What does 49 CFR 390.29 (Location of records or documents) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 390.29 requires a motor carrier to maintain records and documents at its principal place of business, a regional office, or driver work-reporting location, and make them available for inspection within 48 hours of a request by a special agent or authorized representative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The rule says

"A motor carrier with multiple offices or terminals may maintain the records and documents required by this subchapter at its principal place of business, a regional office, or driver work-reporting location unless otherwise specified in this subchapter." (49 CFR 390.29(a))

"All records and documents required by this subchapter which are maintained at a regional office or driver work-reporting location shall be made available for inspection upon request by a special agent or authorized representative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the motor carrier's principal place of business or other location specified by the agent or representative within 48 hours after a request is made." (49 CFR 390.29(b))

In plain English

This rule gives motor carriers flexibility in where they store their records, but also requires them to make those records available quickly if an FMCSA agent or representative asks to see them.

What to do

• Designate a principal place of business or other location where records will be maintained and made available for inspection.
• Ensure that all records and documents required by the subchapter are maintained at the designated location.
• Establish a process for retrieving and producing records within 48 hours of a request by an FMCSA agent or representative.
• Train staff on the importance of maintaining accurate records and responding promptly to requests for inspection.