FMCSA Blog

Compliance What Is a DOT Number? Everything You Need to Know Learn what a DOT number is, who needs one, how to get one, and how to look up any carrier's DOT number. 2026-03-15 Safety FMCSA Safety Ratings Explained: Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory Understand the three FMCSA safety ratings, how they're assigned, and how they affect carrier operations. 2026-03-16 Carrier Vetting How to Check a Carrier's Safety Record Before Hiring Step-by-step guide for shippers and brokers on vetting carriers using FMCSA safety data. 2026-03-17 Fleet Management Understanding Out-of-Service Rates: What They Mean for Your Fleet What out-of-service rates are, national averages, and how to reduce your fleet's OOS rate. 2026-03-18 Compliance FMCSA BASICs Scores: A Complete Guide for Carriers Comprehensive guide to the seven BASICs categories, percentile rankings, and intervention thresholds. 2026-03-19 Compliance Top 10 Most Common FMCSA Violations and How to Avoid Them The most frequently cited FMCSA violations at roadside inspections and practical prevention tips. 2026-03-20 Insurance FMCSA Insurance Requirements: BIPD, Cargo, and Bond Explained Complete guide to FMCSA insurance requirements including minimums for BIPD, cargo, and surety bonds. 2026-03-21 Inspections DOT Inspection Levels 1-6: What Happens at Each Level Detailed explanation of all six DOT inspection levels and what inspectors check at each one. 2026-03-22 Compliance How to Improve Your CSA Scores: Practical Tips for Carriers Actionable strategies to reduce BASICs percentiles, lower OOS rates, and improve your CSA profile. 2026-03-23 Carrier Vetting Freight Broker Guide: How to Vet Carriers Using FMCSA Data How freight brokers should use FMCSA data to qualify carriers and manage risk. 2026-03-24