Where can I find DOT compliance materials?
Motor carriers will be pleased to discover new safety and compliance resources available for free at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Safety Planner website. The website provides excellent tools for motor carriers. It can be customized so users can save notes, bookmark items, and highlight the Motor Carrier Safety Planner sections most relevant to your business. You will need your DOT number and PIN to get started.
The Motor Carrier Safety Planner includes a great deal of helpful information, but the Forms Library may prove invaluable to motor carriers. The Forms Library is where motor carriers can find all the required forms to meet DOT regulatory compliance requirements. The documents are FREE to download and include:
Carrier Compliance Questionnaire
This form can be used to conduct a mock compliance audit. The Carrier Compliance Questionnaire is not all-inclusive but can help a motor carrier identify areas for improvement.
Driver Qualification File Checklist
The form can be used to verify that your driver qualification (DQ) files are current and complete. The form also includes the retention period requirements for the required records.
Driver’s Application for Employment
Motor carriers can use their own employment applications, but this form is provided as an option. Per 49 CFR Part 291.21, a signed and completed application is required.
Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Record
Part 396.3(b) specifies that a motor carrier shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a record of inspection, repairs, and maintenance which shows their date and type. The Forms Library provides a sample form to help you meet this requirement.
Call to Action
Use the Carrier Compliance Questionnaire form or something similar to conduct a mock DOT compliance audit.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
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