Audits are conducted to verify compliance with Hours of Service (HOS), vehicle maintenance, and safety regulations.
The FMCSA oversees commercial vehicle regulations and conducts audits to ensure compliance.
A compliance review evaluates whether carriers adhere to FMCSA safety regulations and operational standards.
Auditors examine records such as driver logs, maintenance schedules, and incident reports to ensure compliance.
Falsifying records can result in severe penalties, including fines and suspension or revocation of operating authority.
The frequency of audits depends on the operator’s safety record, past violations, and risk assessment.
Focused audits are triggered by safety violations, public complaints, or significant incidents such as accidents.
Advertisement
The SMS uses data on violations, crashes, and inspections to identify carriers for potential audits.
New entrant safety audits are required for carriers within their first 18 months of operation to ensure compliance.
Failing an audit can lead to corrective actions, fines, or the suspension of operating privileges until compliance is achieved.
Carriers should ensure that driver logs, maintenance records, and compliance documents are accurate and readily available.
