The New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
The New Entrant Safety Assurance Program was initiated to monitor new applicants based in the U.S. or Canada who are seeking to operate in Interstate commerce. You will be automatically enrolled into the program if you meet the requirements set forth by FMCSA. The program lasts for a total of 18 months and once complete, will grant you permanent operating authority.
What does that mean for me?
- Operate safely by following regulatory guidelines
- Maintain current records (records of duty, driver logs, ELD reports, etc.)
- Conduct period inspections and perform maintenance on CMVs
- Pass the Safety Audit
During this time the FMCSA will:
- Conduct a Safety Audit within the first 12 months of receiving your DOT number
- Monitor safety performance (roadside / weigh station inspections)
- Grant a permanent authority to operate, if proven safe to do so
How do I pass the Safety Audit?
Being informed of the requirements applicable to you is the first step to ensuring you pass the safety audit. Many new applicants have either no previous experience in this field, or rely on anecdotal testimony from friends, family, and associates. Unfortunately, this is not enough. Regulations and requirements can shift at any time. Without being aware of these changes yourself, you need to rely on experienced professionals whose careers are dedicated to keeping carriers like you on the road. In addition to the various resources and information available on our website, you can call in and speak to an experienced compliance agent at any time to ask questions and get advice on how to ensure you remain operational.
How can I be removed from the program?
If you selected that you were an Interstate carrier operating CMVs over 10,000lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating when you completed your application for a USDOT number, you were automatically enrolled. If the information you provided is correct, the only way to be removed from the program is to successfully graduate. That includes passing the audit within the first 12 months and continuing safe operations until the 18-month period has ended.
If you are not operating in Interstate commerce, or do not utilize any vehicles under your USDOT number that meet the definitions of a CMV, then the program is not applicable to you. We can correct your application to reflect these changes and submit a request to have you removed from the program, ensuring you avoid an unnecessary New Entrant Safety Audit.
Warning to Chameleon Carriers
Carriers who have previously failed the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, or who have otherwise been placed OOS for safety violations by the FMCSA are not permitted to register for new USDOT numbers to avoid paying civil penalties or dodge existing OOS orders.
New applicants undergo a process in which your information is verified and checked against existing USDOT number holders. If a carrier provides false information, hides information, or attempts to disguise their operation under another identity, the carrier may be issued an OOS order and/or be fined.
MCSA Compliance Consultants does not condone attempts to subvert this process and reserves the right to refuse assistance to carriers attempting to initiate a Chameleon Carrier operation. However, we will gladly work with you to correct previous violations and help you resume your original operations while complying with FMCSA guidelines and requirements.