7 Deadly Sins that Trigger Safety Audit

I have had several people email or PM me asking about the 7 deadly sins that will trigger an immediate safety audit and/or get your authority revoked.

We should all first understand that the initial grant of authority to operate is provisional and for the first 18 months a new carrier is subject to stricter scrutiny. The initial grant of authority to operate as an interstate motor carrier is provisional. Provisional authority to operate may be revoked immediately if any of the following "seven deadly sins" are found in a roadside inspection:

1. Using a driver who does not have a valid CDL (commercial drivers license). This includes drivers with falsified, revoked licenses, or one missing a required endorsement.
2. Operating a vehicle placed out of service for violations of safety regulations without taking necessary corrective action.
3. Involvement in a hazardous materials reportable incident involving radioactive material, certain explosives, and poison inhalation hazard materials.
4. Involvement in two or more hazardous materials reportable incidents.
5. Using a driver who tests positive for controlled substances or alcohol or who refuses to test for those substances.
6. Operating a commercial motor vehicle without the required levels of financial responsibility (insurance or approved self-insurance).
7. Having a driver or vehicle out of service rate of 50% or more based on at least three inspections within a 90 day period.

Any of these will trigger an immediate safety audit if there has not yet been an audit. If there has been an audit, there will be a notice requiring corrective action within 30 days. Failure to respond within 30 days will result in revocation of the new entrant's registration.

 

These are based on FMCSA guidelines for provisional authority. In theory it should trigger an audit. In practice, these are the items that will get you shut down/fined during your new entrant audit.

They take it serious in IL and have handed out some decent fines. I have talked to a couple companies in other states that had "early" audits after getting a couple OOS from drivers.

 

Yes, this is new entrant. These are the 7 items the FMCSA says they will not grant you full authority (not sure the difference - kind like double secrete probation). But so far all I have seen is fines and provisional being pushed to 36-months.