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§ New-entrant audit — Ohio

The new-entrant safety audit in Ohio

The FMCSA new-entrant safety audit works the same way in Ohio as everywhere else: it is a federal program. Every new Ohio interstate motor carrier is monitored for 18 months and undergoes a safety audit of the six factors (General, Driver, Operational, Vehicle, Hazardous Materials, and Accident), generally after at least 3 months of operation. What is specific to Ohio is intrastate registration, handled by the state.

When does the new-entrant audit happen for a Ohio carrier?

After a new entrant satisfies its pre-operational requirements, it is subject to new-entrant safety monitoring for 18 months, and a safety audit is conducted once it has operated long enough to have sufficient records — generally at least 3 months (49 CFR 385.307).

What does the audit check?

The same six factors evaluated in every state: General (Parts 387, 390), Driver (Parts 382, 383, 391), Operational (Parts 392, 395), Vehicle (Parts 393, 396), Hazardous Materials (Parts 171, 177, 180, 397), and Accident (recordable rate per million miles). This grouping is defined in 49 CFR Appendix A to Part 385.

What is specific to Ohio?

Ohio intrastate matters are handled by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio — Intrastate motor carriers and registration information. These are separate from the federal new-entrant audit.

  • Intrastate reg required: Yes. All for-hire carriers operating point-to-point within Ohio need an intrastate USDOT number (from FMCSA) AND a PUCO Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) before beginning operations. Required regardless of UCR/IFTA/IRP participation. CPCN renews annually (renewal period May 1-June 30), except carriers participating in UCR do not renew the CPCN annually (HHG carriers still must).
  • UCR: Not applicable to Ohio-only (intrastate) carriers: 'Motor carriers operating only in Ohio (or intrastate commerce) are not subject to UCR fees.' UCR applies only if the carrier operates in interstate commerce; then it pays the annual UCR fee instead of renewing the CPCN annually. UCR fees are determined by the total number of power units operated.
  • State fee: PUCO registration fees: $30.00 for each tractor or truck tractor pulling a trailer; $20.00 for each straight truck, van, car. Household-goods movers also pay an annual HHG Carrier Fee by gross annual revenue: $0-$74,999=$100, $75,000-$149,999=$200, $150,000 or more=$300.
  • Notes: Steps for a new for-hire Ohio intrastate carrier: (1) apply for an intrastate USDOT number from FMCSA; (2) submit an intrastate CPCN registration application via PUCO's online system (mailed/emailed applications no longer accepted); (3) after approval, have your insurance company file proof of insurance with PUCO (Form E for a motor carrier; Forms E & H for a HHG mover); (4) pay the registration fee to receive the CPCN, then renew annually and keep company/insurance info current. Insurance minimums: $750,000 for general freight and for household goods (plus cargo); $1 million for hazardous materials. Also maintain Ohio Workers' Compensation and unemployment compensation coverage. Guidance referenced in Chapter 4901:2 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Private carriers (hauling own property) are not issued CPCNs.

Common questions

What does a new motor carrier need to register and operate in Ohio?
A new for-hire motor carrier operating point-to-point within Ohio must first get an intrastate USDOT number from FMCSA, then register with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) before beginning operations, file proof of insurance, and pay PUCO registration fees of $30 per tractor and $20 per straight truck; Ohio-only carriers are not subject to UCR fees.

Prep your own new-entrant audit

The CarrierReady Audit-Prep Kit gives you fillable templates mapped to all six factors — driver qualification files, a written maintenance program, a drug-and-alcohol testing policy, an accident register, and a document-by-document checklist.

See the kit

Primary sources

CarrierReady is an independent audit-preparation tool — not legal advice, and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the FMCSA or any government agency; always verify against the official regulations at ecfr.gov.