Starting a trucking company can be an exciting new start —but it also means complying with strict regulatory responsibilities. If you’ve received your USDOT number in the last year, you need to undergo a New Entrant Safety Audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
This audit is the deciding point for whether or not your company has the proper safety management controls to operate with compliance. However, many new businesses fail because their documents are disorganized or incomplete.
Here’s the good news: With the proper preparations and support, you can pass the audit and maintain your operating authority from the very beginning. Here’s how to pass the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The FMCSA requires all new trucking companies to complete a New Entrant Safety Audit within the first 12 months of receiving a USDOT number.
- Most new trucking businesses fail their audit due to poorly kept records.
- Organizing your documentation ahead of time is crucial.
- DOT Operating Authority provides hands-on help to keep your records and compliance in check.
The FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit: What it is and Why it is Important
The New Entrant Safety Audit is a mandatory evaluation of all new trucking businesses within the first 12 months of receiving their USDOT number. It’s purposefully designed to confirm your company’s awareness and understanding of key FMCSA safety regulations, as well as implementing them properly.
The audit can be carried out in-person, online, or over the phone. It covers a range of safety and compliance areas, including driver files, auto maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and hours of service (HOS) monitoring.
Failing the audit can result in your DOT authority being suspended, operational delays, or high-cost corrective actions. Proper preparation is key!
FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit: A Checklist
Here’s what the FMCSA will expect during your audit. Ensure these documents and policies are properly completed, up-to-date and easily accessible:
1. Driver Qualification Files (DQFs)
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for every driver
- Medical examiner certificates (DOT physicals)
- Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)
- Verification of past employment and safety performance history
- Yearly evaluations and carrier certifications
2. Auto Maintenance and Inspection Records
- Regular auto maintenance schedules and repair logs
- Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) on a daily basis
- Yearly DOT inspections and certifications
3. Hours of Service (HOS) Logs
- If applicable, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
- Documents that confirm on-duty and driving hours
- Records detailing duty status, exemptions, and recorded violations
Why Preparation Is Your Power Play
Whether you’re managing it all yourself or getting help from DOT Operating Authority, your ability to prepare well will be the difference between stress and success.
Passing the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit isn’t about luck it’s about preparation. When you have all your documentation in place, your systems organized, and a clear understanding of FMCSA expectations, you position your business for long-term success. Think of the audit not as a hurdle, but as your first opportunity to prove you’re ready to operate with integrity and professionalism.
