Save the Date – February 6th is #WearRedDay for American Heart Month. For professional drivers, heart health isn’t just personal—it’s essential to maintaining medical qualifications and keeping our roads safe. Wear red with us as we raise awareness for heart health across our industry.
Author: Mallory Kennedy
| From our President, Jackie Polk, CTP:
Our Clean Desk Award for January goes to Bethany Hobbs. Bethany balances sales and marketing responsibilities while also coordinating the trade shows where we exhibit, and she does so with impressive organization and attention to detail. Despite managing a demanding workload, her workspace is always neat, professional, and welcoming. Bethany’s office reflects the care and pride she takes in her work, and she sets a great example of how productivity and organization go hand in hand. Thank you, Bethany, for all that you do. |
Earlier this month we were honored to attend the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, where Lufkin Mayor Mark Hicks delivered the State of the City presentation. Lufkin, Texas is our hometown – and we are invested in seeing our community grow and thrive. While our area of business expertise is in Federal Regulations, we love the the insight we gain into the inner-workings of our local government at this annual event; and proudly sponsor annually.
Pictured left to right:
Chase Bozeman; Director of Information Technology
Bethany Hobbs; Senior Business Development Representative
Jessica Baker; Sales Specialist
Jackie Polk, CTP; President
Xavier Richard, Esq.; DOT Consultant
Crystal Chaviers, Client Services Supervisor
| This week our team was honored to sponsor the 106th Annual Chamber Banquet & Meeting. As long time supporters of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, we always look forward to gathering with fellow leaders to recognize the incredible achievements within our community and hear what’s ahead for Angelina County.
Pictured left to right: Jessica Baker, Sales Specialist Crystal Chaviers, Client Services Supervisor Xavier Richard, Esq., Fleet Compliance & Safety Consultant Dakota Greenville, Software Engineer Bethany Hobbs, Sr. Business Development Gene Lee, Founder & CEO Chase Bozeman, Director of IT Justin Sowell, Director of Special Projects Brandon White, Director of Operations |
FMCSA Issues 40-State Winter Weather HOS Waiver
FMCSA has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration providing temporary hours-of-service (HOS) relief for certain motor carriers and drivers due to severe winter storms and extreme cold impacting multiple states.
This waiver supports urgent winter emergency response while maintaining overall safety. Apply relief only to qualifying emergency operations and be sure to review the full waiver which can be found here.
Who Is Covered
Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts in the affected states.
States Affected
AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY
What Relief Is Granted
Temporary relief from:
- 49 CFR § 395.3 – Property-carrying vehicle driving limits
- 49 CFR § 395.5 – Passenger-carrying vehicle driving limits
Relief applies regardless of trip origin, as long as the operation supports emergency relief in the affected states.
What Counts as Direct Assistance
Transportation or services supporting the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services during the emergency.
Does NOT include
- Routine commercial deliveries
- Mixed loads with nominal emergency supplies
- Long-term recovery or infrastructure repair after the emergency phase
Key Restrictions
- All other FMCSRs remain in effect, including CDL, drug and alcohol testing, insurance, HAZMAT, and size/weight requirements.
- Out-of-service drivers or carriers are NOT eligible until the order is officially lifted.
- When emergency assistance ends, normal HOS rules apply, with required rest breaks before resuming standard operations.
Duration
Effective January 23, 2026, through February 6, 2026, or until the emergency ends, whichever comes first. FMCSA may modify, extend, or terminate the declaration based on conditions.
For questions, follow established FMCSA and state coordination channels.
January 23, 2026 | FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a notice to motor carriers and other registered entities to update their online portal accounts to prepare for implementation of the new Motus registration and management system.
Motus is FMCSA’s modernized registration platform designed to replace legacy USDOT and Unified Registration System programs. It is a single online portal where regulated companies manage federal registration records connected to safety, authority, and compliance monitoring.
According to the agency, Motus will streamline processes, enhance fraud prevention, and provide a more intuitive, user-friendly experience for supporting companies, motor carriers, brokers, and other registrants. The new system does not add new permits or licenses or any additional regulatory requirements, however.
The FMCSA notice advises taking the following steps to ensure your company is properly registered:
- Ensure FMCSA Portal account is active.
Log in to your Portal account to confirm it is active. If you don’t have an account, create one now. This critical action will allow you to quickly and easily claim your existing USDOT Number and create your company account in Motus when it launches to all users later this year.
- Verify Portal account user list.
View and confirm users with access to your FMCSA Portal account in the “Account Management” tab. Ensure that the listed Company Official is the company owner or employee responsible for managing/updating FMCSA registration. This should not be a transportation service provider or outside consultant. The Login.gov email for the Company Official in the FMCSA Portal must match the Login.gov email used to log into Motus to link your USDOT Number with your new Motus account.
- Update company information.
Submit biennial update data to your third party administrator or direct in the Portal to ensure that the most up-to-date information is on file for your business. Unsure what data is required? Contact sales@leetrans.com to discuss how our Licensing & Permitting team helps ensure Regulatory Fleet Accounts meet federal requirements beyond Motus.
Additional information on the FMCSA registration modernization program is available here.
FMCSA Issues 40-State Emergency Declaration for Winter Storm
January 25, 2026 | FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration for 40 States and the District of Columbia in response to severe winter storms and cold temperatures substantially below normal.
The Emergency Declaration provides relief from the daily and weekly driving hours limits in 49 CFR § 395.3 for property-carrying vehicles. The hours of service relief is not specific to the transportation of any particular products—it applies to any motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts involving transportation and other relief services incident to the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services in the Affected States.
The Affected States are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
When the driver is no longer providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts related to the emergency, the motor carrier and driver are subject to the requirements of 49 CFR § 395.3 while operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, except that a driver may return empty to the motor carrier’s terminal or the driver’s normal work reporting location without complying with § 395.3 and 395.5. When a driver is moving from emergency relief efforts to normal operations, a 10-hour break is required when the total time a driver is engaged in emergency relief efforts, or in a combination of emergency relief and normal operations, equals or exceeds 14 hours.
The Emergency Declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), February 6, 2026, whichever is earlier.
Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to service continue to inspire generations.
Dr. King reminded us that progress is built through integrity, compassion, and a shared responsibility to care for one another. His message — rooted in unity, dignity, and hope — still resonates today, encouraging each of us to contribute to a better, more just future through our actions.
As we reflect on his impact, we’re reminded that meaningful change happens when people come together, lift one another up, and keep moving forward — even when the road is challenging.
#BeTheLight
Happy New Year!
As we turn the page to a new year, I’ve been reflecting on the meaningful momentum created across our business community throughout 2025. This past year reaffirmed something fundamental about our industry: when people are committed to doing things the right way—consistently, thoughtfully, and intentionally—progress follows. We’ve seen that firsthand in the organizations we are privileged to support. Whether you rely on us as a client, collaborate with us as a service provider, or engage with us through our referral network, your trust is the foundation of the work we do.
The year ahead brings no shortage of change. With regulatory updates on the horizon—ranging from safety requirements to licensing and operational oversight—clarity, preparation, and intentional decision-making will matter more than ever. At Lee Trans, we are already monitoring these developments and translating them into practical, forward-looking guidance so the businesses we serve are positioned not only to stay compliant, but to stay ahead. Our vision is to help shape a safer, smarter, and more resilient transportation industry—one where integrity is non-negotiable and compliance becomes a true strategic advantage.
I also want to acknowledge the exceptional individuals who make up the Lee Trans team. Their expertise, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing—especially when no one is watching—allow us to deliver the level of support our clients and collaborators have come to expect. Their work reflects our shared belief that integrity must guide every decision, and that intentional action is essential to achieving meaningful, long-term success.
As we begin a new year, I hope each of you finds a moment to pause, recharge, and reconnect with what fuels your purpose. The transportation industry moves America forward, but the individuals behind the wheel—and behind the operations—deserve space to rest and reset. Sustainable growth, for organizations and individuals alike, requires both effort and intention.
To our clients, providers, friends, and the broader community that interacts with us in any way: thank you. Your collaboration, candor, and confidence in us are deeply appreciated. We look forward to walking alongside you in 2026—supporting your goals, strengthening your operations, and contributing to an industry that continues to evolve with resilience and optimism.
Wishing you a safe, prosperous, and inspiring New Year.
Warm regards,Jackie Polk, CTP
President
| For many Assisted Living and Senior Care communities, transportation is more than a logistical function — it’s a lifeline.
Whether it’s non-emergency medical transport, weekly shopping trips, local events, or social outings, these fleets keep residents connected, supported, and engaged. Often, the “drivers” are also nurses, aides, or activity coordinators balancing multiple responsibilities while ensuring safe travel. This is where DOT oversight often gets overlooked. Even when transportation is offered as part of a resident’s amenities, these vehicles sometimes meet the federal definition of a commercial motor vehicle — which brings Driver Qualification requirements and safety responsibilities that many facilities don’t realize apply. At Lee Trans, we help healthcare operators understand exactly what their transportation program triggers, what regulatory parts apply, and how to navigate those requirements without disrupting the core mission of care. Our consulting support provides clear, practical guidance tailored to your facility’s staffing model and vehicle use, while our Driver Qualification services ensure your team has the compliant files, background checks, and documentation required for safe passenger transport. With the right structure in place, your staff can focus on serving residents — and your organization can operate with confidence, knowing its transportation program is aligned with federal expectations. To learn more about how our consulting and DQ services support Assisted Living and NEMT fleets, visit our www.leetrans.com. #HiddenFleet #LearnWithLeeTrans |