Skip to main content

What is a New Entrant?

Client Image

A Guide to Your First Year in Trucking

We’ve put together a series of short videos to explain some of the regulations and important topics to know the year after you start your new trucking company. Today, we’re talking about what it means to be a new entrant in the trucking industry.


Read the Transcript

What is a new entrant?

Once somebody gets their US DOT number, they’re automatically enrolled in the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. And what that is, is an 18-month period where the carrier has to operate safely, maintain current records, conduct periodic inspections and maintenance on their vehicles, as well as pass the new entrant safety audit, which is going to occur within the first 12 months of the period.

When will I get permanent authority?

A carrier is given permanent authority at the end of the 18-month period of the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, if they have maintained their records, operated safely and passed the safety audit in the first 12 months.

Why does the FMCSA require a new entrant period?

The FMCSA requires a new entrant period to make sure they are reaching their goal of improving safety on the nation’s highways, as well as reducing fatalities, injuries, accidents, relating to large trucks and buses.

See the Rest of our Series:

Trucking Insurance Requirements

Alcohol & Drug Testing Programs

Taxes for Trucking Companies

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

Safety Regulations for Trucking Companies

The Driver Qualification File

All about Hours of Service

New Entrant Safety Audit

New Entrants: Additional Filings

Get a Free Guide to Running Your Trucking Company During the First Year

To learn more about what to expect in your first year of trucking, download our free white paper and subscribe to our channel on YouTube.

If you want to start your own trucking company, give us a call at 844-827-4524 to learn more about how our Startup Program can help make the process fast and easy.