The 11-point DOT audit checklist every fleet manager should run quarterly

Why quarterly, not annual

Annual audit prep is the fleet equivalent of cramming. By the time you find the gap, it's been there for eleven months. A quarterly self-audit — anchored in your DVIR records and maintenance logs — is 45 minutes per asset class and lets you fix things while they're still small. Trucking operations under FMCSA jurisdiction can read more on our trucking fleet page.

The 11-point checklist

• Driver qualification files current within 90 days
• Hours-of-service logs complete and signed
• Annual DOT inspections on every applicable asset
• Drug & alcohol testing records on file
• Accident register up to date
• Maintenance files show PMs executed on schedule
• DVIRs with defects show repair + sign-off
• IFTA fuel records tie to actual fill-ups
• Insurance & registration docs not expired
• HM shipping papers (if applicable)
• Emergency contact + incident response plan accessible