DOT Compliance Isn’t Just Paperwork | It’s the Difference Between Growth and Getting Shut Down

📌 Save this before your next inspection — one mistake can cost you your authority.

If you’ve ever had your safety score drop overnight or gotten a surprise roadside inspection, you already know: DOT compliance can make or break your trucking company.

We’ve worked with dozens of carriers who only reached out after getting a bad inspection, or even worse — after being put out of service. Here’s how to stay ten steps ahead.

✅ What You Actually Need to Stay Compliant:

Get your IRP, DOT & MC right — from the start.

File the IRP under the correct entity (don’t mix carriers — we’ve seen drivers registered under the wrong company all the time).

Know your base jurisdiction rules — Florida vs. Ohio IRP fees are different for a reason.

Use FMCSA’s official website: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration

Safety isn’t just a word — it’s your score.

One inspection can drop you from Amazon’s platform, even if you weren’t at fault.

If your driver’s inspection got filed under the wrong DOT number — dispute it ASAP. (Use the FMCSA DataQs system: https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/)

Driver Files = Your Audit Shield Keep everything updated:

CDL copies

Medicals (Check validity: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/)

Pre-employment drug test

Lease agreements (especially if the driver is from another MC)

Use FMCSA guidance: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/391.51

Teach Your Drivers the Basics Most violations don’t happen because of bad drivers. They happen because of bad training.

🚨 40,000+ inspections happen in just 3 days during blitz week. Prep them now — or risk losing loads later.

Share FMCSA inspection guides: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/vehicle-inspections

If You Got a Ticket — Don’t Panic. We’ve helped companies find the best lawyers to fight DOT violations. The key is to act fast and gather proof.

Learn about CSA scoring: https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/

📌 Pro Tip: If you don’t know where to start, ask us for a checklist. We audit dozens of companies a month — we know exactly what the DOT will ask.