September, 2025

DID YOU KNOW? If you operate vehicles in the following states, you must still have the following paperwork in addition to the IFTA license and decals:

CONNECTICUT - Carriers that operate vehicles over 26,000 pounds must be registered in the state and file monthly mileage tax returns.

KENTUCKY - Trucks over 60,000 GVW must be on file with the state and must list the current license plate number. NEW MEXICO - Trucks over 26,000 GVW must be on file with the state. NEW YORK - Trucks over 18,000 GVW must be on file with the state (a receipt is required to be carried in the vehicle and the decal displayed). OREGON - Permit for each truck over 26,000 GVW (recommend a copy of the receipt to be carried in the vehicle). New Mexico and Oregon have ports of entry where temporary trip permits may be purchased. Some Oregon ports do close, and carriers must obtain a permit if traveling in the state.

COMPLIANCE, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY - CSA Carriers, shippers, brokers, insurance companies, and the general public may be able to view CSA scores, violations, and accidents once again. Companies currently are the only ones that can see the actual scores the FMCSA assigns to their company. This system considers all violations and warnings during the last 24 months, not just out-of-service violations. The violations are weighted based on their age and severity and placed in one of the seven BASIC categories. Then, a score is calculated, and a percentage is assigned when your company is compared to other companies. The calculations are constantly modified. Carrier scores and percentages are updated monthly. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our office if you want us to review your scores with you. Any driver or vehicle violation that is incorrect can be challenged and removed from your CSA records, thus helping your safety status. Carriers can contact our office to check CSA status and review and challenge any violations listed in error. Accidents can also be removed from the CSA if there is an error. Accidents that are posted can be requested to be removed from the CSA score calculation if they meet the requirements and are deemed unpreventable. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has recommended replacing the current CSA system over the next two years with a method using "item response theory," also known as latent trait theory. Various items should be addressed, such as not accounting for crashes that are not the carrier’s fault. The FMCSA is revamping its CSA formulas and system under this proposal. There is no date when the new CSA system will be rolled out. We will keep you posted on the changes and timing of the revised system.

FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION - FMCSA DOT auditors are doing company safety compliance audits electronically. Carriers must keep their driver qualification files up to date. The proposed requirement for the mandatory use of speed limiters is being removed. They are still required in Canada.

FMCSA MC numbers are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Carriers want to keep their MC numbers. The DOT number will be given a suffix to indicate the carrier's type of operation.

Drivers who are renewing their state driver's licenses need one more piece of paper to stay legal. All interstate CDL holders and applicants must provide proof of their medical certification to their home state licensing agency. Proof of medical certification is required at renewal time. Any new medical card must be provided to the state agency during the year to keep their CDL active. The Motor Vehicle Record should be obtained 15 days after the medical exam is performed to allow time for the medical exam to be added to the CDL record. We have an Electronic Log Policy for carriers that want to have the electronic logging regulations in writing for their drivers, and include an ELD Disciplinary Action portion. Drivers must read the policy and sign it. Contact our office for information. Have problems with your ELDs or your ELD support? Contact our office, and we can get you reliable ELD devices and customer support from our staff.

Employers and drivers are reminded that 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. A physician's recommendation for medical marijuana or the use of a CBD product is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana-positive result. Positive drug tests account for over 80% of the total violations reported in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse since January 6, 2020. As of the April 2022 Clearinghouse monthly report, marijuana has been detected in almost half of all the drug tests that have been reported in the Clearinghouse (negative test results are not reported). Since the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result, USDOT-regulated CDL drivers should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products.

​UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION - UCR

The 2026 UCR filings can not be filed before October 1, 2025. Many carriers are getting letters and emails from companies to make the filings now, but you can disregard these notices. If we have filed your UCR in the past, we will continue to do so. Contact us if you have any questions.

COLORADO

Commercial vehicles are required to carry chains if traveling on any Colorado highways from Sept. 1 through May 31. Chains must be used in inclement weather on all drive wheels. The penalty for non-compliance with winter driving restrictions is up to a $500 fine plus a $79 surcharge. If you are stuck and blocking any traveled portion of the roadway, the fine is $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge.