be ready for audits

Written By NANCY RIVAS

How to Prepare for a DOT Audit: What Every Trucking Company Should Know

How to Prepare for a DOT Audit: What Every Trucking Company Should Know

Published by Nancy’s Trucking Permits

If you're in the trucking business, chances are you've heard the words "DOT Audit" and felt a chill down your spine.
But here's the truth: a DOT audit doesn’t have to be scary—if you're prepared.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a DOT audit is, why it happens, and how you can protect your company before that knock on the door comes.

✅ What Is a DOT Audit?

A DOT audit is an official compliance review performed by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to make sure your trucking company is following the rules—especially safety, recordkeeping, and proper documentation.

Audits can be:

  • New Entrant Safety Audits (for companies within their first 12 months of operation)

  • Compliance Reviews (random or triggered by red flags like accidents, poor CSA scores, or complaints)

  • Focused or Full Audits depending on the severity of issues

📦 What Will the FMCSA Look At?

Be ready to present:

  • Proof of active USDOT and MC Numbers

  • MCS-150 Biennial Update records

  • Driver qualification files

  • Hours of Service (HOS) logs

  • ELD reports

  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance records

  • Insurance documentation

  • Drug & alcohol program compliance

Any missing documents = red flag. Multiple violations = serious trouble.

⚠️ What Happens If You Fail a DOT Audit?

If you don’t pass:

  • You may be placed out of service

  • You’ll receive fines and penalties

  • Your MC Authority could be revoked

  • Your CSA score will drop, hurting your business reputation

  • You could lose clients or broker contracts

💡 How to Prepare and Stay Audit-Ready

Here are steps to protect your business:

✅ Keep digital copies of all required documentation
✅ Stay up to date on your UCR, IFTA, IRP, and other filings
✅ Make sure your drivers understand HOS regulations
✅ Perform regular vehicle inspections and log them
✅ Review your ELD data weekly
✅ Partner with professionals (like us!) who can check your compliance before the FMCSA does

🚛 Let Nancy’s Trucking Permits Help You Prepare

At Nancy’s Trucking Permits, we help trucking companies of all sizes stay audit-ready and in full compliance—from DOT registration to document organization and training.

📞 Need help with compliance?
📧 Want us to review your files before an audit?

Contact us today and stay ahead of the DOT.

NANCY RIVAS
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