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Get Prepared for a DOT Audit With These 5 Tips
Foley
3 mins read

 

Preparing for a DOT audit doesn’t have to be stressful as long as you understand what to expect as you go through the process. As a motor carrier, a New Entrant Safety Audit is necessary to ensure all safety and protection policies have been put into place. Typically, it is required that the audit is completed within 12 months of registering with the DOT. The exception is for passenger carriers who must be audited within 120 days of registration. Here is what you need to know about preparing for a DOT audit as a new carrier:

 

The Documentation

First and foremost, proper liability insurance must be presented as part of the documentation verification purpose. You should have either a MCS-90 or MCS-82 form signed by your insurance provider and ready for inspection. Your company’s accident register is also going to be needed, which should include accident dates, driver’s names, and the number of injuries or fatalities that were involved with any given accident.

Driver Qualifications

Each driver in your company needs valid proof of licensing, a clean drug and alcohol testing record, and the ability to demonstrate the proper ability and skill to sit behind the wheel of your vehicles. Three years of DOT physical certifications, entry-level driver training, and an annual written statement of violations will also be needed.

Operating Procedures

It is required that you keep records of hours worked by all drivers, as there are specific limitations to follow depending on the type of job being done. At least six months worth of logs for each driver will be required during a DOT audit. Your drivers will be expected to document their own working hours on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Vehicle Maintenance

As part of the DOT audit, all of your operating vehicles must be enrolled in a systematic servicing program to ensure that the need for maintenance and repairs is always readily available. A separate maintenance file should be kept for each individual vehicle in your fleet. License plate and vehicle identification numbers, tire size, and owner information should also be presented during your DOT audit.

For help with preparing for a DOT audit, you can rely on Foley Carrier Services to provide you with the help you need at every turn. From new entrant audit help to post-audit support, you are covered with all the assistance you need so you can focus on the other more pressing things that are undoubtedly on your to-do list.

 

 

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