Transportation Business Regulations

The governing bodies that oversee the transportation industry heavily regulate the rules—transportation business owners should follow safety regulations and keep track of the changing regulation landscape. So, here are some tips for following transportation business regulations.

Understanding Transportation Business Legalities

Transportation businesses must deal with numerous laws, regulations, and legal hurdles to operate successfully. Drivers must follow many state, local, and federal laws as legalities become more complex, depending on the scope and size of the company. Following specific safety regulations, obtaining the right permits and licenses, following environmental regulations, understanding employment laws, and obtaining the right insurance are part of working or operating a transportation business.

Federal Regulations and Licensing

Following transportation business regulations requires obtaining the proper licenses and permits. The federal government consists of specific transportation laws, particularly for any parts of the transportation industry a driver plans to join.

Furthermore, transportation that crosses state lines becomes subject to federal and state law—which includes the state in which the driver begins their route, the states they pass through, and their destination state. Many commercial drivers become familiar with the U.S. Department of Transportation, no matter the transportation business they remain employed in.

State Regulations and Licensing

Each state within the U.S. has specific administrative law enforcement bureaus, officers, and oversight officials to ensure proper commercial driving and transportation regulations for obtaining state licenses and meeting regulations. The state’s regulations include filing out proof of insurance and obtaining the proper permits.

Moreover, many states require proof of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax payments to register and renew tractor registration. Drivers and commercial transportation businesses should familiarize themselves with transportation laws within their state and the states they operate in, along with the laws surrounding starting and operating a transportation business.

DOT Regulations and Transportation Businesses

The Department of Transportation helps to regulate interstate and mobility transportation in the United States. They establish numerous rules and regulations that all commercial motor vehicle operators must follow. Safety compliance includes:

 
Meeting safety regulations

 
Adhering to hazardous and dangerous material handling rules
Following inspection regulations
Following FMCSA guidelines
Refrainment from drugs and alcohol.

So, how do DOT regulations impact transportation businesses?

DOT regulations ensure the efficiency and safety of workers in the transportation industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration strives to reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and economic losses due to motor vehicle-related incidents. Furthermore, the FMCSA ensures safety practices for commercial motor operations, decreasing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.