What to Know About the DOT Hours of Service Updates

April 15, 2023

In July 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released a Final Rule regarding their hours of service regulations. The goal was to increase flexibility for commercial drivers without negatively affecting highway safety. These changes took effect starting on September 29, 2020. It’s important for motor carriers to understand the most … Continue reading “What to Know About the DOT Hours of Service Updates”

What Your Business Needs to Know About the ELD Mandate

April 11, 2023

The electronic logging device rule, also known as the ELD Mandate, is one of the biggest changes ever to hit the trucking industry. The deadline to comply was December 2017, which means that trucking companies and independent drivers who are not using ELDs risk facing costly fines. Is your business adhering to the ELD Mandate? … Continue reading “What Your Business Needs to Know About the ELD Mandate”

When Should Trucking Companies Drug Test

April 1, 2023

With so many commercial vehicles on the road, safety is essential in the trucking industry. One of the most important requirements to maintain safe travel is drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transportation (DOT), sets the requirements for when trucking companies … Continue reading “When Should Trucking Companies Drug Test”

What Constitutes Reasonable Suspicion?

March 25, 2023

If you are in the transportation industry, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of ensuring that you have an effective drug and alcohol testing program set up for your employees. You also need to make sure that your company is in compliance with the rules established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). One of … Continue reading “What Constitutes Reasonable Suspicion?”

What to Expect From a DOT Audit

March 15, 2023

In order to ensure safety and compliance, the Department of Transportation (DOT) reviews companies that are subject to its regulations. If your trucking company is undergoing a DOT audit, it can be stressful and confusing. Luckily, HDS Safety Services can help you navigate this process. What is a DOT Audit? There are multiple types of … Continue reading “What to Expect From a DOT Audit”

What Does a 5-Panel Drug Test Include?

March 3, 2023

Ensuring that safety-sensitive employees are drug-free is an essential component of Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance. Motor carriers must test their drivers for drug use at specific times. These include before employment as well as randomly for as long as they hold their position. The standard screening method for DOT-regulated companies is a 5-panel drug … Continue reading “What Does a 5-Panel Drug Test Include?”

FMCSA Pre-Employment Query Compliance For 2023

January 10, 2023

Trucking companies must comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations. As of January 6, 2023, this includes updates to pre-employment procedures. In particular, motor carriers must now query the FMCSA Clearinghouse to satisfy pre-employment inquiry requirements. Why Have These Regulations Changed? Motor carriers have a duty to ensure that safety-sensitive … Continue reading “FMCSA Pre-Employment Query Compliance For 2023”

The Elements of a Drug-Free Workplace Program

January 2, 2023

Current research suggests that nearly 77% of illegal drug users are employed in full or part-time jobs in the United States. This means employers around the country are subject to the hazards and drawbacks of employing illegal drug users, including lower productivity, smaller profits, more accidents, missed days of work, and many other negative effects. … Continue reading “The Elements of a Drug-Free Workplace Program”

The Basics of DOT Compliance

January 2, 2023

Motor carriers must follow regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These guidelines ensure that truck drivers as well as others on the road are as safe as possible. Because there are so many different rules to follow, it can be difficult to keep track. HDS Safety … Continue reading “The Basics of DOT Compliance”

The Basics of Returning to Duty After a Violation

January 2, 2023

Under DOT rules, employees are in violation of safety requirements when they have a positive drug or alcohol test or if they refuse to undergo testing. When this occurs, employees must be immediately removed from any safety-sensitive tasks. If employers fail to remove employees from safety-sensitive work after a violation, they may be fined up … Continue reading “The Basics of Returning to Duty After a Violation”

The ATA Announces HDS Safety Services as its Newest Endorsed Program

January 2, 2023

September 12, 2018 Tolleson, AZ – Today, the Arizona Trucking Association (ATA) announced HDS Safety Services as its newest Endorsed Partner. “Everything a trucking company does emphasizes safety and as an industry we are always looking to improve safety,” said ATA President and CEO Tony Bradley. “Because safety is so important, it is vital to … Continue reading “The ATA Announces HDS Safety Services as its Newest Endorsed Program”

Why It’s Tough to Cheat Professional Drug Tests

January 2, 2023

When you’re trying to run a business, your team needs to be working in full force. Drug testing helps you screen your employees and your potential new hires, so you can maintain a positive working environment and a successful operation. Here’s why it’s tough to cheat when you take a drug test. Monitored Screening People … Continue reading “Why It’s Tough to Cheat Professional Drug Tests”

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