Starting a trucking company begins with one big, unavoidable task: getting your USDOT number. Foley has helped new carriers do this for more than 30 years—and the process has only gotten more complicated. Here's what you need to know: What is a DOT number? This unique identifier is required by the government and will be used to ensure the safe and compliant operation of your business. A USDOT number is an identification number that allows FMCSA (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to monitor a company’s safety record and other information acquired during inspections and audits. Who needs a DOT number? You must have a USDOT number if you operate in interstate commerce and meet at least one of these thresholds: Your vehicle or combination weighs 10,001 lbs or more You transport 9+ passengers (including the driver) for compensation You transport 16+ passengers (including the driver) not for compensation You transport hazardous materials requiring placarding Even small carriers, new entrants, and owner-operators often meet these requirements. How much does a DOT number cost? Your DOT number is free when you file through Foley. Seriously—no government fee, no hidden charges. You only pay for the compliance programs you choose to add after your authority is active. Our specialists make sure your application is done correctly the first time so you don’t get stuck fixing errors (which can drag out the process and delay your ability to operate). What documents are needed to get a DOT number? To fill out your DOT number application, you will need your: Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number, Your Dun & Bradstreet Number (if applicable), and The names and titles of all of your company officers. How long does it take to get a DOT number? Although motor carriers used to be able to complete a DOT number application on paper, it now must be filled out online using the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) website. Carriers should be prepared – the process of filing for a USDOT number will take a few hours and can be a burdensome and confusing process for anyone unfamiliar with the process. You’ll want to make sure to take your time and get it right, as going back and fixing errors after your initial DOT number application is submitted, is a longer and more difficult process. How to Apply for a DOT Number Step 1: Gather Required Documents Ensure you have the three or four documents mentioned above before you start the DOT number application process. Preparing beforehand will make it much easier to complete each step, instead of scrambling to find the right paperwork as you need it. Step 2: Complete the FMCSA’s Unified Registration Navigate to the FMCSA website to begin the registration process. You’ll want to start by reading the directions and then clicking the “To Get Started, Click Here” link. This will send you to a new page with information on filling out the DOT Number application form. It’s important that you take a few minutes to read it carefully. At the bottom of the page, you’ll have the ability to continue on with the registration process. To do so, click, “To continue to the Unified Registration System, click here.” You’ll be prompted to either log in or create a new account. If you’re creating a new account, there will be several pages of directions that you’ll want to read through before beginning the process. Create an FMSCA User Account Once you’ve read through all of the instructions, you’ll be sent to a screen where you can create your new FMCSA account. This account will allow you to access your application later on and track its process through the FMCSA system once it’s submitted. As part of the registration process, you’ll be assigned an applicant ID. You’ll want to make a note of this ID and hold onto it for future reference. You’ll then be prompted to select and enter a password, as well as to enter three security questions and answers. Important: You have 30 days from when you create an account to finish and submit your application. If your DOT number application isn’t submitted by this date, your account will be deleted. Step 3: Begin the DOT Number Application Now that your account is created, you can begin filling out the application. In the first section, is where you’ll enter all of your company’s identifying information. This includes your: Name and/or the name of your company Business’ principal address Dun & Bradstreet Number (if applicable) Company’s phone number, email address, and fax number Social Security Number or tax identification number This is also where you’ll need to select your operator classification. This classification is important, as the government will want to know who you’re doing business for. For many DOT number applicants, this will be either “for hire” or “private passenger.” You may also be filling out a DOT number application to operate for a federal/state government, Indian tribe, or local mail. Step 4: Select Your DOT Cargo Classification What are the DOT Cargo Classifications? Now that you’ve told the FMCSA who you’ll be working for, you need to tell them what type of cargo you’ll be hauling. It’s important to read the cargo classifications carefully and to check all of the boxes that will apply to your business. These include: General freight Household goods Passengers Farm supplies Beverages AND hazardous materials (if applicable) Hazmat carriers must also comply with additional FMCSA regulations and ensure drivers have proper hazmat endorsements. DOT Hazard Classifications The DOT identifies nine different hazard classes: Class 1: Explosives Class 2: Gases Class 3: Flammable Liquid and Combustible Liquid Class 4: Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerous When Wet Class 5: Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide Class 6: Poison (Toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard Class 7: Radioactive Class 8: Corrosive Class 9: Miscellaneous Step 5: Complete and Sign the Application Once you’ve completed the DOT number application, you’ll need to certify that all of the information you’ve provided on the application is correct and then provide an authorized signature. In order to legally sign the DOT number application form, you must be either an owner or partner in the business, an authorized representative or official of the company, or hold power of attorney for the applicant. What happens after you get your DOT Number? This is where most new carriers struggle—not during the application but after. Once FMCSA assigns your DOT number, a whole list of compliance requirements immediately kicks in, including: Driver Qualification (DQ) file creation Pre-employment drug & alcohol testing (if FMCSA regulated) Clearinghouse registration & queries Mandatory safety policies MVR monitoring Hours of Service rules Recordkeeping for audits Participation in a DOT drug and alcohol testing program In 2025, FMCSA enforcement is increasing again — and the expectations for new carriers are higher and faster-moving than ever. Every new motor carrier is automatically enrolled in the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, which requires a New Entrant Safety Audit within the first 12 months of operation (often within 3–6 months). If issues are found, carriers may be placed into corrective action — or even face revocation of operating authority. Historically these audits took place in person, but since COVID many have shifted to desk audits, where FMCSA requests digital records and expects quick turnaround. With more oversight now happening electronically, audits are moving faster and giving carriers less time to fix mistakes. Because everything is digital, missing documents, out-of-date files, and unaddressed compliance tasks show up quickly. That means starting your recordkeeping off on the right foot is essential if you want to pass your new entrant audit and keep your business operating without interruption. Is there an easier way to get a DOT number? Yes — when you get DOT number support through Foley. Instead of spending hours navigating the FMCSA website, creating accounts, decoding regulatory language, and risking errors that can delay your authority, Foley’s compliance specialists guide you through the entire process. We make sure everything is completed accurately the first time so you can start operating sooner. But the real advantage comes after your number is issued. Once you’re active, Foley helps new carriers stay compliant in a world where FMCSA oversight is increasingly digital and fast-moving. With one platform, you can: Build and maintain digital driver files Set up a DOT drug & alcohol testing program Stay compliant with the FMCSA Clearinghouse Track CDLs, medical cards, and safety requirements Get automatic alerts when something needs attention Monitor your audit readiness with your Compliance Score You’ll also have access to support from a team that works with new entrants every day — so you’re not figuring out federal regulations alone. If you’re ready to launch your trucking business the right way and get your DOT number with help from Foley, click here to get started.

Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people who make a meaningful impact on our lives. For most families, the holiday means gathering around the table, traveling to see loved ones, and enjoying traditions passed down through generations.

The vision portion of a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical helps determine whether a driver meets the FMCSA vision standards used during the certification process. Over 12 million people over 40 in the U.S. have vision impairment, so it’s not uncommon for vision issues to come up during a DOT physical. The DOT physical includes an eye exam to help medical examiners assess whether drivers meet the FMCSA vision standards for operating a commercial motor vehicle. FMCSA’s vision standards are outlined in 49 CFR § 391.41(b)(10) and supported by guidance in the 2024 Medical Examiner’s Handbook. If you’ve noticed your vision changing, or if you’re preparing for your first DOT physical, understanding how the DOT vision standards are applied may help drivers feel more prepared for their exam. If you’re not sure what to expect from the full exam, you may also find Foley’s overview of the DOT physical helpful, but if you specifically want to know what the DOT physical eye exam involves, read on. What Eye Chart is Used for the DOT Physical? The DOT physical eye chart is usually the familiar Snellen eye chart – the one with the big “E” at the top that you’ll find in most doctor’s and optometrist offices. You’ll stand or sit a set distance away (often 10 or 20 feet, depending on the setup) and be asked to read letters on progressively smaller lines. Some medical examiners may use a Titmus Vision Tester, a small tabletop device that measures visual acuity, depth perception, and sometimes peripheral vision. This is less common but still acceptable. Both tools measure visual functions that medical examiners reference when applying FMCSA’s vision standards. What Are the DOT Vision Requirements for a Physical? FMCSA’s vision standards, as outlined in 49 CFR § 391.41(b)(10), generally include the following elements, which medical examiners reference during certification decisions: Distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. Binocular visual acuity of at least 20/40 in both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses. A field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye. The ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber. If a driver meets these parameters, a medical examiner may determine that the vision standard has been met. The medical examiner will simply note that you are: “Qualified only if wearing corrective lenses” on your medical examiner’s certificate (med card), which means you must wear those lenses any time you’re driving a CMV. IMPORTANT: FMCSA’s current regulations do not include telescopic (bioptic) lenses as part of the standard vision qualification criteria. Learn more about NRII and the transition to digital med cards Where Do These DOT Eye Rules Come From? DOT vision evaluations reference two primary sources: 49 CFR Part 391.41(b)(10) – The regulation that sets the minimum visual acuity, field of vision, and color-recognition standards for CMV drivers. FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Handbook 2024 Edition – The current reference for certified medical examiners, published January 2024, which replaces all prior handbook editions and provides guidance on how to apply these standards in practice. Together, they guide how DOT physicals—and specifically, the vision portions—are carried out in 2025 and beyond. What Is the DOT Eye Test For? The DOT vision exam helps medical examiners assess whether a driver meets FMCSA’s vision standards related to distance vision, peripheral vision, and color recognition. It focuses on three main areas: Distance vision – Can you clearly read signs, see hazards, and react in time at highway speeds? Peripheral (side) vision – Can you detect vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles approaching from the sides? Color recognition – Can you correctly distinguish red, green, and amber traffic signals and devices? The examiner’s job is to match what’s on the eye chart (or vision testing machine) with these DOT requirements. Should I Wear My Glasses or Contacts for the DOT Vision Test? In most cases, drivers who normally use corrective lenses choose to wear them during the vision portion of the DOT physical. If you usually wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, you should: Wear them to the exam just like you do when driving. Tell the medical examiner that you use corrective lenses regularly. Most examiners will test your vision with your glasses or contacts on. As long as you meet the 20/40 and field-of-vision requirements with correction, you can still be certified—as long as there are no other disqualifying medical conditions. What Does Your Eyesight Have to Be to Pass a DOT Physical? To pass the DOT eye portion of your physical, the regulations state you must meet all of the following, with or without corrective lenses: At least 20/40 in each eye individually (right and left). At least 20/40 binocular vision (both eyes together). A horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye. Ability to correctly identify red, green, and amber traffic signal colors. Drivers whose vision meets the FMCSA standard with corrective lenses may be certified at the medical examiner’s discretion, and the examiner typically notes when corrective lenses are to be used during CMV operation. Monocular Vision and the New Alternative Vision Standard (2025) FMCSA adopted an alternative vision standard in 2022. Under this process, drivers who do not meet the vision standard in one eye may be evaluated through a vision specialist’s report and the certified medical examiner’s review. Medical examiners use this information to determine qualification in accordance with FMCSA’s guidance. What Changed? On March 22, 2022, FMCSA’s final rule on the Qualifications of Drivers; Vision Standard took effect. Key points: The Federal Vision Exemption program was phased out; FMCSA no longer processes new requests under the old exemption system. A new Alternative Vision Standard (§ 391.44) allows individuals who don’t meet the standard in one eye (the “worse eye”) to be physically qualified, under specific conditions and medical review. Under the alternative vision standard, a driver with monocular vision may be certified if they: Have at least 20/40 vision in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses. Have a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in the better eye. Can recognize standard red, green, and amber traffic signal colors. Have a stable vision deficiency and sufficient time to adapt. Complete a Vision Evaluation Report (Form MCSA-5871) from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, which is then reviewed by the certified medical examiner. FMCSA guidance explains that the Vision Evaluation Report must be completed and signed by the eye specialist, and the DOT physical must begin within 45 days of that signature. This process must be repeated at least annually for drivers qualified under the alternative vision standard. So Can I Pass the DOT Eye Exam with Monocular Vision? Many drivers undergo vision procedures such as LASIK or PRK. Medical examiners typically review post-procedure stability and current visual acuity when making a qualification decision. As long as: Your vision stabilizes at 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without additional correction), and You meet the field-of-vision and color-recognition requirements, you can typically pass the DOT vision test after procedures like LASIK or PRK. Most examiners will want to know: When the surgery occurred. Whether you’ve had any complications (halos, glare, double vision, etc.). Bring any paperwork from your eye doctor if your surgery was recent or if you’ve had any lingering issues. What Happens if You Don’t Meet the DOT Vision Standard? If a driver does not meet the vision standard, the medical examiner may request additional documentation, updated corrective lenses, or follow-up evaluation. The examiner makes a determination based on FMCSA regulations and the Medical Examiner’s Handbook: Mildly reduced vision that’s correctable – The examiner may advise you to see an eye doctor for updated glasses or contact lenses. Once your corrected vision meets the standard, you can return for another exam. Significant or progressive eye disease – The examiner may request additional documentation from your eye specialist or delay certification until your condition is better understood or treated. Doesn’t meet the standard in one eye – Instead of a Federal Vision Exemption (which is no longer issued), you may be evaluated under the alternative vision standard, using the Vision Evaluation Report (MCSA-5871) and annual follow-up. In all cases, the medical examiner is required to make a safety-focused determination based on FMCSA regulations and the 2024 Medical Examiner’s Handbook. What Does the DOT Physical Eye Exam Involve Step-by-Step? During the vision portion of the DOT physical, you can generally expect: Medical history questions: The examiner will ask about: Recent changes in vision Difficulty seeing at night Eye pain, double vision, or frequent headaches History of eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal problems, etc.) External eye exam The examiner checks for obvious abnormalities—such as drooping eyelids, visible inflammation, or other signs of disease that could impact vision over time. Distance visual acuity test Using a Snellen chart or similar tool, they’ll: Test each eye separately and together. Confirm whether your distant vision is at least 20/40. Peripheral (side) vision test Typically done via: A simple confrontation test (you look at the examiner’s nose while they hold up fingers in your peripheral vision), or A device like a Titmus or other visual-field tester. FMCSA’s vision standard includes a horizontal field of at least 70 degrees in each eye. Color vision test The examiner confirms that you can distinguish red, green, and amber—often via small cards, charts, or lighted devices that mimic traffic signals. Should I Get an Eye Exam Before My DOT Physical? Some drivers choose to have an eye exam before their DOT physical, especially if they’ve noticed recent vision changes. Consider scheduling with an optometrist or ophthalmologist beforehand if: You’re squinting more to read signs. You have frequent headaches after driving. Your last eye exam was more than 1–2 years ago. Benefits of a pre-exam eye appointment: You can update your glasses or contact prescription ahead of time. You’ll know whether you are likely to meet the 20/40 and 70-degree field requirements. You reduce the chance of failing the DOT physical just because you need new lenses. The DOT physical eye exam doesn’t need to be stressful. For most drivers who maintain their eye health and use appropriate corrective eyewear, passing the test is very achievable. Tips to Prepare for Your DOT Eye Exam Many drivers bring their corrective eyewear, avoid excessive screen time beforehand, or bring documentation from their eye specialist if they have an existing condition. How Foley Simplifies DOT Vision & Physical Compliance Foley’s DOT physical management tools help carriers organize upcoming medical certificate renewals, maintain digital records, and stay aware of approaching deadlines. Automated scheduling workflows, centralized documentation, and optional reminders can support a more streamlined approach to managing DOT physicals across a fleet. That’s where Foley’s DOT physical software comes in. With Foley, you can: Automate DOT physical scheduling – Foley can automatically trigger a DOT physical order up to 60 days before a driver’s medical certificate expires, including exams where vision needs closer monitoring. Maintain a single digital archive of every driver’s medical certificate and exam history—no more digging through paper files during an audit. Use alerts and notifications to flag drivers whose health conditions (including vision issues evaluated under the alternative vision standard) may require more frequent review or documentation. Tap into a nationwide referral network of FMCSA-certified medical examiners so your drivers can complete their physicals, wherever they’re based. The result? A streamlined, audit-ready process for DOT physical management that helps reduce missed appointments, expired med cards, and DOT audit risk. Click here to schedule a free demo of Foley’s DOT compliance platform, and see how our solution supports your hiring, safety, and DOT compliance programs from end to end. Learn more about Foley's DOT Exam Software for DOT Physical Automation.

What Fleet Compliance Management Really Means Fleet compliance management is more than just checking boxes for the DOT. It’s the foundation that keeps your business safe, your vehicles on the road, and your reputation intact.

All the programs you need to be DOT compliant, all in one platform. Get Compliant Now

California’s commercial driver’s license program is facing heightened federal scrutiny — and thousands of drivers and fleets are feeling the impact. Following a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that the California DMV will revoke approximately 17,000 non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) that were issued in violation of federal requirements. Those drivers have been notified that their CDLs will no longer meet federal standards and will expire within a set period. For carriers that rely on non-domiciled drivers, especially in California, this is a critical moment to recheck licenses, documentation, and monitoring processes. Quick Refresher: What Is a Non-Domiciled CDL? As of September 29, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) put new restrictions in place for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and permits (CLPs) — licenses issued to individuals whose permanent home is outside the United States. The rule significantly tightens eligibility and renewal requirements, creating new challenges for drivers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and the fleets that employ them. Under federal rules, when a state issues a non-domiciled CDL, it must: Verify the driver’s lawful presence using unexpired documents (such as an Employment Authorization Document or a foreign passport with I-94). Make sure the CDL does not extend beyond the expiration date of those documents. Follow specific rules when issuing to certain foreign nationals. In short: the CDL and the immigration/work-authorization timeline must always match and align under the updated federal framework. What Went Wrong in California? FMCSA’s annual review of California’s non-domiciled CDL program uncovered multiple issues, including: CDLs that remained valid past the expiration of the driver’s work authorization. Inadequate verification of immigration status. System gaps that allowed improper issuance or renewal of limited-term CDLs. When FMCSA dug deeper into a sample of recent non-domiciled CDL records, it found a significant share that did not comply with federal standards. Regulators then pushed California to address these issues, resulting in the revocation of about 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs. USDOT has also put federal funding on the line, signaling that sustained non-compliance could jeopardize tens of millions of dollars in highway safety funds. Even beyond California, FMCSA has been scrutinizing non-domiciled CDL programs in multiple states. The message to states and fleets is clear: non-domiciled CDL compliance is now a high-priority enforcement area. Who Is Affected? This enforcement action primarily impacts: Drivers With California Non-Domiciled CDLs Drivers who hold a California non-domiciled CDL and received a notice from DMV are directly affected. Once those licenses expire or are deemed out of compliance, they cannot be used to legally operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Fleets Employing Non-Domiciled Drivers in California Carriers employing these drivers may face immediate operational and compliance risk. Dispatching a driver with an invalid CDL can lead to violations, out-of-service orders, and liability exposure in the event of a crash or audit. Multi-State Fleets Even if your fleet isn’t based in California, FMCSA’s actions there are a warning sign. If you rely on non-domiciled drivers licensed in any state, you should assume regulators may expand their reviews and tighten expectations. Immediate Next Steps for Fleets If you employ non-domiciled drivers — especially those licensed in California — here’s what to do now: Identify All Non-Domiciled CDL Holders: Many fleets begin by reviewing their current driver rosters and identifying: Those with California CDLs, and Any CDL noted as non-domiciled, limited term, or tied to temporary lawful presence. Note the issuing state and expiration dates for each driver. Request Driver Notices and Update Files: Fleets may choose to confirm whether affected drivers have received any DMV notice about their CDL. Keep a copy of these letters in the Driver Qualification File (DQF) and record any new expiration or disqualification dates. Learn more about everything that goes into creating a compliant DQF. Pull Fresh MVRs and Enable Continuous Monitoring: For impacted drivers, some fleets opt to obtain updated MVRs and use continuous monitoring so they are alerted quickly if a license is suspended, revoked, or expires. Depending solely on annual MVR pulls can increase the chance that a status change goes unnoticed. Learn why continuous MVR Monitoring isn't optional for employers in 2025. Build a Coverage Plan: If a portion of your California driver pool loses CDL eligibility, some operations teams plan for alternatives, such as: Identify backup drivers or reroutes now. Prioritize key lanes and customer commitments. Coordinate with recruiting to proactively fill gaps rather than reacting in crisis mode. Compliance & Monitoring Best Practices Beyond immediate triage, this situation is a chance to strengthen long-term compliance practices. Tie CDL Tracking to Work Authorization Some fleets track both CDL expiration dates and work-authorization documentation timelines to help identify gaps early. Set internal reminders for both timelines so you can validate updated documents before they lapse, not after. Tighten DQF Management DQFs typically include: Which drivers are non-domiciled. Current copies of licenses and any required supporting documents. Dates of your last review and any follow-up actions. Centralized, organized files are crucial during an audit — and they make it easier to spot problems earlier. Standardize Hiring & Screening Recruiting and HR teams may benefit from guidance on: Recognizing non-domiciled CDL situations during application and onboarding. Escalating complex cases to compliance, rather than making ad-hoc decisions. Avoiding giving immigration advice, while still ensuring work authorization documentation is properly collected and reviewed. Learn how leading fleets are overcoming the most prevalent hiring and onboarding challenges. Strengthen English Language Proficiency (ELP) Practices FMCSA is also focused on English Language Proficiency requirements. Hiring and training processes often include steps to confirm that drivers can: Read and understand traffic signs and signals. Communicate with enforcement officers. Complete required reports and records. Document your evaluations and any remedial training efforts. How Foley Can Help Regulatory expectations are shifting quickly, but your fleet still has freight to move. Foley's all-in-one compliance platform can help you: Centralize DQFs, track key expirations, and keep files audit-ready. Monitor licenses continuously with near-real-time alerts for suspensions, revocations, and expirations. Streamline hiring and onboarding while embedding compliance checks into your workflows. The Bottom Line The revocation of 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs in California is more than a local news story — it’s a signal that FMCSA expects tighter controls, better documentation, and proactive monitoring from both states and fleets. Now is the time to: Know exactly which drivers in your fleet hold non-domiciled CDLs, Strengthen your document tracking and MVR monitoring, and Put systems in place so regulatory changes don’t catch you off guard. If you’d like support evaluating your current risk and building a monitoring strategy that fits your operation, Foley is ready to help. Speak with a compliance specialist today.

Leaves are falling, freight is spiking, and weather’s about to get real. Whether you’re moving holiday parcels, running storm-response crews, or switching to winter service routes, seasonal drivers can make or break Q4/Q1 operations. The key is speed without skipping the DOT and risk-control steps that keep your authority (and brand) protected. Below is a practical checklist-driven guide—built for mixed fleets—to help you recruit, screen, and onboard seasonal CDL and non-CDL drivers the right way.

Running a mixed commercial fleet (CDL and non-CDL) means juggling vehicle classes, endorsements, and a lot of documentation. The core idea behind driver qualification is straightforward: prove—on paper and in practice—that every person you dispatch is eligible, trained, and fit to drive. That proof protects your operating authority, insurance standing, and brand—and skipping it can trigger costly penalties and business risk.

You’ve probably been there — 3 a.m. on an empty stretch of highway, headlights cutting through the dark, music up just to stay awake. You tell yourself, “Just one more hour.”

Time: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET Cut audit risk, save time, and stay compliant with DOT/FMCSA rules.

Date: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, 1:00 PM ET It’s easy for critical DOT tasks to slip during year-end crunch time. Use this fast-paced session to button up 2025 requirements and roll cleanly into 2026 with fewer risks, fewer surprises, and a digital file cabinet that’s audit-ready.

Date: Nov. 20, 2025, 1:00 PM ET Auditors keep nailing carriers for the same acute violations: letting disqualified/suspended drivers operate, weak or missing drug and alcohol programs, missed randoms, using a driver who tested positive, and failing the one-license rule. This webinar turns those five audit magnets into a simple, repeatable defense plan for owner-operators and multi-terminal fleets alike. We’ll show exactly how to structure your random testing program (and document rates), harden your CDL/MVR and Clearinghouse checks, and run a rapid RTD play when a positive test hits.

SDLAs now downgrade CDLs/CLPs for drivers in “prohibited” status—so the Clearinghouse isn’t just a database; it’s a business-continuity risk. This webinar turns the rule into a practical playbook for both one-truck owner-operators and enterprise fleets. We’ll walk through real-world scenarios (prohibited mid-route, denied consent, bad CDL data) and show exactly what to do in less than 60 minutes. You’ll leave with step-by-step query workflows, RTD coordination tips, and an audit-ready recordkeeping checklist.

Amid an extended and often confusing transition period, the FMCSA has officially implemented a fully digital process for DOT medical certificates — with several caveats. This marks a significant change for drivers, fleet managers, and compliance teams — but what does it really mean for your day-to-day operations?

Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated — you shouldn't have to piece together data from multiple sources to know where you stand. Having an all-in-one platform for everything compliance can significantly increase efficiency, provide better visibility into your overall compliance health, and alert you to any potential issues before they become problematic.

A Smarter Way to Manage Compliance & Safety

A Faster, Easier Way to Stay Compliant

Webinar On-Demand Staying compliant with FMCSA Clearinghouse regulations is no longer just about checking boxes. Running driver queries, collecting consent, and maintaining records are now the starting point—not the finish line. Join Foley’s expert-led webinar to uncover the full scope of what it takes to stay compliant, avoid costly violations, and use the Clearinghouse as a strategic tool for audits and risk management.

Why fleets need continuous MVR monitoring It's a fact: annual MVR pulls miss the 364 days in between. Our new guide explains how real-time driver monitoring and alerts help you spot risks early, stay compliant, and protect your safety rating.

Keep drivers on the road—and regulators off your back. DQFs aren’t “paperwork.” They protect your operating authority, insurance standing, and brand. One wrong license or missing file can mean five-figure fines—and bigger liability after a crash.

Hiring great drivers is tough enough—you shouldn’t have to stress about compliance too. That’s why we created this step‑by‑step guide to help you onboard top drivers while staying fully aligned with FMCSA Regulation Part 391. Inside, you’ll find exactly what to do every time you bring on a new driver so you can keep their Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) complete, compliant, and audit‑ready.

Built for owner-operators, safety leaders, hiring managers, and compliance pros, Foley brings peace of mind and efficiency to companies of all sizes. Think of this guide as your quick tour of the Foley platform. From the moment a candidate applies to the day an auditor knocks, you’ll see how every piece of the platform works together to keep you organized, compliant, and ahead of risk. Inside, you’ll find:

BUYERS GUIDE: How to Choose the Right Compliance Tech for Your Fleet Running a small fleet is tough enough—don’t let compliance slow you down. Our new guide walks you through the key factors to consider when choosing compliance and monitoring technology. When you’re juggling routes, drivers, and vehicles, paperwork and compliance deadlines can quickly get overwhelming. Choosing the right compliance system isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about protecting your drivers, keeping your trucks on the road, and avoiding costly violations. That’s why we put together the Fleet Tech Buyers Guide—a practical resource made for owner-operators and small fleet managers. Inside, you’ll find:

Make smarter, safer technology choices for your commercial fleet with our new guide: Important Considerations for Large Fleet Compliance & Monitoring Technology Solutions. Selecting the right compliance and monitoring platform isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about protecting your drivers, your business, and your reputation. The Commercial Fleet Tech Buyers Guide provides fleet and safety leaders with everything they need to evaluate solutions with confidence:

Are you ready to take control of your trucking business and achieve success as an owner-operator? Our comprehensive eBook, "Pathways to Success: Navigating the Owner-Operator Trucking Business," is your roadmap for thriving through the complexities of the industry.

Avoid costly violations and stay compliant with Foley’s expert breakdown of the 8 essential CDL permits. Running a transportation business means juggling a lot—permits, compliance, audits, and keeping your fleet moving. One missed requirement can cost you thousands or even shut down your operation. That’s why Foley created the 'License to Drive: Complete Guide to CDL Permits,' a free resource that walks you through:

The trucking industry faces a significant driver shortage, with over 80,000 drivers currently needed, and a turnover rate as high as 98%. Our new eBook, The Ultimate Fleet Staffing Playbook: Proven Steps to Hire & Keep Drivers, provides a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges. Inside, you'll discover strategies to attract ideal applicants, evaluate job candidates, and retain employees. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce turnover rates, improve driver satisfaction, and increase overall productivity.

A third-generation family-owned carrier was ready to grow — but needed a compliance foundation that could grow with them.

For a company built on safety and precision, Stanley Tree Service wanted a hiring and compliance process that worked just as efficiently as their crews in the field. With hundreds of drivers to manage, paper files were slowing things down — until they discovered Foley Dash.

With 45 locations, managing compliance for drivers and warehouse employees can be complicated, but after working with Foley, the Lindenmeyr Munroe team is seeing real savings in time, as well as lower risk. Foley's real-time notifications are surfacing the right data for each location, so every important alert can be handled proactively.

As a text messaging software solution provider, Avochato knows the power of instant communication. They needed the same advanced approach with their hiring process. Foley’s background screening software offered a better solution than their former impersonal, outdated provider.

In this customer video, Bob Hickey talks about how partnering with Foley has helped their business reduce their risk exposure when it comes to compliance and insurance.

Being new to the trucking industry can feel stressful. Especially when 90% of trucking companies fail in the first 12 months.

Conductor finds a nimble and progressive background check partner in Foley, plus a seamless applicant tracking system (ATS). With Greenhouse Software as their ATS, Conductor had already structured and streamlined their hiring process. But Conductor’s background check vendor (one of the largest in the US and arranged through their former parent company) couldn’t deliver the type of candidate experience that adhered to their strong company culture.

In this customer video, Diana Cooley talks about the benefits she has seen with Foley's Drug and Alcohol Testing, Clearinghouse, Audit Risk Monitor, and Customer Support.

Foley's User-Friendly Solution Helps PKS Achieve Total Compliance and Save Time PKS Concrete Pumping Services turned to Foley to streamline their onboarding and compliance processes. With Foley's user-friendly software, PKS achieved total compliance and saved their team hours each week. The software automated tasks such as drug and alcohol testing, driver file management, DOT physicals, and MVR monitoring, making the onboarding process 75% more efficient.

Get Compliant. Stay on the Road. Pass Your Audit. Starting your trucking company is exciting — but missing even one compliance step can cost you thousands in fines or get your DOT Number shut down before you haul your first load.

What gaps or inefficiencies are slowing down your hiring and onboarding processes? Take this quick quiz and find out.

Take our quick assessment to determine your audit risk – as well as what you can do to prepare.

Our quick quiz will walk you through your requirements to make sure you’re running a safe and compliant program.

How much could you save with an MVR Monitoring Program?

Learn what inspectors will be looking for during the CVSA Roadcheck – and whether your company is prepared.

Make sure your driver files are ready for an offsite audit and beyond with our quick compliance quiz.

Are you running risky background checks? Take our short quiz to find out!