FMCSA Shuts Down Utah Carrier

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Friday it has ordered Reliable Transportation Services to stop operating, declaring the Utah-based trucking company an “imminent hazard to public safety.”

FMCSA said it revoked the carrier’s operating authority March 24 due to multiple violations of regulations concerning hours-of-service, hazardous materials, drug and alcohol testing and vehicle maintenance.

“Safety is our top priority,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. “Commercial truck companies that blatantly disregard safety should not be on our roadways and will be shut down.”

Reliable Transportation Services did not properly ensure that its drivers followed HOS regulations, that its vehicles were properly maintained, that drivers had proper licenses or medical certifications or that its drivers a tested for drug and alcohol consumption, among other violations, FMCSA said.

The carriers must immediately stop transporting freight, loading vehicles and operating them, the agency’s order said.

Reliable Transportation Services may appeal the order or take a number of steps to ensure its compliance with safety regulations, at which point the order will be lifted, FMCSA said.