Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Getting your own authority is exciting. It also starts a clock. New carriers are watched closely in their first months, and missing paperwork is the most common reason for trouble. Use this list to set things up in order.
Before your first load
- USDOT number and operating authority are active.
- Insurance is on file.
- Drug and alcohol program is in place. Owner-operators join a consortium.
- Pre-employment drug test is done for every CDL driver, including you, with a negative result on file.
- Clearinghouse: you are registered as an employer, and each driver’s full query is done.
- Driver qualification file is started for every driver.
In your first weeks
- Keep a copy of every medical card in the driver file.
- Pull an MVR for each driver at hire.
- Set up a simple way to track hours of service, vehicle inspections and maintenance.
- Keep accident records from day one, even if you never need them.
Get ready for the new entrant audit
New carriers go through a safety audit. Auditors look at the records above. If they are complete and organized, the audit goes much more smoothly.
Need help?
Our new authority launch package walks you through each step. You can also read about choosing a consortium and preparing for a new entrant audit.
Sources
- FMCSA registration
- FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
- 49 CFR Part 382 (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 391 (eCFR)