Running a successful trucking company in the United States involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks and maintaining compliance across various federal agencies. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of these agencies is critical, as each directly impacts different aspects of commercial trucking operations—from driver safety and vehicle standards to environmental compliance and cargo security.
In this post we will clearly outline the major government agencies involved with commercial trucking, detailing their specific roles and responsibilities. This knowledge will help trucking company owners and managers stay informed, avoid costly violations, and operate efficiently within the regulatory environment.
Role:
The FMCSA focuses primarily on improving the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and reducing accidents. It establishes and enforces rules about driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and operational safety standards.
Responsibilities:
FMCSA performs roadside inspections, conducts safety audits, and evaluates trucking companies through its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. It manages driver licensing standards, such as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) qualifications and drug and alcohol testing programs.
FMCSA also administers Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and electronic logging device (ELD) requirements, which help ensure drivers have sufficient rest. Additionally, FMCSA investigates safety violations and can impose fines or shut down unsafe carriers.
Role:
The U.S. Department of Transportation oversees the nation's transportation infrastructure and regulates interstate commerce. It coordinates transportation policy across trucking, rail, air, and maritime to establish national standards. DOT sets broad policy directions that impact trucking operations nationwide.
Responsibilities:
DOT issues unique identification numbers (USDOT numbers) to trucking companies for monitoring safety compliance and performance. It enforces regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials, working closely with specialized agencies under its oversight.
Additionally, the DOT provides funding and support for infrastructure projects that directly impact commercial trucking operations, including road maintenance and improvement programs.
Role:
NHTSA establishes and enforces federal safety standards for motor vehicles, including heavy commercial trucks. It conducts extensive research to improve vehicle design and safety technologies to reduce crashes and the severity of injuries from crashes.
Responsibilities:
NHTSA manages vehicle recall programs, ensuring manufacturers correct safety-related defects in commercial trucks and trailers. It investigates complaints related to vehicle safety issues and can mandate corrective actions if necessary. Additionally, NHTSA gathers data on trucking accidents, analyzing trends to inform policy and enhance future regulations to improve safety across the industry.
Role:
PHMSA regulates the safe transportation of hazardous materials. Its mission is to protect the public, workers, and the environment from risks associated with hazardous material transport, such as chemicals, fuel, radioactive materials, and other dangerous substances.
Responsibilities:
The agency creates detailed guidelines for packaging, labeling, handling, and transporting hazardous cargo. PHMSA mandates training and certification requirements for truck drivers and handlers involved with hazardous materials. It also inspects trucking companies and shipping facilities, enforcing compliance with hazardous materials regulations. In cases of violations, PHMSA can impose substantial fines and corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
Role:
The EPA regulates environmental impacts related to commercial trucking, primarily focusing on vehicle emissions and pollution control. Its goal is to protect air quality and public health by setting and enforcing standards for engine performance, fuel types, and exhaust systems.
Responsibilities:
EPA develops and enforces emission standards for heavy-duty truck engines, working closely with manufacturers to ensure compliance. It monitors the environmental performance of trucking fleets, promotes clean diesel programs, and provides incentives or grants to encourage companies to adopt more eco-friendly vehicles. EPA also conducts regular audits of trucking fleets to verify compliance with emissions requirements, issuing penalties for violations when necessary.
Role:
OSHA's main objective is ensuring safe working conditions, minimizing occupational risks, and preventing injuries or fatalities. OSHA standards apply to drivers, mechanics, loaders, and warehouse personnel in the trucking industry.
Responsibilities:
OSHA develops and enforces workplace safety standards related to loading docks, vehicle maintenance, equipment use, and handling hazardous cargo. It conducts inspections at trucking facilities, investigates workplace accidents, and enforces compliance with safety regulations. OSHA also provides education, outreach, and training resources to help trucking companies and their employees maintain safe work environments and minimize job-related hazards.
Role:
The FHWA manages federal highway programs, infrastructure funding, and maintenance projects. It helps states and local governments maintain safe, efficient highways and infrastructure networks that directly support freight transportation and commerce.
Responsibilities:
FHWA provides federal funding and technical assistance to states and local governments for highway construction, repairs, and enhancements. It establishes standards for road design, signage, weight limits, and truck size regulations to ensure roadways can safely accommodate heavy commercial vehicles. FHWA also supports initiatives focused on congestion mitigation, improving trucking route efficiency, and addressing roadway safety concerns specific to large trucks.
Role:
TSA regulates security protocols within the commercial trucking industry, particularly concerning cargo security and the transportation of hazardous or high-risk goods. It protects critical transportation infrastructure from threats, preventing unauthorized access or malicious activities involving commercial vehicles and cargo.
Responsibilities:
TSA develops security protocols for trucking companies handling sensitive or hazardous materials, including background checks for drivers, cargo screening, and secure transportation practices. It conducts inspections, audits, and spot-checks to ensure trucking companies adhere to required security measures. Additionally, TSA manages specialized programs such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), enhancing security measures at ports and other critical trucking infrastructure.
Role:
CBP manages international trade and border security, overseeing the entry and exit of commercial cargo transported by trucks crossing U.S. borders. The agency protects against illegal imports and facilitates legitimate commerce by streamlining customs processes.
Responsibilities:
CBP conducts cargo inspections at border crossings, verifies shipping documentation, and enforces tariffs, duties, and trade regulations. It employs advanced screening technologies to detect contraband or unsafe materials entering or leaving the country. CBP also facilitates programs like FAST (Free and Secure Trade), which expedite border crossings for trusted trucking companies that meet strict compliance criteria.
Role:
The IRS oversees tax compliance for the trucking industry, including the assessment and collection of various taxes specific to commercial vehicles and operations. Its function ensures fair taxation and proper funding for infrastructure and related federal initiatives supported by trucking-related taxes.
Responsibilities:
The IRS administers the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT), fuel excise taxes, and other federal taxes applicable to trucking companies and owner-operators. It ensures accurate reporting and collection of these taxes through audits and compliance checks. The IRS provides guidance on tax compliance for trucking businesses and can levy penalties against companies or drivers that fail to pay required taxes.