Expert advice on driver qualification files, FMCSA regulations, and fleet compliance best practices
Learn how FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports reveal driver crash history and inspection records. Covers PSP vs MVR, how to pull a report, red flags, and FCRA compliance.
10 min read
A bad hire costs $10,000-$50,000. This 12-step hiring truck driver checklist covers every DOT requirement from application to first day, with timelines, costs, and regulatory citations.
14 min read
Managing IFTA across 5+ trucks means hundreds of state-mileage entries per year. Learn the required workflow for fleet fuel tax tracking, common mistakes, and how to stay audit-ready.
12 min read
Current Q2 2026 IFTA diesel tax rates for all 58 US and Canadian jurisdictions. From Mississippi ($0.18) to Pennsylvania ($0.741) — see how rates affect your quarterly filing and fuel tax credits.
8 min read
Compare 5 IFTA mileage tracking methods: paper logs, spreadsheets, ELD exports, GPS apps, and dedicated devices. See accuracy, cost, and time requirements for each approach.
11 min read
IFTA non-compliance can cost $500-$5,000+ per quarter. Learn about filing penalties, roadside inspection fines, audit triggers, and how to protect your business with proper records.
12 min read
Everything owner-operators need to know about IFTA: licensing, quarterly filing, tracking miles, common mistakes, and how to simplify compliance with a $9/month app.
13 min read
Complete guide to IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement). What it is, who needs to file, how the fuel tax calculation works, quarterly deadlines, required records, and penalties for non-compliance.
10 min read
Step-by-step guide to looking up any carrier by USDOT number. Check safety ratings, inspection history, insurance status, and CSA scores using the free FMCSA SAFER system.
10 min read
Current per diem rates for truck drivers in 2026 ($69/day standard). Who qualifies, how to calculate your deduction, owner operator vs company driver rules, and record-keeping requirements.
9 min read
Complete pre-trip inspection checklist for CDL drivers. Every item to check by area (engine, cab, exterior, coupling, brakes, trailer), CDL test tips, penalties, and DVIR requirements.
12 min read
Deadhead miles cost truckers $0.60-$0.80 per mile in fuel alone. Learn what deadhead miles are, industry averages, IFTA implications, and 8 strategies to reduce empty miles.
11 min read
Complete guide to IRP registration and apportioned plates. Learn who needs IRP, how to apply, fee calculations, renewal deadlines, and how IRP works with IFTA.
14 min read
Everything you need to know about Form 2290 and the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. Filing deadlines, tax calculations by weight class, e-filing options, and penalties for late filing.
13 min read
Everything owner operators need to know about IFTA. Registration requirements, mileage tracking without a fleet manager, common mistakes, quarterly deadlines, and the best tools for solo truckers.
12 min read
How DQF software replaces paper driver files with automated compliance. OCR document scanning, expiration tracking, Clearinghouse integration, and audit-ready reports.
13 min read
Compare the top fuel cards for truckers: Comdata, EFS, TCS, WEX, RTS, and Mudflap. Discounts, network coverage, IFTA reporting features, and fuel savings strategies.
11 min read
Everything CDL drivers and fleet managers need to know about renewing a DOT medical card: timing, grace period rules, exam details, costs, and tips for passing on the first try.
7 min read
Complete breakdown of trucking company startup costs in 2026. From authority ($300) to trucks ($50K-$180K), insurance ($8K-$15K/yr), and operating expenses. Real numbers from owner-operators.
10 min read
The FMCSA Medical Examiner Integration Rule is transforming how DOT physical results are reported and verified. Electronic transmission, paper certificate phase-out, and new fleet compliance considerations.
9 min read
Fentanyl and norfentanyl are being added to the DOT drug testing panel. Learn the timeline, new testing requirements, oral fluid testing status, and how to prepare your fleet.
8 min read
As of October 1, 2025, the FMCSA officially retired MC numbers under the Unified Registration System. The USDOT number is now the sole federal identifier for all motor carriers.
8 min read
The IFTA Q1 2026 deadline is April 30, 2026. Complete filing process, required records, zero-return rules, penalties, and how GPS tracking simplifies quarterly filing.
8 min read
FMCSA is overhauling CSA scores in 2026 with renamed Compliance Categories, consolidated violation types, updated intervention thresholds, and a new proportionate percentile methodology.
9 min read
Go beyond the DQF checklist. Learn how to build a complete driver personnel file system — including HR records, file organization, digital tools, security controls, and separation procedures.
14 min read
An ELD (Electronic Logging Device) automatically records driving time and Hours of Service data. Learn how ELDs work, who needs one under the FMCSA mandate, key features, and how to choose the right device.
12 min read
Complete list of ELD exemptions under FMCSA regulations. Short-haul, pre-2000 vehicles, agricultural operations, driveaway-towaway, and more. Learn which drivers qualify and how to document exemptions.
11 min read
ELD violations are a top citation during DOT roadside inspections. Learn the 10 most common violations, their penalties, CSA score impact, and exactly how to prevent each one.
13 min read
Complete guide to FMCSA ELD rules under 49 CFR Part 395. Technical specifications, data recording requirements, driver and carrier responsibilities, data transfer methods, and enforcement penalties.
14 min read
Find out if you need an ELD based on your vehicle type, weight, and operating distance. Quick answers for owner-operators, hotshot truckers, box trucks, and small fleets.
8 min read
GPS accuracy test results for 10 IFTA tracking solutions. Background tracking reliability, state border detection accuracy, and real pricing from $15-$60/truck/month.
12 min read
Compared 5 fuel tax software tools for IFTA quarterly filing. Real pricing from $9-$60/truck, auto-calculations, and which handle multi-state fuel tax credits automatically.
14 min read
Step-by-step guide to check your CSA score for free on the FMCSA SMS website. Learn what each BASIC category means, intervention thresholds, and how to improve bad scores.
8 min read
We compared IFTA reporting software on what matters: auto-generated quarterly reports, state tax rate accuracy, and audit-ready documentation. Real results from 8 platforms.
14 min read
Learn what IFTA compliance requires and how compliance software keeps you audit-ready. Covers record-keeping requirements, common violations, penalties, and software comparison.
10 min read
Understand the difference between ELD and IFTA, whether your ELD can handle IFTA reporting, and why standalone IFTA tracking is often more accurate than ELD-based solutions.
11 min read
Over 3.5 million DOT roadside inspections happen every year. Learn the 6 CVSA inspection levels, what inspectors check, out-of-service criteria, and how to prepare your fleet to pass.
12 min read
Seeing "VMT: OUT OF DATE" on your FMCSA SAFER page? Here's what it means, why it happens, and the step-by-step process to update your Vehicle Miles Traveled status.
8 min read
Compare IFTA tracking devices vs apps. Learn why smartphone apps have replaced expensive hardware for automatic mileage tracking and fuel tax reporting in 2026.
8 min read
Learn how IFTA automation with GPS tracking eliminates manual mileage logging. Discover how automatic state detection saves time, reduces errors, and maximizes fuel tax credits.
10 min read
Learn what triggers an IFTA audit, what auditors examine, common findings and penalties, and how to prepare your records. Complete IFTA audit defense guide.
12 min read
Everything you need to know about the MCS-150 biennial update for 2026. Calculate your due date using your USDOT number, file online, and avoid $1,000/day penalties.
12 min read
Complete UCR registration guide for 2026. Learn the fee schedule by fleet size, the December 31, 2025 deadline, step-by-step registration, and how to avoid roadside enforcement.
10 min read
Complete 2026 trucking compliance calendar: MCS-150 biennial update calculator, Form 2290 due date, IFTA quarterly filing deadlines, UCR renewal & IRP registration.
15 min read
Everything you need to start your trucking company the right way. From DOT registration to compliance systems, this step-by-step checklist ensures you don't miss critical requirements.
22 min read
Prepare for your FMCSA compliance review with confidence. This comprehensive DOT audit checklist covers every document, record, and process auditors examine—plus the most common violations that catch small carriers off guard.
15 min read
Learn the complete DOT driver hiring requirements including background checks, drug testing, MVR checks, and documentation. FMCSA-compliant hiring checklist for motor carriers.
16 min read
Compare the best driver qualification file management software for trucking companies. In-depth analysis of J.J. Keller, Tenstreet, Samsara, Motive, and more with real pricing and features.
18 min read
FleetCollect founder Herman Armstrong shares why he built DOT compliance and IFTA software after a decade behind the wheel. Learn how FleetCollect solves the real problems Samsara and Motive ignore.
8 min read
Learn how strategic fueling and IFTA fuel tax credits can save your fleet thousands annually. Discover why most truckers miss these credits and how GPS technology automates optimization.
12 min read
Complete guide to AI in trucking: how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fleet management, IFTA reporting, GPS tracking, predictive maintenance, and DOT compliance automation.
14 min read
We GPS-tested 10 IFTA tools side-by-side. See real pricing from $9/mo, accuracy scores, and which ones actually auto-generate audit-ready IFTA reports.
15 min read
Learn how to file IFTA quarterly reports step by step. Includes deadlines, required documents, calculation methods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
12 min read
Use our free IFTA calculator to estimate your quarterly fuel tax liability. Enter your miles and fuel purchases by state, and instantly see what you owe or what credits you're due.
5 min read
Complete guide to CDL training programs in 2026. Learn what to expect, costs ($3,000-$10,000), timeline (2-8 weeks), and how to choose the right CDL school.
12 min read
What is a CSA score and how does it affect your carrier? Learn how CSA scores work, the 7 BASICs, intervention thresholds, and proven strategies to improve your safety rating.
16 min read
Complete guide to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements under 49 CFR Part 382. Learn pre-employment, random, post-accident, and Clearinghouse compliance for commercial drivers.
15 min read
Complete 2025 motor carrier compliance calendar with every DOT filing deadline: MCS-150 biennial update, Form 2290, IFTA quarterly reports, UCR renewal, and IRP registration.
15 min read
Complete driver qualification file checklist with all 18 FMCSA-required documents, CFR citations, retention periods, and a free downloadable PDF. Stay audit-ready in 2026.
18 min read
Complete DOT physical requirements guide for 2026: blood pressure limits, vision standards, medical conditions, grace period rules, and how to pass your DOT physical on the first try.
15 min read
Understand Hours of Service regulations, 11-hour driving limits, 14-hour on-duty rules, rest requirements, and how to avoid costly HOS violations.
12 min read
Understand Motor Vehicle Record requirements, when to pull MVRs, how to read them, annual review compliance, and what violations to watch for.
10 min read
Find the cheapest diesel fuel with our free tracker. Real-time truck stop prices by ZIP code, city, or address. Compare 100+ stations instantly and save thousands on fuel costs. No sign-up required.
8 min read
Start your free 7-day trial and see how FleetCollect makes driver qualification file management effortless.