What Truck Drivers Need to Know About DOT Compliance Changes in 2022

After two years of changes and adjustments, the trucking industry is looking ahead to what’s to come in the year 2022 and beyond. Trucking companies, employers, and drivers have seen the industry hit from multiple directions: effects of the pandemic, high turnover of drivers, mandates, changes in regulation, and added pressures from supply chain backlogs, high gas prices, and inflation. All of these have affected various aspects of the trucking sphere and had their ripple effects on the markets and consumers. 

If you’re looking to keep your truckers and trucking company in compliance with changing DOT regulations, give Border Trucking Compliance a call and speak to a representative. 

How the Pandemic Affected the Trucking Industry 

It’s no secret that covid hit every industry from multiple directions. The trucking industry was not spared by the worldwide pandemic and, as many people saw, truckers are an essential component of the national and international supply chain that carries goods from point A to point B. Supply chains were greatly affected as disruptions caused by covid began to spread through the entire transportation industry. 

DOT Compliance in 2022: What You Need to Know

#1 Supply Chain Disruptions

The disruptions in the industry began with the lockdowns, which had several companies shutting down, pausing services, or working under limited hours due to staffing shortages. As infections increased, truckers and other support staff had to remain off work for the recommended 14 days, which caused shortages not only in drivers, but in administrative staff, and other support staff. 

This, in turn, affected the efficiency of U.S. docks receiving shipments, which led to packed ships waiting at the docks to be unloaded. Without the unloading capacity, the containers would take longer to process, and the goods inside those containers would take longer to reach their destination. At the same time, the lagging in unloading times affected shipping contain availability that increased the delay for shipments of other goods.  

#2 Increase Demand 

As lockdowns continued, the demand for direct shipping skyrocketed because people were relying on delivery services instead of buying goods through brick-and-mortar shops. This surge in demand put pressure on companies to hire and train qualified personnel to transfer the goods, but thanks to closures and limited hours, it was difficult to do so on a fast basis. 

#3 Gas Prices and High Inflation 

As Americans see gas prices rise, they have started to shift their consumer habits. Yet, while many people have diminished their driving, they have increased their demand for shipped goods, which in turn increases the need for trucking services and transportation. As truckers drive more, their need to fill up at the pump is increased and their expenditures on gas do as well. 

Changes in Trucking Compliance and Regulations for 2022 

Some of the challenges that truck drivers and companies will face in 2022 will deal with compliance and other regulatory restrictions. Companies have to contend with: 

• Limited drivers
• Decreases in volume and available trucks
• Changing regulations

Some of the most significant changes for drivers might include:

#1 Driving Requirements 

In order to be Department of Transportation (USDOT) compliant the applicant must have a CDL driver’s license. New drivers must complete Basic Operator Certification (BOC), which is 80 hours of sponsored classroom insurance. Regulations about how to break up these hours dictate that they cannot be taken in longer than 8-hour increments. New drivers should also complete certifications and specialized training such as  DOT SWD (Supplements for Windswept Debris). A drug test and background check are also required. There are also physical requirements that ensure drivers are in good health to operate large vehicles. 

#2 Changing Truck Requirements

With new legislation come new government requirements on trucks and drivers. Some of the new regulations in the works include automatic emergency braking added to new trucks, more stringent inspections for reading underride guards, and new rules for an apprenticeship Pilot Program. 

#3 New Entry Requirements

As part of the new requirements for drivers is the FMCA’s enhanced training regulations that were set to begin in 2020. Applicants that want to apply for a Class A or Class B driver’s license need to complete 31 courses and 19 skills that form the comprehensive training program. 

#4 Changes Under Discussion 

Other regulations include changes still under discussion. These are possible restrictions that include mandatory speed limiters for most commercial vehicles, added insurance levels for all commercial drivers or motor carriers, and new screenings for conditions such as sleep apnea that can affect a driver’s ability to do their job. New truck emission standards might also be looming. 

Stay on Top of Regulations with Border Trucking Compliance 

Partner up with a company that understands and follows the changing regulations and DOT requirements. That’s not always an easy task, as changes often happen without much fanfare or announcement. As a way to stay in compliance with DOT permits and regulations, work with trucking professionals like the team at Border Trucking Compliance. 

Want to learn more about how we can help you get to where you need to go? Call Border Trucking Compliance in El Paso today.