New Entrants - FAQs

New Entrant FAQ Options

New Entrant Safety Program

What is the New Entrant Safety Program?

The New Entrant Safety Program includes:

  • A Safety Monitoring Period lasting 18 months. During this period, any accidents or citations the motor carrier receives are highly scrutinized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This 18-month period serves as a “trial run” where motor carriers must demonstrate that they can operate safely.
  • A Safety Audit during the first 18 months of operation. A Safety Audit is conducted before the end of the 18-month Safety Monitoring Period. During the audit, the New Entrant’s safety performance and compliance efforts will be closely scrutinized. Most Safety Audits occur in the first three to six months of operation.

Safety Audits

Who is subject to a DOT Safety Audit?

All New Entrant motor carriers are subject to DOT Safety Audits. Upon issuance of a Federal USDOT number, motor carriers are granted temporary operating authority and automatically enrolled in the DOT’s New Entrant Safety Program — which requires a Safety Audit.

What if I fail my Safety Audit?

New Entrants who fail a Safety Audit cannot obtain permanent operating authority without first correcting any areas of non-compliance found during the Safety Audit.

When will my Safety Audit occur?

Safety Audits usually occur within the first three to six months after a New Entrant begins operating under its USDOT number. Expect to be contacted around your third month of operation. As a best practice, you will want to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations from day one.

Where will my Safety Audit take place?

Your Safety Audit will either occur at your primary business location, or at a local facility, such as a hotel or conference center, along with other New Entrants from the area.

Who will conduct my Safety Audit?

To complete the volume of audits it must conduct each year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration deploys Federal and state officials as well as representatives from private compliance companies.

What key areas will my Safety Audit focus on?

While other areas may be examined, your Safety Audit will focus on six key areas:

  • Driver Qualifications
  • Driver Duty Status/Hours-of-Service
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Accident Registers and Documentation
  • Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use Testing
  • Hazardous Materials Requirements

Scheduling a Safety Audit

How will FMCSA notify me of my upcoming Safety Audit?

You will be notified of an upcoming audit by mail. The letter will instruct you to call FMCSA and set up a day and time for your audit. Once you’ve been notified, you have 90 days to schedule your audit.

What if I don’t respond to the first Safety Audit notice?

If you fail to schedule your Safety Audit within 90 days of notification, you will receive a second letter. You have 10 days from the date of this letter to schedule your audit. If you do not respond in time, your operating authority will be revoked.

Compliance Reviews

I’m a New Entrant. I don’t have to worry about a Compliance Review until after my 18-month Safety Monitoring Period, right?

Wrong. Once you are on the road you may be subject to a full Compliance Review even before you receive your New Entrant Safety Audit. Compliance Reviews may be triggered by roadside inspection outcomes or by an accident involving one of your vehicles. There is no excuse for non-compliance and the consequences can be severe. FMCSA expects you to comply with all applicable safety regulations starting from your first day in business.