Shipping and Transportation Services

CSA/SMS Monitoring & Coaching

Stop being surprised by your scores. Take control of your safety data.

Are you tired of the monthly "SMS surprise"—where your scores look fine one day and are suddenly in the red the next? Most carriers feel like they are chasing their tail when it comes to the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System. At KR Consulting, we make understanding the how and why behind your scores our specialty.

The CSA/SMS program is a complex system that directly impacts your bottom line. High scores lead to increased insurance premiums and can disqualify you from working with top-tier shippers and brokers. We bridge that gap with:

• Proactive Analysis: We don't just report scores; we analyze monthly trends in your BASICs to identify and coach drivers before they trigger a DOT intervention.

• DataQ Challenges: We review every inspection for accuracy, identifying and disputing incorrect violations to keep your record clean.

• Predictive Forecasting: We monitor all inspections to provide accurate projections of where your scores will be up to 6 months in the future, allowing you to make adjustments now.

• Coaching & Culture: We translate complex data into clear, actionable coaching for your drivers and dispatchers to prevent future violations.

FMCSA & IFTA Compliance

Preparation is the only defense against crushing audit penalties.

Compliance reviews and tax audits can be overwhelming, but they don't have to be. The key is knowing the difference between the two and being equally prepared for both. While an FMCSA Compliance Review typically looks at your current safety timeline, an IFTA Audit looks back at a previous 10 full quarters of history.

Because IFTA auditors dig so deep into the past, minor errors in record-keeping can snowball into massive liabilities. I have seen 6 to 10 truck companies hit with IFTA bills exceeding $100,000 simply because of improper filing and missing documentation.

How KR Consulting Protects You:

• Historical Data Scrubbing: We review your past 10 quarters of documentation to find and fix "red flags" before an auditor does.

• Audit Representation: If you are selected for a review, we stand with you to ensure the process is fair and your records are presented correctly.

• System Implementation: We help you move away from "shoebox accounting" to organized, verifiable systems for mileage and fuel tracking.

• Penalty Mitigation: Our goal is to ensure your files are so precise that fines, penalties, and interest are eliminated or significantly reduced.

Custom solutions for your unique operational challenges.

In trucking, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Every fleet has its own culture, equipment, and operational methods. Off-the-shelf training videos often miss the mark because they don't address the specific hurdles your team faces daily.

At KR Consulting, we don't just provide generic safety talks. We dive into your data and your daily workflows to identify exactly where the friction is. Then, we build training modules designed to solve your specific problem areas.

Our Approach Includes:

• Needs Assessment: We conduct a deep-dive review of your fleet’s history, inspection reports, and operational "bottlenecks."

• Custom Module Creation: We develop training specific to your drivers, dispatchers, and office staff—whether it’s specialized cargo securement, mountain driving, or mastering your specific TMS.

• Continuous Improvement: We monitor the results of the training to ensure your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and safety scores are moving in the right direction.

ELD & Hours of Service (HOS)

Technology is not a substitute for compliance.

Having an ELD in your trucks doesn't guarantee a clean audit. In fact, we find that most HOS violations stem from two specific areas: improper scheduling by dispatch or a lack of understanding regarding the legal exceptions allowed within the regulations (such as Yard Move, Personal Conveyance, or the 150 air-mile exception).

While ELD providers offer great hardware, they do not provide a professional review of your drivers' Record of Duty Status (RODS). Without expert oversight, "False Log" violations can go unnoticed until they are flagged during a devastating FMCSA compliance review.

Our HOS Support Includes:

• Gap Analysis: We perform deep-dive audits of your ELD data to find hidden violations and "unassigned driving" time that could trigger an audit.

• Operational Alignment: We train your dispatch team to schedule loads that are legally attainable, reducing the pressure on drivers to "cheat the clock."

• Advanced Exception Training: We teach your drivers how to properly use (and document) regulatory exceptions so you can maximize driving time without breaking the law.

• Monitoring & Alerts: We implement systems to ensure management and drivers are alerted to patterns of non-compliance before they become systemic issues.

TMS & Financial Audits

Protecting your bottom line from the "Leaky Bucket" syndrome.

Modern Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are powerful, but they are only as good as the data entered into them. Most carriers rely on a mix of complex TMS platforms and simple accounting software. When you add the complications of Freight Factoring—including reserves, chargebacks, overpays, and underpays—the margin for error grows exponentially.

Even without intentional foul play, we have seen the best-managed companies lose 2% or more of their annual revenue due to simple clerical errors and uncollected funds.

Our Auditing Services Include:

• Revenue Leakage Detection: We scrub your factoring schedules and TMS records to identify uncollected reserves, missed accessory charges, and unresolved chargebacks.

• Workflow Optimization: We bridge the gap between your operations team and your accounting software to ensure every mile driven is a mile billed.

• Factoring Reconciliation: We help you navigate the complexities of factoring company statements to ensure your "reserves" are actually returning to your bank account.

• System Integrity Checks: We verify that your TMS and accounting software are communicating correctly, eliminating the double-entry errors that lead to financial headaches.