Monthly DOT Focus | June 2026
Good Afternoon,
If there’s one theme showing up in June’s data, it’s this:
Most violations aren’t surprises—they’re things that should’ve been caught before the truck ever moved.
The difference between staying on the road and getting parked is still coming down to the basics.
📄 HazMat Geek: Preventable = Expensive
The top HazMat violations through mid-May all fall into the same category—pre-trip oversights. [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
Top 5 showing up right now: • Improper package securement
• No or no proof of HazMat registration
• Faded, damaged, or dirty placards
• Missing or incorrect shipping papers
• Emergency response info not readily available [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
Key insight:
👉 None of these happen on the road—they happen before departure.
And when missed:
• Securement violations = 34.91% OOS rate
• Shipping paper violations = 11.03% OOS rate [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
👉 If it’s visible or missing, it’s an easy call for enforcement.
🛑 OOS Corner: The 14-Hour Rule (Where Drivers Get Caught)
This rule still causes confusion—and it’s costing drivers.
Simple breakdown: • You CAN be on duty past 14 hours
• You CANNOT drive after the 14th hour [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
That means: • Finish unloading, paperwork, post-trip ✅
• Move the truck “one more time” ❌
👉 That last decision is where OOS happens.
👤 Driver Focus: Small Habits, Big Violations
Looking at recent inspections, the same patterns keep showing up. [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
Common issues: • No medical certificate in possession
• Logbook / HOS errors
• No CDL when required
• False or inaccurate logs
• Failure to obey traffic controls [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
👉 These aren’t complicated problems—they’re consistency problems.
🔧 Vehicle Talk: What Gets You Pulled Over
If an inspector is sitting roadside, what are they noticing first?
Usually: • Tires that look off
• Lights that aren’t working
• Obvious equipment issues [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
Top violations continue to include: • No proof of annual inspection
• Brake issues
• Tire violations
• Inoperable lamps
• Missing reflective triangles [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
👉 If it stands out at a glance, it’s a reason to stop you.
👀 Driver’s Seat: The Best Drivers Are Predictable
Strong drivers aren’t reacting—they’re scanning ahead.
Stay sharp by: • Looking 15 seconds down the road
• Checking mirrors every 5–8 seconds
• Managing “No Zones”
• Signaling early and braking smoothly
👉 Awareness doesn’t just prevent accidents—it keeps you from being noticed.
⚠️ Awareness: Bigger Than the Truck
With increased travel and large-scale events this summer, there’s added focus on human trafficking awareness across the industry. [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts.
📞 888‑373‑7888 (U.S.) [June 2026...tter (002) | PDF]
🚦 Don’t Give Them a Reason
Most inspections still start with something small and visible.
Control what you can: • Catch HazMat issues before departure
• Stay tight on HOS compliance
• Keep documents current and accessible
• Fix visible equipment problems immediately
👉 The goal is simple: nothing worth pulling over.
🔎 Coming Next Week
I’ll be sending out a follow-up breaking down a Supreme Court hearing that’s already creating ripple effects across the trucking and insurance space.
👉 It’s one worth paying attention to—we’ll keep it simple and actionable.
Need Help?
If you want to review your exposure or tighten up any of these areas before they show up in an inspection or CSA score, I’m always happy to help.
Have a safe and productive June.
Stay Safe and God Bless,
Zach Kuder, TRS
Roark & Sutton, LLC
📞 417‑830‑0466
📱 417‑397‑4670
✉️ Zach@roarkandsutton.com
Disclaimer
This message is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to bind insurance coverage. No coverage is bound or amended unless confirmed in writing by an authorized representative of our agency. All coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the applicable policy.
