A New Entrant Safety Audit is a requirement for new motor carriers operating in the U.S. It is part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)'s New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. This audit ensures that the carrier is following safety standards and regulations related to the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Here's an overview:
New motor carriers (both interstate and intrastate) applying for a U.S. DOT number are required to undergo the audit within their first 12 months of operation.
It applies to passenger carriers, hazardous material carriers, and general freight carriers.
After applying for a U.S. DOT number, the carrier is placed in a New Entrant Program, and within 12 months, they will undergo a Safety Audit.
Carriers operating passenger transport or hazardous materials need to complete the audit in 120 days.
The audit evaluates the carrier’s compliance with key FMCSA regulations, including:
Driver qualifications (medical exams, commercial driver’s license, etc.)
Hours of service (driver logs, adherence to work/rest time rules)
Drug and alcohol testing (for drivers)
Vehicle maintenance (inspection, repair, and maintenance records)
Accident register and records
Insurance coverage
Off-site audit: Carriers with smaller operations or low safety risks may be eligible to submit documents electronically.
On-site audit: Conducted at the carrier’s place of business for those who require closer scrutiny or cannot complete the audit off-site.
If the audit reveals non-compliance, the carrier will receive a corrective action plan (CAP).
Carriers who fail to correct the issues may be placed out of service and have their DOT number revoked.
Successfully passing the audit moves the carrier into permanent status, though they will still be subject to regular FMCSA oversight.
Would you like more specific details on how to prepare for the audit or the documents needed? Here get more information about New Entrant Safety Audit.