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Snowplows and vehicles navigate a snow-covered road, battling heavy snowfall. Signs for "Tim Hortons" and "Old Town Plaza" are visible amidst the low visibility, illustrating challenging transport conditions.

February 3, 2020

Winter Weather and the Trucking Industry

Every winter, drivers encounter major problems with road conditions. Severe weather occurrences like heavy heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds are estimated to cause an average of 23% of all trucking delays in the United States.

Delays like this can cost the trucking industry almost $3.5 billion annually. Even though these issues can cost trucking companies more than $100 million daily, the impact it has on the U.S. consumer market is even greater.

Even if truck drivers can safely drive on roadways, they can still encounter unexpected situations that hurt the trucking and transportation industry. When a winter storm hit portions of South Dakota in October 2014, power was lost to over 22,000 homes and businesses.

These widespread power outages caused many businesses that relied on daily shipments, such as restaurants and grocery stores, to close unexpectedly.

Roads were maintained in such a way that some shipments were able to get through, only to find the businesses closed because the shipping company was not notified in enough time to cancel the shipment or re-route it to another location, causing lost profits and time for the trucking companies and their drivers.

Extreme cold can also impact delivery schedules. In late January 2018, when the polar vortex descended into the northern Plains and upper Midwest, many delivery companies, including USPS and FedEx Freight opted to suspend service in up to 11 states, primarily for the safety of employees.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every year the trucking industry loses 32.6 billion vehicle hours to weather-related incidents. Lessening these delays is key to maximizing profit and meeting the public’s needs.

When major weather events occur, transportation companies rely on a variety of tools and weather insights to ensure that their resources are being utilized in the safest and most efficient method possible.

This ensures that they keep their drivers, vehicles and other people on the roads safe.  The U.S. Department of Transportation also mandates that all U.S. trucking companies are required to maintain several different levels of DOT compliance to ensure that the truck drivers on the roads are the safest and most certified. 

This includes different registrations like the Unified Carrier Registration, a Biennial Update, and each driver also has to be part of a Drug & Alcohol Consortium for random testing purposes.

FAQ

Who Needs a USDOT Number?

Businesses that run commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds—whether carrying passengers or moving freight—are required to register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number. This number serves as a unique identifier that allows federal regulators to track and review a company’s safety records.

How Much Does a USDOT Number Cost?

Acquiring a USDOT number is free when processing with the FMCSA. For a hassle-free process with one-on-one assistance, visit: https://dotcompliancegroup.com/usdot-number-application-form/ or call 972-232-2218.

What Documents and Information Are Required?

To obtain a USDOT number, you will need to provide your business and operational details and identification. This includes legal business name, physical and mailing address, contact information, EIN number and/or SSN, type of business, cargo/cargo type, and operating authority.

How Long Does It Take to Get a USDOT Number?

Applying for a DOT Number can be done as fast as a few minutes. To obtain your DOT number today, visit: https://dotcompliancegroup.com/usdot-number-application-form/ or call 972-232-2218.

What if I renewed my UCR with DOT Compliance Group last year?

If you renewed with us last year, please check your Customer portal. If auto-renewal is still active, your UCR will automatically renew. If you have turned off auto-renewal, you’ll need to submit your renewal here on this page.

If I Pre-Register for 2026 UCR, when will I be charged the total amount?

The total amount will be charged on October 1, 2026 for the 2026 year.

I am an Ag Exempt Farmer. Am I exempt from registering for UCR?

No, if you cross over state lines you are required to register for UCR. Your Ag exemption does not apply to UCR.

If I am an Amazon or Postal Service Contractor do I have to register for UCR?

Yes. Even though you do not cross state lines, your parcels do. That makes you an Interstate carrier and you would be required to register at the 0-2 fleet size.

Who is Exempt from UCR?

Private Motor Carriers of Passengers and All Motor Carriers operating solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers.

What states do not currently participate in UCR?

Currently Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, & the District of Columbia are non-participating states. (This information is current as of 6-16-2023. For the most up-to-date information check the FMCSA website.)

If my base state is a non-participating state that means UCR does not apply to me, correct?

No, if you operate as an interstate carrier and cross into a state that does participate, then you are required to register with UCR.

Who must comply with DOT regulations?

Any business operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) with a USDOT number is required to comply with DOT regulations. This requirement applies to motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and companies operating under a hazardous materials permit.

What documents are required for a DOT audit?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

How can companies avoid common DOT violations?

Companies can avoid common DOT violations by maintaining accurate records, including driver logs, vehicle inspections, and required documents. Regular vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections help prevent safety-related violations. Proper training ensures drivers follow Hours-Of-Service rules, secure cargo correctly, and meet CDL and medical requirements. Using technology like ELDs and fleet management software can streamline compliance and reduce the risk of penalties.

What happens during a DOT compliance review?

During a DOT compliance review, or audit, officers review both the vehicle and the driver to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. They check registration, insurance, inspection reports, and inspect safety equipment and vehicle systems for proper operation. Drivers’ licenses, medical cards, hours-of-service records, and logbooks or ELDs are also examined. The inspection helps identify violations and ensure safety on the road.

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