Regulatory audits can be intimidating for motor carriers, and at Expert Trucking Solutions, we understand this. Be it an MPI, MI, or DOT audit performed by the US DOT, a wrong step might cost you fines, downtime, or even suspension. That’s why our dedicated audit-support service stands ready to guide your fleet, keep you compliant, and turn uncertainty into confidence.
What are MPI, MI, and US DOT audits?
MPI Maintenance Performance Inspection A typical MPI audit examines your fleet’s maintenance records, repair histories, preventive maintenance program, and compliance with regulations governing safe vehicle operation.
- MI (Motor-Carrier Investigation): An MI occurs when regulators identify potential risk indicators — high crash rates, driver violations or insufficient safety management, for example — and they look at your operations in depth.
- US DOT Audit: A wider scope audit by the US DOT, generally through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, explores compliance across the spectrum including safety fitness, driver qualification files, hours-of-service records, maintenance, drug & alcohol tests, and overall carrier operations.
At Expert Trucking Solutions, we explicitly list “MPI, MI, US DOT Audits” as one of our services.
We have built systems that shield carriers from regulatory exposure and simplify audit readiness.
Our Service: How We Handle MPI, MI & US DOT Audits
The process of an audit support engagement with Expert Trucking Solutions is quite straightforward and well-established:
- Initial Risk Assessment: We start off with a review of your current operations, identifying weak spots-maintenance backlog, driver files, HOS logs, crash statistics, or prior violations.
- Document & Record Preparation: We collect and collate your records: driver qualification files, maintenance logs, inspection reports, HOS logs, drug-alcohol consortium info, etc., building an audit-ready file.
- Compliance Repair & Coaching: If deficiencies are identified, such as missing preventive maintenance records or unclear driver qualification files, we lead you through remediation steps to update manuals, implement a preventive maintenance program, and train your staff.
- Mock Audit/Pre-Review: We stage a mock MPI/MI/US DOT audit scenario so you know what regulators will be looking for, how to answer questions and how to present your records.
- On-site Audit Support-if needed: Upon receipt of the notice, we serve as an audit liaison to the client to assist with professional responses, responses to findings, and follow-up corrective actions.
- Post-Audit Follow-through: We’ll take you through incorporating needed changes into your current program, so you’re not only compliant today but set up for whatever the future may bring.
Why Expert Trucking Solutions Is Your Best Audit Partner
- Industry-specialized: Our team focuses on trucking compliance, audits, driver and fleet safety-so you get partners who know your world.
- Proactive, not reactive. We don’t wait for a notice to hit. Our program builds audit-readiness ahead of time and reduces the chance of a surprise.
- Full-scope support: We cover the entire audit footprint, from maintenance logs through driver files and HOS records to drug/alcohol testing and driver hiring.
- Customized for Your Fleet: No one-size-fits-all. We tailor our approach to your fleet size, operations, risk profile, and prior history.
- Results-Driven: Minimized fines, fewer regulatory headaches, stronger safety ratings-and the peace of mind that you’re working with a team that understands the stakes.
Conclusion
In a world with high regulation scrutiny, where the potential consequence of audits may be quite grave, being audit-ready is not optional-it’s required. With Expert Trucking Solutions by your side, you are not just preparing for an audit; you’re also preparing to operate with confidence, efficiency, and compliance. Let us help you turn audits from threats into opportunities for stronger safety, better operations, and long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What prompts an MI or US DOT audit?
An audit can be triggered by any of the following: a high crash or violation rate; maintenance deficiencies; driver qualification violations; complaints; random selection; a compliance rating that places you in a higher risk category. Early identification and control of risk factors helps reduce the chance of a surprise.
Q2: How far back will the audit go?
Typically, a US DOT or MI audit will review the last 12 to 24 months of operation, and occasionally up to 3 years depending upon the issues identified. Maintenance inspections (MPI) can review all preventive maintenance and repair records of that time period to assess performance and reliability.
Q3: Can you assist in preparing my maintenance department in readiness for an MPI?
Yes, we work directly with your maintenance team to ensure necessary logs, preventive maintenance schedules, repair ticket documentation, inspection records, and corrective actions are properly maintained, filed, and ready for review. Our mock audit includes maintenance-specific review.
Q4: What if we get a serious finding in the audit?
If there are serious deficiencies-which include missing driver qualification files, incomplete repair records, and falsified logs-regulators may fine you, place you out of service, or require corrective action. We help you respond to findings, implement corrective plans, and document improvements to protect your fleet going forward.