with federal regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential fines and penalties. This helps to ensure the safety of their passengers and other motorists on the road, while also promoting the growth and success of their business. 

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