DOT Audit Services

How We Can Help

Before the Audit

A J. J. Keller consultant will help you prepare for a successful, stress-free audit. Your consultant will review any documentation you received from the DOT to help you better understand what to expect during your audit. They will also guide you through the process of gathering documents being requested and serve as a resource for questions throughout the process.

Audit Services Include:

DOT New Entrant Safety Audit

All new interstate motor carriers are part of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) New Entrant Program for 18 months following registration and receipt of a USDOT number.

For new entrants to be granted permanent operating authority, they must operate for 18 months and pass a safety audit (or implement a corrective action plan to address issues).

Like all carriers, new entrants continue to be monitored through the CSA program, even after being granted permanent authority.

DOT Compliance Review

If you're selected for a Compliance Review or some other type of investigation, such as a focused on- or off-site investigation, the Department of Transportation (DOT) likely has concerns about your safety practices. The DOT uses safety audits to verify a carrier's records are in compliance with applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulators (FMCSRs), Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs), and related recordkeeping requirements.

Carriers may be required to submit documentation verifying any safety management controls they have in place. Additional documents related to drivers, vehicles, policies, etc. can also be requested by an auditor.

Safety Upgrade Request

If you're operating with a Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety rating — or have failed a DOT audit — your operating authority could be suspended or revoked within 30-60 days, putting your company at risk of losing customers and paying higher insurance premiums.

A J. J. Keller consultant can help you prepare the required documentation for a formal rating increase request to FMCSA and help you avoid future problems by designing and implementing a program that focuses on improving your risk areas.

After the Audit - Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

If you have already undergone your audit and need help with your CAP, we can help you make this process much easier. Your consultant will look at each violation (acute and critical), consider the contributing factors to each violation, and determine what action has happened and what needs to happen.

Your consultant will also help you gather the supporting documents and exhibits (policies, training certificates, etc.) to prove the action plan. Submitting the required documents can help minimize the risks of additional negative impacts, including authority revocation.

We've improved clients' CSA scores by an average of 47%!

FAQs

What does a Conditional rating mean?

This rating means a motor carrier does not have adequate safety management controls in place to ensure compliance with the safety fitness standard found in §385.5 of the FMCSRs.

I received a CSA warning letter. What do I do?

A warning letter is just that... a warning. It is your opportunity to improve your safety and compliance. Contact us today, and one of our consultants will help you understand the letter and develop an action plan.

What happens if I don't submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?

By not submitting a CAP or failing to correct the issues found, you risk losing your FMCSA registration.