FMCSA Compliance Investigations – Process, Implications, and How We Can Help

Stay Prepared. Stay Compliant. Protect Your Business.

If your company receives notice of an FMCSA Compliance Investigation—sometimes referred to as a DOT compliance review or audit—it means the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has identified potential safety or compliance concerns with your operation. These investigations are serious, and the outcome can directly impact your safety rating, DOT authority, and your ability to operate.

At [Your Company Name], we help motor carriers prepare for FMCSA compliance investigations and represent them throughout the process to reduce violations, protect safety ratings, and avoid costly fines or loss of operating authority.

An FMCSA Compliance Investigation is an in-depth review of a motor carrier’s safety management practices and compliance with federal regulations. The investigation can be:

• Offsite – Conducted remotely, where you submit records electronically.
   
• Onsite Focused – FMCSA reviews specific problem areas at your location.
   
• Onsite Comprehensive – A full review of all compliance areas at your place of business.
   

You may be flagged for an investigation due to:

• Poor CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores in specific BASIC categories.
   
• Crash involvement or safety complaints.
   
• Serious violations discovered during roadside inspections.
   
• New Entrant Safety Audit failures.
   
• Referrals from state or federal enforcement partners.
   

During the investigation, the FMCSA may request and review:

• Driver Qualification Files (DQFs)
   
• Hours-of-Service (HOS) records and ELD data
   
• Drug and Alcohol Testing Program compliance (including Clearinghouse)
   
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
   
• Accident register and investigation reports
   
• Company safety policies and procedures
   

After the review, FMCSA will issue a Safety Rating:

• Satisfactory – You meet safety fitness standards.
   
• Conditional – Deficiencies found; corrective actions required.
   
• Unsatisfactory – Severe deficiencies; your operating authority may be revoked.
   

In addition to a safety rating, you may face:

• Civil penalties (fines)
   
• Required corrective action plans
   
• Out-of-service orders
   
• Public record of violations, which can harm your reputation and customer trust.
   

With over 20 years of DOT enforcement and compliance experience, we know exactly what the FMCSA looks for—and how to address issues before they cost you your business.

We provide:

• Pre-Audit Compliance Review – Identify and fix potential violations before the FMCSA sees them.
   
• Document Preparation & Submission – Organize and present your records to meet FMCSA standards.
   
• Onsite or Remote Representation – We communicate directly with the investigator on your behalf.
   
• Corrective Action Planning – Help you resolve violations and improve your safety rating.
   
• Post-Investigation Compliance Support – Ongoing monitoring to prevent future issues.
   

• Former FMCSA Agent and Program Manager – insider knowledge of DOT procedures.
   
• Proven track record of helping carriers pass audits and keep operating authority.
   
• Hands-on support from start to finish.
   
• Services tailored for small, medium, and large fleets.
   

An FMCSA compliance investigation can be stressful and time-consuming—but with the right preparation and expert representation, you can protect your company, your drivers, and your livelihood.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you prepare for and navigate your FMCSA compliance investigation.

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