DOT Audits

DOT Audits

Don’t be unprepared for a DOT audit

When the DOT comes to visit it can be a stressful time. There are so many things that they are looking for during an audit. There is a lot at stake if your audit does not go well.  Having a bad audit can result in:

  • Fines for the company
  • Fines for a driver
  • Down-grading of Safety Fitness Rating
  • Closing of the business – either Out of Service or Cease and Desist orders

Craig Safety Technologies can help you be proactive in being prepared for a Safety Audit. Let CST get files and paperwork in order and be ready when and if DOT comes through the door.

What if they have already been and your company needs help?

CST can help you then, too. We will provide you with the tools and guidance to become compliant and respond to the DOT.

When will you get an audit?

No one knows when except the DOT. But, if you fit the following profile, you can be guaranteed that your company is eligible for an audit.

While the DOT is mainly looking for the companies with issues, that does not exclude you from the possibility of a visit. They can visit because of a complaint against you or an accident or even for a focused visit due to just one problematic area of your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores.

Truth be told, they don’t need a reason to visit your company. So it is essential to be ready now; and it is also the Law. The Law is very complex and is made up of hundreds, if not thousands of regulations that all may affect the outcome of your audit. CST has the experience to untangle the laws and help you get into compliance.

Who will get a DOT audit?

Any employer, employee, or vehicle involved in the transportation of property or passengers in interstate commerce with a vehicle of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or combination weight rating (GCWR) of more than 10,000 lbs. is subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and potential Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) audits.

What is a DOT audit?

A DOT on-site audit evaluates a company’s safety performance and confirms proper and complete recordkeeping. The review also determines if the company has adequate management controls in place to ensure FMCSR compliance. A DOT review contains six inspection categories, or factors:

  1. General
  2. Driver
  3. Operational
  4. Vehicle
  5. Hazardous Materials
  6. Accidents

The Federal Department of Transportation uses a list of requirements when performing an audit. Here are some relevant FMCSR guidelines you need to be aware of:

FMCSR Guideline
Description
Part 40/382 Drug Program and Requirements
Part 385 Safety Fitness Procedures
Part 387 Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility
Part 390 General (Knowledge Test and Accident Files)
Part 391 Qualification of Drivers
Part 392 Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles
Part 393 Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
Part 395 Hours of Service
Part 396 Inspection, Repair and Maintenance
Part 399 Employee Safety and Health Standards
Appendix G Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards

Let our experienced DOT experts along with our web based compliance software help you meet and monitor all these safety and compliance guidelines. CST trained staff can perform a mock audit to identify areas that need improvement.

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