Hiring Non-US CDL Drivers

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In this Safety Bulletin, we'll cover important updates. We'll discuss the significance of July as UV Protection Month, the recent DOT announcement on marijuana reclassification not affecting drug testing, and the upcoming CVSA Brake Safety Week scheduled for Aug. 25-31. Read the full Safety bulletin here and subscribe to receive all future bulletins directly to your inbox.

In This Issue:

Visas
July is UV Protection Month
DOT Secretary States Marijuana Reclassification Will Not Affect Drug Testing Requirements
CVSA'S Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 25-31

As the trucking industry needs more CDL drivers, many motor carriers are looking to Mexico and Canada to find drivers. The US, Mexico, and Canada have an agreement that allows CDLs to be valid in all three countries across North America. This means that Canadian and Mexican drivers can work for US motor carriers and drive into the US. However, there are challenges for foreign drivers working in the US, such as getting the right visas and up-to-date motor vehicle records (MVRs).

Visas

Visas are the first important step for foreign drivers who want to work in the US. This process typically takes a couple of months, but in some cases, it can be expedited. It's also essential to choose the right type of visa, and for truck drivers, the most common choices are B-1, H-2B, and EB-3 visas. However, it's important to be aware that drivers with B-1 visas are not allowed to make domestic deliveries within the US, and using these visas for work can lead to serious fines and legal issues.

MVRs

Motor vehicle records (MVRs) are a requirement for hiring drivers, and the process for obtaining them for Mexican and Canadian drivers is different. Canadian drivers can easily order MVRs online, but for Mexican drivers, they must go in person to get the required information, which can be challenging.

Driver qualification requirements:

In addition to visas and MVRs, motor carriers need to ensure that foreign drivers meet other qualifications, such as providing a detailed driving history, presenting a valid CDL, and undergoing medical and drug screenings. It's important for motor carriers to work with legal counsel to navigate these challenges and ensure compliance with regulations to avoid fines and legal issues. Overall, although the demand for CDL drivers has led motor carriers to seek drivers from neighboring countries, it's important to address these obstacles to ensure a smooth and legal hiring process.

July is UV Protection Month

It's really important to wear the right sunglasses when you're driving a lot in the sun. Good sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but also help you see better and drive more safely.

Here are some tips for picking the right pair of sunglasses:

1. Look for sunglasses that block 99% of UV rays. This is the most important thing to check for when buying sunglasses. Long-term exposure to UV rays can cause eye problems, so it's crucial to protect your eyes.

2. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get good UV protection. Many affordable sunglasses offer the same level of protection as more expensive ones.

3. Check the quality of the sunglasses. Make sure the lenses are good quality by looking at a patterned surface through them. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are good quality.

4. Choose sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses, especially if you'll be doing activities that could cause things to hit your eyes.

5. For activities like skiing or snowboarding, it's better to use specialized protective eyewear with UV protection instead of regular sunglasses.

6. The color of the lenses and polarization is up to personal preference. There's no medical reason to choose one color over another, and polarized lenses don't offer extra UV protection.

Once you have the right sunglasses, make sure to wear them, especially in the summer and during winter sports at high elevations. UV levels are much higher in the summer, so it's extra important to protect your eyes.

DOT Secretary States Marijuana Reclassification Will Not Affect Drug Testing Requirement

On June 27, at a hearing by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that even though the Drug Enforcement Administration is thinking about changing marijuana's classification, it won't change the rules for testing transportation workers, like truck drivers, for marijuana. The American Trucking Associations argued that the testing rules are based on health department guidelines that only cover certain types of drugs. But Secretary Buttigieg explained that the testing rules specifically talk about marijuana by name, so they won't change if marijuana's classification is updated.

FMCSA Encourages Drivers to Enroll in Pre-Employment Screening Monitoring

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is suggesting that drivers sign up for the agency’s Pre-Employment Screening Program. This program allows commercial drivers to get notifications when there are any changes in their driving records. It's completely free and is meant only for drivers. You can opt out at any time if you decide you don't want to receive these notifications anymore.

The records from this program give access to a commercial driver's individual history of accidents and roadside inspections from the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) database. If you sign up for this free service, you'll get an email every time your records change, and you'll also see a notification when you log into your account. The records are updated with new information from the database about once a month. It's important to keep an eye on these updates, but it does require some time and effort.

This program also lets employers of commercial drivers see the drivers' 5-year crash and 3-year inspection histories when they're in the process of hiring.

Registration Now Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!

Driving Safety in 2024

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) are excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2024 Safety Seminars. These one-day seminars will focus on crucial topics such as safety data analysis, basic safety and compliance, regulation changes, and CSA.

Who Can Attend: These seminars are open to all Idealease customers, potential customers, and NPTC members, and are provided at no charge.

Seminar Highlights:

Gain insights into safety practices and compliance regulations.
Learn about the latest advancements in safety technology.
Understand CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) and its impact on your operations.

Why Attend: Whether you're a novice or an experienced transportation professional, these seminars offer valuable information to enhance your safety practices.

Registration Details: Seminars are currently available for registration, with venues secured for the following locations:
Fall 2024
10/1/24: Eugene, OR
10/1/24:St. Louis, MO
10/3/24: San Leandro, CA
10/9/24: Baltimore, MD
10/16/24: Atlanta, GA
10/17/24: Nashville, TN
10/17/24: Charleston, WV
10/28/24: Stockton, CA

Note: If you haven't seen a seminar in your area listed yet, don't worry. Registration availability will be updated weekly as venues are secured. Keep an eye on this bulletin for the latest updates. To register for an upcoming seminar in 2024, click on the following link: Safety Seminar Registration. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your safety knowledge and practices in 2024. Register today!

Hiring Non-US CDL Drivers

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CVSA's Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 25-31.

Registration Now Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!

Fall 2024

10/1/24: Eugene, OR

10/1/24:St. Louis, MO

10/3/24: San Leandro, CA

10/9/24: Baltimore, MD

10/16/24: Atlanta, GA

10/17/24: Nashville, TN

10/17/24: Charleston, WV

10/28/24: Stockton, CA