Large flatbed semi truck moving freight down the highway on a misty morning.

FMCSA Proposes Amendments to Commercial Driver’s License Requirements to Increase Flexibility

On Feb. 2, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to increase flexibility for State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) and commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants. Comments on the NPRM must be received on or before April 2, 2024. Overview of Proposed Amendments The purpose of the NPRM…

Smiling mother in driver's seat looks at her baby in the rear view mirror.

Tips for Auto Insurance Buyers in 2024

Insurers face challenges in ensuring adequate rates while navigating regulatory restrictions and competition. As a consumer, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about these factors and consider strategies for reducing expenses without sacrificing coverage quality. Auto insurance is an ongoing and nonnegotiable expense for drivers. The following are proven ways to help reduce these costs without…

Updated Return-to-Duty Process for CDL Drivers

On June 27, 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued guidance that outlines the National Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) return-to-duty process for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This guidance comes from the final rule published on Oct. 7, 2021, which requires state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs) to access and use information from…

CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 20-26

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for Aug. 20-26, 2023. This annual event aims to emphasize the importance of ensuring sufficient brake systems in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Specifically, the event highlights the role that brake maintenance and efficiency plays in reducing brake-related CMV accidents on the road.…

2023 Commercial Auto Insurance Market Outlook

The commercial auto insurance market has faced substantial underwriting losses and diminished profitability for more than a decade. While the segment continues to face difficult market conditions, rate increases largely remained in the single digits in 2022, demonstrating signs of stagnation compared to double-digital rate jumps that took place in prior years. Nevertheless, several cost-driving…

How will Trucking Fare in 2023’s Economy? 

Although there is still a great degree of uncertainty about what 2023 will bring in trucking business conditions, analysts at FTR believe a major recession is unlikely. FTR’s “State of Freight” webinar on Jan. 12 explored the economic indicators that most affect the freight market as well as trucking-specific numbers and offered FTR’s outlook for the year.…

Let’s Get Personal – How Has Your Life Changed?

The family has a new driver behind the wheel. You decide to rent out your coastal home as an Airbnb. You completed a few renovation projects, including a home office and gym. You were invited to volunteer on the homeowners’ association board and are eager to give back. You traded Corporate America for an at-home…