New Entrant Safety Audit
New carriers get a safety audit within their first 12 months to confirm basic safety-management systems are in place.
- Filed with
- FMCSA / state auditor
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- A few hours of prep; often document-based
What you'll need
- Driver qualification files
- Drug & alcohol program records
- Hours-of-service / ELD records
- Maintenance records and an accident register
- Proof of insurance
Step by step
- 1
Build your safety files early
DQ files, drug/alcohol consortium enrollment, HOS/ELD, maintenance, and an accident register.
- 2
Respond to the audit request
It may be handled online or in person.
- 3
Provide your records
Show your basic safety-management systems are working.
- 4
Fix any findings
You have time to correct issues and stay in the program.
Worth knowing
- Missing a drug & alcohol program or DQ files is the most common failure — set them up before you haul.
Fact-checked June 2026. Fees, screens, and dates change — always reconfirm at the official source at filing time.
Not legal advice and not FMCSA or DOT guidance; verify with FMCSA or a licensed professional.
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