New Entrant Information
New Motor Carrier Compliance Assistance
If you use a truck to conduct business in Michigan (intrastate), including a pick up truck towing a trailer, the USDOT lettering requirements apply to you! This also applies to farmers using trucks with a gross weight of 10,000 lbs or more.
Michigan has adopted several parts of the FMCSR into state law, where the FMCSR uses the term INTERstate, under Michigan law it means INTRAstate, INTERstate, either or both. Act 181 of 1963.
INTRASTATE CARRIERS:
Although Michigan intrastate motor carriers are not subject to “New Entrant” monitoring procedures, they must comply with these same regulations, as adopted by the State of Michigan, including obtaining and displaying a USDOT number.
Noncompliance on the part of an intrastate Michigan motor carrier subjects it to a compliance review by the Motor Carrier Division of the Michigan State Police. Carriers found to be in noncompliance are subject to fines, penalties and the possibility of a shutdown order, if deemed necessary.
Before a motor carrier of property or passengers begins interstate operations, it must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and receive a USDOT number. In addition, for-hire motor carriers must obtain operating authority from the FMCSA. Once a motor carrier begins operating in interstate commerce, it is classified as a “New Entrant.”
INTERSTATE CARRIERS:
Once the new entrant begins operation, it will be monitored for 18 months. During that time, a safety audit will be conducted to evaluate the new entrant’s safety management programs and procedures. The audit will be conducted by an individual certified by the FMCSA, at the motor carrier’s principal place of business.
During the audit all records and documents required for the safety audit shall be made available for inspection upon request.
These records consist of:
- Driver qualification files
- Driver hours of service records
- Vehicle maintenance records and files
- Accident register
- Drug and alcohol use and testing policies, procedures, and records
* Failure of the new entrant to meet basic requirements, outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, can result in notice to a new entrant that its new entrant registration will be revoked.
SCHEDULING & TRAINING
Workshops, Seminars & Onsite Visits
The Michigan Center for Truck Safety (MCTS) has training and education available through free workshops, seminars, and onsite visits to assist ‘New Entrants’ in meeting the auditing requirements. If you are interested in learning more about these programs and services, please contact our Lansing office at 800-682-4682. If you are in the Upper Peninsula, you can contact our Escanaba office at 800-469-7364.