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. Centralize every audit document