Carrier guides / DOT compliance
DOT Compliance and Audits
Safety audits, driver files, maintenance records and recurring federal compliance obligations.
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Illustrated research, comparisons and practical decisions
Texas Oversize and Overweight Permits: TxPROS Guide
Plan Texas oversize or overweight truck moves using TxDMV legal size and weight limits, TxPROS permits, route checks and movement conditions.
New Carrier Compliance Calendar: FMCSA, IFTA and UCR Dates
Build a trucking compliance calendar for MCS-150, UCR, IFTA, Form 2290 and driver or vehicle renewals, with official sources and editable dates.
FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit Checklist for Carriers
Prepare for an FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit with a complete checklist for driver, ELD, testing, maintenance, insurance and accident records.
New Entrant Audit Violations That Can Cause Automatic Failure
Understand all 16 FMCSA automatic-failure violations, the audit thresholds, corrective-action deadlines and controls needed to avoid revocation.
Driver Qualification File Checklist for Small Carriers
Build a compliant driver qualification file with hiring documents, MVRs, medical records, annual reviews, retention periods and audit controls.
DOT Vehicle Maintenance Records: What to Keep and Why
Learn which DOT vehicle maintenance records carriers must keep, their retention periods, annual inspection rules, DVIR requirements and audit controls.
DOT Record Retention: How Long to Keep Every Carrier File
Use this DOT record-retention guide to track FMCSA deadlines for driver, ELD, testing, maintenance, accident and hazmat records.
Documents Every Commercial Truck Should Carry
Use this cab-document checklist for CDL, ELD, registration, annual inspection, IFTA, IRP, shipping papers, permits and roadside inspections.
FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance for Owner-Operators
Learn the FMCSA Clearinghouse rules for owner-operators, including C/TPA designation, full and annual queries, consent, reporting and return-to-duty.
Choosing a Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium
Compare DOT drug-testing consortiums by random-pool management, C/TPA services, Clearinghouse support, collection access, records and contract terms.
CSA Scores Explained: How FMCSA SMS Works for Carriers
Understand CSA scores, FMCSA SMS BASICs, percentiles, intervention thresholds, inspections, DataQs and the 2026 SMS changes small carriers should track.
DOT Roadside Inspections: Levels, Violations and What Happens Next
Understand DOT inspection levels, roadside violations, out-of-service orders, inspection reports, CSA impact, DataQs and what carriers must do after a stop.
FMCSA DataQs: How to Challenge Incorrect Inspection or Crash Data
Use FMCSA DataQs to challenge incorrect inspection or crash records, build stronger evidence, track the RDR, and understand what DataQs can and cannot change.
DOT Accident Register: What Motor Carriers Must Keep After a Crash
Build a compliant DOT accident register, determine which crashes belong in it, retain supporting records and avoid common recordkeeping mistakes.
DOT Annual Inspection: 12-Month Rule and Records
Understand DOT annual inspection requirements: the 12-month rule, proof of inspection, 14-month report retention and inspector qualifications.
DOT Medical Card Rules in 2026: NRII, CDLIS MVR and Paper MECs
Updated October 2026 NRII medical-card rules: CDLIS MVR verification, the ended nationwide paper-MEC exemption and Alaska-only temporary relief.