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New Entry Audits
Every new motor carrier is subject to an FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit within the first 12 months of receiving operating authority. Failing this audit can result in the revocation of your authority. Texas Lone Star DOT prepares you for every element of the audit before the investigator arrives.
Are You Ready for Your New Entrant Audit?
The FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit is not a formality — it is a comprehensive examination of your entire safety management program. Auditors review your driver files, hours of service records, drug and alcohol testing program, vehicle maintenance records, and more.
Many new carriers are caught off guard because they did not know what was required or assumed their programs were compliant. Texas Lone Star DOT's team of retired DPS enforcement personnel knows exactly what auditors look for — because they conducted these audits themselves.
Common New Entrant Violations
What We Review
Our pre-audit review covers every area the FMCSA examines during a New Entrant Safety Audit.
Safety Management Controls
The FMCSA evaluates whether your company has adequate safety management controls in place. We review every element of your safety program before the auditor arrives.
- Written safety policies and procedures
- Driver supervision and monitoring practices
- Accident review and investigation process
- Safety performance measurement systems
- Management commitment to safety compliance
Driver Qualification Files
Every CDL driver must have a complete and current qualification file. We audit each file against the FMCSA checklist to ensure nothing is missing.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) verification
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) — annual review
- Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
- Pre-employment drug test documentation
- Previous employer safety performance history
- Road test certificate or equivalent
Hours of Service & ELD Compliance
Hours of Service violations are among the most common findings in new entrant audits. We verify your ELD setup and log review process are fully compliant.
- ELD registration and mandate compliance
- Driver log review and retention procedures
- HOS exception documentation (short-haul, adverse conditions)
- Co-driver and team driving records
- Supporting document retention (fuel receipts, toll records)
Drug & Alcohol Testing Program
A compliant drug and alcohol testing program is required before your first driver performs safety-sensitive functions. We verify every element of your program.
- Consortium/TPA enrollment verification
- Pre-employment test documentation
- Random testing pool and rate compliance
- Supervisor reasonable suspicion training records
- Written drug & alcohol policy acknowledgment
Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection
The FMCSA reviews your vehicle maintenance program to ensure all commercial motor vehicles are being inspected, repaired, and maintained properly.
- Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance (SIRM) program
- Annual vehicle inspection records
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
- Out-of-service defect repair documentation
- Preventive maintenance schedules
Accident Register & Recordkeeping
Motor carriers must maintain an accident register for all qualifying accidents. We review your recordkeeping practices and ensure proper retention.
- Accident register setup and maintenance
- Qualifying accident criteria and documentation
- Post-accident drug and alcohol testing records
- Insurance and incident reporting procedures
- Three-year accident history retention
Our Process
A four-step process designed to get you fully prepared before the FMCSA auditor arrives.
Pre-Audit Review
We conduct a full review of your current files, policies, and programs — identifying every deficiency before the FMCSA auditor does.
Mock Audit
We simulate the actual New Entrant Safety Audit, walking through every checklist item the FMCSA investigator will examine.
Corrective Action Plan
You receive a written report of every deficiency found along with a step-by-step plan to correct each one before your audit date.
Audit Support
We are available to advise and support you on the day of your audit, helping you respond correctly and protect your operating authority.
Who Needs a New Entry Audit Review?
Any motor carrier that has received operating authority within the past 12 months is subject to a New Entrant Safety Audit. Do not wait until you receive your audit notice.
Brand New Carriers
Just received your MC/DOT number and operating authority. Get your safety program built correctly from day one.
Audit Notice Received
Already received your New Entrant Safety Audit notice. We can conduct an emergency pre-audit review immediately.
Unsure of Compliance
Operating but not certain your files, programs, and records meet FMCSA requirements. We will find out for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit.
When does the FMCSA conduct a New Entrant Safety Audit?
The FMCSA is required to conduct a New Entrant Safety Audit within the first 12 months of a new carrier receiving operating authority. The audit can happen at any time during that window.
What happens if I fail the New Entrant Safety Audit?
If the FMCSA determines you do not have adequate safety management controls, they can issue an unsatisfactory rating and begin the process of revoking your operating authority. It is critical to be prepared before the auditor arrives.
Do I need to have drivers operating before the audit?
Not necessarily. The FMCSA will audit whatever operations you have in place. However, if you have drivers, all required files and programs must be in place and compliant.
How long does a New Entrant Safety Audit take?
Typically one day on-site, though this can vary depending on the size of your operation and the number of drivers and vehicles you have.
Can Texas Lone Star DOT help us after we receive our audit notice?
Yes. Even if you have already received your audit notice, we can conduct an emergency pre-audit review and corrective action session to get you as prepared as possible before the auditor arrives.
Is Your Operation Truly Compliant?
Find Out Before the FMCSA Does.
Complete the form below and a Texas Lone Star DOT compliance specialist will reach out to you within 24–48 business hours to discuss your needs.