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NewsDriver qualificationsTransportationMonthly Roundup VideoBusiness planning - Motor CarrierUSAEnglishBusiness planning - Motor CarrierIndustry NewsFleet SafetyDrivers qualification (DQ file)Business policies and procedures - Motor CarrierOperating AuthorityFleet OperationsFocus AreaVideo
Transportation Monthly Round Up - April 2026
In this April 2026 round up video, we'll review the most impactful transportation and safety news.
In this April 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA update on Motus and an update to the Medical Examiner's Certification Integration final rule.
After years of development, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is moving motor carrier registration into Motus, its new USDOT Registration System. During the last week of April, FMCSA mailed about 2.2 million letters to USDOT number owners to flag the change and to urge companies to take preparatory steps now.
The message is simple. Motus is coming in 2026, and the smoothest transition will belong to registrants who clean up their Portal access and company record before the switch happens.
FMCSA has asked companies to complete these Portal steps by May 14, 2026.
- Ensure the FMCSA Portal account is active, since inactive accounts can be disabled after prolonged non-use.
- Confirm the correct Portal Company Official is listed. FMCSA has indicated that this role, using the same Login.gov email, will be required to claim the company account in Motus.
- Review and update company information through the Portal by submitting a biennial update, so Motus can populate the new account with accurate data.
The FMCSA announced a temporary exemption allowing interstate commercial driver’s license and permit holders to continue relying on a paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 60 days after the date the certificate was issued.
The purpose of the exemption to make sure drivers aren't penalized for delays outside of their control, since five states still have yet to implement the Medical Examiner's Certification Integration final rule. This exemption went into effect April 11, 2026 and will continue until October 11, 2026.
The only state that isn’t expected to comply with the exemption date is Alaska.
That’s it for this month’s round up. Stay safe, and thanks for watching.
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RECENT INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
NewsVideoTransportationDangerous Goods Markings, Placards, and LabelsDangerous Goods Markings, Placards, and LabelsUSAEnglishEnforcement - DOTCMV InspectionsIndustry NewsFleet SafetyFines and penalties - Motor CarrierDaily vehicle inspectionsFleet OperationsFocus AreaMonthly Roundup Video
Transportation Monthly Round Up - March 2026
In this March 2026 round up video, we'll review the most impactful transportation and safety news.
In this March 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA security update, the CVSA International Roadcheck 2026, and PHMSA’s HM 215R proposal.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has warned the public not to sell, purchase, or lease a USDOT Number or Operating Authority outside of a valid corporate transaction.
When the agency discovers non-legitimate attempts to sell, purchase, or lease such numbers, it will take action to inactivate and revoke both the number and all related registrations. This includes the required safety registrations and any required operating authority.
Ultimately, failing to follow the rules and lease, purchase, or sell a USDOT or MC Number outside of a legitimate and valid corporate transaction will lead to inactivation of the Number and all related registrations. Make sure all your transactions are lawful and authorized to avoid consequences.
International Roadcheck 2026 is right around the corner, taking place in early May this year. This annual 3-day vehicle inspection event is designed to educate and spread awareness about motor vehicle safety. Roadcheck is scheduled for May 12-14, 2026, so make sure your team and operations are ready.
Inspectors will perform as many Level I inspections as possible. This is a complete inspection of the driver and vehicle. Unsuccessful inspections could result in a vehicle or driver being placed out of service until the violation is resolved.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued its proposed HM 215R rule to update the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and better align them with current international dangerous goods standards. Published on February 10, 2026, the proposal is open for public comment through April 13, 2026.
The rule is part of PHMSA’s ongoing effort to harmonize U.S. hazmat requirements with international regulations. The proposal includes a wide range of changes affecting hazard classification, proper shipping names, packaging, and modal requirements. Among the more significant updates are revisions to the Hazardous Materials Table, including the addition of new entries, removal of outdated listings, and updates to hazard classes and packing groups.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposal and submit comments through the Department of Transportation’s docket system before the comment period closes.
That’s it for this month’s round up. Stay safe, and thanks for watching
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2026-06-01T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsFleet SafetyDriver qualificationsDrivers qualification (DQ file)Driver qualification and hiringFocus AreaIn-Depth ArticleEnglishTransportationUSA
Driver qualification FAQs: Avoiding common compliance pitfalls
Managing driver qualification (DQ) files is a critical part of any motor carrier’s compliance program. While most trucking professionals understand the core requirements of maintaining DQ files, there are other safety aspects that come into play. Applying DQ file rules inconsistently in day-to-day operations can raise questions and open the door for an audit. When real-world situations don’t fit neatly into the regulations, carriers increase risk exposure.
Across the transport industry, a few questions consistently rise to the top. Here are some of the most common carrier questions, along with practical answers.
What is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?
The definition of a CMV comes straight from 49 CFR 390.5. At a high level, a CMV is a vehicle used in interstate commerce that:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater;
- Transports passengers above specific thresholds; or
- Requires placarding for hazardous materials.
Motor carriers often run into trouble with the weight threshold, especially when trailers are involved.
For example, a pickup with a GVWR – and actual weight – of 7,500 pounds isn’t a CMV on its own. But if a driver attaches a trailer with a GVWR of 3,000 pounds, the combined weight rating exceeds 10,001 pounds. At that point, the vehicle meets the CMV definition, and a driver becomes subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
What if a commercial driver only operates in intrastate transport?
Intrastate transportation requirements are set at the state level. Definitions of a CMV can vary, adding to the complexity. Some states follow the 10,001-pound federal threshold, while others align more closely with the 26,001-pound commercial driver’s license (CDL) standard — or fall somewhere in between.
Because of that, there’s no one-size-sits-all answer.
From a practical standpoint, many carriers adopt a consistent approach and qualify all drivers at the 10,001-pound threshold. That approach creates uniformity and helps prevent compliance gaps as operations evolve or expand across state lines.
What if a CDL driver’s medical card doesn’t appear on the motor vehicle record (MVR)?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration currently allows CDL drivers to carry a medical certificate for up to 60 days via an exemption issued through October 11, 2026. Carriers should still verify that certification appears on the MVR promptly.
In most cases, it shows up within a few days. If it doesn’t appear within about 5 days, motor carriers should:
- Check with the medical examiner for validation errors (often caused by mismatched driver data);
- If necessary, have the examiner resubmit the results to the National Registry; or
- Contact the state licensing agency to locate the record. When calling the state, carriers should ask to speak with someone in the CDL department directly.
Most issues should be resolved when taking these steps.
Must a carrier give a CDL driver a road test?
Not always. A valid CDL can be accepted in place of a road test.
However, if the driver will operate equipment requiring a tanker, double, or triple endorsement, a road test will be required.
Even when not mandated, many carriers conduct road tests as a risk-management practice. It’s one of the few opportunities to confirm a driver can safely operate the specific equipment they’ll be assigned.
Must a driver be re-examined after an injury or illness?
Under 49 CFR 391.45(b), if a driver’s ability to perform normal duties is impaired by a medical condition, they must be re-evaluated and medically certified before returning to duty.
This includes conditions like heart attacks, seizures, or anything else that could affect safe operation.
If a carrier is aware of a potential issue, they have an obligation to act. Allowing a driver to continue operating without re-evaluation creates significant risk exposure.
Key to remember: Consistency in how you apply DQ requirements day to day is what ultimately keeps your program compliant and your risk in check.
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2026-06-01T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsAir ProgramsAir EmissionsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)CAA ComplianceEnvironmentalAir PermittingFocus AreaEnglishAir ProgramsStationary Emission SourcesUSA
EPA restores emergency-related affirmative defense provisions for Title V operating permits
In response to a court mandate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rescinded a 2023 final rule that removed emergency-related affirmative defense provisions from the Title V operating permit regulations (the 2023 Affirmative Defense Rule) under the Clean Air Act.
The final rule (published on June 1, 2026) reinstates the emergency-related affirmative defense provisions for state and federal Title V operating permit programs (at 40 CFR 70.6(g) and 71.6(g), respectively).
Who’s impacted?
EPA’s final rule affects stationary sources subject to Title V operating permit requirements.
What does this mean?
The emergency-related affirmative defense provisions establish a framework for regulated facilities to assert an affirmative defense in enforcement proceedings for violations of technology-based emission limits caused by sudden, unavoidable emergencies, provided certain conditions are met.
To rely on the emergency-related affirmative defense, stationary sources must demonstrate that:
- A qualifying emergency occurred,
- The facility was being properly operated,
- The facility took all reasonable actions to limit excess emissions, and
- The facility properly notified the permitting authority.
EPA’s demonstration requirements are listed at 70.6(g)(3)/71.6(g)(3).
What affirmative defense covers
An “emergency,” as defined by 70.6(g)(1)/71.6(g)(1), generally refers to a sudden, unforeseeable event beyond the facility’s control that causes noncompliance with technology-based emission limits established in its Title V operating permit.
What affirmative defense doesn’t cover
The provisions don’t apply to noncompliance due to:
- Improperly designed equipment,
- Lack of preventive maintenance,
- Careless or improper operation, or
- Operator error.
Key to remember: EPA has restored the emergency-related affirmative defense provisions for Title V operating permits, allowing stationary sources to assert a regulatory affirmative defense for certain emission violations caused by events beyond the facility’s control.
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2026-05-29T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsSustainabilityIn-Depth ArticleSustainabilityWaste MinimizationEnvironmentalEnglishSustainabilityFocus AreaUSA
Water reuse: Put your facility’s wastewater to work
Did you know that one entity’s wastewater may be another organization’s treasure? Through water reuse, businesses reclaim municipal and industrial stormwater and wastewater, treat it to make it safe, and repurpose it for beneficial uses.
Reusing water can help companies lower costs, secure a more reliable water supply, and reduce environmental impact. While water reuse is usually voluntary, it must align with federal discharge requirements and state reuse regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) 2.0, an initiative that seeks to advance water reuse in the industrial, technology, and energy sectors. Published in May 2026, Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0: Multiplying Water Benefits, Maximizing American Prosperity provides a comprehensive overview of WRAP 2.0, including specific case studies of how entities have improved operational efficiency by reusing water.
Let’s look at three of these successful water reuse examples and consider factors to help you determine whether water reuse can benefit your business.
Real-world examples of water reuse
Water reuse has been successfully integrated into operations across a range of industries by all types of businesses (from local car washes to national food production companies).
Automobile manufacturing
Painting uses more water than other processes in automobile manufacturing. One major vehicle manufacturer has addressed this through water reuse. At one of its Kentucky assembly plants, the manufacturer started reusing treated wastewater in the paint pretreatment process.
As a result, the assembly plant sends less wastewater to the publicly owned treatment works, uses less freshwater in the manufacturing process, and achieves cost savings by purchasing less water. For instance, during the first year of implementation, the water reuse initiative saved the plant about $50,000.
Stadium operations
A large stadium in Georgia contains a stormwater management system, including a cistern that catches rainwater runoff from the stadium’s roof and plaza structure. The stadium uses this rainwater runoff for exterior landscape irrigation and for make-up water for its cooling towers.
Additionally, nearly all of the plumbing fixtures installed in the stadium are low-flow fixtures, using less water than traditional fixtures.
Similar to the automobile manufacturer, reusing water means that the stadium purchases less water. The stadium’s water reuse efforts have also helped the facility secure a reputation for sustainability.
Refinery processing
A major refinery in California partners with the municipal utility district to reuse recycled water for its boilers.
Boilers require high-purity water, so the utility treats the recycled water with specific technologies (including reverse osmosis) to meet the quality standards. The utility treats the wastewater on-site, supplying the refinery with the recycled water. The refinery then uses the water in its boilers to generate steam needed to manufacture gasoline, diesel, and other products.
By reusing water, the refinery greatly reduces the amount of freshwater it uses (and therefore, reduces the cost of purchasing water). It also allows the refinery to continue operations during drought restrictions, making it more resilient to weather-related changes.
How’s water reuse regulated?
Water reuse is generally voluntary; however, it operates within existing regulatory frameworks that govern wastewater discharges and water quality.
Most states regulate water reuse, although some programs may be implemented at the local level. In California, for instance, the Regional Water Quality Control Boards issue water reuse permits in their respective covered areas, whereas the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (a state agency) regulates water reuse projects.
Tip: Use EPA’s REUSExplorer tool to find water reuse guidelines or regulations for your facility’s state.
Can water reuse benefit your business?
Each company must evaluate its operational processes to determine whether water reuse can help improve efficiency. Use these tips as a starting point:
- First, assess existing processes to determine whether and how water can be reused.
- Estimate the costs of implementing water reuse projects, such as installing or upgrading the facility’s equipment or infrastructure.
- Compare the potential benefits to the associated costs of reusing water. Consider both the short-term and long-term effects.
- Confirm the compliance requirements for water reuse with the proper regulatory authority (generally, the state environmental agency).
Water reuse may offer your business the opportunity to put its wastewater to work.
Key to remember: Water reuse implemented in compliance with applicable regulations can help facilities improve operational efficiency, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact.
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2026-05-29T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsSafety & HealthGeneral Industry SafetyExpert InsightsFire Protection and PreventionEnglishFire Protection and PreventionFocus AreaUSA
Expert Insights: Safety often born of tragedy
The more I understand OSHA’s regulations and answer questions from safety professionals, the more I keep an eye out for safety wherever I go, whether it’s being alert to where the exits are or whether workers are using personal protective equipment while on a roof in my neighborhood.
Working in the safety field also has meant becoming familiar with tragic events like the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, in which 146 workers died. More recently, during a walk along Boston’s historic Freedom Trail and surrounding areas, I discovered the Boston Fire Museum and a tragedy I hadn’t heard of.
While exploring the fire trucks and memorabilia, a wall display caught my eye. Intrigued by a newspaper headline — “400 Dead in Hub Night Club Fire” — I read on and learned something new.
Just after Thanksgiving in 1942, nearly 500 people died when a fire broke out in the basement bar of the Cocoanut Grove supper club. It’s believed the fire ignited when a busboy lit a match to better see while fixing a lightbulb near an artificial palm tree.
Within minutes, decorations and furnishings caught fire, sending a fireball of flame and toxic gases racing toward the only exit — a four-foot-wide staircase leading to the first floor, which housed restrooms, coatrooms, and the main entrance. As people tried to escape, the revolving door jammed with panicked patrons.
Later, investigators determined that several alternative exits had been blocked or locked, the building was overcrowded, and flammable building materials and highly combustible decorations contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. A lack of sprinklers and smoke detectors also increased the scale of devastation.
The fire triggered significant reforms that continue to drive compliance, including:
- Exit design and egress requirements,
- Exit visibility and emergency lighting,
- Control of flammable materials such as interior decorations,
- Occupancy limits and enforcement,
- Fire protection systems, and
- Creation of fire safety oversight and codes.
Many safety laws and regulations exist today because of real tragedies, some predating OSHA by decades. The Cocoanut Grove fire is just one example.
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.