The trucking industry is facing increased regulatory scrutiny as the Trump administration intensifies enforcement of federal safety rules for carriers and drivers. With regulators cracking down on issues ranging from CDL irregularities to ELD compliance, fleets are under growing pressure to ensure that their safety teams fully understand and properly apply the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
To help fleets meet these demands, J.J. Keller has introduced a comprehensive new training and certification program designed specifically for transportation safety professionals. The Certified Transportation Regulatory Expert (CTRE) Certification Program goes far beyond traditional classroom learning and equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to strengthen compliance and protect both drivers and fleet assets.
A Hands-On Approach to FMCSR Mastery
Unlike basic training programs that rely on memorization, the CTRE program immerses participants in real-world scenarios through:
- Live drills
- Interactive lessons
- Tabletop exercises
- Audit simulations
This approach helps safety managers understand not just what the regulations say, but how to apply them during day-to-day fleet operations and during regulatory inspections or audits.
What the Curriculum Covers
The five-day program delivers in-depth instruction across a wide range of compliance responsibilities:
FMCSR Foundations
- How the regulations are structured and interpreted
- DOT registration and insurance rules
- Required documentation and recordkeeping
Driver Qualification & Drug/Alcohol Testing
- Building compliant driver qualification files
- Understanding Clearinghouse protocols
- Avoiding audit exposure and documentation mistakes
Hours of Service (HOS) & Driving Rules
- Proper ELD use and log auditing
- HOS exceptions and common violation triggers
- Preventing falsification risks
Vehicle & Hazmat Compliance
- Effective maintenance programs
- Driver vehicle inspection requirements
- Cargo securement and advanced safety technologies
Enforcement & Audit Preparation
- Understanding CSA scoring
- Responding to Notices of Violation and Claims
- Strategies for improving safety ratings
Training takes place at J.J. Keller’s headquarters in Neenah, Wisconsin, with small-group instruction that allows for detailed questions and personalized guidance.
A Credential Designed to Reduce Risk and Strengthen Safety
The CTRE certification is valid for three years, with an online recertification exam available afterward. According to J.J. Keller’s VP of Consulting and Training Services, Dustin Kufahl, the program is designed to equip safety leaders with both knowledge and leadership skills.
Kufahl emphasizes that the certification is “a career accelerator” because participants walk away with practical techniques to:
- Reduce legal and regulatory risk
- Strengthen fleet safety practices
- Prevent costly violations
- Improve operational performance through structured compliance
With federal oversight tightening, many carriers are turning to programs like CTRE to ensure their teams are prepared for audits, enforcement actions, and evolving FMCSA requirements.
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