FMCSA New Entrant Audits in Alabama
Are you a newly registered interstate motor carrier in Alabama? Transportation Safety Services helps motor carriers prepare for their FMCSA New Entrant Audit. When you open a new motor carrier business, the first year can be challenging. There are so many tasks stay on top of and new responsibilities to juggle! However, it's crucial that you don't let your DOT compliance slip by the wayside. Failure to sufficiently prepare for your New Entrant Audit can throw a wrench in your plans-- even to the point of putting you out of business-- but with Transportation Safety Services on your side, you can manage those worries and focus on building your business.
Prepare Your Alabama Trucking Company for the New Entrant Audit
A "New Entrant" is a motor carrier newly engaged in interstate commerce-- that is, hauling cargo across state lines or even national borders. The motor carrier applies for an interstate U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number and undergoes an 18-month period of careful monitoring by the FMCSA. At some point during the first 12 months of beginning operations, each New Entrant will face a Safety Audit.
What is the FMCSA New Entrant Audit?
A New Entrant Safety Audit is a review of the motor carrier's safety procedures. The audit may be conducted at the principal place of business or off-site, by means of electronic record submission. In either case, the motor carrier must produce documents to demonstrate that they are in compliance with the safety regulations required by law. The auditor will be checking that any required alcohol or drug testing programs are in place, and that the business isn't using drivers who have refused or failed an alcohol or drug test. The FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit also monitors for driver violations, operations violations, and repairs / inspections violations.
The FMCSA New Entrant Audit is "pass/fail". If the new interstate motor carrier passes their audit, they will continue to be monitored for safety compliance and performance, as usual. However, any of these violations outlined by the FMCSA will result in automatic failure of the Safety Audit. In the event that a motor carrier fails their New Entrant Audit, they will have the opportunity to implement a corrective action to the satisfaction of the FMCSA. If they fail to do so, their U.S. DOT registration will be immediately revoked. They may apply again for DOT registration after 30 days, restarting the process, with another New Entrant Audit within the next twelve months.
Let Us Help You Pass Your New Entrant Audit
Start your Alabama motor carrier business on the right foot! Transportation Safety Services is a team of DOT and FMCSA experts. We've worked on both sides of the transportation safety system, and as a result, we know exactly what your auditor will be looking for and the best ways to ensure that your business passes your New Entrant Audit with ease. Your new business is too important to leave to chance. Let us help by pinpointing weak spots and fixing them before they cost you valuable time and money. We can implement a healthy system of safety management controls that will stand you in good stead-- not only in preparation for your New Entrant Audit, but for years to come.
DOT/FMCSA Experts in Alabama
Transportation Safety Services is Alabama's full-service DOT consulting firm, offering a comprehensive list of services for all types and sizes of trucking fleets. We take pride in providing Alabama's motor carriers with safety and compliance solutions that are both accurate and affordable.
If you'd like to discuss how we can help you, please give us a call or contact us online.