About Us
Who We Are
We Believe That Experience Matters
TCSS is a transportation compliance and risk management company specializing in commercial motor vehicles, Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations and state laws. TCSS was founded by Todd James in July 2022 upon his retirement from the Colorado State Patrol where he served 26.5 years: 16 years in the Motor Carrier Safety Section, 5 as a technician and 11 as a sergeant. During his time as a MCSAP (Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program) Sergeant, Todd led a high performing unit that received national recognition. Todd was an instructor for the International Chiefs of Police Leadership and Police Organizations and uses that experience and knowledge to lead the TCSS team. TCSS uses uniquely qualified inspectors to conduct commercial motor vehicle inspections at carriers’ places of business.
These inspectors received their training, certifications, and experience as North American Standard CMV inspectors while serving with the Colorado State Patrol. This team of inspectors has performed thousands of inspections and uses their expertise to conduct full vehicle inspections and apply specific FMCSR. As an associate member of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) TCSS inspectors follow CVSA guidelines and inspection criteria and apply CVSA Out of Service criteria to violations. We also evaluate state statutes, and apply rules that have been enacted by states. Our team members are also experts in compliance reviews and safety audits and can therefore effectively evaluate carriers’ compliance with FMCSRs, evaluate current carrier maintenance practices, annotate deficiencies, and provide summaries for process improvements. Some of our inspectors have conducted numerous post-crash inspections on CMVs and are judicially recognized as commercial motor vehicle experts.
Our Mission
To support a strong culture of safety among CMV carriers by partnering with enforcement and transportation industry stakeholders to provide services that encourage compliance with state and federal regulations. We do this by building a team of retired MCSAP enforcement officials and other industry professionals who use their expertise to provide education, vehicle inspections, audits, and consulting.
What Our Clients Say About TCSS
Alan Bailey
Schmidt Construction Company
“TCSS performed a very thorough audit of our company fleets. They provided an extensive report that showed the company’s shortcomings and where we were in desperate need of repair. They sat down with our leadership and gave them a plan of action to get the fleet back into compliance. They were very professional and knowledgeable on compliance.”
Trevor Terrill
EarthX Landscaping
“Working with Todd James and his CDOT compliance company has been a game-changer for our business. Todd’s keen eye for detail and comprehensive understanding of compliance regulations have not only ensured our operations are fully compliant but have also resulted in significant cost savings for our organization down the road. Todd’s dedication to excellence and personalized approach make him an invaluable partner. Highly recommended!”
Tobin Kern
Kern Law LLC
“Todd James and TCSS are experts in CMV law, compliance, and practices. They were the first people I turned to when I needed CMV expert witness help in a complicated business dispute. Todd was energetic, intelligent, knew exactly what we needed, and was excellent to work with. I would use Todd and TCSS again in a heartbeat.”
Todd James
The team is led by Todd James who served 26.5 years with the Colorado State Patrol: 16 years in the Motor Carrier Safety Section, 5 as a technician and 11 as a sergeant. During his time as a MCSAP (Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program) Sergeant, Todd led a high performing unit that received the National CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) Award – Best Compliance, Safety and Accountability Program for Medium States. Todd brings many years of experience in large-scale program management, including serving two years as Colorado’s New Entrant Program Manager and eight years as Colorado’s CSA Program Manager. Todd was also the CSP rule- making subject matter expert pertaining to commercial vehicle regulations and laws, a New Entrant Auditor, Compliance Review Investigator, NAS level 1 inspector, HM and bulk package inspector, passenger vehicle inspector, and instructor for Part A, NE, and CSA. He is a Colorado NAS Inspector Champion. Todd is recognized in the Colorado Court system as an expert in commercial motor vehicle compliance and enforcement in both criminal and civil cases. In 2006, he helped develop and implement the Colorado State Patrol Immigration Enforcement Unit. Todd was an instructor for the International Chiefs of Police Leadership and Police Organizations.
Jennie James
Jennifer James is the company’s director of operations. Prior to TCSS, she was a managing director for an association management company where she oversaw a team of managers, developed business operations, and managed a client caseload. Jennifer has experience managing budgets and government contracts, including invoicing for services rendered. For TCSS, she meets with client upper management, develops compliance processes and procedures for clients and conducts on-site compliance risk assessments. She is competent in several parts of the regulations and is responsible for training the carrier’s HR staff. Jennifer is also responsible for tracking all required initial, recurring and annual training for the auditors and ensures that all auditors have completed MCB, FMCSA and CVSA required in person and online training. Jennie has also been the owner of a successful small business for 14 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with many years of experience working in that industry.
Dennis Rabe
Dennis Rabe served 26 years with the Colorado State Patrol, 8 of those years in the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. Dennis brings a strong institutional knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and was a FMCSA superuser. Dennis was a compliance Review Investigator, North American Standard Level 1 Inspector, Hazardous Materials and Bulk Package and Cargo Tank Inspector, Passenger Vehicle Inspector, and New Entrant Safety Auditor. He has conducted over 2500 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections, 20 CMV post-crash inspections, 138 new entrant audits, and 64 compliance, safety and accountability review investigations. He is recognized in the Colorado Court system as an expert in commercial motor vehicle compliance and enforcement in criminal cases. Dennis was a member of a high performing unit that received a National Award – Best Compliance, Safety and Accountability Program for Medium States.
Your One Stop for All Your Compliance & Safety Needs
Reach out to us with any questions or needs – we’re here to ensure your transportation operations are compliant, safe, and efficient.