FMCSA’s New Entrant Program — Welcome to the Gauntlet

So, you finally got your DOT number. Congrats. You’re officially a “new entrant,” which in government-speak means they don’t trust you yet.

That’s right—for the next 18 months, you’re under the FMCSA’s microscope, and every move you make is subject to scrutiny. They call it the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. We call it the probation period where they watch you like a hawk and hope you screw up.

Here’s the Deal

You’re expected to run your operation by the book from day one. No learning curve. No grace period. You’ve got 18 months to prove you’re not a rolling liability—and they’re not shy about pulling your ticket if you can’t keep it tight.

What You’re Signing Up For

During this trial period, you better be:

• Running safe – That means your trucks aren’t falling apart, your drivers are qualified, and your paperwork isn’t a disaster.

• Keeping clean records – We’re talking driver files, vehicle maintenance logs, hours-of-service tracking… all the stuff they’ll dig through during your audit.

• Ready for a knock at the door – Because sometime in your first year, you’re getting a Safety Audit. And it’s not optional.

The Safety Audit: You vs. The Clipboard

It’s exactly what it sounds like. A federal inspector shows up and wants to see everything. Not just your trucks, but your entire safety operation. Here's what they’ll grill you on:

• Driver Qualifications – Got CDLs? Med cards? Training docs? If not, you’re toast.

• Hours-of-Service – Are your logs legit, or “creative”? They’ll know.

• Vehicle Maintenance – Can you prove your trucks aren’t held together with duct tape?

• Drug & Alcohol Testing – If you skipped your drug program, you’re already failing.

• Accident Register – Every crash you’ve had, even the ones that weren’t your fault.

• Hazmat Compliance – Only if you’re hauling the spicy stuff.

How to Fail Instantly

You can get an automatic failure if you:

• Don’t have a drug/alcohol testing program

• Put unqualified drivers behind the wheel

• Run with no insurance or garbage logs

• Ignore out-of-service orders

• Basically, if you wing it—you’re done

If You Fail (And Some Will)

You’ll have to submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to beg for your DOT authority back. You get:

• 60 days if you’re hauling regular freight

• 45 days if you’re hauling passengers or hazmat

Don’t get it in on time or don’t take it seriously? Enjoy your out-of-service order and kiss your DOT number goodbye.

Bottom Line

The FMCSA’s New Entrant Program isn’t just a warm welcome to the industry. It’s a trap for sloppy operations. If you’re not dialed in on compliance, safety, and documentation, they will catch you—and they will shut you down.

So don’t wait until the audit notice hits your inbox. Get your act together now. Or get ready to be another DOT number that didn’t make it past year one.

Need Help Surviving the Gauntlet?

Don’t wait for the FMCSA to knock—let us tear your operation apart first.
Our mock audits are brutal (in a good way) and built to catch the stuff that’ll get you shut down before the government does.

✅ We’ll walk you through exactly what to fix
✅ We’ll help you build a bulletproof Corrective Action Plan (if needed)
✅ We’ll get your paperwork right so you don’t panic when the real audit shows up

📞 Call us at 910-939-0132
🌐 Or visit www.dotconsultingsolutions.com
📘 And while you’re at it, download our free Fleet Manager’s Field Guide for more no-BS compliance help

You don’t get a second first impression with the FMCSA.
Get it right. Right now.