FMCSA Shuts Down Florida Carrier

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Sept. 18 said it shut down a Florida-based motor carrier for violating various federal safety regulations, such as allowing drivers who tested positive for drugs to operate vehicles.

According to FMCSA, Ken’s Trucking LLC, of Grand Ridge, Fla., failed to properly oversee and maintain driver qualification files, like medical certification and driving violation records. The company also failed to properly monitor drivers to ensure their compliance with FMCSA’s hours-of-service rule. And the agency also found the company failed to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain its vehicles, and at times allowed drivers with positive drug records to operate vehicles on the interstates.

Ken’s Trucking will be allowed to resume its operations if it addresses a series of violations, and adopts safety management procedures approved by FMCSA.

“Complying with federal safety regulations for commercial truck and bus companies is critical because in an instant, a seemingly minor infraction can result in a needless crash with tragic consequences,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling III. “Our message is this, companies that choose to run outside the law and put the public at risk will be put out of business.”

An employee with Ken’s Trucking reached by Transport Topics on Sept. 18 said that a company spokesperson would be available to comment on the matter on Sept. 19.