» New entrant DOT safety audit for trucking companies

New entrant DOT safety audit for trucking companies

Trucking companies that have just started their journey in business should be ready to undergo a point security audit procedure for the past 18 months. This also applies to driver-operators. 

The case is unfamiliar to novice entrepreneurs. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with these tips and recommendations, so as not to fail an important procedure.

What is included in a safety audit

It is customary to conduct an audit in the office of the enterprise. Recently, the procedure is increasingly moving to the online format. In this case, the company receives a letter of expected audit from the Federal Highway Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

Waiting for an audit is a bit exhilarating. First, the new participant is checked during the year. Although the security of the company will be monitored for all 18 months.  

Inspections in the office should be carried out by representatives of federal services under the guidance of the Security Administration. Often, these powers are transferred to local authorities. An audit involves a comprehensive consideration of security issues. Mainly they check: 

How a beginner can prepare for an audit

First of all, a novice entrepreneur needs to study all the requirements for the safety of cargo transportation. You should have all the protocols ready to provide to the reviewers. If something is not clear, there is a lot of useful information on this topic on the Internet. 

Keep clear documentation and fix security issues immediately as they arise. Be aware of all the criteria by which your company will be audited, often check the documents for the reliability and completeness of coverage of events.

Automatic audit failure

The audit of a new participant can automatically go astray. This happens in the following cases: 

These shortcomings occur as a result of the lack of appropriate programmes and timely measures to eradicate the problems. As a result, people and goods may suffer.  Put in order all programs and documents, eliminate the shortcomings that have appeared in time. Then you will easily go through the security audit procedure of the new participant.

What happens if you fail to pass the audit

If you could not pass the audit or it was shot down automatically, there is no need to despair. You will receive an email from the FMCSA about the reasons for the failures. You will be given the opportunity to rectify the situation. Keep in mind: if the violations are serious, your powers may be suspended. 

If the FMCSA gives the go-ahead for a re-audit, the company must provide a corrective action plan (CAP). It must be prepared by the date indicated on the documents of the failure notification. If you ignore this requirement or delay its implementation, you will lose registration. 

It can take up to 45 days to receive notification that an audit fails. With the timely submission of the plan (CAP), you can eliminate the shortcomings within 60 days. If you fix everything, a new audit awaits you. In cases of ignoring the requirements for the implementation of the plan (CAP) and non-compliance with the rules, you can be temporarily suspended from cargo transportation.

What gives the company a successful audit

After the successful audit procedure, the company will be checked on the roads for another six months. If there are no violations during this period, you get the full right to perform transportation operations. But passing a security audit of a new participant does not exempt the company from further inspections. All carriers are under the supervision of the FMCSA and are required to report on the safety of transportation. 

If you have any questions about the security audit of new participants, please contact RTS Financial.

 

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