Feds Order Shutdown of Alabama-Based Truck Company

The term "off road" has a negative meaning for an Alabama trucking company. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ordered MTI Transportation, LLC, to cease all transportation services immediately. 

The government says the order is based on evidence that it was a chameleon operation for two unsafe truck companies previously shut down by the agency. 

"We must keep our nation's roadways safe for drivers and passengers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This case sends the message that we will shut down unsafe truck companies that attempt to illegally operate."Â 

Safety citations

FMCSA placed MTI Transportation out of service after safety investigators discovered the company was transporting goods for the former BM&L Trucking, LLC, and IDM Transportation, Inc.  

On May 11, the FMCSA issued an imminent hazard out-of-service order against both BM&L Trucking and IDM Transportation for serious federal safety violations in the areas of vehicle maintenance and driver drug and alcohol testing compliance. 

The agency's safety audit of MTI Transportation found that three of the company's drivers were previously employed by BM&L Trucking or IDM Transportation. 

Additionally, MTI Transportation used two commercial vehicles still registered to BM&L Trucking or IDM Transportation.  The May 2012 imminent hazard out-of-service order now also applies to MTI Transportation. 

"The practice of unsafe companies quickly reincarnating as chameleon companies to continue operations is unacceptable.  Our agency is constantly doing everything within its current legal authority to keep one step ahead of these illegal actors," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.