Your Essential DOT Compliance Checklist for 2026
Stay ahead of DOT audits with this DOT compliance checklist for trucking companies. Learn how to organize driver qualification files, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, hours-of-service records, and safety policies so you can reduce violations, improve your CSA scores, and keep your fleet compliant with FMCSA regulations.
FMCSA Audit? How to Pass With Confidence
FMCSA audit: here’s what to expect, how to prepare, and how to pass. This guide breaks down audit types, documents you must have, timelines, and common pitfalls that trigger fines or safety rating downgrades. Use our checklists and expert tips to stay compliant, protect your CSA scores, and avoid costly downtime.
FMCSA Safety Rating Upgrade Service Guide
Boost your carrier’s credibility and unlock better loads with our FMCSA Safety Rating Upgrade Service. We help fix a Conditional or Unsatisfactory rating, prepare your corrective-action plan, and submit the formal request to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration so you can achieve a Satisfactory rating and stay competitive.
DOT Corrective Action Plan Help: Quick Guidance
Get DOT Corrective Action Plan help from the experts at My Safety Manager. We’ll guide you step-by-step through identifying root causes, fixing violations, and building lasting compliance systems so your company can strengthen safety practices, improve audit outcomes, and stay on the road with confidence.
How to Submit a Corrective Action Plan to the FMCSA
Learn how to submit an FMCSA Corrective Action Plan (CAP) the right way. Get deadlines, where to send it, what to include, and the evidence FMCSA expects—policies, training, and proof of implementation. Avoid rating downgrades and out-of-service orders with a step-by-step CAP checklist and practical examples.
How to Respond to a DOT Audit Closeout Letter
Just received a DOT Audit Closeout Letter? Don’t wait—your response will determine your safety rating. This guide shows you exactly how to respond fast, what to include in your Corrective Action Plan, and gives you free templates to help protect your fleet and avoid a costly Conditional rating.
What Happens If I Fail a DOT Audit?
Failing a DOT audit can trigger a downgrade to a “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” safety rating, placing your authority at risk and forcing corrective action under tight deadlines. This post walks you through what the rating change means, the corrective-action timeline and how to restore compliance before you lose registration or cost your company loads
DOT Corrective Action Plan: Ultimate Guide
Facing a failed DOT audit? A DOT Corrective Action Plan (CAP) documents root causes, time-bound fixes, and controls to prevent recurrence. This guide explains what belongs in a CAP, common pitfalls, and practical steps to rebuild compliance-so you can restore operations, protect your safety rating, and keep customers.
Understanding Your DOT Safety Rating
Understand your DOT safety rating—what it means, how FMCSA assigns Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory ratings, and practical steps to prevent downgrades.
Top 10 DOT Audit Violations of 2025
The FMCSA’s 2025 audit findings highlight persistent DOT violations linked to inadequate hiring, oversight, and compliance practices. Key violations include failures in pre-employment queries, maintenance tracking, and records management. Implementing structured systems and training can mitigate these issues, fostering a culture of compliance and reducing audit risks in trucking operations.
What is a Mock DOT Audit?
Ensure your fleet is audit-ready! Our free Mock DOT Audit guide walks you step by step through driver logs, vehicle files, and compliance best practices so you can identify risk areas, fix issues, and pass inspections with confidence. Start your audit prep today to keep your operations safe, legal, and efficient.
How To Fix Your Conditional Safety Rating
A Conditional DOT rating is issued by the FMCSA when a trucking company fails to meet safety management standards after compliance reviews. To improve this rating, companies can submit a Corrective Action Plan or undergo another review. Ratings significantly impact operations, affecting business with brokers, insurance costs, and legal liabilities.
DOT Audit Checklist
A DOT Audit Checklist will help you prepare for an upcoming DOT audit. If you don’t have a DOT audit coming up, then using one will help make sure that you’re “audit ready”! A DOT (Department of Transportation) audit—also known as a compliance review—is an in-depth evaluation of your trucking company safety program and regulatory…
How To Prepare for a DOT Audit
Prepare for a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to gather critical driver records, maintenance logs, and compliance documentation — plus audit day tips to stay calm and confident. Your complete DOT-audit prep resource is just a click away.