Audit Free Dot Compliance

 DOT Compliance Made Simple — Without the Guesswork

Free Motor Carrier Services helps owner-operators and fleets stay compliant with FMCSA and DOT regulations. From Driver Qualification Files to drug and alcohol compliance, we make sure your records are accurate, current, and audit-ready.

✔ One truck or a full fleet

✔ CDL and non-CDL carriers

✔ Audit-ready documentation

Click here to complete the free compliance review

Our DOT Compliance Services Include:

 Driver Qualification File (DQF) setup & review

Medical card verification

Drug & alcohol program compliance

FMCSA Clearinghouse support

MVR review & annual requirements

DOT audit preparation & record review

 DOT COMPLIANCE RECORD RETENTION CHECKLIST

Every driver operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) must have a complete and current Driver Qualification File. Missing or incomplete DQFs are among the most common FMCSA audit violations.

A compliant DQF must include:

• Completed driver application
   
• Copy of current CDL
   
• Three-year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
   
• Previous employer verification
   
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card)
   
• Annual MVR and employer review
   
• Annual driver certification of violations
   

Free Motor Carrier Services Note:

We review DQFs for completeness, identify gaps, and track required updates so carriers avoid preventable violations.

Medical Certificates & Health Requirements

All CDL drivers must maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) issued by a certified examiner and properly filed with their state licensing agency.

Requirements include:

• A valid MEC linked to the driver’s MVR
   
• Timely renewal (typically every 24 months)
   
• Immediate updates to the carrier’s records
   

Free Motor Carrier Services Support:

We verify medical certification status and ensure records align with FMCSA and state reporting requirements.

Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)

MVRs confirm a driver’s licensing status and violation history.

MVRs must be obtained:

• At the time of hire
   
• Annually for each driver
   

Why this matters:

License suspensions and serious violations can occur at any time. Delayed reviews increase risk exposure.

Free Motor Carrier Services Review Process:

We confirm required MVRs are on file and flag issues that may impact compliance or safety ratings.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

All CDL drivers performing safety-sensitive functions must participate in a compliant drug and alcohol testing program.

Programs must include:

• Pre-employment testing
   
• Random testing
   
• Post-accident testing
   
• Reasonable suspicion testing
   
• Return-to-duty and follow-up testing
   

Carriers must also comply with FMCSA Clearinghouse registration and reporting requirements.

Free Motor Carrier Services Oversight:

We assist with program setup, Clearinghouse compliance, and record verification to ensure alignment with 49 CFR Part 382.

Hours of Service (HOS)

Federal HOS regulations limit driving time and mandate rest periods.

To remain compliant:

• Use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
   
• Retain HOS records for six months
   
• Regularly review logs for accuracy
   

Internal reviews help identify errors before inspections or audits occur.

Vehicle Inspections & Maintenance

Vehicle condition and maintenance records are a major focus during roadside inspections and audits.

Carriers must:

• Conduct daily pre- and post-trip inspections
   
• Maintain proof of annual DOT inspections
   
• Retain maintenance and repair records
   

Incomplete records are a leading cause of violations.

Hazardous Materials (If Applicable)

Carriers transporting hazardous materials must meet additional federal requirements, including:

• Proper HazMat endorsements
   
• HAZMAT TRAINING
• HAZMAT EMPLOYEE FORM
• Correct placards and shipping papers

Even occasional HazMat transportation requires consistent documentation.

FMCSA audits may be triggered by:

• New entrant status
   
• Accidents
   
• Poor CSA scores
   
• Complaints or violations
   

Disorganized or missing records significantly increase audit failure risk.

Free Motor Carrier Services helps carriers organize, review, and maintain compliance documentation so records are audit-ready when requested.

FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA

The FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program evaluates carriers based on inspections, violations, and crashes.

Why it matters:

• Poor CSA scores can increase insurance premiums
   
• Brokers and shippers may deny loads
   

Preventive monitoring and corrective action protect your safety profile.

Compliance is ongoing—not a one-time task.

Recommended practices:

• Periodic driver safety meetings
   
• Quarterly DQF reviews
   
• Annual policy updates
   

A culture of compliance reduces violations and operational risk.