The Importance of a DOT Rating for Trucking Companies

The U.S. Department of Transportation governs the trucking industry by providing a set of rules and regulations to ensure safe hauling across multiple regions. Looking at the DOT rating for trucking companies helps you to know if you're in good standing. Having a good rating can improve your business's reputation by proving you run a safe, legal operation.

At FMCA Filings, we help motor carriers maintain their compliance with the DOT. Whether you need help with the FMCSA compliance checklist or FMCSA DOT safety measurements, we can provide what you need. To learn why the DOT rating is vital to your trucking company's success, continue reading.

What Is the Motor Carrier Safety Rating System?

The DOT and Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration work together to provide safety assessments for motor carriers. The FMCSA rating for carriers signifies a trucking business's compliance with DOT safety regulations and outlines how many violations the audit uncovers. With a successful DOT safety rating, trucking companies can prove their compliance with federal regulations. 

A DOT rating for trucking companies can fall into one of three categories:

• Satisfactory: The best rating is satisfactory because it shows that the company adheres to most, if not all, of the DOT's regulations. Brokers and freight shippers prefer to work with truckers with this rating.
• Conditional: If an FMCSA inspector uncovers safety violations, they'll conclude the audit with a conditional rating. The trucking company must fix all the problems the inspector finds, yet business operations can continue.
• Unsatisfactory: This is the worst rating to get since it shows the inspector that a trucking company has too many safety violations to function. If you receive an unsatisfactory DOT rating, you must halt all operations as a motor carrier until you resolve them.

Most motor carriers don't have a DOT rating. Instead, the FMCSA classifies them as unrated since they've yet to get a federal audit. Audits usually occur after a carrier receives a formal complaint or a violation during an inspection.

What Factors Contribute to DOT Compliance Ratings?

The DOT rating for trucking companies depends on several factors. The first thing inspectors will check is whether the motor carrier has all their documents and if they're up to date without problems.

For instance, during an audit, the inspector will check if the carrier uses unqualified drivers to transport commodities or if a trucker has violations on their commercial driver's license. They'll also check for violations concerning the hauling of hazardous materials, financial irresponsibility within the business, and the use of unsafe trucks on the road. 

FMCSA inspectors perform detailed audits to expose possible safety risks. As a result, they'll evaluate multiple aspects of a motor carrier's business including but not limited to:

• Vehicle maintenance records
• Cargo securement checks
• Roadside inspection results
• Past company and driver violations
• Drug and alcohol test results for drivers
• Carrier records and documentation

Why Is the FMCSA Rating for Carriers Important?

The carrier safety rating system might seem intrusive, but it's essential for the entire trucking industry. The rating ensures carriers stay fully compliant with federal safety regulations, reducing the risk of accidents and complications for commercial and non-commercial drivers on the road. 

From the motor carrier perspective, these ratings are essential for showcasing a company's ability to be safe and reliable. Carriers can use this rating to garner customer trust and secure more business. A satisfactory rating may also help carriers get better insurance rates, which can help trucking companies save money.

Can You Improve Trucking Company Safety Scores?

If you don't earn a satisfactory DOT rating following an FMCSA audit, you can still make improvements and strive for a better assessment. The first step toward improvement usually begins with driver training on safety regulations and protocols.

It also helps to perform routine truck maintenance and practice better record-keeping to ensure accuracy and up-to-date documentation. The documentation should include essential reports like inspection results, financials, driver logs, accident reports, etc.

Where Can You Find Your Current DOT Rating?

The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System (SAFER) keeps track of motor carrier DOT safety ratings. We at FMCA Filings can help you locate your rating using this system and your US DOT number. Our team can also use the SAFER system to learn if you have an "unrated" classification. 

Turn to FMCA Filings for More Help With DOT Ratings

There's no mistaking the importance of having a good DOT rating for trucking companies. With so many factors going into FMCSA DOT scores, like clean inspections, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement checks, it can be challenging to comply with all regulations.

Thankfully, FMCA Filings is here to help as one of the commercial trucking industry's top filing services. Let our knowledgeable team and comprehensive website provide the information and vital administrative services your trucking business needs. Contact us today using our online form or visit our live chat feature to speak with an agent.