Getting Started

Please allow approximately 90 minutes for completion of the course. This self-paced training consists of six modules, or “Stops” along the journey, which present the essential elements of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operational requirements under the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program (New Entrant Program).  You can return to the course at any point in time to revisit information and access resources and links. Note that this course is not compatible with Microsoft Edge. Please use Chrome, Firefox, or another browser to view the training.

Access the New Entrant Online Training

About the Training

The purpose of the New Entrant Program is to assist new carriers domiciled in the United States and Canada (new entrants) in private and for-hire operations with regulatory compliance when applying for a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) identification number to initiate operations in interstate commerce. FMCSA developed this self-paced training to assist new entrants, and it should be completed by all employees involved in the day-to-day transportation of freight or passengers in interstate commerce.

Stop 1: Introduction to the New Entrant Program

In the first module, you will learn how to navigate the course and read an overview of FMCSA and the New Entrant Program.

Stop 2: Becoming a New Entrant

In the second module, you will learn about which U.S. and Canada-domiciled carriers are required to have a USDOT number, the difference in interstate vs. intrastate carriers, what Operating Authority is and who is required to apply, the difference between private carriers vs. for-hire carriers, the steps in the registration process, and the difference between the U.S. DOT and State DOTs.

Stop 3: Monitoring Your Safety Compliance

In the third module, you will learn about the Safety Measurement System (SMS) and BASICs, the difference between an offsite and onsite Safety Audit, FMCSA contact letters and what happens if you don’t respond, and how to prepare for your Safety Audit.

Stop 4: Safety Audits

In the fourth module, you will learn the process of your Safety Audit, what areas an auditor will review, and that a motor carrier may have a Compliance Investigation rather than a Safety Audit.

Stop 5: After Your Safety Audit

In the fifth module, you will learn what it means to pass or fail a Safety Audit, what automatic failure violations are, what a corrective action plan (CAP) is and the process to complete one, and how to reregister after a revocation.

Stop 6: What's Next? After You've Been Granted Permanent Registration

Finally, in the sixth module you will learn what happens after you’ve completed the New Entrant Program and will be given a list of helpful links and resources.