New Entrant Safety Audit

The FMCSA has a safety evaluation program called the “New Entrant Safety Audit." The new entrant’s roadside safety performance will be closely monitored to ensure the new entrant has basic safety management controls that are operating effectively.  

If the audit discovers that adequate safety controls are not present, the carrier has 60 days from the date of the notification (45 days if transporting hazardous materials or passengers) to take the actions specified in the notice, and to submit proof that it has remedied its safety management practices. If the carrier does not, they must cease operations on the 61st day. If the carrier is making a good faith effort, the FMCSA may extend the 45 or 60 days to give the carrier more time to comply.

Here are just some of the things you can do to avoid an audit:

1. Make sure all drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with all required endorsements.
2. Make sure you have the required levels of insurance
3. Correct all safety violations before operating the vehicle
4. Take required random drug tests
5. Keep all records of inspection and maintenance
6. Always have a security plan when offering or transporting hazardous materials

The penalties for noncompliance vary, depending upon the severity and frequency of the offense.  Some fines can continue to accrue if left unchecked. For more safety violation information see the FMCSA website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant.

Let TSNA navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way!

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New Entrant Safety Audit

The FMCSA has a safety evaluation program called the “New Entrant Safety Audit." The new entrant’s roadside safety performance will be closely monitored to ensure the new entrant has basic safety management controls that are operating effectively. 

If the audit discovers that adequate safety controls are not present, the carrier has 60 days from the date of the notification (45 days if transporting hazardous materials or passengers) to take the actions specified in the notice, and to submit proof that it has remedied its safety management practices. If the carrier does not, they must cease operations on the 61st day. If the carrier is making a good faith effort, the FMCSA may extend the 45 or 60 days to give the carrier more time to comply.

Here are just some of the things you can do to avoid an audit:

1. Make sure all drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with all required endorsements. 
2. Make sure you have the required levels of insurance
3. Correct all safety violations before operating the vehicle
4. Take required random drug tests
5. Keep all records of inspection and maintenance
6. Always have a security plan when offering or transporting hazardous materials

The penalties for noncompliance vary, depending upon the severity and frequency of the offense. Some fines can continue to accrue if left unchecked. For more safety violation info see www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant.

Let TSNA navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way!

Read More »

New Entrant Safety Audit

The FMCSA has a safety evaluation program called the “New Entrant Safety Audit." The new entrant’s roadside safety performance will be closely monitored to ensure the new entrant has basic safety management controls that are operating effectively.  

If the audit discovers that adequate safety controls are not present, the carrier has 60 days from the date of the notification (45 days if transporting hazardous materials or passengers) to take the actions specified in the notice, and to submit proof that it has remedied its safety management practices. If the carrier does not, they must cease operations on the 61st day. If the carrier is making a good faith effort, the FMCSA may extend the 45 or 60 days to give the carrier more time to comply.

Here are just some of the things you can do to avoid an audit:
1. Make sure all drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with all required endorsements.
2. Make sure you have the required levels of insurance
3. Correct all safety violations before operating the vehicle
4. Take required random drug tests
5. Keep all records of inspection and maintenance
6. Always have a security plan when offering or transporting hazardous materials

The penalties for noncompliance vary, depending upon the severity and frequency of the offense. Some fines can continue to accrue if left unchecked. You can find more information about safety violations at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant.

At Truck Services of North America, we make it simpler to avoid FMCSA audit. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.  Contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Starting a New Trucking Company

Starting your own trucking company requires preparation and planning because the trucking business is one of the most regulated industries in the country. The process can be complicated and takes much time and patience due to the many requirements and regulations.

Once you have taken the initial steps, like deciding on your business name and the legal entity, obtaining your CDL license, truck and trailer; securing the funds to obtain the necessary registrations, licenses, permits, etc., then you will need to get your business registered in your state.  The process varies from state to state.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations mandated for New Entrants in the trucking industry, and prospective company owners need to stay compliant with the rules governing the industry. Truck Services of North America will handle working with the state and federal agencies to ensure you submit the necessary information. As a premier full service provider, TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way so you can focus on the road.

You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal ID Number. If you don't have one, you can apply for online at irs.gov or call TSNA and we’ll take care of it for you.

Step 1: Start process for FMCSA Authority

    1. Obtain USDOT Number

    2. Complete and submit application form(s) to FMCSA

·  Also referred to as Interstate Operating Authority, an "MC," "FF," or "MX" number

    3. Begin New Entrant Safety Assurance Program

    4. Obtain permanent USDOT registration

·  All first-time carrier applicants will be automatically enrolled in the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. New entrants are required to pass a safety audit and maintain acceptable roadside safety performance over an initial 18-month period before they are given permanent registration status.

    5. Maintain USDOT Number and Operating Authority information

Step 2:  Application for IFTA fuel permits

Step 3:  Complete State Notification/Registrations Applications.

Step 4:  Obtain Insurance and file with FMCSA (and any state that 

requires Insurance filed)

Step 5:  Apply for Process Agents

Step 6:  Verify insurance is on file and all permits are in place

Step 7:  Once FMCSA Authority is granted, apply for Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

Generally, this process will take about 10 days to 2 weeks to complete, but it may vary depending how quickly the necessary information is provided and the response time from the federal/state agencies. We have New Entrant Packages or we can customize one to suit your specific needs.

For more information give us a call today at 803.386.0320 and let TSNAmerica.com take the paperwork out of your way.

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