New Entrant Safety Audit

At FMCSAPRO, we understand how critical the New Entrant Program is for carriers aiming to establish their authority successfully. Our expert team specializes in guiding you through this crucial process, ensuring all required paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time. With years of experience in the transportation industry, we meticulously cross-check your documentation to eliminate errors and help you avoid common pitfalls.
By partnering with FMCSAPRO, you significantly increase your chances of passing the New Entrant Program on the first try, reducing the risk of delays or termination of your authority. Trust us to keep your compliance on track so you can focus on growing your business.

So What is a New Entrant Safety Audit?

When you obtain a USDOT number or Operating Authority (MC Number), you are automatically enrolled in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) New Entrant Program. This program involves an 18-month monitoring period designed to help you become familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that apply to your operations.

During this period, you must establish essential programs, including DOT drug and alcohol testing, maintain driver qualification files, ensure regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, and prepare for the New Entrant Safety Audit (NESA). The NESA typically takes place within the first three to six months after receiving your DOT number.

The audit aims to evaluate your safety management practices and confirm your readiness to operate safely on public roads. It also provides a chance to identify and correct any compliance issues before they become significant problems.

What happens if you fail to comply with the regulations?

If you fail your New Entrant Safety Audit (NESA), you are required to create a Corrective Action Plan or Safety Management Plan to address the identified violations and outline steps to prevent them in the future. This plan must be submitted to the FMCSA along with supporting documentation detailing the corrective measures taken. Property carriers have 60 days to submit an acceptable plan, while passenger and hazmat carriers have 45 days. Failure to submit or gain approval for the plan within these timeframes can lead to the revocation of your New Entrant Registration for a minimum of 30 days.

The results of the NESA are classified as either “Pass” or “Fail.” While there are no immediate financial penalties for violations or failure, the audit’s outcome is the determining factor for whether your motor carrier registration will be suspended or made permanent.

What type of violations are in a safety audit?

The FMCSA new entrant safety audit has less violations they focus on but when it comes to compliance reviews and investigations the list gets longer.

✓CDL                      ✓ Drug & Alcohol                   ✓Hours of Service
✓ Insurance         ✓ Maintenance
✓ Driver                 ✓ Hazmat


Any time you make changes to your trucking business or operations, you are required to submit an updated MCS-150 form.