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A yellow semi-truck is parked beside another truck in a parking area. The text overlaid on the image reads, "Is DOT Compliance Group Legit?"

April 14, 2021

Is DOT Compliance Group Legit? Things You Should Know

The DOT Compliance Group is a 100% legitimate company that came into existence for the purpose of helping out the trucking industry and the transportation sector as a whole. Founded by a group of skilled and experienced DOT compliance and IT experts, this company promises to deliver a very affordable drug and alcohol testing program that is fully automated and government-approved as well.

DOT Compliance Group can keep your commercial trucking company and your employees including your supervisors and associates working in safety-sensitive positions completely compliant with the rules, regulations, and requirements laid down by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

DOT Compliance Group – Our Mission Is To Keep You Compliant

DOT Compliance Group are here to keep you and your drug and alcohol program compliant with the regulations set down by the Department of Transportation. The program will be easy to operate and maintain and you will be able to work in the transportation industry without any interruptions. Requirements that you need to comply with are mentioned in the 49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 32 of the DOT Drug and Alcohol Policy. According to this, all your drivers have to participate in random screening of a minimum of 50% drug testing and 10% alcohol testing. We make sure that you are able to comply with this requirement every calendar year. If you are looking for an effective solution or a testing program for the same, you can rely on the services of DOT Compliance Group.

We have come up with a useful and online program where your (DER) Designated Employer Representative/owner-operator can easily log in to their registered account and manage their drivers, make payments, view the test results, request for any additional screenings, and do a lot more safely and efficiently.

DOT Compliance Group assist you in creating a pool of your drivers and safety-sensitive position holders in your organization. Each month, a random selection procedure will take place following which a panel of tests will be done. You will receive assessments and reports regarding the same on a regular basis. This way you can keep a tab on the activities of your employees with regards to alcohol and drug use and abuse at the workplace. We help you create a safe, productive, and efficient workplace within practically no time.

Looking To Transfer To DOT Compliance Group Consortium? Here Is What You Have To Do

DOT Compliance Group is one of the most reliable and highly recommended DOT compliance consortiums in the city and you can transfer your entire drug and alcohol testing program to us with just a few steps. All you have to do is pay the annual fee and you will receive an enrollment form on your registered email ID. We would request you to submit relevant records for the purpose of DOT audit processes at a later stage. The random testing consortium will be updated with your information and that of your employees immediately after your enrollment.

I Am Not DOT Compliant – How Can DOT Compliance Group Help Me?

It is not very difficult to be compliant with your drug/alcohol testing program. We are here to simplify the process for you. The quicker you get compliant with the Department of Transportation and its drug and alcohol testing program and related regulations, the easier it is for you to avoid any penalties and fines in the future. To avoid any license cancellation or operating authority removal it is better you get DOT compliant right away by enrolling in a government-approved drug and alcohol testing program with us. You get complete peace of mind knowing that you are 100% DOT compliant and free to do business in the transportation and trucking industry.

FAQ

What Happens If You Fail a DOT Inspection?

If the vehicle or driver is deemed unsafe, they may be placed out of service, meaning the vehicle cannot operate until all violations are properly corrected.

Who decides which level of inspection to perform?

Both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have a part in DOT inspection levels. The CVSA develops the criteria and sets the procedures for every inspection level. The FMCSA establishes overall regulations and determines which vehicles must be inspected.

How often do DOT inspections happen?

DOT inspections can happen at any time. They most commonly happen during roadside stops and weigh stations. Carriers with higher risk, poor safety records, or hazardous material may be inspected more frequently.

What documents are required during an inspection?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

What are common DOT inspection violations?

According to the FMCSA, the 5 most cited roadside violations are:

  1. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status: log falsification providing inaccurate or intentionally altered duty-status information.
  2. No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required): using a commercial vehicle without the required electronic logging device or valid time records.
  3. Inoperable Required Lamp: crucial lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.) are not functioning properly.
  4. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  5. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection: failure to meet FMCSA the maintenance standards of a required annual inspection.

Why is updating VMT important for compliance?

VMT is tracked to determine fuel tax obligations (Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax) used for road maintenance and improvements. Trucking companies must keep accurate records of VMT to ensure they pay the correct amount of taxes.

How often should VMT be updated?

For motor carriers VMT must be updated every two years along with the MCS-150 form for the Biennial Update.

Can VMT be tracked automatically with technology?

Yes, Electronic Legging Devices (ELDs), Fleet Management Apps, and Mileage Tracking Software are all technological advancements that can simplify the process of VMT tracking.

How does VMT affect taxes and fuel reporting?

Accurate VMT records help document mileage for business-related tax deductions, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It also supports fuel tax reporting by tracking the miles each vehicle travels in different jurisdictions, which is essential for state and federal fuel tax calculations. Proper tracking reduces errors, prevents penalties, and provides a clear record of operational costs.

How do I know when my Biennial Update is due?

  • Your filing schedule depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number. The last digit corresponds with what month the form needs to be filed in. January is 1, February is 2, March is 3, etc. The next to last digit determines the year (odd-numbered year or even numbered year). For example, DOT number 1234567 files their biennial update in July (7) of every even year (6). Contact us today to see if you’re due.

Does the Biennial Update cost money to file?

While you can file your Biennial Update yourself for no cost through FMCSA. The process can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our team can handle your filing for you, simplifying the process for you.

Do intrastate carriers need to file the update?

Yes, even if carriers stay within state lines, a biennial update is still needed for their USDOT number.

What happens if I miss my filing deadline?

  • Failure to complete biennial update to FMCSA can be subject to fines with a maximum penalty of $10,000. If your update is past due, you can still file it to restore your compliance status. Contact us today to file your form! https://dotcompliancegroup.com/bu-update/ 

What are the new FMCSA rules in 2025?

  1. Civil Penalty Amount Increases
  2. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Becomes Exclusive Source for checking driver history.
  3. ELD Technology Required
  4. SMS (Safety Measurement System) Modernization
  5. Crash Preventability Determination Program Expanded

When do the 2025 FMCSA regulations take effect?

The confirmed dates these regulations take effect is May 30, June 23, October 1, 2025.

How can trucking companies prepare for these changes?

Regularly reviewing your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores and maintaining personal checklists for inspections, driver qualification files, and drug and alcohol testing helps catch issues before they affect audits. Partnering with DOT Compliance Group streamlines filings, reporting, and ongoing monitoring, taking the guesswork out of FMCSA regulations and keeping your operation audit-ready year-round.

What Triggers a DOT Compliance Review?

A DOT compliance review is triggered when FMCSA wants to ensure a carrier is following safety regulations. Common triggers include high SMS safety scores, a history of crashes or violations, and previous noncompliance. Staying proactive with accurate records, driver files, and regular internal audits helps reduce the likelihood of a review.

Where can I get help with FMCSA filings?

DOT Compliance Group can assist with any help or questions you may have about FMCSA filings. Call 972-476-9962.

How long are violations kept on record?

According to the Clearinghouse rules, drug and alcohol violations remain in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for five years, provided all requirements (such as completing the return‑to‑duty process) have been met before that period ends.

What if an employer makes a mistake in reporting?

In practice, correcting an employer reporting error typically involves identifying the mistake in the database and then submitting a request for correction through the Clearinghouse portal or FMCSA procedures, so the record reflects accurate information. 

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

FMCSA rules allow civil penalties for non‑compliance, and separate authorities note that employers who fail to meet Clearinghouse requirements may face civil fines or criminal penalties under federal regulations.

Do trucking companies check the Clearinghouse?

Yes — trucking companies check the Clearinghouse as part of their hiring and compliance process. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is designed so employers can search a driver’s drug and alcohol violation records before permitting them to operate a commercial vehicle. Employers are required to conduct these queries for both prospective and current drivers as part of compliance.

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