FAQ | FMCSA Compliance & Transportation Safety Questions

Question 1

What is a DOT Compliance Review?

Accepted Answer

A DOT Compliance Review (also called a Safety Audit or Safety Compliance Review) is an examination of a motor carrier's operations to assess compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA investigators review records related to driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and other regulatory requirements. The outcome can result in a safety rating of Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory. An Unsatisfactory rating can result in an order to cease operations.

Question 2

How can I prepare for a DOT Audit?

Accepted Answer

Preparation is the key to a successful DOT audit. You should conduct an internal review of all driver qualification files, ensure your drug and alcohol testing program is fully compliant, verify that vehicle maintenance records are complete and current, review hours of service logs and ELD data, and confirm your accident register is properly maintained. Gobbell Transportation Safety offers mock audits and audit readiness reviews that identify compliance gaps before an FMCSA investigator does.

Question 3

Do you manage Drug & Alcohol Programs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gobbell Transportation Safety can fully manage your DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing program. This includes program administration, consortium management, random testing selection and management, compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping. We ensure your program meets all requirements of 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 382, protecting your operation from costly violations.

Question 4

Can you serve as our outsourced safety department?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many smaller and mid-size carriers benefit from having Gobbell Transportation Safety serve as their fully outsourced transportation safety department. We can manage driver qualification files, maintain your accident register, monitor hours of service compliance, oversee vehicle maintenance compliance, administer your drug and alcohol testing program, and provide ongoing safety program oversight — covering all aspects of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Question 5

Do you provide expert witness testimony?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rick Gobbell is retained nationwide as an expert witness in transportation safety cases. His 36+ years of commercial motor vehicle enforcement and compliance experience, including 32 years with the U.S. Department of Transportation/FMCSA, makes him one of the most credible transportation safety experts available for litigation support. He provides case review, expert reports, deposition testimony, and trial testimony for both plaintiff and defense counsel.

Question 6

Do you work with carriers nationwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gobbell Transportation Safety serves motor carriers throughout the United States. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations apply uniformly across the country, and our expertise in FMCSA compliance is relevant to any carrier operating in interstate commerce, regardless of location.

Question 7

What types of carriers do you assist?

Accepted Answer

We work with a wide range of motor carriers, including truckload carriers, less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, tanker carriers, flatbed carriers, refrigerated carriers, hazardous materials carriers, and private fleets. Whether you operate a small fleet of five trucks or a large operation with hundreds of vehicles, Gobbell Transportation Safety has the expertise to help you achieve and maintain compliance.

Question 8

Can you help improve our CSA scores?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Improving CSA scores requires a systematic approach that addresses the root causes of violations. We analyze your BASIC scores, identify the violations driving your scores, develop targeted corrective action plans, and help you implement driver training and operational changes to reduce future violations. We can also assist with DataQ challenges to correct inaccurate violation data in the FMCSA system.

Question 9

What happens if we receive an Unsatisfactory safety rating?

Accepted Answer

An Unsatisfactory safety rating is a serious matter that can result in an order to cease operations. Gobbell Transportation Safety can help you develop and implement a comprehensive corrective action plan to address the deficiencies identified in the compliance review. We work with carriers to demonstrate to FMCSA that they have corrected the identified violations and are operating in compliance with federal safety regulations.

Question 10

How quickly can you respond to a compliance emergency?

Accepted Answer

We understand that compliance issues can arise unexpectedly and require prompt attention. Contact us immediately if you receive notice of a DOT compliance review, receive an Unsatisfactory safety rating, or face any other urgent compliance situation. We will work with you to address the issue as quickly as possible.

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