Author: Mallory Kennedy

April 1st might be for fools, but it also kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to the National Safety Council, distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable roadway incidents each year—impacting drivers, fleets, and the communities they serve.

In an industry built on focus, timing, and responsibility, even a momentary distraction can have lasting consequences. Whether it’s mobile device use, in-cab technology, or external interruptions, maintaining full attention behind the wheel is critical to safe operations.

April 22nd is recognized as Wear Orange Day, a visual reminder of the importance of staying alert behind the wheel and committing to distraction-free driving.

At Lee Trans, we work alongside carriers to support safety programs that reinforce best practices, driver awareness, and regulatory compliance. Reducing distractions isn’t just about policy—it’s about protecting lives.

Let’s use this month as a reminder: safety starts with attention.

Last week our team hit the road for Waco, participating in the annual Texas Trucking Association’s SMC/FMC Spring Conference. We were proud to join other vendors across the industry to host carrier questions and provide guidance on regulatory concerns. Leading the conversations at the helm was our dear friend Kenny Ray, who encouraged all the attendees to consider TXTA their extended family.

Our DOT Consultant Xavier Richard, Esq. participated in the Golf Tournament where his team earned second place! Joining him was Jim Herzog – Pressure Systems International, Joe Stevens – Southern Star Transport and Todd Phillips – TNT Crane & Rigging. Congrats team!

Please also join us in congratulating Glen Snitker of Tex Con Oil Company in winning our booth drawing for a gorgeous YETI blue camo cooler!

And finally big shout out to Bitty & Beau’s for keeping us caffeinated and providing the most exceptional service – if you’re in Waco, it’s an absolute must!

From our President; Jackie Polk, CTP:

We are proud to recognize Andrea Perez as our Employee of the Month. Since joining the team last May, Andrea has made an immediate and meaningful impact, quickly stepping in to help carry the workload while consistently showing up each day ready to contribute. In addition to her strong work ethic and ability to learn quickly, Andrea is always willing to step in and support her teammates wherever needed. She has also played an important role in helping onboard new team members with patience, clarity, and encouragement. Andrea leads with a servant’s heart, and her positive attitude helps create an environment where people feel supported and valued. Her integrity, teamwork, and commitment to doing things the right way truly reflect our mission, and we are grateful for the example she sets every day.

Today our team is en route to Texas Trucking Association’s annual Safety Management Council Spring Seminar. If you’re attending the event be sure to stop by their booth to entry a drawing for a YETI cooler, get a live demo of our systems, and maybe grab an Atkinson candy (or a handful).

This month we’re excited to spotlight our partnership with Mitratech.

Together, we help carriers bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and modern technology. By combining Lee Trans’ transportation compliance expertise with Mitratech’s governance, risk, and compliance platform—including powerful applicant tracking capabilities—we support fleets in managing driver hiring, documentation, and regulatory oversight in one streamlined environment.

Strong compliance programs rely on both knowledgeable partners and the right tools behind the scenes. That’s exactly what this collaboration is designed to deliver.

Interested in learning how these integrations can support your hiring and compliance processes? Connect with our Sales team to start the conversation!

Please join us in congratulating Ashley Turner for this month’s Clean Desk Award! From our President; Jackie Polk, CTP:

We are pleased to recognize Ashley Turner with this month’s Clean Desk Award. Since joining the team, Ashley has shown a real willingness to learn, step in where needed, and receive feedback with a positive attitude. The way she maintains her workspace reflects that same mindset — organized, intentional, and ready to support the work in front of her. Her eagerness to improve and help the team succeed is evident not only in what she does, but in how she prepares herself to do it well each day. We appreciate the effort she puts into growing in her role and the example she continues to set.

Hidden Fleet Spotlight: Municipal & Utility Fleets

City departments, water districts, electric cooperatives, and other public-service entities operate some of the most diverse fleets on the road. From bucket trucks and sewer maintenance vehicles to dump trucks and service pickups, these fleets keep communities functioning every day. Because they serve the public, many municipal and utility fleets assume they are automatically exempt from federal oversight. In some cases, that is true. In others, it depends entirely on how the vehicles are operated.  Understanding where exemptions apply — and where they do not — is essential.

The Governmental Exemption: What It Means

Under federal regulations, certain government entities may qualify for exemptions from specific Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Generally, vehicles operated by federal, state, or local governments are not considered “employers” for purposes of some parts of the regulations when performing governmental functions.  However, this does not create a blanket exemption from all safety requirements.

Key considerations include:

• Whether the entity is performing a governmental function or a commercial service
• Whether operations cross state lines
• Vehicle weight and configuration
• Whether drivers are required to hold a CDL
• Whether hazardous materials are transported

In some cases, municipal fleets operating exclusively intrastate and performing core governmental functions may be exempt from certain federal requirements. In other cases — particularly when crossing state lines or engaging in contracted or revenue-generating services — federal jurisdiction may apply.

Utility Providers: Limited and Conditional Exemptions

Utility providers, including electric, water, telecommunications, and natural gas entities, may fall under specific regulatory exemptions — particularly related to Hours of Service during emergency response situations.

For example, federal rules provide limited relief from Hours of Service requirements during declared emergencies or when responding to utility service interruptions. These exemptions are situational, not permanent.

Outside of emergency conditions, many utility fleets operating vehicles over 10,001 pounds in interstate commerce meet the federal definition of a commercial motor vehicle. That can trigger requirements including:

• Driver Qualification files
• Hours of Service compliance
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance standards
• Drug and Alcohol testing programs (for CDL drivers)

Additionally, CDL and Drug & Alcohol Testing requirements under Parts 382 and 383 often apply when vehicles exceed 26,001 pounds, transport placarded hazardous materials, or meet passenger thresholds — regardless of public or private status.

City and County Fleets: Federal Exposure Is Operational

City and county fleets are frequently surprised to learn that federal exposure can hinge on a single operational detail.

Consider the following examples:

• A public works department transporting equipment across state lines
• A county-owned utility operating in a multi-state metropolitan area
• A municipality contracting transportation services beyond core governmental functions
• Vehicles exceeding 10,001 pounds engaged in interstate commerce

When interstate commerce is involved, even indirectly, federal jurisdiction may apply. The definition of interstate commerce includes not only crossing state lines but also transporting goods or services that are part of a broader interstate movement.  This is where many fleets unintentionally fall into regulatory territory.

The Intrastate Layer: State Adoption of Federal Rules

Even when a municipal or utility fleet operates strictly within one state, state transportation codes often adopt portions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  Some states enforce intrastate rules beginning at 10,001 pounds while others’ State specific Transportation Codes align more closely with CDL thresholds, and enforcement practices can vary significantly.  In other words, a fleet may be federally exempt but still regulated at the state level.

Common Areas of Confusion

Municipal and utility fleets often encounter compliance uncertainty in areas such as:

• Mixed-use vehicles operated by multiple employees
• Employees who rotate between driving and equipment operation
• Emergency exemption assumptions applied to routine operations
• Documentation requirements for CDL drivers
• Applicability of Drug & Alcohol testing programs

The line between “employee” and “driver” can blur in public-sector environments, particularly when equipment operation and transportation occur in the same workday.

The Hidden Risk

The greatest exposure for municipal and utility fleets is not willful noncompliance — it is assumption.

Assuming exemption without reviewing operations can create gaps in documentation, training, and policy. If an audit, inspection, or incident occurs, those gaps can become costly.

Regulatory clarity allows public-service fleets to focus on their mission without unexpected enforcement disruptions.

How Lee Trans Supports Municipal & Utility Fleets

At Lee Trans, we help cities, counties, and utility providers:

• Evaluate federal vs. state jurisdiction
• Determine applicability of governmental exemptions
• Assess CDL and Drug & Alcohol program requirements
• Develop compliant policies and driver training programs
• Conduct mock audits to identify exposure before enforcement does

Public-service fleets carry unique responsibilities. Clear regulatory understanding ensures those responsibilities are met safely and confidently.

To learn more about how we support Municipal and Utility fleets, visit leetrans.com.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

It takes more than the luck of the Irish to ensure safe shipping.

With a nod to the familiar lyric “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” from Dropkick Murphys, today’s celebration reminds us that behind every shipment is preparation, professionalism, and a commitment to safety.

While Irish dancers and traditions bring the spirit of the day to life, the transportation industry knows that successful shipping is built on planning, training, and compliance — not luck alone.

From all of us at Lee Trans, we wish our clients, partners, and industry peers a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day.

Last week we were honored to celebrate Julie Small during her retirement party! She served Lee Trans for over 23 years, having been a staple of our Vehicle Services team. We at Lee Trans wish her the best on her new adventures, and are beyond grateful for her commitment and dedication. Best of luck Jules!