New Authority and Im getting a safety audit

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Carguy, Apr 28, 2012.

  1. Carguy

    Carguy Light Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2012
    Detroit MI
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    Good afternoon guys,

    I got my authority on April 13 and I got a letter to make a safety audit appointment. soo I still dont have any truck under the autority and the only driver is me at the moment. What will DOT look for?
     
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  3. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    Call DOT and explain your situation to them.
     
  4. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    That all your files and records are in order.
     
  5. Carguy

    Carguy Light Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2012
    Detroit MI
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    What files and what records? my application my drug test and what else?
     
  6. 112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

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    pocono's, pa
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    Physical, proof of membership in a drug consortium.

    Logs, proof of ucr, insurance, maintenance records etc

    Usually the first audit is to make sure all your ducks are in a row and if anything is missing they will tell you how to correct it.

    Its really for your protection in case of a serious wreck so you don't get hanged
     
  7. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    "We're with the government, and we're here to help" :)
     
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  8. me only

    me only Medium Load Member

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    buford ga
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    don't forget your own employment application on yourself.
     
  9. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    Hmm. This seems odd.
    I got my USDOT then 6months later my MC then after a total of 18months elapsed I got a call/email from the DOT to schedule an audit.
    I do recall getting a letter from the FMCSA soon after my USDOT (not MC) to call them about an audit but it was questions over-the-phone only.
    I barely recall that conversation but I know I was nervous.

    The "in person audit" is after you have had some time (which is why its usually about 12-18months in).

    So which audit are you talking about...?

    PS. Presuming you joined OOIDA, they have a nice spreadsheet (and there are others you can download)
    that outline everything you need..all the policies you need in writing and they can assist you with any questions.
    JJ Keller has nice forms too for driver files. They are really cheap.

    I had my audit in August 2011. By the way....they are not pass/fail anymore.
    Two of the most common mistakes...No drug/alcohol enrollment and missing a photo copy of your OWN license
    in your OWN driver application. Don't forget a seatbelt policy...they even asked me about that!
     
  10. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    Seriously?

    You need to review this booklet from FMCSA. You have to comply with all of the same standards even as an Independent O/O as a company does.

    The top link here has all the documents that will have to be kept and likely to be reviewed.

    As a new company, you WILL be audited in your first 18 months of business.

    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/eta/index.htm

    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant-faq.aspx
     
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  11. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    MNDriver is accurate.
    No matter the size...1 truck or 1000 trucks.
    We are all held to the exact same rules and regs and policies.
    It seems stupid. Technically I even need a passenger policy and must have
    the passenger sign it before taking them...

    Its MY truck...but it doesnt matter...:biggrin_25521:
     
    US MARINE and VisionLogistics Thank this.
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