DOT New Entrant Audit Readiness Kit

$27

Every new USDOT carrier goes through an 18-month new entrant monitoring period, and FMCSA conducts a safety audit, generally within the first 12 months of operations (49 CFR 385.307; FMCSA). This kit explains, in plain language, what the audit checks and how it is scored, then walks you through organizing each record FMCSA asks for. Every requirement is cited to the section in 49 CFR (Parts 382, 383, 385, 387, 390, 391, 395, 396) so you can check it yourself on eCFR. Includes a 17-page printable PDF and an editable Excel tracker.

The 16 automatic-failure violations from 49 CFR 385.321, with the proof to keep for each
How the audit works: offsite vs onsite, Appendix A scoring, and the key dates in Part 385
Document-submission checklist matching FMCSA's New Entrant Web System (NEWS) upload categories
Area-by-area self-checks: drivers, drug & alcohol, HOS/ELD, vehicles, insurance, accidents
Editable Excel Master Tracker: driver and vehicle due dates, upload log, records index

Accurate as of Oct 2026. Educational tool, not legal advice. Does not guarantee passing an audit. Independent publication. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by FMCSA or USDOT.

DOT New Entrant Audit Readiness Kit

$27

The 16 automatic-failure violations from 49 CFR 385.321, with the proof to keep for each
How the audit works: offsite vs onsite, Appendix A scoring, and the key dates in Part 385
Document-submission checklist matching FMCSA's New Entrant Web System (NEWS) upload categories
Area-by-area self-checks: drivers, drug & alcohol, HOS/ELD, vehicles, insurance, accidents
Editable Excel Master Tracker: driver and vehicle due dates, upload log, records index

Accurate as of Oct 2026. Educational tool, not legal advice. Does not guarantee passing an audit. Independent publication. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by FMCSA or USDOT.