Where Can I Get Low-cost or Free Dot Compliance Materials?
Motor carriers can take advantage of the FREE resources available at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Safety Planner website.. This website provides excellent downloadable resources to meet regulatory compliance requirements and customizable tools most relevant to you. One section that can be invaluable help to motor carriers is the Forms Library. Here, motor carriers can find all of the required forms needed to meet DOT-required compliance documents. Below is an overview of some of the free resources.
Accident Register
Maintaining an accident register is required; the register serves as a great tool to identify loss trends. A basic accident register is available on the FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Planner website. On the portal, Great West insureds can also download a free Accident Register that tracks even more data.
Carrier Compliance Questionnaire
Use this form to conduct an internal mock audit of your company’s compliance efforts. The Carrier Compliance Questionnaire is not all-inclusive, but it can help you identify areas to improve.
Certificate of Driver’s Road Test
Road testing all drivers, including applicants and tenured drivers, is one risk management technique used by motor carriers. An examiner will sign this form verifying the driver successfully completed a road test. One example of a comprehensive road test evaluation form is Great West’s Road Test Evaluation form, which insureds can download on the portal (https://www.gwccnet.com).
Driver Employment Application
Motor carriers can use their own employment applications, but this generic form is available as an alternate option. A signed and completed application is required per 49 CFR Part 291.21.
Driver Qualification File Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your driver qualification (DQ) files are current and complete. This checklist also includes the retention period requirements for the required records.
Call to Action
- Road test all drivers.
- Use the Carrier Compliance Questionnaire form to conduct a mock DOT compliance audit.
- Download the Driver Qualification File Checklist form and audit all DQ files for completion.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.
One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.
