New Entrant Program - FAQ
New Entrant Program - FAQ
New Entrant Program
Why do I need a safety audit?
The safety audit is an opportunity for new motor carriers to meet with ADOT staff to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to comply with federal and state regulations and operate safely. During the safety audit, carriers will work with ADOT staff to review records, understand the safety regulations, and determine if any areas need to be improved to operate in compliance.
How do I know if the New Entrant program applies to me?
The new entrant motor carrier program applies to all new interstate motor carriers for 18 months after registering with the FMCSA and receiving a USDOT identification number
Where do I need to go for the safety audit?
ADOT conducts safety audits at a carrier's principal place of business.
How long will the audit take?
The safety audit process generally takes two to four hours.
What materials will be reviewed during the safety audit?
During the safety audit, ADOT staff will review the documentation of the motor-carrier operation, including these items:
- Insurance and economic documentation
- Controlled substances and alcohol testing
- Accident records
- Driver qualifications
- Hours of service logs
- Equipment/maintenance records
- Hazardous materials records (if applicable)
Am I still considered a new entrant if I am leased to another motor carrier company?
If you are a new carrier operating under the authority of another carrier, you do not need to go through the safety audit process with ADOT. However, you still need to inform ADOT of your operating status with the other carrier.
What if I operate solely in Arizona?
If you are a motor carrier operating only in Arizona, you are considered an intrastate motor carrier and do not need to schedule a safety audit. However, you will need to contact ADOT at 602.712.4388 to make sure you have the correct operating authority under your company's profile.
What happens if I do not show up to my scheduled audit?
Failure to show up to a scheduled audit may result in your USDOT number being revoked or your operation placed out of service by FMCSA. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled safety audit, please contact ADOT at 602.712.4388 as soon as possible to reschedule.
How do I ensure a successful safety audit?
To ensure a successful safety audit, make sure you have all the required records organized and well-documented. This will enable ADOT to conduct a thorough review of your motor-carrier operation and make sure you are complying with all of the federal and state regulations.
The safety audit will not result in a safety rating for your motor carrier. This process is an opportunity for you to meet with ADOT staff to review your records and make sure you understand what needs to be done to operate in compliance.
What happens if there are problems found during the safety audit?
If ADOT staff conducting the audit finds areas of deficiency within your motor-carrier operation, they will make you aware of them so you can take corrective action to ensure compliance in the future.
Once the safety audit is completed, the ADOT staff person sends the information from the audit to the FMCSA for review. If the FMCSA determines that there were enough deficiencies to warrant a failed safety audit, the FMCSA will send the new-entrant carrier a written Notice to Remedy within 45 days. This will include information about the actions that need to be taken in order for the new entrant carrier to keep their USDOT number and continue operations.
What happens after the safety audit?
After the safety audit is conducted, a carrier will remain on new entrant status for the remainder of the 18 months after receiving a USDOT number. During this 18-month period, the carrier is closely monitored by FMCSA and ADOT to ensure that operations remain in compliance with federal and state regulations.