New Entrant Audit Checklist

The New Entrant Safety Audit is a mandatory FMCSA review completed within your first 12 months of operating under a new USDOT number. Unlike a full compliance review, this audit confirms that your company has implemented the required safety management controls to operate safely and legally.

FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit Checklist

The audit examines three main areas: Driver qualifications, Vehicle maintenance, and Carrier programs. Here’s what you need to have organized and ready:

FMCSA Audit Checklist

Here is a list of the required document you must have, for your New Entrant Audit.

Vehicle Maintenance Program

Quick overview on the details USDOT wants you to track.

Drive Qualification File

Outline of what is needed to have on file for at least 3 years for each driver. Per FMCSA guidelines.

Truck/tractor + Trailer Maintenance

FMCSA requires you keep track of your vehicle maintenance. Maintenance tracking sheet available.

Accident record and more

You are required to keep a list of accidents for the past 3 years.

See What FMCSA Requires You To Have In Order To Stay Compliant.
Free Downloadable Guide To Help You.

After You Pass: Building Your CSA Score

Once your DOT transitions from new entrant to permanent status (after 18 months), the FMCSA assigns a CSA — Compliance, Safety, Accountability — score.
This score reflects on-road safety performance, crash data, and inspection violations.
A strong CSA score helps:

Secure better freight opportunities
Reduce insurance premiums
Build trust with shippers and brokers

Poor scores, on the other hand, trigger interventions or FMCSA safety audits. That’s why maintaining the same discipline you used during the new entrant audit is critical long-term.

*Also Included