The safety monitoring program currently being used by the CAS, is found to have a flaw, this discovered by a new department called the GAO or Government Accountability Office. The GAO made the discovery that the safety monitoring system doesn’t hold enough data to make judgements on which moving business possesses the higher risk. They have too little performance data on the individual companies; often these are the smaller companies, but make up a larger proportion of the moving business.

Understanding the rules for your drivers and giving that information direct to your fleet drivers is vital in the moving business. Making sure that all your drivers know the regulations they need to adhere to on the roads is important if you are looking after the safety of your team of employees.

This conference was hailed a success, there were presentations from a number of different organizations including the FMCSA, the California Moving & Storage Association and American Transportation Research Institute. This three day event was well attended by those in the moving industry, who were keen to learn of new developments, in a variety of different topics. These topics included the most up to date technology devices available in the removal business.

The well-known “Hours of Service” rule that is presently in effect for any long haul driver is currently undergoing some interesting changes that will play an important role in regards to the moving industry.

It is well-known in the moving industry just how tight the federal and state regulations are placed in terms of business. Both for the protection of the van lines themselves, as well as for the trusting customers whom are served. Yet even still van line agencies find themselves being the direct target for lawsuits based under state consumer fraud statutes. This is an important read for all involved in the moving industry; as we will be discussing several federal laws and regulations that may just prevent and protect your moving company from a consumer fraud lawsuit.

As part of the Bus and Truck Regulation enacted in 2012 in California, moving fleets must meet certain regulations depending of the size and year of their vehicles. In the final part of this series we will be discussing credits and exemptions, as well as additional requirements for the latest change.