FMCSA testing off-site safety audits for new carriers

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has begun testing whether off-site safety audits are as effective as onsite safety audits at determining a new truck carrier’s safety performance.

FMCSA is asking eligible new truck carriers to submit compliance documentation typically evaluated during an onsite safety audit, such as driver qualification and vehicle maintenance records, as electronic files. An FMCSA auditor then decides whether the carrier passes or an onsite visit is necessary.

According to a Sept. 4 notice, the procedures are being tested on new truck carriers in California, Florida, Illinois, Montana and New York, as well as select provinces in Canada. Carriers with a record of safety violations and all passenger carriers will still be required to complete onsite audits.

The test began in July and will continue for up to a year, FMCSA said.