Trucking and transportation, much like other industries in our society, is regulated by government at the local, state, and federal levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or the FMCSA, is one government agency that trucking / transportation companies may be the most familiar with. The FMCSA is an agency within the Department of Transportation, and it was established on January 1st, 2000. The FMCSA has over one-thousand employees in all fifty states, and is led by a Deputy Administrator who is appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate. Per the agency’s website, the primary mission of the … Continue reading

It’s that magical time of year again – Winter! This is the time of year when snow, ice, and the elements make our travel a little more precarious than it already is. Driving in the winter time, especially over long distances to visit family and friends, can seem like a daunting task. However, there are steps / precautions you can take to help assist your travel being as stress free / safe as possible. Be sure your vehicle is winter road ready. It is a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a licensed and insured mechanic to ensure … Continue reading

Your business has been approached by a local contractor with an opportunity to transport the contractor’s equipment from job site to job site for the next year. The opportunity is a great one. It will ensure that you will have a positive cash flow, and work for your employees, for at least the next year without any interruptions. You are reviewing the contract requirements, including the necessary insurance requirements, and you come across an insurance coverage you have never heard of; motor truck cargo insurance.  You wonder to yourself, what is motor truck cargo insurance, and do I have that … Continue reading

It is slowly becoming that time of year, the sun is setting a little sooner, and not rising as early. Kids are going back to school, and the air is feeling a little crisper when we start our days. Even though most of us are sad to see summer come and go, we can still enjoy fall in the beautiful Upper Peninsula! Along with enjoying all of the awesome activities that fall has to offer, this is also a perfect time to prepare your home or business for the upcoming winter. Some good ideas for readying your home / business … Continue reading

Wildfires. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Flash Floods. These severe weather/climate events have become all too familiar in today’s day and age. Weather events are increasing in size and severity and, unfortunately, more and more people are experiencing them. Beyond asking ourselves why these events are happening, we can have disaster preparedness for ourselves and our families by following some simple tips and suggestions from www.ready.gov: Put together a plan in case of an emergency. Discuss what your family should do in the event of a natural disaster. Who should contact whom? Where should everyone meet in case they are not together, or … Continue reading

Motor carrier companies have many tools at their disposal in screening driver applicants. Motor carriers mostly run MVRs (Motor Vehicle Record) checks on potential applicants as part of their hiring process. However, there is another report that motor carriers run on applicants that is not as well-known as the MVRs. It is called the Pre-Employment Screen Program Report, or PSP. The PSP, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is a federally maintained program that allows motor carriers, drivers, and other industry service providers to access commercial drivers’ safety records. You may be thinking wouldn’t a drivers MVR show … Continue reading

As part number two of our blogs about commercial driver’s license we will now discuss the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL in the State of Michigan. In the State of Michigan when applying for a commercial driver’s license, an applicant must provide the following information, according to www.michigan.gov : Social Security Number Legal proof of residence in the United States If applying for a hazardous material endorsement (A Class C CDL) you must complete a Federal Security Threat Assessment and a U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Form A complete application from your potential employer, which should include a … Continue reading

Navigating the many rules and regulations of the trucking industry can be tricky. Not only do motor trucking companies have strict rules and regulations to follow, but those wanting to work as operators (i.e. drivers) have requirements set specifically for them! The biggest requirement for potential truck drivers is the possession and maintenance of a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. A commercial driver’s license is a special license that must be obtained by an applicant in order to operate certain types of vehicles. The commercial driver’s license requirements can be broken down into three classes, according to the Federal Motor … Continue reading

One of the many facts of driving on the highway is you will most likely share the road with a semi-truck at some time in your travels. Trucking is an integral part of our country’s economy, transporting over 14,457 million tons of cargo in 2013 according to Forbes.com! In order to operate as a trucking company, there are many requirements you must be in compliance with. One particular filing that is often confusing and misunderstood is the MCS-90 form. The MCS-90 form, according to DMV.org, is an automobile endorsement that is added to an existing automobile policy which guarantees that … Continue reading

“I am starting a new job today!” This is a phrase some of us may be more familiar with than others, yet still one that has huge meaning for all involved. Starting a new position at a new company presents unique challenges and opportunities that can be nerve-wracking and exciting all at once. As one of the newest employees at VAST I had every single emotional feeling in the world you could think of leading up to my first day here, most notably nervousness. I was leaving a position and a place in which I had become familiar and comfortable … Continue reading