ComplianceMay 9, 20268 min read
DOT Audit Prep: The 14-Day Checklist Every Carrier Should Run
DOT audits don't usually fail because of one big issue — they fail because three small documents are missing. Here's the 14-day prep checklist we run with customers when an audit letter lands.
Days 1–2: Driver qualification files
- Current MVRs (within 12 months)
- Annual review of driving record on file
- Valid medical certificates
- Road test certificate or equivalent
- Employment history for prior 3 years
Days 3–5: Hours of service
Pull 6 months of ELD logs. Audit for unassigned driving time, edits without annotations, and personal conveyance abuse. Auditors love unassigned-time piles.
Days 6–8: Drug & alcohol program
- Pre-employment test on file for every CDL hire
- Random testing pool documentation and quarterly selections
- Clearinghouse queries (pre-employment + annual)
- Supervisor reasonable-suspicion training certificates
Days 9–11: Vehicle maintenance
Annual inspections, DVIRs, and repair invoices linked to each unit. Missing annuals are the #1 vehicle-side violation.
Days 12–14: IFTA, IRP, and accident register
Last 4 quarters of IFTA, current IRP cab card, and a current accident register — even if empty.