I am a new "carrier" with a new DOT number.

My company owns one tractor, two semi trailers, and employs one CDL driver.

I recently received my DOT numbers and I am trying to make sure that I stay compliant.

I have some questions.

1) How soon after getting a DOT number and authority, do companies usually get audited?

2) We do 99% of my work intrastate (IL) and 1% going to Wisconsin, staying under 100 miles away from our corporate base.
Perhaps 8 hours of driving per week.

* Does my driver need to have any logs
* Does he need to fill out Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports?

Thanks!

 

yes! also need to prove that there is a drug testing facility on file, maintance records, mvr, and application.

 

Thanks! My driver was tested and he is in a random pool.

My question still stands, when should I expect the inspection to occur?

And, so you confirm, that we need DVIRs and logs if we are local?

 

i would. more info the better. just make sure they're all right and correct.

 

(1) Expect the initial Part 385 "Safety Audit" to occur in three to six months after initial DOT# registration. But, in event of involvement with a bad accident, it could happen tomorrow.

(2) Everyone with a commercial vehicle (per Part 390) needs to comply with 24/7/365 Hours of Service rules: logbooks are a must over 100 air-miles, and 7 day/week "exemption sheets," are needed under 100 air-miles (if all other qualifications are met). Looks like you will probably need both if you occasionally go beyond 100 air-miles.

(3) While the DVIR is not "technically required" for one vehicle, the DVIR protects both the company and driver by documenting all inspections and repairs. ("If it isn't documented, then it isn't or wasn't done.")

Logs, DVIRs and otherforms are available at most truckstops or from www.jjkellercom; call their toll-free number and ask for their "Transportation Catalog."

All the best

 

You'll have to excuse me BUT you have NO business being in this industry as you don't even know the BASIC rules.

 

It's within 18 months. Depends on how busy they are for the audit.

 

Yeah, I'm new, and I was told between 6 and 18 months.

I'm in my 8th month and got the call this week. They allowed me to schedule the appointment for January.

 

They should give you a list of what they want to check. I know a couple of newer carriers who have gone through the new entrant audits. Some things that they will check include having a driver qualification application on each driver with a 10 year work history. If you don't have one of these applications, you can pick them up at most truck stops or order them from JJ Keller online. Having a drug consortium is also mandatory. One of the people that I know who had the audit had their equipment inspected during the audit. They checked how they kept track of their IFTA miles, too. You are required to keep a record of driver logs as well as having a maintence file on each piece of equipment. The main purpose for the audit is to make sure you have everything set up properly. If not, then they will give you a list of things you need to do in order to be compliant. The new entrant audit will not cost you any money if they find something that you are not doing properly. On any subsequent audit the fines can be stiff.