COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

A Plus Compliance Group provides comprehensive DOT and FMCSA compliance management for trucking companies. We handle everything from driver qualification files and vehicle maintenance records to audit preparation and reporting requirements. Our expert team stays up-to-date on the latest regulations, ensuring your business remains compliant and avoids costly penalties. With A Plus, you get reliable compliance support, so you can focus on running your operations.

  • The MCS-150 Biennial Update is a required Motor Carrier Identification Report that trucking companies must file with the FMCSA. It updates key information like company name, address, phone number, email, driver and vehicle counts, and operating status. Filing on time is essential to keep your USDOT number active and avoid fines or penalties.

  • The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally mandated program requiring motor carriers, freight brokers, leasing companies, and freight forwarders operating in interstate commerce to register and pay an annual fee. The fee is based on fleet size and helps fund state enforcement of safety regulations. Filing your UCR on time is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations.

  • Driver Qualification (DQ) Files are mandatory records that DOT and FMCSA regulations require motor carriers to maintain for each commercial driver. These files ensure drivers meet safety and eligibility standards and must include key documents such as:

    - Driver’s license and medical certificates

    - Employment verification and driving history (MVR)

    - Road test certificates

    - Annual reviews of driving records

    - Violation and accident records

    Properly maintaining DQ files is essential for compliance, audit readiness, and ensuring your drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles.

  • Vehicle Maintenance Files are required records that DOT and FMCSA regulations mandate for all commercial vehicles. These files document the inspection, repair, and maintenance history of each vehicle to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Each file must include:

    - Vehicle identification information (make, model, VIN, etc.)

    - Inspection reports (annual and periodic)

    - Maintenance and repair records

    - Preventive maintenance schedules

    - Records of defects and their corrections

    Keeping accurate and up-to-date vehicle maintenance files is essential for regulatory compliance, passing audits, and maintaining fleet safety.

  • The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration agreement between the U.S., Canada, and the District of Columbia that allows commercial vehicles to operate across multiple jurisdictions with a single registration. Carriers pay fees based on mileage traveled in each participating region.

    To stay compliant, carriers must:

    - Register their fleet under IRP.

    - Track and report mileage in each jurisdiction.

    - Renew annually and keep vehicle records updated.

    Proper IRP registration ensures legal operation across borders and helps avoid penalties and delays.

  • The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement between the 48 contiguous U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces that simplifies the reporting of fuel taxes by motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. It allows carriers to file one quarterly tax return to report and pay fuel taxes based on miles driven in each participating region.

    To stay compliant, carriers must:

    - Obtain an IFTA license and display IFTA decals on each qualified vehicle.

    - Track and report fuel purchases and miles traveled in each jurisdiction.

    - File quarterly reports and pay any owed fuel taxes.

    Accurate IFTA reporting is essential to avoid penalties, audits, and license suspension.

  • Form 2290 is the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) form required by the IRS for vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more operating on public highways. This annual tax helps fund highway maintenance and infrastructure.

    To stay compliant, carriers must:

    - File Form 2290 and pay the tax annually (typically by August 31 for the tax year starting July 1 – June 30).

    - Obtain a stamped Schedule 1 as proof of payment, which is required for vehicle registration.

    - Report new vehicles within 60 days of their first use.

    Timely filing of Form 2290 is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure smooth vehicle registration.

  • The FMCSA Portal and Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse are essential online systems for managing DOT and FMCSA compliance.

    The FMCSA Portal allows motor carriers to update company information, track safety performance (CSA scores, inspections), manage operating authority, and submit documents for audits. It’s a crucial tool for staying organized and compliant with federal regulations.

    The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure database that tracks CDL and CLP holders' drug and alcohol violations. Employers must conduct pre-employment and annual queries, report violations, and monitor driver eligibility to ensure compliance with DOT testing regulations.

    Both platforms are vital for maintaining regulatory compliance, avoiding penalties, and ensuring the safe operation of commercial vehicles.