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4 • AUGUST 1-14, 2021 NATION
Audit reveals ‘gaps and challenges’ in FMCSA’s
oversight of CDL disqualification regs
WASHINGTON — An audit of The Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s
(FMCSA) oversight of CDL disqualification
regs revealed gaps and challenges in the
process, which relies on state agencies to
submit data related to commercial drivers’
traffic violations and convictions. The
self-initiated audit, conducted by the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Office of
Inspector General (OIG), was launched in
fall of 2019 and completed this year.
According to the OIG’s report, states did
not submit electronic conviction notices in
a timely manner 17% of the time. Specifically,
the OIG estimates that states did not
transmit electronic data in a timely manner
for 18% of 2,182 major offenses and 17% of
23,628 serious traffic violations.
In addition, the OIG estimates that 11%
of the 2,182 major offenses noted above
were not posted in a timely manner, and
that 2% of the 23,628 serious traffic violations
were never posted to driver records
at all. For the most part, the report shows,
states did take action to disqualify CDLs
“when appropriate.” However, because
electronic data was not always posted in a
timely manner, FMCSA’s evaluation of conviction
notices was sometimes hindered by
states’ processes for sending the information
by mail.
The report also notes that the FMCSA’s
Annual Program Review process “lacks adequate
quality control measures for verifying
that state CDL programs meet federal
THE TRUCKER NEWS STAFF
requirements” and that state noncompliance
with federal CDL disqualification requirements,
along with other state actions,
“pose challenges for FMCSA’s oversight.”
According to the OIG, some states offered
administrative appeals to out-of-state
drivers, overturned disqualifications and
backdated CDL disqualification periods,
SYSTEM TO TRANSPORT CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE
Courtesy: Kenworth
The holiday season will be a little brighter this year with the help of System Transport, the motor
carrier selected to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from California’s Six Rivers National Forest
to Washington, D.C. Each year, the U.S. Forest Service selects a tree from a national forest to serve as
the “People’s Christmas Tree.” System Transport was selected as the hauler for the 2021 tree at the
recommendation of Kenworth Truck Co. and because of the carrier’s reputation in the trucking industry on
the West Coast according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors. Choose Outdoors is a nonprofit
partner that works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service to coordinate the annual
public engagement initiative. Kenworth returns for the eighth year as a sponsor of the U.S. Capitol
Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth T680 Next Generation, equipped with a 76-inch
mid-roof sleeper, will be used to transport the 51st U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
iStock Photo
According to an audit of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s oversight of states’ CDL disqualification
regulations, states did not electronically submit data regarding driver violations and convictions in a timely manner for
18% of “major” violations.
THE TRUCKER NEWS STAFF
which resulted in some drivers’ disqualification
periods being shorter than required by
federal law.
The OIG made seven recommendations
to help FMCSA strengthen its oversight
of states’ actions to comply with federal
SEE OVERSIGHT ON PAGE 26
NHTSA probes
overheating brakes
that could cause fires
in 500,00 semis
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DETROIT — U.S. highway safety regulators
have opened an investigation into about
a half-million semis with brakes that can
catch fire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) says in documents
posted on its website July 20 that it has received
11 complaints about brakes made by
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems, including
seven fires. No injuries have been reported.
The complaints say problems occurred
mostly on Kenworth and Peterbilt tractors.
The agency is investigating brakes on model
year 2015-2020 semis.
NHTSA says the investigation covers certain
Haldex Gold Seal brake chambers, which
convert compressed air into a mechanical
force that stops the trucks. It says a spring
can fracture, puncturing a diaphragm and
causing air loss. That can make the brakes
drag without warning to the driver and eventually
cause fires.
SEE NHTSA ON PAGE 26
USPS 972
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 15
AUGUST 1-14, 2021
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