Get every unit on file before the audit
One report per power unit and trailer, organized by unit, ready to hand to the auditor.
Because 49 CFR 396.17(a), using a commercial motor vehicle not periodically inspected, is on the automatic-failure list. It triggers failure when 51% or more of the records the auditor examines are in violation (49 CFR 385.321). A failed audit leads to a notice that your new entrant registration will be revoked.
| New entrant fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Audit timing | Within 12 months for property carriers, 120 days for motorcoach passenger carriers | FMCSA report to Congress, 2017 |
| Monitoring period | 18 months | 49 CFR Part 385, Subpart D |
| Annual inspection auto-fail | 396.17(a) at 51% or more of examined records | 49 CFR 385.321 |
| Records the auditor expects | Inspection report per unit, kept 14 months; inspector qualification evidence | 49 CFR 396.19, 396.21 |
For the full rule, see Will the New Entrant Safety Audit check my annual inspections?
One current inspection report for every power unit and every trailer, each under 12 months old, plus proof that each inspector was qualified. Bright Inspect gives you all of it in one download, organized by unit, so you can hand it to the auditor as is.
Not sure how long to keep each record? See How long do I keep DOT inspection records, and where?
Count every unit, book each one where it's parked, and file the reports by unit. Each tractor, truck, trailer and converter dolly is its own commercial motor vehicle, so each needs its own inspection and its own proof (49 CFR 396.17(a)).
01
Write down each power unit, trailer and converter dolly you operate, with its unit number and VIN.
02
Book an inspection for each unit where it's parked. Same-day inspections are standard, and each record is ready within 60 minutes.
03
Keep proof of the current inspection on each vehicle, and file the full report for each unit for 14 months.
04
Note the renewal date for every unit so none goes past 12 months during your monitoring period.
It can, if the report meets federal requirements and is under 12 months old. But you're responsible for producing it, so get a copy of the full report, not just the sticker. If you can't, schedule a new inspection before you haul your first load.
A single vehicle is $99. Booking more units lowers the price per unit: 15% off for 2 to 3 units, 25% off for 4 to 7 units, and a custom fleet quote for 8 or more. See pricing for what each inspection includes.
| Units booked | Price per unit | Fleet discount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 unit | $99 | None |
| 2 to 3 units | $84.15 | 15% |
| 4 to 7 units | $74.25 | 25% |
| 8 or more units | Custom fleet quote | Talk to our fleet team |
Book every unit where it's parked and get one record per unit, with inspector qualification records included.