There are many myths and commonly held, albeit false, beliefs circulating around many driver’s rooms and trucking conference rooms, alike! 1) If a truck is equipped with air-conditioning, it is required to work. It’s in the regulations! False: The FMCSRs do not address this issue. While the fact that the FMCSRs do not address this topic is true, if you want to keep good drivers, you should get it fixed asap! 2) My shippers and brokers don’t care about my safety record; they only care that I get their freight delivered! False: Shippers and brokers are very concerned about the safety record of their carrier companies. Many will not ship their products on carriers with poor safety records. Oh, and don’t forget about your insurance company, either! They’re paying attention too! 3) I only have 10 trucks; I can’t afford a high-priced Safety Director! True & False: While it is true that you likely cannot afford, and do not need, a high-priced, experienced Safety Director on your payroll. There is another option: Coastal Carrier Compliance & Consulting! None of these things you just read are intended to scare you, or make you feel threatened. Truckers don’t scare easily, and they don’t take kindly to threats either. They should definitely get you thinking about your safety program, though. Ask yourself these questions: 1) If FMCSA (DOT) decides to audit my company, what could happen? 2) Is FMCSA the only agency I need to be concerned with? 3) Do I need to worry about OSHA too? 4) How much could a crash cost me? 5) Could hiring and keeping the wrong driver cost me everything I worked for? These questions are very important to consider, as a business owner. Do you have the answers, or know where to find them on your own? The answers can be found easily at coastalcarriercompliance.com, by emailing: [email protected], or by calling (732) 492-5916.