Why am I being audited? I'm not a trucking company I just have trucks. . . .    Safety Audits are mandated per Federal DOT Regulations Part 385.   Beginning January 1, 2003, all new motor carriers (private and for-hire) operating in interstate commerce[1] must apply for registration (or a U.S. DOT Number) as a "new entrant". Many states as Texas and Michigan require USDOT numbers for ‘intra-state’ commerce (which is defined as everything else that is not ‘interstate commerce). This is accomplished by the filing of a MCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification Report as required under Part 390.19 that is required to be filed at least once every 24 months.     [1] For definitions see the Glossary or 49 C.F.R. Part 390.5 Definitions in the Regulations.       To order click here:  http://www.part380.com

Introduction

            William Augello, author of Transportation and the Law recalled a scene in a waiting room in a Federal courthouse. The client noticed on their right was another attorney with his client, an accused bank robber. On their left sat another person accused of violating a capital crime.

          “What am I doing with the ‘big’ people?” the client asked.

          “Transportation rules fall under the Federal code. An alleged violation is a Federal matter,” Augello replied.

          While compliance seems costly, the cost of non-compliance can be much higher. In addition to audits, fines or sanctions, non-compliance can result in being placed out of business (at least the transportation side of the business), costly litigation, higher insurance, legal judgments and a whole list of negative consequences.