FMCSA Shuts Down Texas Carrier

A Texas-based motor carrier was shut down April 1 for what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said was a disregard for safety regulations and endangering the lives of its drivers, passengers and the public.

According to FMCSA, FTW Transport, in Forest Hill, failed to “monitor and ensure” its drivers complied with drug and alcohol use and testing regulations. FMCSA noted that, in the past year, FTW Transport was involved in five preventable crashes. In two of those incidents, FTW Transport drivers were cited for careless driving. The company also failed to ensure its vehicles were properly inspected, repaired, and maintained.

FTW Transport may resume operations if it establishes a series of FMCSA-approved safety management controls and procedures. These include ensuring drivers are qualified and adequately trained to operate commercial motor vehicles. Drivers also must comply with hours-of-operations service requirements and not falsify records of duty status. 

An FTW Transport official told Transport Topics the company is addressing the agency’s findings and expects to be operational within a few weeks.

FMCSA also revoked the operating authority of two Massachusetts-based bus companies for disregarding safety regulations.