Construction Fleet Management: Reducing Compliance and Safety Gaps
When most people think of construction safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the first agency that comes to mind, and for good reason. However, OSHA isn’t the only regulatory body construction companies need to worry about.
If your team operates commercial vehicles, whether pickup trucks hauling materials, flatbeds delivering equipment, or dump trucks crossing state lines, you’re also subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Understanding how these agencies impact your operations is essential for effective construction fleet management.
Let’s dig into what construction companies need to know and how to avoid compliance and safety gaps.
Two Agencies, One Goal: Safety
On the job site, safety is ruled by OSHA. But the moment your crew gets behind the wheel of a work truck, they’re under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each agency enforces different rules, and construction companies need to juggle both.
- OSHA regulates the use of forklifts, cranes, and loading practices on the worksite.
- DOT/FMCSA oversees vehicle inspections, driver licensing, hours of service, and drug/alcohol testing for commercial drivers, etc.
When Do DOT Regulations Apply to Construction Companies?
USDOT Number
Understanding when DOT rules kick in is key to strong construction fleet management. If your company operates vehicles with a GVWR over 10,001 lbs, travels across state lines, or operates in states that require a USDOT number, you’re subject to DOT oversight, and you are required to:
- Register for a USDOT number
- Display that number on the vehicle
- Follow DOT regulations for driver qualification, vehicle inspections, hours of service, and more.
Every time one of your vehicles is involved in a roadside inspection, violation, or crash, the results are recorded under your company’s USDOT number.
CDL Requirements
You’ll also need to ensure drivers carry a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if they:
- Operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or
- Drive any vehicle transporting hazardous materials
Holding the proper CDL is just one part of the equation; construction companies must also ensure their drivers are fully qualified and safe to operate. That means keeping up with more than just the license itself. Drivers must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, be enrolled in a drug and alcohol testing program, get their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checked, and more.
In 2023, the FMCSA barred a commercial driver from operating in interstate commerce after repeated violations, including driving without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), violating hours-of-service rules, and ignoring out-of-service orders.
Delays, Fines, and Downtime: The True Cost of Construction Fleet Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations can expose construction companies to serious financial and legal consequences. A single violation, for example, allowing a driver to operate without a valid CDL, can result in a $34,712 fine. In the event of an accident involving an unqualified driver, the costs can escalate quickly, including legal action, insurance premium increases, and liability claims.
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Beyond the financial hit, non-compliance can disrupt operations when drivers are disqualified , or vehicles are pulled from service, leading to missed deliveries, delayed timelines, and strained client relationships.
Strengthening Your Construction Fleet Management Strategy
Reducing downtime and avoiding costly violations starts with visibility and consistency. Construction companies can’t afford to take a reactive approach to fleet compliance, and it has to be built into daily operations.
Here’s how to strengthen your compliance framework:
- Automate license and medical card checks to catch expirations or suspensions before they become violations.
- Centralize Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) so records are complete, accurate, and easy to access during audits.
- Train foremen, dispatchers, and project managers on DOT thresholds, weight limits, and CDL requirements.
- Review CSA scores and MVR violation trends regularly to spot risk early and take corrective action.
DOT compliance isn’t optional; it’s critical to keeping your construction operations safe, efficient, and protected from costly setbacks.
Embark Safety helps simplify construction fleet management with tools designed to give you real-time visibility into driver status, compliance gaps, and safety trends. Learn more about how our solutions can support your team. Explore MVR Monitoring, DQF Manager, PSP and CDLIS Reports, and Online Fleet Training.
*We are not lawyers. Consult with your legal counsel to ensure your processes and procedures meet/ or exceed safety standards and compliance regulations. Please read our legal disclaimer.
