Truckers and Travelers

Hello, Fellow Drivers, On 11/9/09 I discussed a brief overview of a DOT audit once you get trucking authority. Today I will outline the paperwork necessary to successfully pass a DOT audit. You will need to take care of the paperwork that has to be in place to pass your first DOT inspection. These items are employee records, drug testing results, DOT physical (long form), log books and any audits done on them, your truck and trailer inspection and finally your pro-rate book that is kept in the truck. You will want assistance from Clay Eppard of Fleet-Safety, Inc. to get these in proper order. They will also assist you with your DOT inspection. You can always contact me by email at truckersandtravelers@gmail.com. First, your employee records will have to be filled out. Certain information will have to be included and an outside source will have to check your references and employee history. The information to be included is: employee application, copy of driver’s license and social security card and other pertinent information. I included an 18-point checklist in my driver files. Second, you should have your drug testing either done or scheduled by now. You will have to have your original results in your employee records and a copy in your pro-rate book. The long form of your DOT physical should also be included in your files. Your New Entrant Safety audit or DOT audit will occur within the first 18 months of your trucking business with operating authority. You will want to consult with Fleet Safety in order to be ready for this audit and to pass it. Please see my blog on 6/22/09 for more information. Third, your most recent truck and trailer inspection form should be in your files also. You can have these done at any truck stop that offers truck repairs, such as the TA or the Flying J. You will have to perform this inspection yearly whether you have INTERstate or INTRAstate trucking authority. With INTERstate trucking authority, you will have to have your log books audited monthly as if you were working as an employee of any other trucking business. INTRAstate trucking authority only requires time sheets if traveling under 100 miles per day. If over that limit, you will need to keep logs also. In this economy, it helps to save money. One of the ways to save is to get trucking authority by doing most of the steps yourself. I hope you enjoyed the read. Remember! Be safe out there.