Q: What is the Motor Carrier Safety Measurement System (SMS)?

A: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) SMS is an automated system that quantifies the on-road safety performance of motor carriers so that FMCSA can identify unsafe carriers, prioritize them for intervention, and monitor if a motor carrier's safety and compliance problem is improving.

The SMS is not a Safety Fitness Determination nor is it a safety rating pursuant to 49 CFR Part 385; also, it does not represent FMCSA's final determination about the safety of the carrier. Use of the SMS for purposes other than those identified above may produce unintended results and inaccurate conclusions.

FMCSA highly recommends that all motor carriers periodically review the SMS and, when necessary, initiate a Request for Data Review through DataQs, an electronic data correcting system. 

For more information please visit FMCSA.com

FMCSA administrator to speak at upcoming conference

Anne Ferro, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA), will make a presentation at the upcoming Descartes Systems Group “Evolution 2013” Global User & Partner Conference in Miami, Florida, November 12-14, 2013.

Ferro’s keynote presentation will provide insight into the administration's strategic plan and key programs in support of its mission, including the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). MAP-21 includes important provisions intended to improve safety that affect commercial motor vehicle operators, brokers and forwarders.

Evolution 2013 is for Descartes customers and partners from around the world to get together and network, share perspectives, gain insight on technology and industry trends, provide input on product development plans, and learn more about how to improve their logistics operations.

To register for the event, which will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel Miami, visithttp://www.descartes.com/usergroup or contact usergroup@descartes.com.

Broker and Freight Forwarder Bond Law begins October 1

The FMCSA will be implementing a new broker law beginning Oct. 1 and it will affect anyone acting as a broker or a freight forwarder, including motor carriers who broker loads. The law states that they are required to register and obtain broker or freight forwarder authority from FMCSA. Included in the list of provisions is the bond increase from $10,000 to $75,000 for brokers and freight forwarders. Furthermore, "brokers and freight forwarders will also now be subject to a minimum $75,000 financial security requirement."

Read the whole storey: Fleet Owner