1.	How will the FMCSA notify a carrier of their safety audit results? 347
	FMCSA will notify the carrier in writing of the results of the safety audit within 45 days from the date it was completed.
2.	How will the safety audit be conducted? 346
	The safety audit will be conducted by a State or Federal Auditor and will consist of a review of the carrier's safety management system. The areas of review include, but are not limited to, the following: Driver Qualifications; Driver Duty Status; Vehicle Maintenance; Accident Register; and Controlled Substances and Alcohol use and testing requirements.
3.	Why were these rules created? 345
	Congress required the FMCSA to establish minimum requirements for new motor carriers seeking federal interstate Operating Authority. These minimum requirements include having the carrier certify that it has systems in place to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and a safety audit conducted within the first 18 months of the carrier's interstate operation.
4.	When will safety audits be conducted? 344
	New entrant motor carriers can expect to start receiving safety audits 3-6 months after they are granted new entrant registration.
5.	When did this rule go into effect? 343
	The rule became effective January 1, 2003.
6.	Where can carriers get more information? 342
	Carriers can get the Educational and Technical Assistance (ETA) package at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/eta/index.htm. Carriers without Internet access may need to contact J.J. Keller at (800) 327-6868 to purchase a copy of the ETA package.
7.	Where will safety audits be conducted? 341
	The safety audits will primarily be conducted on-site at the carrier's principal place of business. However, some safety audits may be conducted at other locations.
8.	What happens after the 18-month new entrant registration? 340
	The carrier will be notified in writing that the "new entrant" designation will be removed from their registration at the end of the 18-month safety-monitoring period, if the carrier meets the following requirements: The new entrant has passed a safety audit, or has not been deemed "unfit" following a compliance review; and The new entrant does not have any outstanding civil penalties.
9.	Who is subject to this rule? 339
	Beginning January 1, 2003, all new motor carriers (private and for-hire) operating in interstate commerce must apply for registration (USDOT Number) as a "new entrant".
10.	What are the requirements of the New Entrant rule? 338
	All new entrant motor carriers must complete an application package consisting of a MCS-150, and a MCS-150A. This application may be completed online at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, or by contacting our headquarters office at (800) 832-5660 and requesting an application mail. For-hire motor carriers must complete an OP-1, or OP-1(P), the BOC-3, and pay a $300.00 filing fee. Private, and exempt for-hire carriers will not be required to pay any fee. Once the application package is completed, the carrier will be granted new entrant registration (USDOT Number). After being issued a new entrant registration, the carrier will be subject to an 18-month safety-monitoring period. During this safety-monitoring period, the carrier will receive a safety audit and have their roadside crash and inspection information closely evaluated. The carrier will be required to demonstrate it has the necessary systems in place to ensure basic safety management controls. Failure to demonstrate basic safety management controls may result in the carrier having their new entrant registration revoked.