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New Entrant Safety Audit prep kit for small carriers
A plain-English, do-it-yourself kit to get your records organized before the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit. Built from the regulations themselves, with the rule cited on every item.
- How the audit works and how it's scored (the 6 factors, acute vs critical violations, 1.5 and 1 point, and the 3-factor rule from Appendix A to Part 385)
- All 16 automatic-fail violations from 49 CFR 385.321, each with what to have on file
- Document checklists by area: insurance and accident register, driver qualification files, drug and alcohol program and Clearinghouse, hours of service, vehicle maintenance
- Record retention periods for each document, with the rule
- Templates: per-driver DQ checklist, annual driving record review, accident register, vehicle maintenance file, annual inspection tracker, DVIR, drug and alcohol tracker, audit-day binder index
- What happens if you fail, and the corrective action deadlines
- Where new carriers commonly get caught out, and how to fix it before the audit
One-time payment. Instant access. 30-day refund.
For comparison, consultants charge around $300 to $1,300 for audit help. The audit itself is free, and you can prepare entirely on your own from FMCSA's pages. The kit organizes that work for you.
Secure checkout by Stripe. By buying you agree to our terms and refund policy.
What we don't do
- We don't guarantee you'll pass. Nobody honest can.
- We don't represent you with FMCSA, file anything for you, or give legal advice.
- We don't sell your information.
Free first
Not sure you need it? Start with the free new carrier checklist and FMCSA's own New Entrant Safety Assurance Program page.
Questions
Will this kit make me pass the audit?
No one can promise that, and we do not. The result depends on your actual records and practices. The kit helps you understand what is reviewed and organize your records so nothing required is missing.
Is this from FMCSA?
No. DOT Due Dates is an independent private company, not affiliated with FMCSA or USDOT. The audit is conducted by FMCSA or a state partner, and it is free.
What format is it?
Online pages you can print or save as PDF, plus fillable spreadsheet templates (CSV). You get a private link right after checkout.
Who is it for?
New interstate property carriers, especially owner-operators and small fleets. It does not cover hazmat, passenger or household goods rules in depth.
What if it is not useful?
Email us within 30 days for a full refund.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026 against the eCFR (current as of October 14, 2026) and FMCSA pages linked below.