Guides & free tools

Plain answers to the compliance questions that keep carriers up at night

Written for small trucking companies, with the official source linked on every page.

New carriers and the safety audit

New carriersHow to pass the new entrant safety auditWhat the auditor checks, the records to have ready, and how most carriers pass.New carriersThe 16 violations that fail you automaticallyEach one in plain words, most common first, and how to avoid it.New carriersFailed your safety audit? Your deadlines15 days to send a plan, 45 or 60 days before revocation. What to send.

Free tools

Free toolAudit readiness checkTen yes-or-no questions. See which automatic-fail rules you might be breaking.Free toolWhen is my MCS-150 due?Enter your USDOT number and see the month your update is due.

Drug and alcohol testing

Drug and alcoholDo I need a drug and alcohol consortium?Who's covered, what a program needs, and why owner-operators must join one.Drug and alcoholClearinghouse queries: full vs. limitedWhich query you need before hiring and every year, and what it costs.

Trouble and deadlines

TroubleGot a CSA warning letter? What to doWhat it means, the score thresholds, and the steps that head off an investigation.DeadlinesThe small carrier's compliance calendarEvery yearly deadline and inspection week, month by month.

General information, not legal or compliance advice, and no substitute for the regulations or a qualified professional. Rules change and every carrier is different. Reading this page doesn't create a relationship with FleetCleared or any consultant, and using it is subject to our terms. Found an error? Email legal@fleetcleared.com. FleetCleared is an independent website and is not affiliated with FMCSA or the U.S. Department of Transportation.