FMCSA & DOT Resources
Official resources every carrier should know.
Navigating federal and state regulations is easier when you know where to look. Below are the key government agencies and regulatory bodies that govern commercial motor vehicle operations in the United States.
Agency & regulatory links
U.S. Department of Transportation
The federal cabinet department responsible for overseeing all transportation policy in the United States. The USDOT sets the regulatory framework that governs commercial motor carriers, infrastructure, and highway safety at the national level.
https://www.transportation.gov
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The primary federal agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles. FMCSA administers the rules that govern carrier registration, driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle standards, and safety fitness determinations.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
The federal agency that regulates the safe transportation of hazardous materials by highway, rail, air, and pipeline. Carriers transporting hazmat freight must comply with PHMSA regulations in addition to standard FMCSA requirements.
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov
National Transportation Safety Board
An independent federal agency that investigates significant transportation accidents across all modes, including commercial motor vehicle crashes. NTSB findings and recommendations often shape future safety regulations and industry best practices.
https://www.ntsb.gov
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
The official online version of the Code of Federal Regulations, updated daily. Title 49 covers transportation regulations including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) — the rulebook every carrier and driver must follow.
https://www.ecfr.gov
OSHA Trucking Industry Resources
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's dedicated resource hub for the trucking industry. Covers workplace safety standards relevant to drivers and fleet operations, including loading and unloading procedures, ergonomics, and hazard communication.
https://www.osha.gov/trucking-industry
NHTSA Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall database allows carriers to check whether any vehicle in their fleet is subject to an open safety recall. Unresolved recalls can create liability exposure and compliance issues during inspections.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
North Carolina Trucking Association
The statewide trade association representing the trucking industry in North Carolina. The NCTA advocates for carriers at the state and federal level and provides members with regulatory updates, training resources, and industry networking.
https://www.nctrucking.com