DOT Compliance: What Does ‘DOT’ Stand for in Trucking?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance is crucial to fostering the safe transport of cars, shipping containers, concrete piping, and other heavy cargo. A compliance inspection can occur at any time, meaning it’s important to bolster compliance among drivers and other employees. 

Below you will find more information regarding DOT compliance while discovering the increasingly important role it plays for companies in the transportation and construction industries. 

What does DOT mean in trucking?  

The Department of Transportation is referred to as DOT, the federal government agency responsible for maintaining and developing the transport system in the United States. It was created by a law passed by Congress in October 1966 that went into effect in April 1967 and is overseen by the United States Secretary of Transportation. 

DOT creates, implements, and enforces federal laws governing the use of roads and highways and offers government funding to advance transportation initiatives.

Truckers are aware that DOT gives DOT numbers, which are registered with the organization and appear on DOT-regulated vehicles and other documents. DOT rules and regulations essentially control every element of the transportation industry. 

What Is DOT Compliance? 

DOT is responsible for protecting the public by upholding the safety and security of our country’s transportation system. DOT compliance is accomplished when a company meets or exceeds the requirements created by DOT. These requirements relate to matters that are important for safety, such as: 

• Fulfilling driver qualifications
• Following general safety requirements
• Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol
• Meeting inspection and maintenance standards 
• Complying to DOT hazmat regulations when carrying hazardous material carriage

What are DOT regulations? 

You must adhere to USDOT regulations in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). 

Here is a brief DOT compliance requirements checklist to adhere to: 

• Perform complete vehicle inspections both before and after each journey.
• Keep a copy of DOT and FMCSA regulations in your workplace for ongoing review. Each driver should receive a copy to memorize and carry with them.
• Keep track of every incidence and try to prevent it from happening again.
• Make records of driver's history.
• Gather data on the number of hours each driver spent on duty. 
• You need to establish a vehicle maintenance plan in place to prevent unanticipated breakdowns.
• Allow drivers to conduct drug and alcohol tests to ensure compliance and prevent tragic accidents. Supervisors must also be permitted to conduct testing as well, per DOT standards.

Who must adhere to DOT compliance? 

Vehicles that are required to register with DOT and get a USDOT number are subject to DOT regulations. These can be referred to as commercial vehicles. 

Specifically, DOT law is focused on cars that meet one or more of the following requirements: 

• Transport of hazardous materials, as defined by DOT in terms of type and quantity
• A gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 lbs. (4,536 kg) or more 
• Transport of more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation
• Transport of more than 15 passengers, including the driver

These restrictions apply to vehicles used in interstate commerce. Some states demand their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to attain a USDOT number. 

DOT Compliance Failure 

The Department of Transportation controls the use of DOT-regulated vehicles on a variety of activities, from driver certification and behavior to vehicle operation and maintenance. Any rule that is broken may have significant penalties. 

Failure to take DOT compliance seriously can have a variety of severe effects, including a negative company reputation as well as employee and other civilian injuries or death.

Four serious consequences that can result from failing to comply with DOT rules and regulations are: 

Injury or Death

The most serious consequences that might occur from disregarding DOT rules and regulations are injuries and death. A major incidence of non-compliance is defined by the FMCSA as "an imminent hazard" that arises from a motor carrier's neglect of safety laws that "will likely result in serious injury or death" if not stopped immediately.

Revoked Operating License 

Severe occurrences of non-compliance may result in an immediate suspension or revocation of a carrier’s ability to operate as a business. Revocation of a carrier's operating license is uncommon, but it can have both short-term and long-term financial consequences on a company. However, the carrier typically has the option to reply with a corrective action plan (CAP) when suspension or revocation is requested. 

Financial Penalties and Fines

Organizations that don't adhere to DOT compliance, put themselves at risk of fines and other financial consequences. Fines for minor violations can start at a few hundred dollars and fines for breaking strict hazardous materials standards can go up to $175,000. 

A Damaged Company Reputation

A strong reputation in the industry might be damaged by continuous DOT violations. Clients may worry about your business operations and the safety of their cargo if you have a history of non-compliance. Additionally, job seekers in the transportation sector might hold back from vacancies at your business in favor of a business with a clean DOT compliance record. 

DOT Certification 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will recognize that you possess the knowledge and abilities required to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely if you hold a DOT certification. 

To become DOT certified, you must pass several written and driving tests, and perform a background check and DOT physical to ensure you have no violations or convictions. However, since each state has its own regulations, it is best to consult with your state government website or with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

Learn More About DOT Compliance

More information about DOT compliance is available on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) website. 

To stay compliant with DOT law, try one of the many DOT Hazmat Training courses we offer. Our DOT training shows you how to safely handle and transport hazardous materials to comply with CFR 49. Search now to find your course!