New Authority? You Have 12 Months to Pass Your Safety Audit

The New Entrant Safety Audit is a mandatory, one-time review every new carrier must complete within 12 months of its USDOT number activating (it usually lands around months 9–12). Passenger carriers face a tighter window — generally about 120 days.

Auditors confirm you actually have basic safety management controls in place and in use: driver qualification files, a drug & alcohol testing program with Clearinghouse enrollment, hours-of-service/ELD records, vehicle maintenance, adequate insurance, and an accident register.

Pass and you keep your authority (on probationary status until you've held it for 18 months). Fail and don't submit a satisfactory corrective action plan, and FMCSA can revoke your authority before your first year is up.