Is this new? Mini audit with state police

Sublime is correct. They don't care if it's Adam's housecat as long as the person there to go over this stuff with them is knowledgeable about the company and can answer the questions and produce the material timely (while they wait for it). I have done many of these as a consultant and several as an employee. I will say this, though. In New Entrant they prefer to speak with someone with Safety Program responsibilities as that is the main purpose of the NE Audit; to determine if you have adequate Safety Program and are executing it. Think about it like this: to them almost all of the compliance stuff is about Safety. HOS compliance = Safety. Drug and Alcohol Testing = Safety. Driver Qualification file = Safety. Accident prevention and investigation (DOT Accident Register and Accident files) = Safety. Maintenance file = Safety. Insurance info = (it's a stretch but that's how they look at it - if something happens unsafe can you pay for the damage, plus carriers have accident prevention programs) = Safety (make sure you have a signed copy of the MCS-90 form your insurance company, it's a requirement and very frequently overlooked by carriers). Believe it or not, in this one (NE) they are there to help, not hurt. OH! Buy you some JJ Keller Maintenance files and a current copy of the FMCSR's and their Safety Program and Maintenance Program but don't do like one client did when asked about their written Safety and Maintenance Programs and produce the JJ Keller copies . . . unopened and still in the cellophane. LOL. This was in GA and Dude (GA CMV Enforcement) just rolled his eyes, shook his head and said: "Don't use them much do you?" Couldn't hit them for anything; they were compliant. They did have them and produced them timely but he was NOT impressed. I wanted to hide being the Safety Consultant. He knew me and snickered. "Can advise all day long but you can't make 'em do." As far as the Maintenance files are concerned there is specific information about each unit that has to be on the file folder itself (some may get by with an information sheet but they prefer it written on the jacket itself; sheets get lost); Make, Model, Year, VIN and Tire Size. Yes tire size. It's the most commonly overlooked little ding on a maintenance file. That's why I recommend JJ Keller's printed ones. They are inexpensive and if you fill out all the information on the file itself they are compliant and look very professional. Remember; This guy might be wearing a uniform, badge and gun but he's a paper pusher if he's doing New Entrant Reviews. Paper pushers are impressed with neat, clean, organized paper. The Officer in him will be impressed with a sincere: "We want to comply because compliance reduces accidents which are bad for everyone" attitude. Might cut you some slack if you're on the fence on something.

Hope this helps.