Get your company ready for the DOT - FMCSA different types of audits

Find out about the audits carried out by the authorities in compliance with federal regulations.

If you are a motor carrier, you may be subject to safety investigations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

These investigations are conducted to ensure that you are complying with the federal safety regulations and to identify any safety problems that may pose a risk to the public. In this blog post, we will explain the three types of FMCSA safety investigations and how to prepare for them. The three types of FMCSA safety investigations are:

- DOT Onsite Compliance Audits

This is the most comprehensive type of investigation, which involves an on-site visit by an FMCSA investigator who will review your records, interview your drivers and staff, inspect your vehicles and equipment, and evaluate your safety management practices. this may result in a safety rating (satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory), which affects your eligibility for certain programs and contracts. It may also result in fines, penalties, or corrective actions if violations are found.

- New Entrant Safety Audits

Is perform on 90% of the new companies created in the last year, this audit targets specific areas of concern based on your safety performance data or previous violations. may be conducted on-site or off-site, depending on the scope and nature of the issues. This audit may not result in a safety rating, but it may result in fines, penalties, or corrective actions if violations are found.

- DOT Offsite Compliance Audits

This is the least intrusive type of investigation, which involves a remote review of your records and data by an FMCSA investigator. This audit may be triggered by a complaint, a crash, or a high-risk indicator. This audit does not result in a safety rating, but it may result in fines, penalties, or corrective actions if violations are found.

How to prepare for an FMCSA safety investigation:

Regardless of the type of investigation you are facing, you should always be prepared and cooperative with the FMCSA investigator. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an FMCSA safety investigation:

THIS ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE OFICCER IN ANY AUDIT:

• Proof of DOT drug and alcohol testing program enrollment, provided by your drug and alcohol consortium

• pre-employment drug test results, Provided by your drug an alcohol consortium

• List of active drivers, Provided by your drug an alcohol consortium

• Driver qualification file for each hired driver

• Active employees' commercial drivers' licenses (CDLs)

• Active drivers' medical certificates

• Active driver pre-hire motor vehicle report (MVR)

• List of active commercial vehicles

• Previous 30 days of driver logs

• Proof of insurance

Here are some tips to help you prepare for an FMCSA safety investigation:

- Maintain accurate and complete records of your drivers' qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, accident history, and insurance coverage. Keep these records organized and accessible for easy retrieval. DRIVER QUALIFICATION FILE

- Train your drivers and staff on the federal safety regulations and your company's policies and procedures. Ensure that they follow the rules and report any problems or incidents promptly.

- Conduct regular self-audits and inspections to identify and correct any safety issues or deficiencies. Implement corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.

- Communicate with the FMCSA investigator and provide all the requested information and documents in a timely manner. Be honest and respectful during the investigation process.

- Seek professional advice from a qualified attorney or consultant if you have any questions or concerns about the investigation or its outcome.

By following these tips, you can prepare for an FMCSA safety investigation and demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance.

At Trucking Services & Logistics, we are specialists in solving all your doubts, also remember that we can give you the necessary assistance in issues concerning the DOT. Do not forget to follow our social networks (Facebook and Twitter) or call WhatsApp (813) 435 69 24, to obtain more detailed information.