Streamlining Compliance After Acquisition
When a waste management company acquired another provider, they faced challenges transitioning compliance records due to switching from an INC to an LLC. The CHP treated it as a new entity, while the FMCSA saw it as an internal change.
Jay Johnson & Associates stepped in to manage the transition:
- Updated FMCSA details, including addresses and contact information
- Closed the old CA number and obtained a new one for CHP compliance
- Updated DMV and Employer Pull Notice (EPN) records and applied for a new Motor Carrier of Property Permit (MCP)
Each step had to be completed in a specific order. We meticulously verified information at every stage.
Without expert oversight, the company would have been left navigating this complex process on its own for months.
The result? We successfully updated all agency information, allowing the company to update its trucks and records to reflect the correct details.
From Driver to Businessman
A seasoned truck driver contacted Jay Johnson & Associates for help setting up his own business. He chose our subscription service, where we manage his full compliance and keep everything in line with industry standards. We handled the DOT, CHP, and DMV when setting up his authority and guided him during the creation of his DQ files, Maintenance Files, HOS, and CSAT requirements.
Thanks to our organized records, when his company faced a New Entrant Safety Assurance Program (NESAP) Inspection, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) found everything in order. Thanks to our carefully organized records, they noted that everything was in order. The CHP was impressed, wrapping up the inspection in less than 20 minutes—an unusual and positive outcome that speaks to the quality and organization of our work.
Today, his business remains compliant with our ongoing support, letting him focus on growth.
Compliance Reborn
This carrier started off as a small company, but rapid growth caused a loss of management control. They were facing fines and uncertainty. The company needed immediate help.
Challenged with the opportunity, our team quickly organized their documents, leading to an initial “Not Rated” audit conclusion, preventing severe penalties. We then established a structured approach for ongoing compliance, including:
- Implementing a stronger safety culture and driver accountability
- Driver coaching and in-service training
- Establishing compliant Driver Qualification (DQ) files and new hire processes
- Weekly Hours of Service (HOS) auditing with a transition to a new ELD vendor
With our support, within 6 months the company achieved full compliance and successfully passed its BIT inspection. We smoothly transitioned them from us as a compliance contractor to in-house compliance management. With a continued strong focus on compliance, they continue demonstrating their commitment to safety standards.
Upgrading to Success
It is current insurance industry practice that an insurance provider will not insure companies that do not have a “Satisfactory” rating. Often, insurers will not even offer a quote without a Satisfactory DOT rating. Because of this, a bus company approached us for help. After a compliance review, they were left with a Conditional safety rating and were unable to secure the insurance needed for operations. Our team stepped in, handling the entire process, including the complex Request for Upgrade. We ensured all documentation accurately reflected the company’s compliance efforts and provided bilingual support to the operator throughout the process.
Our persistent approach, coupled with extensive knowledge of FMCSA regulations, led to a successful rating upgrade from Conditional to Satisfactory. This enabled the company to secure insurance and continue operating smoothly. With a 100% success rate, Jay Johnson & Associates turns compliance challenges into success stories, allowing clients to focus on running their businesses.
From Panic to Progress
When a carrier receives an Unsatisfactory rating from the FMCSA, and it is finalized, they are prohibited from operating commercial vehicles. Carriers have up to 60 days from the notice date to submit a Request for Upgrade and improve their compliance. If they fail to act, the Unsatisfactory rating becomes final, leading to a complete carrier shutdown.
A client we worked with many years ago came to us again because they found themselves in this exact situation with less than 30 days left in their 60-day window. They were understandably panicked, unsure of how to improve compliance and submit the necessary documentation to the FMCSA.
We quickly helped them establish the required policies, gather all necessary information, and drafted the submission. After submitting the Request for an Upgrade along with the supporting documentation, the client’s rating was changed from Unsatisfactory to a Conditional rating. They were able to avoid a shutdown and continued operating without interruption.
