Before a lot of truckers became owner-operators, they probably thought there wasn’t more to it than safely driving the truck, maybe loading or unloading and some paperwork. It’s the “some paperwork” that is absolutely wrong.
“So, you’re a trucker, eh? What do you do?” a friend asks. “Paperwork,” the trucker friend may as well reply.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hears you and understands. A final rule to be published in the Federal Register on June 22 and go into effect 30 days later is eliminating some of that paperwork.
Right now, motor carriers are required to sign and return inspection reports to the agency that conducted the inspection. And, over time, it’s become an unnecessary paper shuffle for a number of reasons.
“FMCSA is aware that not all issuing state agencies require the return of these reports, and that requiring motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers to submit these reports to a state that does not require, or even request, the return of the form creates an unnecessary burden. Through this change, completed forms will only be returned to those states that request them,” the final rule summary states.
So, what’s the change?
The change, prompted by a CVSA petition, minor as it may be, eliminates the blanket requirement to sign and return all inspection reports to the issuing agency. Motor carriers will still be required to keep the inspection records on file. After the rule kicks into effect, the inspection will only need to be signed and returned if the issuing agency requests it from the motor carrier.
The changes to the regulation will appear under FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation) 396.9(d)(3)(ii) Inspection of motor vehicles and intermodal equipment in operation.
The updated regulation will state:
396.9(d)(3)(ii) If requested by the issuing State agency, return the completed roadside inspection form to the issuing State agency at the address indicated on the form and, in all instances, retain a copy at the motor carrier’s principal place of business, at the intermodal equipment provider’s principal place of business, or where the vehicle is housed for 12 months from the date of the inspection.
This rule was initially proposed on May 30, 2025, and received seven comments, including from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, supporting eliminating the requirement. The effort by FMCSA is part of a purge of outdated requirements and regulations. LL
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