Thomas R. O'Donnell

2 months ago | jdsupra.com | Marc Blubaugh |Brian Cullen |Thomas R. O'Donnell

This 30-day extension offers valuable time for those stakeholders who failed to submit comments during the original comment period that ended on January 21, 2025, or those who wish to respond to the comments that other parties submitted during that period. All market participants, including brokers, carriers, and shippers, are strongly encouraged to use this opportunity to submit comments and to play a role in shaping public policy on this important issue.

2 months ago | iowacapitaldispatch.com | Thomas R. O'Donnell

There may be a solution to the complaint some Republican legislators have about the University of Iowa’s plan to close a tranche of departments and programs and create a School of Social and Cultural Analysis. The lawmakers object to merging African American Studies; American Studies; Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies; Jewish Studies; Latina/o/x Studies; and Native American and Indigenous Studies.

2 months ago | desmoinesregister.com | Thomas R. O'Donnell

I said I’m a Democrat. She snapped my campaign flyer back to me. “You’re going to reject me just because of that?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. Thomas R. O'DonnellGuest columnistThomas R. O’Donnell is a retired science writer and former newspaper reporter and editor. He lives near Keosauqua. You learn a lot by running for the legislature in rural southeast Iowa — especially if you’re a Democrat.

Nov 5, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Thomas R. O'Donnell

What is a Mock DOT Audit? A mock Department of Transportation (“DOT”) audit is a tool used to determine how a motor carrier complies with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (“FMCSRs”) and would fare in the case of an actual DOT audit. The audit consists of a review of your company policies, procedures and records. Mock audits assist a motor carrier in identifying compliance gaps and correcting any deficiencies found in their safety program.

Oct 30, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Thomas R. O'Donnell

What provokes a DOT Audit? FMCSA has to prioritize carriers for audits. Understanding what factors the Agency uses to prioritize carriers for an audit is important for all carriers to understand so that they can do their best to keep out of the crosshairs. The most common triggers for a DOT are: (1) High Safety Management System (SMS) Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASIC) scores; (2) Significant DOT recordable accident(s); and (3) Non-Frivolous Complaints.