DOT Safety

Federal and state regulators have developed a significant and diverse body of motor carrier safety regulations designed to protect the public from the inherent dangers of the transportation industry. Transportation companies need experienced legal advisors to ensure compliance with these regulations. Failure to comply can have disastrous consequences not only to one’s business but, more importantly, to the lives of others. Therefore, it is no surprise that safety compliance issues are the foremost priority for nearly all successful transportation companies.

Since the beginning, Scopelitis has taken pride in its ability to accurately and efficiently advise clients on safety-related matters. The Firm’s growth and dedication to this area allow us to provide the most comprehensive services in the industry. In addition to advising clients on nuanced safety matters at a moment’s notice, we routinely perform mock audits, defend against government enforcement actions, and provide expert advice in civil lawsuits. Common motor carrier safety issues we address include:

  • Hours of service
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Driver training
  • Driver licensing
  • Driver qualification and fitness
  • Equipment standards
  • Vehicle maintenance and inspection
  • Electronic logging device (“ELD”) compliance

Although the transportation industry was largely deregulated during the latter portion of the 20th century, Congress retained states’ ability to establish their own rules related to motor carrier safety. Multiple bodies of regulatory oversight make it difficult to determine which regulations apply to any given shipment and require consideration of a variety of factors, such as the type of transportation being provided, the operating equipment, and whether the transportation is interstate or intrastate in nature. Moreover, it is insufficient to merely comply with the applicable regulations when performing the transportation service. Many safety regulations include strict recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and state auditors review company files to ensure compliance with these requirements. Furthermore, keeping adequate safety compliance records is instrumental to defending against a lawsuit filed by a zealous plaintiff’s attorney pursuing a “nuclear verdict.”

Rather than wait for an officer, auditor, or plaintiff’s attorney to identify a violation, transportation companies should monitor safety practices to identify and correct safety violations on an ongoing basis. Scopelitis is here to help avoid violations when possible and to help when it’s too late, and the violation has occurred. Whether your company has a specific safety-related question, is looking to perform a mock audit, or needs to defend against a government enforcement action, working with Scopelitis means you’ll have the country’s foremost transportation firm on its side.

DOT Safety

Federal and state regulators have developed a significant and diverse body of motor carrier safety regulations designed to protect the public from the inherent dangers of the transportation industry. Transportation companies need experienced legal advisors to ensure compliance with these regulations. Failure to comply can have disastrous consequences not only to one’s business but, more importantly, to the lives of others. Therefore, it is no surprise that safety compliance issues are the foremost priority for nearly all successful transportation companies.

Since the beginning, Scopelitis has taken pride in its ability to accurately and efficiently advise clients on safety-related matters. The Firm’s growth and dedication to this area allow us to provide the most comprehensive services in the industry. In addition to advising clients on nuanced safety matters at a moment’s notice, we routinely perform mock audits, defend against government enforcement actions, and provide expert advice in civil lawsuits. Common motor carrier safety issues we address include:

  • Hours of service
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Driver training
  • Driver licensing
  • Driver qualification and fitness
  • Equipment standards
  • Vehicle maintenance and inspection
  • Electronic logging device (“ELD”) compliance

Although the transportation industry was largely deregulated during the latter portion of the 20th century, Congress retained states’ ability to establish their own rules related to motor carrier safety. Multiple bodies of regulatory oversight make it difficult to determine which regulations apply to any given shipment and require consideration of a variety of factors, such as the type of transportation being provided, the operating equipment, and whether the transportation is interstate or intrastate in nature. Moreover, it is insufficient to merely comply with the applicable regulations when performing the transportation service. Many safety regulations include strict recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and state auditors review company files to ensure compliance with these requirements. Furthermore, keeping adequate safety compliance records is instrumental to defending against a lawsuit filed by a zealous plaintiff’s attorney pursuing a “nuclear verdict.”

Rather than wait for an officer, auditor, or plaintiff’s attorney to identify a violation, transportation companies should monitor safety practices to identify and correct safety violations on an ongoing basis. Scopelitis is here to help avoid violations when possible and to help when it’s too late, and the violation has occurred. Whether your company has a specific safety-related question, is looking to perform a mock audit, or needs to defend against a government enforcement action, working with Scopelitis means you’ll have the country’s foremost transportation firm on its side.

Practice Group Leaders