NRII Update

Industry Update: NRII – Paper Medical Cards May Continue (Pending FMCSA Decision)

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has petitioned FMCSA to allow carriers and drivers to continue relying on a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) while all states complete implementation of the electronic Medical Certification Integration rule.

Although the electronic reporting requirement took effect June 23, 2025 — eliminating the routine use of paper cards — not every state’s licensing system is fully aligned yet. CVSA is requesting a one-year exemption that would permit drivers to use a paper MEC for up to 60 days after issuance as proof of medical certification.

Until FMCSA issues a final determination, carriers should continue monitoring driver qualification records closely and be prepared for both electronic verification and paper documentation scenarios depending on state readiness.

Lee Trans is tracking this development and assisting fleets with compliant Driver Qualification file management and verification processes.

You can learn more about the National Registry of Medical Examiners direct from FMCSA at https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/nriilearning-center,

For updates or information on how Lee Trans can support this Driver Qualification requirement, visit www.leetrans.com.

On the Road with Bethany Hobbs

We’re kicking off the year by spending time where it matters most—connecting with our industry partners and peers.

This quarter, you’ll find our Senior Business Development Representative; Bethany Hobbs, representing Lee Trans at the following events:

February 13th – Houston Council of Safety Professionals Luncheon
February 17th – Serving on the TXTA East Texas Chapter Steering Wheel Committee
March 7th – Hosting Junior League Touch-A-Truck Community Event
March 13th – Attending Houston Council of Safety Professionals Luncheon
March 25-27th – Attending TXTA SMC Spring Seminar

If you’ll be attending, or if you’d like to learn more about DOT compliance and how we support carriers nationwide, let’s connect.

#ontheroad

A Word From Eddie Prather

Our latest blog post is now available! This month’s message from our Director of Consulting & Training; Eddie Prather, shares his thoughts on building compliant programs for the new year and setting more than just intention – but putting those programs into action.

Training, Policies, and Building Stronger Operations in 2026

As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, February often becomes the month when plans turn into action. The transportation industry is already moving at full speed, and many organizations are looking closely at their training programs and policy structures to ensure they’re aligned with the year ahead. It’s a smart focus—strong training and clear policies are the backbone of safe, consistent, and confident operations.

In 2026, the importance of purposeful training couldn’t be clearer. Regulatory updates, evolving enforcement priorities, and rising expectations around documentation and safety practices mean that teams need more than basic instruction—they need clarity, consistency, and training that reflects real-world scenarios. Our goal is to help organizations replace confusion or guesswork with training that empowers their people and strengthens their operations from the inside out.

This year, we’re placing intentional emphasis on developing policies that actually work in practice. A well-crafted policy doesn’t just satisfy a requirement; it guides behavior, reinforces expectations, protects drivers, and creates alignment across departments. When paired with ongoing, accessible training, policies become a living part of daily operations—not a binder on a shelf.

I’m proud of the work our Consulting & Training team continues to deliver. Their depth of experience and commitment to practical solutions allows us to support carriers at every stage—whether you’re building a program from the ground up or refining long-standing processes to meet new demands. We believe that when training and policy development are approached with care and clarity, organizations become more resilient, more organized, and better prepared for whatever the year brings.

As we move through the first quarter, I encourage you to take a fresh look at your training calendar, your policies, and the areas where your team may benefit from more structure or support. Small improvements made early in the year often lead to the biggest long-term gains.

Thank you for trusting us to be a resource and a guide. We look forward to walking alongside you in 2026 as you strengthen your teams, elevate your expectations, and build a safer and more efficient operation.

Warm regards,Eddie Prather

Director, Consulting & Training

Super Bowl

Rivalries aside, safety comes first. Whether you’re watching a player get “trucked” on the field or cheering on the teams, remember that real trucks play a major role behind the scenes—transporting everything from team gear and merchandise to broadcast and entertainment equipment.

As you enjoy the Super Bowl, please plan ahead and make smart decisions behind the wheel. And to the professional drivers who make events like this possible by safely delivering what’s needed every mile of the way—thank you for keeping things moving.

February Anniversaries

Please join us in celebrating some of our employee milestones this month! Thank you all for your dedication to service and commitment to excellence. We are proud to have you on the team!

#employeehighlights

Starting tomorrow, February 6th, the State of Florida will administer all driver license knowledge and skills examinations exclusively in English. From the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)’s  press release last week:

~  Florida takes a leading role in highway safety by requiring all driver license exams be taken in English and without an interpreter ~ 

This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally. Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish. Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English.

To implement this change, FLHSMV has updated its driver license testing system statewide. Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.

FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.

On the Road with Jessica Baker

The new year is upon us, and we’re updating our calendars to connect with industry partners and organizations across the country. This quarter, you’ll find our Sales Specialist, Jessica Baker, on the road attending the following events:

February 2nd – Dallas / Fort Worth Council of Safety Professionals
February 18th – Texas Trucking Association’s Houston Chapter Meeting
March 25-27th – Texas Trucking Association’s Safety Management Council Spring Seminar

Interested in joining her, learning more about DOT compliance, or exploring how Lee Trans can support your operational needs? Let’s connect.

National Mail Carrier Day

Today we celebrate National Mail Carrier Day! Thank you to the mail carriers who keep our communities connected—through every mile, every route, and every kind of weather. We appreciate all that you do.

Beefsteak Dinner

Last month our team participated in the Nacogdoches Beefsteak Dinner – a celebration of camaraderie and history, all in support of a great cause. Hosted by the Nacogdoches County Historical Foundation, proceeds from this boisterous event go directly toward the continued care and preservation of Zion Hill Baptist Church, a treasured piece of the town’s heritage.

Pictured left to right:
Xavier Richard, Esq., Fleet Compliance & Safety Consultant
Gary Amoe; Project Analyst
Kacy Bennett; Project Analyst
Christopher Cherry; Driver Qualification Technician
Ryan McConnell; Software Developer
Chase Bozeman; Director of IT
Gene Lee, Founder & CEO
Nathan Small; Electronic Data Coordinator
Brandon White; Director of Operations
Dakota Greenville; Software Engineer
Justin Sowell; Director of Special Projects

We love mock audits!  Why practice makes perfect.
Mock audits are one of the most effective tools carriers can use to take a proactive approach to regulatory compliance. Rather than reacting to violations after they occur, a mock audit allows carriers to evaluate their current programs, documentation, and processes in a controlled, low-risk environment—mirroring what an official audit may uncover.

Through our consulting services, mock audits help build a clear, data-supported case for proactive intervention. They identify trends, gaps, and potential exposure areas early, allowing carriers to prioritize corrective actions before they escalate into findings, fines, or increased oversight. This approach not only supports regulatory compliance but also reinforces best practices that improve safety culture and operational consistency.

When carriers understand where they stand and why improvements are needed, they are better positioned to implement meaningful, sustainable changes. That’s why we believe practice truly does make perfect—and why mock audits are a cornerstone of proactive compliance management.  If you’re looking to strengthen your compliance program and stay audit-ready year-round, our consulting team is here to help—let’s start the conversation!