What to expect when the FMCSA has contacted you for a Compliance Review.

If a motor carrier has been contacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or their state motor carrier enforcement division about an audit or intervention, it is likely because their Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores have crossed a threshold and the FMCSA now has the carrier on its radar. There are other reasons why audits occur, but the CSA score is the most common. There are a limited number of FMCSA enforcement officers, so they may contract with your state to use state carrier enforcement officers to conduct interventions and audits.

Other reasons why an audit or intervention could occur:

• A carrier is new to the industry (New Entrant).

• The FMCSA is following up after a conditional or unsatisfactory review.

• A carrier has had a high-profile fatal accident or a hazardous materials spill involving an accident.

• A carrier requests an audit.

• Someone has filed a written complaint with the FMCSA about noncompliance with regulations.

---

How much notification do carriers receive in advance of a compliance review?

Carriers are typically notified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration with a written letter and are generally given two weeks’ notice prior to the review. However, if they believe the level of noncompliance or violations is serious, they may arrive unannounced.

Prior to the Start of the Review

When they arrive at your place of business, one of the first things you should ask for, if they do not initially provide it, is identification. Do not be reluctant to ask for this, as all federal and state employees are required to carry identification. You need to be sure they are legitimate federal or state employees.

Be respectful. They are there to do a job. Set them up in a conference or meeting room that is quiet and away from the flow of other employees. Offer them coffee, water, or soda as a beverage while they are working. Do NOT offer to buy lunch or provide gratuities. Make sure the temperature in the room is comfortable for them.

Lastly, provide them with your preferred method of contact during the audit (i.e., text, phone, etc.).

As the person responsible for compliance with regulations, you will be their point of contact. It is recommended that all requested documentation be delivered by you.

At the end of the audit, they will want to speak with the owner or president of the company for the final review and to wet-sign the audit findings. During the review of their findings, you will have the opportunity to discuss the violations they discovered. Do not be argumentative. If you do not agree with a violation, ask them to explain how they determined it. They may have missed documentation that you need to bring to their attention. Also, regulations can have different interpretations. Explain your interpretation and discuss any differences.

What Must Carriers Produce for a Review?

Prior to the audit, the officer will review your company information and arrive with documentation from the CSA program related to your drivers and vehicles. They will know which drivers and vehicles were involved in violations, accidents, and out-of-service violations, and will likely request documentation related to those incidents.

When providing requested documentation, provide exactly what they ask for and no more. For example, if they request hours-of-service documentation for a driver for five specific days of a month, do not give them the entire month. If their request is general, ask whether they can specify dates.

These are some of the records that may be requested during a compliance review:

• Proof of financial responsibility (MCS-90 — for carriers with for-hire authority only)

• Driver qualification and training files

• Drug and alcohol testing policy and records, if applicable (CDL drivers only)

• Records of duty status (logs) and supporting documents

• Inspection and maintenance files (including technician certifications for brake repairs and annual inspections)

• Hazardous materials records, if applicable

• Accident registers and copies of accident reports

• Medical certifications of drivers

A motor carrier, by regulation, has two business days (48 hours) to produce records upon request.

What Can a Carrier Expect During a Review?

The officer will often begin by conducting a brief interview and asking for a tour of the facility. The interview typically includes basic questions about operations, safety procedures, and driver training programs.

The process will then shift to reviewing documentation. Carriers should provide a table or desk for the investigator to use during the audit. The investigator will also need access to files, records, and other documentation. If your files are stored electronically, be prepared to display and/or print them.

If you are an Idealease customer and are notified of a review, contact your Idealease representative immediately so they can prepare your maintenance files for the officer upon request.

What Should Carriers Do During the Process?

The best advice is to be helpful and remain calm. Carrier representatives should respond to all requests promptly and be honest with the investigator.

Audits can be stressful, but panicking will only make the experience more difficult. If carriers have proper management and safety procedures in place, they are already on the right path to successfully completing an audit.

Top Audit Violations

Top five acute regulations (DOT testing and CDL violations):

Rank	Violation
1	Allowing a driver to operate with a suspended/revoked CDL (383.37A)
2	Failing to implement an alcohol and/or drug testing program (382.115A)
3	Failing to implement a random controlled substance or alcohol testing program (382.305)
4	Allowing a driver with more than one CDL to operate a CMV (383.37B)
5	Failing to randomly test for drugs and/or alcohol (382.3052)

Noncompliance with a single acute regulation is considered a serious violation and requires immediate corrective action.

---

Top five critical regulations:

Rank	Violation
1	Not using the appropriate method to record hours of service (395.8A1)
2	False records of duty status (395.8E1)
3	Driving record inquiries not kept in DQ file (391.51B2)
4	Using a CMV that is not periodically inspected (396.17A)
5	Using a driver before receiving a pre-employment result (382.301A)

Critical regulations are those where noncompliance indicates a breakdown in a carrier’s management controls. A pattern of noncompliance (more than one violation) can affect a carrier’s safety rating. When multiple documents are reviewed, a pattern is defined as violations equal to at least 10% of those examined.

Frost Laws in 16 States and 9 Provinces

Spring weather often creates driving challenges. Changes in ground temperature can damage roads and vehicles and result in “roller-coaster” rides caused by wavy roads.

Motor carriers must monitor state and provincial spring weight restrictions or risk damage to roads and equipment.

Be Ready for Alternate Routes

Many states impose seasonal weight restrictions as early as late February, with some lasting into May. Drivers traveling through thawing regions should watch for posted signs indicating allowable weights or reduced speed limits.

Trip planning may require visiting state websites to confirm whether specific highways are accessible. If a driver encounters a weight restriction, they must find an alternative route, possibly contacting dispatch for assistance.

Ignoring postings can result in fines, road damage, vehicle or cargo damage, and potential accidents.

To view the laws by state and province:
https://oversize.io/regulations/frost-laws-by-state

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 8

Daylight saving time in 2026 begins Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks move ahead one hour.

• Begin preparing drivers now so they are aware of the time change.

  

• Route drivers should be especially cautious, as daylight conditions will shift.

• Remember to change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Most sleep experts recommend at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Many people sleep about 40 minutes less on the Sunday night following the time change. Plan ahead to avoid fatigue. Sleep in Sunday morning if possible and consider a nap later in the day.

Not all states observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) do not observe it. U.S. territories that do not observe it include American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

International Roadcheck — May 12–14, 2026

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event during which CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives focused on motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety.

It is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches inspected every minute across North America during the 72-hour period.

Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck. The event also helps educate the industry and the public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations.

CVSA sponsors International Roadcheck with participation from:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

• Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators

• Transport Canada

• Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation