For how long should motor carriers retain records of duty status and all supporting documents?

Motor carriers must retain records of duty status and all supporting documents for a minimum period of six months. This requirement ensures that the documentation is accessible for review by regulatory authorities or for internal audits, which assists in promoting compliance with safety regulations and operational standards. The six-month retention period balances the need for record-keeping with the operational realities of the trucking industry, where the nature of work and documentation flow can change frequently.

Other options may stem from misunderstandings about retention periods for various types of records. For example, while some records might have longer retention requirements (like financial records), duty status records specifically have a defined six-month rule to ensure they are current and relevant, which is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance on the road.