Commercial motor vehicles must be marked on two sides with the carrier's legal or single-trade name (whichever appears on the MCS-150 form) and the DOT-assigned number proceeded by the letters 'USDOT' (390.21).Īnother key part of a Factor 1 review are training records. Vehicle markings may also be checked during a DOT review. If an accident entry appears on the register, it must remain for three years from the date of the accident. The presence of hazardous materials other than fuel spilled by any vehicle.Įven if a carrier has had no DOT recordable accidents, it is required to have the accident register in place for review.The record must contain the information required by Section 390.15, which includes: The review determines if a carrier maintains an accurate record of these accidents. This document lists accidents that meet the definition of an 'accident' as found in Section 390.5 of the FMCSR and are commonly called 'DOT recordable accidents.' In a Factor 1 review, the DOT will also request to see a company's accident register. This form is countersigned by an insurance provider representative. Section 387.9 of the FMCSR contains a schedule of limits.Ĭarriers should have ready for examination the MCS-90 or MCS-82 form (382.15). Factor 1: Generally Required DOT InformationĪ carrier should be prepared to show documentation demonstrating it has proper liability coverage in place for the type of carrier and cargo. Satisfactory simply means a company is doing the minimum the DOT expects of a carrier's safety program in that factor. A satisfactory rating does not mean a company can relax its compliance efforts. The motor carrier is responsible to know and comply with all FMCSR regulatory and recordkeeping mandates.Ī DOT review is divided into six inspection categories called factors:Įach factor is reviewed and rated Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory. As a brief review, the points covered in this article are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Dot safety rating review letter