DOT & OSHA Disclaimers

This page contains important disclaimers regarding the scope and limitations of our services. By using our website, downloading resources, or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these disclaimers.

Last Reviewed: January 7, 2025

We Are Not a Regulatory Authority

DSC is a private compliance consulting company and Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA). We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of:

• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Any state transportation or motor vehicle department
• Any federal or state regulatory agency

Our services are designed to help you understand and comply with federal regulations, but we do not have the authority to grant waivers, exemptions, or official interpretations of DOT rules.

No Guarantee of Compliance

While we make reasonable efforts to help clients achieve and maintain DOT compliance, we cannot guarantee that use of our services will result in compliance or prevent violations, fines, penalties, or enforcement actions.

Compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the motor carrier or employer, and depends on:

• Accurate and complete information provided to us
• Timely implementation of our recommendations
• Ongoing monitoring and internal compliance efforts
• Adherence to current federal regulations (49 CFR)

Regulatory References

Our services reference the following DOT and FMCSA regulations. You are responsible for reading and understanding these regulations in their entirety:

Limitation of Services

DSC services are consulting and administrative in nature. We provide:

• Documentation Management: DQF construction, Clearinghouse queries, record retention
• Testing Coordination: Random consortium enrollment, test scheduling, MRO/SAP coordination
• Education and Training: Compliance guides, supervisor training, policy development
• Audit Support: Mock audits, compliance reviews, documentation preparation

We do NOT provide:

• Legal advice or representation before regulatory agencies
• DOT audits or enforcement authority
• Medical examinations or CDL testing
• Insurance, bonding, or financial services
• Equipment inspections or roadworthiness certifications

Clearinghouse Services

DSC can assist with FMCSA Clearinghouse queries, violations reporting, and RTD documentation as your designated C/TPA. However:

• You remain responsible for granting C/TPA access and maintaining accurate driver rosters
• FMCSA, not DSC, is the authoritative source for Clearinghouse data
• Technical issues with the Clearinghouse portal are beyond our control
• You must independently verify driver eligibility before dispatch

Scope of OSHA Services

While DSC primarily focuses on DOT compliance, some of our services may touch on OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements related to workplace safety, recordkeeping, and training.

Not OSHA Certified or Authorized

DSC is not an OSHA-authorized training provider, OSHA compliance officer, or OSHA-certified safety professional. We do not conduct OSHA inspections or issue official OSHA compliance certifications.

OSHA Regulatory References

The following OSHA regulations may be relevant to motor carriers and employers. You are responsible for determining applicability and ensuring compliance:

Workplace Safety Guidance

Any workplace safety guidance we provide is general in nature and may not address industry-specific or site-specific hazards at your workplace. Employers have a legal duty under the OSHA General Duty Clause to provide a safe workplace, and this duty cannot be delegated to DSC.

No Guarantee of OSHA Compliance

Use of our services does not guarantee compliance with OSHA standards or prevent OSHA citations, penalties, or enforcement actions. OSHA compliance is the sole responsibility of the employer.

Not Legal Advice

DSC is not a law firm. Nothing on this website or in our services constitutes legal advice.

We provide compliance consulting and administrative support based on our understanding of federal regulations. However, legal advice requires analysis of your specific facts and circumstances by a licensed attorney. For legal advice:

• Consult an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction
• Seek advice from a transportation law specialist if involved in enforcement actions
• Contact the FMCSA or DOT directly for official regulatory interpretations

Not Medical Advice

We coordinate drug and alcohol testing and SAP services, but we do not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Medical questions should be directed to:

• Your Medical Review Officer (MRO)
• Your Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
• A licensed healthcare provider

Not Financial or Insurance Advice

We do not provide financial planning, tax advice, or insurance consulting. If you have questions about UCR fees, insurance requirements, or business operations, consult:

• A licensed insurance agent or broker
• A certified public accountant (CPA) or tax professional
• A business advisor or consultant

Professional Judgment Required

Our resources (guides, checklists, templates) are designed to provide general information and should not replace your own professional judgment, expertise, or due diligence. You are responsible for:

• Evaluating the applicability of our recommendations to your specific situation
• Verifying that information is current and accurate
• Making final decisions regarding compliance strategies

Educational Resources

Resources available on this website (guides, checklists, whitepapers, case studies, FAQs) are educational materials intended to provide general information about DOT and FMCSA compliance. They are not official regulatory guidance.

No Warranty of Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no warranties or representations regarding:

• The accuracy, completeness, or currency of any resource
• The suitability of a resource for your particular circumstances
• The reliability of third-party sources cited in our materials

User Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Verifying that information is current by checking the official Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and FMCSA website
• Consulting with legal or regulatory experts if you have questions about interpretation
• Conducting your own research and not relying solely on our resources
• Understanding that regulatory compliance is fact-specific and may require tailored advice

Case Studies

Case studies on this website are examples of past engagements and do not guarantee future results. Each compliance situation is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts, circumstances, and regulatory interpretations at the time.

Consulting Relationship Only

Your use of our services or communication with DSC staff does not create an attorney-client relationship. We are compliance consultants, not attorneys representing you.

No Privilege

Communications with DSC are not protected by attorney-client privilege. Information you provide to us may be subject to disclosure in legal proceedings, regulatory audits, or investigations.

When to Hire an Attorney

You should consult a licensed attorney if:

• You receive a notice of violation, fine, or enforcement action from FMCSA or DOT
• You are subject to a DOT audit or investigation
• You are involved in litigation related to compliance, accidents, or employment matters
• You need representation before a regulatory agency or administrative law judge
• You have complex legal questions that require statutory or case law analysis

Continuous Regulatory Evolution

DOT, FMCSA, and OSHA regulations are subject to change through:

• Rulemaking: New regulations, amendments, or revocations published in the Federal Register
• Interpretations: Official guidance from FMCSA or DOT clarifying existing rules
• Enforcement Actions: Court decisions or administrative rulings that affect regulatory interpretation
• Congressional Legislation: New laws that supersede or modify existing regulations

Our Efforts to Stay Current

DSC monitors regulatory updates and strives to incorporate changes into our services and resources. However, we cannot guarantee that all information is current at all times. There may be delays between:

• When a regulation is published and when we update our materials
• When FMCSA releases guidance and when we communicate it to clients
• When a rule takes effect and when industry best practices evolve

Your Responsibility to Monitor Changes

You are responsible for monitoring regulatory changes that affect your business. We recommend:

• Subscribing to FMCSA email alerts at www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Reviewing the Federal Register for proposed and final rules at www.federalregister.gov
• Consulting with legal counsel when significant changes occur
• Attending industry conferences and training to stay informed of best practices

No Duty to Update

Unless we have a specific contractual obligation to notify you of regulatory changes, we have no duty to update you proactively. Past advice or recommendations may become outdated as regulations evolve.

If you have questions about these disclaimers or need clarification about the scope of our services, please contact us: