Fleet managers and dispatchers have a lot of moving parts to oversee and keep in check; meeting transportation and safety compliance requirements is a crucially important one. Fleet compliance management is essential to ensure fleets operate as they should and that costly compliance violations are avoided.
Non-compliance transportation fines are rising. In the US, DOT issued an 8% increase in 2023 and another 3.25% increase in 2024 plus steeper penalties for repeat offenders. This means it’s more important than ever for fleet owners to solidify a robust fleet compliance management program.
“An established fleet compliance program should be central to a fleet’s entire operations process. However, they should never be viewed as a burden, but rather, as a framework for continuous safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.”
-Olivier Fournier, Customer Success Manager, CDWare Technologies
Developing a fleet compliance program that a company can rely on to uphold its compliance and safety obligations takes careful planning and a commitment to regular reviews and updates. Strategies to make this process easier will be discussed in this blog. What we’ll explore is:
- What is fleet compliance?
- What businesses need a fleet compliance management program?
- Examples of fleet compliance regulations in North America
- Best practices to master your fleet compliance strategy
What is fleet compliance?
Fleet compliance means following the laws and rules that govern commercial vehicles. This includes keeping up with vehicle maintenance, ensuring drivers have the right qualifications, and adhering to regulations like hours of service (HOS) and environmental standards.
Compliance helps fleets run safely, efficiently, and legally, avoiding fines and disruptions.
Managing fleet compliance involves setting up strong policies and procedures. This includes regular vehicle inspections, keeping accurate records, and using technology to track compliance.
For example, fleet management software solutions provide real-time data on vehicle performance and driver behavior, making it easier to spot and fix issues quickly.
Prioritizing fleet compliance is important for any business that operates commercial vehicles; it reduces the risk of penalties as well as boosts overall fleet performance, potentially contributing to increased productivity and revenue. However, a good compliance program makes safety and accountability its top concern, leading to better efficiency and less liability.
What businesses need a fleet compliance management program?
Commercial vehicles and businesses that use them must follow strict transportation regulations. Understanding which vehicles and industries need a fleet compliance management program is crucial for maintaining legal and operational standards.
What is a commercial vehicle?
Commercial vehicles are defined as vehicles used for business purposes that transport goods or passengers. The current definition of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is “any self-propelled or towed vehicle operated on highways and interstates to transport people or goods.”
This definition can be broad, so additional qualifications help clarify what constitutes a commercial vehicle. A vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle if it meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Weighs over 10,001 pounds (including load)
- Is used commercially to transport eight or more passengers, including the driver (e.g., an airport shuttle)
- Is used non-commercially to transport 15 or more passengers, including the driver (e.g., a school bus or daycare van)
- Transports hazardous material in quantities requiring the vehicle to be placarded
If a vehicle meets any of these requirements, it falls under the commercial motor vehicle category and must comply with the fleet compliance laws established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Industries affected by fleet compliance regulations
Several industries must prioritize fleet compliance due to the nature of their operations:
- Transportation and logistics: Companies in this sector must manage large fleets of vehicles, ensuring each one complies with safety, maintenance, and environmental regulations.
- Construction: Construction companies often use heavy machinery and specialized vehicles, such as ready-mix cement trucks, requiring strict adherence to safety and maintenance standards.
- Public transportation: Ensuring the safety and reliability of buses and other transit vehicles is essential for public transportation providers.
- Emergency services: Ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles must be in top condition to respond to emergencies promptly and safely.
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Examples of fleet compliance regulations in North America
Adhering to fleet compliance regulations is crucial for fleet managers to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal operation. Here are some key regulatory bodies and their roles in the US and Canada.
In the US
- Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT Regulates overall transportation safety standards.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A branch of the DOT that oversees commercial vehicle safety, including driver qualifications and hours of service (HOS).
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Enforces emissions standards for vehicles.
In Canada
- Transport Canada. Governs national transportation policies and safety regulations.
- Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). Develops and coordinates national policies and programs for road safety.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Regulates vehicle emissions and environmental standards.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of compliance regulations fleet managers need to be aware of. There may be other local, state, provincial, or industry-specific regulations that need to be addressed. Consult your local regulatory authorities and industry guidelines for a complete understanding of all applicable requirements.
Best practices to master your fleet compliance strategy
Maintaining fleet compliance is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and avoiding costly penalties. Using best practices can help fleet managers stay on top of regulations and keep operations running smoothly.
Here are some key practices to use for mastering fleet and safety compliance requirements.
Implement regular training programs
Regular training programs are essential to keep drivers and staff updated on compliance requirements.
Continuous education helps ensure everyone understands safety procedures, regulatory updates, and the use of compliance technology.
Topics to cover in training programs include:
- Safety procedures
- Regulatory updates
- Use of compliance technology
Leverage technology for compliance
Using advanced fleet management software and other technologies can significantly enhance fleet compliance. Fleet management software offers a number of benefits, such as real-time tracking, emissions monitoring, communication solutions, and automated reporting.
Specialized solutions can even be tailored to a specific industry and address needs unique to that sector.
Key features to look for in technology to help meet compliance requirements include , GPS tracking, and automated alerts.
Here is a comparison of features and their benefits:
| Fleet Management Software Features | Benefit | Contribution to Compliance |
| Telematics | Real-time data on vehicle performance, driving behaviors, and more. | Identifies and corrects issues promptly |
| GPS Tracking | Monitors vehicle locations, idle times, and current traffic conditions | Ensures adherence to routes and schedules, enables adjustments based on real-time conditions |
| Automated Reporting | Generates compliance reports | Simplifies record-keeping and audits |
| Alerts and Notifications | Immediate updates on issues | Prompt action on compliance breaches |
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records
Accurate documentation is vital for fleet compliance. Keeping detailed records of vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and inspections helps ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
Types of records to maintain include:
- Vehicle maintenance logs
- Driver qualification files
- Inspection reports
Note: Use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) is now mandatory in several regions across North America.
Conduct regular inspections and audits
Regular inspections and audits help identify and address compliance issues before they become major problems. Inspections should be scheduled frequently, focusing on key areas such as vehicle condition, driver logs, and hours of service (HOS) compliance.
Establish a compliance culture
Promoting a culture of compliance within the organization is crucial. Leadership plays a vital role in enforcing fleet health compliance standards and encouraging open communication about issues.
The transportation industry is notorious for encouraging drivers to extend driving hours beyond legal allowances, leading to serious fines and even fatal accidents. Ending this type of harmful “normalization” must come from fleet managers and business owners.
Plus, by fostering a culture that prioritizes compliance, businesses can ensure long-term adherence to regulations, better relationships with their drivers and customers, and decrease safety risks.
Stay informed about regulatory changes
Regulations are constantly evolving, making it essential for fleet managers to stay informed about new and updated requirements. Resources for staying informed include industry associations, government websites, and compliance newsletters.
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Foster sustainable fleet compliance practices with CDWare Technologies
Maintaining fleet compliance is a continuous process that requires dedication and vigilance. By implementing a program built on best practices, fleet compliance managers can ensure their operations remain safe, efficient, and compliant with all relevant regulations.
At CDWare Technologies, our fleet management software provides fleets with the tools and resources they need to develop compliance strategies that keep their compliance risks low and their productivity levels high.
Contact us to learn how CDWare Technologies can help your fleet maintain compliance vigilance.
