Kathy Close

Compliance Expert at J.J. Keller

Kathy Close is a Compliance Expert and has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., since 1999. Close has hands-on experience in driver file auditing and DOT drug and alcohol program management. She enjoys diving into the regulations to help fleets with compliance. She has answered thousands of regulatory questions in her time with J. J. Keller. Close is also well-versed in the CSA enforcement program, driver qualification, and transportation security.

Articles•by Kathy Close•November 18, 2021

What are Preventable vs. Non-Preventable CMV Crashes?

Realizing some crashes are beyond a CMV driver’s control, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created its Crash Preventability Program. But, what's considered preventable?

Articles•by Kathy Close•September 6, 2021

Don’t Get Caught Using Obsolete Driver Forms

Two federally mandated driver forms were revised recently, and the new forms must be used for a motor carrier to be compliant.

Articles•by Kathy Close•July 22, 2021

The Top Violations Discovered During FMCSA Audits

Each year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a list of the top acute and critical violations discovered during agency investigations. Shared are the top ones found.

Articles•by Kathy Close•May 4, 2021

COVID-19 Waivers for Med Cards & CDLs Ending

As most drivers and carriers resume normal operations, documenting the use of waivers is essential for future reference.

Articles•by Kathy Close•March 2, 2021

Does the IRP Apply to Smaller, Commercial Vehicles?

Motor carriers that operate smaller commercial motor vehicles are subject to several areas of safety compliance. Does this include the International Registration Plan (IRP)?

Articles•by Kathy Close•November 2, 2020

5 FAQs on Annual Clearinghouse Queries

Motor carriers must request two types of Clearinghouse queries, pre-employment and annual, to learn of FMCSA testing violations and milestones in the DOT return-to-duty process and follow-up program. The top five common questions are answered.

Articles•by Kathy Close•September 14, 2020

New HOS Rules Offer More Flexibility

Unlike many changes to the federal safety regulations, some motor carriers and drivers are looking forward to the newest revisions to the hours-of-service (HOS) rules.

Articles•by Kathy Close•July 6, 2020

Violations Motor Carriers Must Report to Clearinghouse

Since violations are often few and far between, motor carriers may not fully understand their reporting responsibilities. Medical review officers (MROs), substance abuse professionals, and motor carriers provide the data necessary to populate the Clearinghouse.

Articles•by Kathy Close•May 25, 2020

Is Your Company's Pickup Truck Really a CMV?

The notion that a company pickup truck might be a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) may seem highly unlikely to some.

Articles•by Kathy Close•May 4, 2020