2020 Trucking Legislation Changes
If you work in the trucking industry, you know that legislation and DOT regulation are common. Unfortunately, 2020 is no exception.
We’re here to highlight the most important considerations for CDL drivers and carrier safety directors to prevent fines and CSA changes in 2020.
Electronic Logging Device Full Implementation
Deadline: Dec 16, 2019
Fines for ELD violations could range from $1,000 to $10,000 – a crippling price for CDL drivers, with serious impacts on carriers as well. All drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use self-certified ELDs that are registered with FMCSA. Technically, this deadline is just for For vehicles equipped with an AORBD, giving additional time to update to EDL compliant technology. But, the mandate clearly states that ALL applicable parties must be compliant by Dec. 16, 2019. Don’t wait until the deadline, switching to ELD might take a few months to implement company-wide.
Updated ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) Requirements
A new training program exists for drivers wanting to obtain a CDL: On Ramp Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). This system incorporates new requirements demanded by FMCSA and will be fully operational by February 2020 in state, public, and private CDL schools. The minimum standards for CDL training are now set at a federal level.
New drivers are required to take 31 theory topics in order to graduate, as opposed to the previous 4.
Instructor qualifications also have stricter mandates. Instructors must have two years of driving experience, a clean MVR and a medical certification for classroom, on the road and private range instruction. Important considerations to make, if you are thinking of a career change.
Drug & Alcohol Clearing House
By January 2020, all trucking companies and parties must be in full compliance with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This keeps commercial drivers who have violated federal drug and alcohol rules from lying about those results and getting a job with another carrier.
Effective Jan. 6, 2020, fleets are required to populate the clearinghouse with:
- Their employees’ DOT drug and alcohol violations under Part 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and
- Verification of a CDL driver’s completed steps in the DOT return-to-duty process.
Compliance with legislation and DOT regulations aren’t the only considerations you should be making to protect your CSA score in 2020. Consider adding a CDL protection plan like ORDP for an added layer of security. ORDP offers a wide range of protection and benefits to it’s members. ORDP DataQ Challenges raise CSA Scores by an average of 4-8 points per challenge. Our attorneys fight to dismiss or lower your tickets and citations, and picks up the bill. Our Safe Driver Rewards gives points to incentivize safe driving habits, and our benefits partners can help you identify areas of risk and work to resolve them. No matter what seasonal hazards lie ahead, you’re covered by ORDP.
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