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§ New-entrant audit — Vermont

The new-entrant safety audit in Vermont

The FMCSA new-entrant safety audit works the same way in Vermont as everywhere else: it is a federal program. Every new Vermont 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 Vermont is intrastate registration, handled by the state.

When does the new-entrant audit happen for a Vermont 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 Vermont?

Vermont intrastate matters are handled by the Vermont DMV — Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program + VT DMV IRP page + UCR Plan Participating/Non-Participating States. These are separate from the federal new-entrant audit.

  • Intrastate reg required: No separate Vermont intrastate 'state DOT number' program. New applicants get a USDOT number by registering online via the federal Unified Registration System (URS); the Vermont DMV directs new carriers there. IRP apportioned registration is required for vehicles operating intrastate in two or more jurisdictions (regardless of weight) or interstate over 26,000 lbs / 3+ axles.
  • UCR: Vermont is a NON-participating UCR state (it is on the UCR 'Non-Participating States' list, not the participating list). A purely intrastate Vermont carrier owes no UCR. But a Vermont-based carrier whose vehicles cross into any of the participating states must still register and pay UCR, selecting a base state.
  • State fee: USDOT number: 'Until URS is fully implemented, there is no charge for a USDOT number.' (VT DMV). UCR 2026 fee, Bracket 1 (0-2 vehicles): $46.00 per entity. IRP fees are apportioned based on fleet distance operated in member jurisdictions (no flat state fee).
  • New-entrant / safety audit: Vermont runs the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP): trained officers inspect commercial vehicles and drivers for compliance with state and federal motor carrier safety regulations. 'Regardless of weight, all trucks must enter Vermont's weigh stations and inspection areas when open.' Vermont participates in the Drivewyze PreClear bypass program. The federal FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit (first 18 months) applies to interstate new entrants.

Common questions

What does a new motor carrier need to register and operate in Vermont?
A new Vermont-based motor carrier does not get a separate state intrastate DOT number — it registers online through the federal Unified Registration System (URS) to obtain a USDOT number, which the Vermont DMV states carries "no charge" until URS is fully implemented; Vermont is a non-participating UCR state, so a purely intrastate Vermont carrier owes no UCR fee, but any Vermont-based carrier that operates interstate into a participating state must still register for UCR and choose a base st...

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.