Now, I am not saying it isn’t a great tool. What I am saying is that CSA 2010/SMS methodology isn’t what everyone thinks it is. By that I mean to say that it is not the law. As a matter of fact the FMCSA hasn’t been officially authorized to use it. I am not saying it isn’t in use, just not an actual law.
Splitting hairs perhaps, but the FMCSA legal requirement is to determine a motor carriers’ safety. Transportation liability is directly tied into safety, as we all know. But the measures used to determine this are still under debate.
So there lies the confusion. There needs to be a better understanding of the rules and regulations as they apply to the carriers, drivers, and all the other involved in the safe transportation of freight.
Something else to consider, in addition to federal regulation there are state and even local guidelines to consider! Transportation liability doesn’t start and end with the FMCSA.
Transportation Liability Myth #2: “All Contracts Cover All Parties Involved”
When it comes to transportation liability, just like not all trucker hats can cover every head, neither do all contracts. It is up to you to have a full understanding of the contract. Make sure you know your contracts, inside and out, because if you don’t it will come back to bite you.
