New Authority? What to Know About the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit

Published October 14, 2026 · Updated October 17, 2026 · Ascend Dispatch Solutions

When you get your own authority, FMCSA treats you as a new entrant. Here's what that means and how to be ready, straight from FMCSA's own program page.

The 18-month new entrant period

FMCSA monitors new carriers for their first 18 months. During that time you need to operate safely, keep records up to date, inspect and maintain your truck, and pass a safety audit. FMCSA grants permanent authority if you're running safely.

When the audit happens

The safety audit happens within 12 months after you begin operations, usually at your principal place of business.

Things that automatically fail the audit

• Drug and alcohol: no testing program, or no random testing program.
• Drivers: knowingly using a driver without a valid CDL, or one who is disqualified or medically unqualified.
• Operations: running without the required insurance, or not requiring hours-of-service records.
• Repairs: running a truck placed out of service before it's fixed, or a truck that hasn't had its periodic inspection.

If you fail, you have to put a corrective action plan in place. If you don't, FMCSA says your USDOT registration is revoked.

A simple prep checklist

• Enroll in a drug and alcohol testing consortium with random testing.
• Keep a driver qualification file, including a current medical card.
• Keep your ELD and hours-of-service records organized.
• Keep your annual inspection and maintenance records in one folder.
• Keep your insurance active and on file with FMCSA.

The audit is easier when your files are built from day one. Work through our first 30 days checklist and download the free New MC 90-day checklist. If you’re running flatbed, also review cargo securement basics. Questions about dispatch on a new authority? Fill out the form and we’ll call you, or get the Ascend Load Report for new MC paperwork dates.

Quick answers

How long is the FMCSA new entrant period?

FMCSA monitors new carriers for 18 months, and the safety audit happens within 12 months of starting operations.

What automatically fails the new entrant safety audit?

According to FMCSA, the audit automatically fails for things like having no drug and alcohol testing program, using a driver without a valid CDL, running without required insurance, or operating a truck that was placed out of service before it was repaired.

Sources

• FMCSA: New Entrant Safety Assurance Program

Also see our list of brokers that work with new MCs.