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The Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA), established on January 1, 2000, is the newest
agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Its primary mission is to reduce the number and severity of crashes involving
large trucks and buses. To carry out its safety mandate, FMCSA develops, maintains
and enforces federal regulations that promote motor carrier safety, industry
productivity and new technologies. Key applicable functions of FMCSA include:
- FEDERAL
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS (FMCSRs). FMCSA develops, maintains,
and enforces federal regulations that promote carrier safety, industry productivity,
and new technologies. FMCSRs establish safe operating requirements for commercial
vehicle drivers, carriers, vehicles, and vehicle equipment.
- HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS (HMRs). FMCSA
enforces HMRs, which are designed to ensure the safe and secure transportation
of hazardous materials. These rules address the classification of hazardous
materials, proper packaging, employee training, hazard communication, and
operational requirements.
- COMMERCIAL
DRIVER’S LICENSE PROGRAM. FMCSA develops, monitors, and ensures
compliance with the commercial driver licensing standards for drivers,
carriers, and
States.
- BORDER
AND INTERNATIONAL SAFETY. FMCSA supports the development of compatible
motor carrier safety requirements and procedures throughout North America.
FMCSA works closely with the governments of Canada and Mexico to ensure that
these countries’ motor carriers, drivers, and vehicles operating in the United
States meet the same safety standards as U.S. carriers. Also see: Entering
the United States as a Commercial Truck Driver
- SAFETY
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. FMCSA implements educational strategies to increase
motor carrier compliance with the safety regulations and reduce the likelihood
of a commercial vehicle crash. Messages are aimed at all highway users including
passenger car drivers, truck drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
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