Trucking Compliance Guide

Compliance Guides
12 min read Updated July 2026

A practical overview of the major compliance areas trucking companies are expected to manage, from registration records to audit preparation.

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Company & Registration Records

Keeping your USDOT number, operating authority, and company identification records current and accessible. See FMCSA’s registration resources for current requirements.

Driver Qualification

Maintaining a qualification file for each driver, including the documentation applicable to your operation. See 49 CFR 391.51 for the federal recordkeeping requirement.

Vehicle Compliance

Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles under your control. See 49 CFR Part 396 for the federal requirement.

Hours of Service

Understanding the hours-of-service limits and recordkeeping that apply to your drivers. See FMCSA’s Hours of Service resources.

Drug & Alcohol Compliance

Maintaining a compliant drug and alcohol testing program and meeting FMCSA Clearinghouse query requirements. See the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Safety & Compliance Monitoring

Reviewing your safety performance data and addressing issues before they become compliance problems. See FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System.

Audit Preparation

Organizing your records so they can be located quickly if your company is selected for a compliance review or audit.

Audit Readiness Checklist

Compliance Guides
6 min read Updated July 2026

A working checklist to help you review your compliance records before an FMCSA compliance review or DOT audit.

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Company Records

USDOT number, operating authority, and company identification information are current and on file.

Driver Qualification Files

Each active driver has a complete, up-to-date qualification file.

Hours of Service Records

HOS/ELD records are retained for the applicable period and are accessible.

Drug & Alcohol Program

Testing program documentation and Clearinghouse query records are complete.

Vehicle Maintenance Records

Inspection, repair, and maintenance records exist for vehicles under your control.

Policies & Procedures

Written safety policies are current and communicated to drivers and staff.

Driver File Checklist

Compliance Guides
5 min read Updated July 2026

A quick-reference checklist for what a Driver Qualification File generally needs to contain, based on 49 CFR 391.51.

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Employment Application

Completed driver employment application capturing experience and history.

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

Initial and annual motor vehicle record checks from applicable licensing states.

Medical Examiner’s Certificate

Current medical certification issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner.

Road Test / Certificate

Road test certificate or evidence of an accepted equivalent.

License Verification

Verification of a valid, applicable commercial driver’s license.

Annual Review of Driving Record

Documented annual review of the driver’s driving record.

Regulatory requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the applicable federal or state authority. Nothing on this page is legal advice.

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