Are you risking thousands of dollars in taxes and penalties by not classifying your CDL drivers correctly? Federal and state regulators are actively looking for “independent contractors” that are not really independent and should be classified as employees.

Refer to IRS Guidance and Department of Labor enforcement initiatives.

At TransForce, 100% of our drivers are our employees.  We pay the payroll taxes, we provide the workers compensation coverage and we handle the headaches of administering the health and retirement plans. If you need qualified CDL drivers, but don’t want to deal with the administrative hassles, call TransForce today.

Since its inception in 1988, the roadside inspections conducted during Roadcheck have numbered over 1 Million, resulting in more than 220 lives saved and 4,045 injuries avoided. It has also provided for the distribution of countless pieces of educational literature and safety events to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program: www.cvsa.org

TransForce Inc., is an active member of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and continues to maintain a commitment to safety and compliance.

Visit FMCSA’s website for more info: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos/index.htm

Over the past few years, major manufactures of GPS units have begun producing GPS units that are designed for the trucking industry. These units contain “truck routing” which is essential when sitting behind the wheel of a big-rig. Many of these units also contain useful tools for drivers such as breakdown assistance, fuel locations, truck stops, and also weather alerts such as areas that experience high winds.

FMCSA has provided guidance on GPS units when driving commercial motor vehicles. Remember, we are professional drivers and as such we should use such units in a professional manner. Don’t let it become a “distractive driving” habit, and above all else, use common sense to avoid bad situations which were a result of GPS instructions.

For more information, visit FMCSA’s page on GPS units: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/outreach/education/gps-visor-card.aspx

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

According to these regulations, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers are prohibited from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating their vehicles. Violations can result in fines and/or disqualifications and will impact a motor carrier’s and/or driver’s Safety Management System (SMS) results. Texting means manually entering alphanumeric text into, or reading text from, an electronic device. The rules also restrict a CMV driver from reaching for or holding a mobile phone to conduct a voice communication, as well as dialing by pressing more than a single button. CMV drivers who use a mobile phone while driving can only operate a hands-free phone located in close proximity. In short, the rule prohibits unsafely reaching for a device, holding a mobile phone, or pressing multiple buttons.

The rules impose sanctions for driver offenses, including civil penalties up to $2,750 and disqualification for multiple offenses. Motor carriers are also prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers to text or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving and may be subject to civil penalties up to $11,000. Violations will impact SMS results.

This month reinforce to CMV drivers the dangers of distracted driving. The National Safety Council offers tips for all drivers on staying safe all month. http://ow.ly/hOYCS