Monthly DOT Focus | May 2026
Good Afternoon,
May’s enforcement trends are clear: hazmat paperwork issues and tire violations are driving compliance risk. Here’s what to tighten up now before it turns into a roadside problem.
📄 HazMat Geek: Shipping Papers = Easy Violation
CSA data is showing a spike in improper shipping paper storage.
49 CFR §177.817(e) is simple—but often missed:
Keep it accessible. Always.
Quick rules:
• Driving → Door pocket OR within reach (while seat-belted)
• Not in truck → Door pocket OR driver’s seat
• Stack of BOLs? → Hazmat must be on top or clearly tabbed
• ERG (orange book) → Same rules, does NOT need to be with BOL
👉 If enforcement has to search for it, you’re already in violation.
🛑 OOS Corner: Tires (Still #1 Issue)
Tires remain one of the fastest ways to get parked roadside.
Immediate Out-of-Service triggers:
• Tread < 2/32” (multiple grooves)
• Extremely worn areas (<1/32”)
• Tire ≤ 50% rated PSI
• Leaks (visible or audible)
• Contact with vehicle components
• Exposed cords / sidewall damage
• Bulges or overloaded tires
👉 These are quick wins for inspectors — and quick losses if missed.
🔧 Vehicle Talk: Catch It Before They Do
Under §393.75, tire issues are easy to spot and prevent.
Pre/Post Trip must-haves:
• 4/32” tread (steer) / 2/32” all others
• Proper PSI (never under manufacturer mins)
• No leaks, debris, or sidewall damage
• No tread separation or bulging
👉 If it wouldn’t pass inspection in the yard, it won’t pass on the road.
👀 Driver’s Seat: See Problems Early
Good drivers don’t react—they anticipate.
Stay ahead by:
• Looking 15 seconds down the road
• Checking mirrors every 5–8 seconds
• Monitoring blind spots (“No Zones”)
• Signaling early + controlled braking
👉 Awareness reduces risk—and attention from enforcement.
📅 Coming Up: Operation Safe Driver Week
July 12–18
Enforcement focus: unsafe driving behaviors
• Reckless driving
• Careless / inattentive driving
• Poor decision-making around other vehicles
👉 This is behavior-based enforcement—not equipment. Drivers will be the focus.
🚦 Don’t Give Them a Reason
Most inspections start with something small.
Control what you can:
• Clean, thorough inspections
• Fix tire issues immediately
• Keep hazmat paperwork accessible
• Drive professionally and predictably
👉 Make your operation boring to inspect.
Need Help?
If you want help reviewing exposure in your fleet or tightening up these areas, I’m happy to walk through it with you.
Have a safe and productive May.
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.
