2026 Motor Carrier Compliance Guide
Federal and state transportation regulations change constantly. Missing a single requirement can result in fines, out-of-service orders, or losing your operating authority entirely. We put together this guide because we've spent years watching carriers, both new and experienced, struggle to keep track of what's actually required of them.
This 34-page guide breaks down the DOT and FMCSA compliance requirements that apply to most motor carriers operating in 2026. Whether you're starting a new trucking company, expanding into new states, or just trying to make sure you haven't missed anything, this is the reference you need to help ensure your company is compliant.
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Who Should Download This Guide
This guide is built for anyone responsible for keeping a motor carrier operation legal, including; owner-operators running their own authority, safety directors overseeing company fleets, dispatchers who need to understand hours of service, and entrepreneurs researching what it takes to start a trucking company.
We wrote this at a level that assumes you're not already an expert. Industry jargon is explained. Regulatory citations are included so you can verify requirements in the original source material.
Frequently Asked Questions
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TIPS handles the paperwork and filings so you can focus on running your business. We offer free USDOT number filings, same-day BOC-3 filings, MC authority applications, and ongoing compliance support including biennial updates, UCR registration, IFTA/IRP filings, and quarterly fuel tax reports. For driver management, we provide MVR pulls, CDLIS reports, PSP reports, Clearinghouse queries, background checks, and drug and alcohol consortium enrollment. We also help with safety audit preparation, state-specific permits, and can walk you through exactly what applies to your operation.
Call us at (208) 278-6722 for a free consultation.
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A USDOT number is an identification number assigned by the FMCSA for tracking and monitoring purposes. All commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce must have one. MC authority is the actual operating permission that allows you to transport passengers or haul freight for compensation across state lines. You need both to operate legally as a for-hire carrier.
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The federal minimum for general freight carriers is $750,000 in liability insurance. Carriers transporting hazardous materials need between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 depending on the specific commodities. These minimums must be maintained as any lapse can result in your operating authority being suspended or revoked.
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A complete driver qualification file must contain: the driver's employment application, motor vehicle record from each state where the driver held a license in the past three years, road test certificate or equivalent, medical examiner's certificate, annual review of driving record, annual driver's certification of violations, and pre-employment drug test results.
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The Clearinghouse is a federal database that tracks drug and alcohol violations by CDL drivers. Employers must query the Clearinghouse before hiring any driver and must conduct annual queries for current drivers. This prevents drivers with violations from job-hopping between carriers to avoid consequences.
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Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. All driving must occur within a 14-hour window that begins when the driver starts any work-related activity. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time.
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Drivers who qualify for the short-haul exception (operating within 150 air-miles and returning within 14 hours), driveaway-towaway drivers, drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000, and drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days within any 30-day period.
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Within the first 18 months of receiving your operating authority, the FMCSA will schedule a safety audit. Auditors review driver qualification files, hours of service records, vehicle maintenance documentation, drug and alcohol testing programs, hazmat compliance (if applicable), and your accident register. Failing the audit can result in losing your operating authority.
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Medical examiner's certificates are valid for up to 24 months, though shorter certification periods may be issued based on health conditions. The examination must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.