In the News

Many contractors use school vehicles such as vans or multi-function school activity buses (MFSABs) to transport students. As public awareness of the dangers of illegal passing have increased, the roadway presence and proper operation of school vehicles that do not have stop arms and eight way lights have received increased scrutiny from schools, parents, police, and others. This article will discuss how to reconcile the often competing issues of public perception, legal compliance, and location ...

The school bus driver shortage has become a nationwide issue that has even resulted in some schools canceling instructional days. All school bus contractors have been faced with this issue and regularly struggle with keeping drivers behind the wheel. Operators have tried bonus programs, referral programs, and free CDL training. Despite these efforts, the driver shortage continues. Following is a novel approach that could provide some relief by removing a common barrier to entry that discourages ...

Despite the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) continued position that “the school bus is the safest vehicle on the road”, in 2019 the school bus industry has been the focus of increased attention from lawmakers and regulators. Following is a brief discussion of the evolving state and federal laws from the past year that matter most to Pennsylvania’s school bus contractors.

On December 5, 2016, the FMCSA published a final rule, which amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to establish requirements for a Commercial Driver License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (the “Clearinghouse”). The Clearinghouse will be a database that contains information about individuals’ violations of the FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program for drivers who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (“CDL”). This article will help ensure that you are compliant with the man...

The FMCSA is considering changes to its Hours of Service rules, some of which will have an effect on the school bus industry. Shortly after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) instituted Electronic Logging Devices (“ELDs”) to record hours of service, it received notice of additional changes which are desired by those who were affected. On August 22, 2019, the FMCSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with changes that FMCSA is now proposing to the hours of service re...

While many Contractors understand the importance of safety in their operations, few may actually be maximizing the benefits of company safety policies and procedures. Did you know that an employer with a Certified Workplace Safety Committee is eligible to receive a five percent (5%) discount on their Workers' Compensation Insurance premium annually? Soliciting the assistance of your staff and developing a Certified Safety Committee will help you identify and correct additional risks you may ...

After two years of anticipation, the Department of Labor (DOL) published its Final Rule updating the threshold for overtime pay effective January 1, 2020. This 2019 Final Rule comes on the heels of a previous attempt to update overtime pay thresholds in 2016 during the Obama Administration. The 2016 Final Rule that was placed under a nation-wide injunction by a Texas Federal Judge, and then invalidated by President Trump after he assumed office. Many, including the DOL, hope this one is here to...