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…

The imposing hood and grill at the front of a large Mack truck tractor.

Commercial Auto Insurance Market Outlook

The commercial auto insurance market has faced hardening conditions for much of the past decade, as evidenced by plummeting profitability and continued rate hikes. Although 2022 saw lower average premium increases due to strengthening reserves and 2021’s combined ratio falling below 100 for the first time in years, this deceleration wasn’t here to stay. After…

Truck driver in sunglasses wearing all black stands defensively with his arms crossed in a truck yard with several tractor trailer trucks in the background.

The 10 Most Common FMCSA Driver Violations During the 2023 Fiscal Year

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) roadside inspections are examinations of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and/or drivers conducted by Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspectors. MCSAP inspectors conduct roadside inspections on CMVs and drivers to check that they are in compliance with federal safety and hazardous materials regulations. If an inspection results in…

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…