The Department of Transportation (DOT) issues several compliance regulations for Owner-Operators via its division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Staying on top of those regulations will ensure that your business can continue running as normal. Below is a brief list of common DOT compliance requirements, with links to read about each topic with additional detail. Be sure to refer to the FMCSA's website for the most current and thorough guidance around all regulations.
FMCSA New Entrant audits
Any carrier, at any time, can be inspected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Our blog, FMCSA New Entrant Audits, goes over things all new carriers can expect during their initial audit, including details on record keeping. That is a good place to start to make sure you have a solid foundation and can pass future inspections.
Pre- and post-trip inspections
The driver-vehicle inspection report (DVIR) is essential to documenting your truck is safe for highway operation:
- Helps prevent crashes
- Reduces risk of injury from accidents on the road
- Decreases road collision fatalities
Read our post DVIR: Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections for an in-depth checklist of what these inspections entail.
Roadside Inspections
There are eight different levels of roadside inspections:
Level I: North American Standard Inspection. This is the most common North American Standard Inspection. It is also very comprehensive, where any paperwork related to operating the vehicle, or any part of the vehicle itself, is subject to inspection. To learn more about the specific items that may be included in Level I, be sure to read our article on CVSA Inspections.
Level II: Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection. This is the paperwork portion of the Level I plus a visual (walk-around) of the equipment.
Level III: Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection. This is a review of the paperwork but nothing physical (except the seat belt).
Level IV: Special Inspections. This is a special inspection normally limited to a particular item or to check whether a suspected trend is valid.
Level V: Vehicle-Only Inspection. This is the physical inspection but without the driver needing to be present. It can be conducted anywhere.
Level VI: North American Standard Inspection for Transuranic Waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) of Radioactive Material. This is specific to carriers hauling radioactive shipments. (If that is you, then you likely are familiar with it. If that is not you, no need to be concerned with it.)
Level VII: Jurisdictional Mandated Commercial Vehicle Inspection. This usually involves vehicles that transport passengers and is specific to a jurisdiction.
Level VIII: North American Standard Electronic Inspection. This is conducted electronically or wirelessly while the vehicle is in motion.
These inspections can be performed at any time and without advance notice.
Staying aware, prepared, and proactive
It is understandable that things happen, especially when on the road, so even the best prepared driver may periodically encounter undesirable inspection results. At times, when the FMCSA believes a carrier's safety performance indicates a safety risk, it issues an intervention through the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Program. There are three categories of interventions that you may be subject to - early contact, investigation, and follow-on. You can read more in depth about what each of these mean in our article, CVSA Inspections.
Non-Roadside Inspections
While roadside inspections are common, more formal inspections also occur. And when they do, the time involved is much greater. The inspectors review records in more detail. Some have described it as similar to getting a root canal – or worse. In any case, expect to have all your DOT-related paperwork reviewed.
While all areas are subject to review, some generally get a greater focus. The following you can expect to be checked thoroughly:
- DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
- Driver Qualification File
- Hours of Service
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
- International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Reports
- Vehicle Registrations
- Vehicle Inspections
- Vehicle Maintenance Records
The above assumes the non-roadside inspection is random in nature. If previous safety issues or problems have been identified (through inspections or accident records), you can expect the inspector to put significant emphasis on everything related to those issues.
Simply being aware, staying organized, inspecting and maintaining your equipment, and following procedures will help you pass inspections without any major issues. At TrueNorth, we are here to support you and your safety in every way.
Other articles you may be interested in:
DVIR: Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections