This is a request to renew a currently approved information collection, OMB No. 2126-0004, âDriver Qualification Files.â This ICR estimates the burden commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and motor carriers incur to comply with the mandatory reporting and recordkeeping tasks required for motor carriers to maintain driver qualification (DQ) files. FMCSAâs authority to require carriers to maintain DQ files is in 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136, and 31502; 49 CFR 391.51; and 49 CFR 1.87.
A motor carrier is required to maintain specified information in a DQ file for each CMV driver it employs. The purpose of the information is to document the driverâs qualifications to operate a CMV. DQ files assist the motor carrier in assessing the safety risk of hiring an individual to drive a CMV. The DQ file documents that a driver: (1) is physically qualified to operate a CMV, (2) has the experience and training to safely operate the type of CMV he or she is assigned to drive, (3) has the appropriate driverâs license, (4) has not been disqualified from operating a CMV, and (5) has a history of avoiding high-risk behavior. The annual burden associated with this information collection consists of the Driver Hiring Process (IC-1), the Annual Review of Driver Qualifications (IC-2), the Limited Exemptions from Driver Qualification Documentation (IC-3), and the Driver Review and Rebuttal of Safety Performance History (IC-4).
The DQ file assists Federal and State safety investigators in determining that motor carriers are weighing these factors in deciding who may drive CMVs on their behalf. Motor carriers collect and maintain part 391 information, and FMCSA does not require that information to be submitted to the Agency. A motor carrier must make the part 391 information available when an FMCSA or State investigator conducts an on-site review at the motor carrierâs place of business or terminal.
The ICR is a renewal of a currently approved ICR. This renewal increases estimates of labor and non-wage costs and slightly decreases the estimated burden hours. These changes are caused by driver population growth and increased driver turnover rates.
US Code:
49 USC 31502
Name of Law: Requirements for qualification, hours of service, safety, and equipment standards
US Code:
49 USC 504
Name of Law: Reports and records
US Code:
49 USC 31133
Name of Law: General powers of the Secretary of Transportation
US Code:
49 USC 31136
Name of Law: United States Government regulations
PL:
Pub.L. 98 - 554 98 Stat 2834
Name of Law: Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984
The total cost of this ICR is estimated at $710.69 million, which consists of $464.69 million of labor costs and $246 million in fees to request MVRs from licensing authorities. The approved ICR cost was estimated at $602.16 million, which consists of $426.16 million of labor costs and $176 million of fees for requests for MVRs. The increase in labor-related costs is estimated at $38.53 million. This increase in the cost to motor carriers is caused by driver population growth and increased driver turnover rates.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
30-day FR for 2126-0004.pdf
PRA-2126-0004 Supporting Statement 04.04.2025.docx
IC-4.3 Driver Prepares and Submits Rebuttal to Previous Employer