September, 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

If you drive vehicles in the following states, you are required to carry the following documents 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 must be carried in the vehicle, and the decal must be 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 public have access to view all violations and accidents. Currently, only companies can view the specific scores assigned to them by the FMCSA. For passenger carriers, the safety ratings are available to the general public. This system evaluates all violations and warnings from the past 24 months, not just out-of-service violations. Violations are weighted according to their age and severity and categorized into one of the seven BASIC categories. A score is then calculated, and a percentage is assigned by comparing your company to others. These calculations are regularly updated. Carrier scores and percentages are refreshed monthly.

Feel free to contact our office if you wish to review your scores with us. Any incorrect driver or vehicle violation can be contested and removed from your CSA records, thereby improving your safety status.

Carriers can reach out to our office to verify CSA status and review and dispute any erroneous violations. Errors in accidents can also be corrected, and such incidents can be removed from the CSA score calculation if they meet the criteria for being unpreventable.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has suggested replacing the current CSA system within the next two years with a method based on "item response theory," also known as latent trait theory. Issues to be addressed include not considering crashes that are not the carrier’s fault. The FMCSA is in the process of updating its CSA formulas and system according to this proposal. There is no set date for the implementation of the new CSA system. We will keep you informed about the changes and the timing of the revised system.

FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION - FMCSA

DOT auditors are conducting company safety compliance audits electronically. Carriers need to ensure their driver qualification files are current. The proposed mandate for the compulsory use of speed limiters has been withdrawn. However, they remain mandatory 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 renewing their state driver's licenses need an additional document to remain compliant. All interstate CDL holders and applicants must submit proof of their medical certification to their home state's licensing agency. This proof is required at the time of renewal. Any new medical card must be submitted to the state agency within the year to keep their CDL valid. The Motor Vehicle Record should be obtained 15 days after the medical exam to ensure the exam is recorded on the CDL.

We offer an Electronic Log Policy for carriers who want the electronic logging regulations documented for their drivers, including a section on ELD Disciplinary Action. Drivers are required to read and sign the policy. Contact our office for more details.

Experiencing issues with your ELDs or ELD support? Reach out to our office, and we can provide you with reliable ELD devices and customer support from our team.

Employers and drivers should be aware that 49 CFR Part 40 does not permit the use of Schedule I drugs, such as marijuana, under any circumstances. A doctor's recommendation for medical marijuana or the use of a CBD product does not constitute a valid medical reason for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana-positive result. Positive drug tests make up over 80% of the total violations reported in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse since January 6, 2020. According to the April 2022 Clearinghouse monthly report, marijuana has been found in nearly half of all drug tests reported in the Clearinghouse (negative test results are not included). Because using CBD products might result in a positive drug test, USDOT-regulated CDL drivers should be cautious when deciding whether to use CBD products.

​UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION - UCR

The 2027 UCR filings cannot be submitted before October 1, 2026. Numerous carriers are receiving letters and emails from companies urging them to file now, but you can ignore these communications. If we have handled your UCR filings previously, we will continue to do so.

The 2027 UCR fees will be about 20 percent higher than the 2026 fees.

UCR fees for 2027

Fleet size	Fee
0-2 (or Brokers/Freight Forwarders/Leasing Companies)	$55
3-5	$167
6-20	$333
21-100	$1,163
101-1,000	$5,548
1,001 and above	$54,165
An extra administration fee of $1.25 is applied to each filing.

COLORADO

From September 1 to May 31, commercial vehicles must have chains available when traveling on Colorado highways. Chains are mandatory on all drive wheels during adverse weather conditions. Failing to adhere to winter driving restrictions can result in a fine of up to $500, along with a $79 surcharge. If your vehicle becomes stuck and obstructs any part of the road, the fine increases to $1,000, plus a $157 surcharge. In some areas of the state, fines are much higher.