Mid-Year Compliance Checkpoint: Is Your Safety Program Still Standing Strong?
As we cruise into the second half of 2025, it’s the perfect time to hit pause and reevaluate your fleet’s safety performance. More specifically, this is an ideal moment to revisit your DOT compliance checklist. After all, while the pace of the trucking industry rarely slows, compliance missteps can quickly bring even the most efficient fleets to a halt.
Whether you’re a fleet manager, compliance coordinator, or safety director, staying proactive is essential. Not only does it help you avoid violations, but it also protects your operations, your drivers, and your CSA score. To help you stay on track, we’ve created a four-part checklist designed to keep your safety program running strong through the rest of the year.
Use this four-part DOT compliance checklist to keep your safety program moving forward.
1. Internal Driver File Audits: Clean, Current, and Complete
Ask yourself: Are your driver files truly audit-ready?
Take time now to:
- Double-check CDL expiration dates
- Confirm valid and current medical certificates
- Fill in any missing driver applications
With DQMConnect, you can streamline all of this. It tracks documents, flags expirations, and prepares you for audits—without the last-minute scramble.
👉 Expert Tip: Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) are the first thing auditors request. Make sure yours pass the test.
2. Fleet Maintenance Schedules: Organized and Documented
Preventive maintenance isn’t optional. According to Title 49 CFR Part 396, it’s required.
This is a great time to:
- Reevaluate and adjust your maintenance schedule
- Ensure every repair is logged clearly and thoroughly
- Confirm that inspections are recorded and compliant
Accurate documentation helps your fleet avoid violations and stay road-ready.
👉 Expert Tip: Solid maintenance records protect your CSA score and show inspectors you mean business.
3. Daily DVIRs & Post-Trip Inspections: Back to Basics
Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) can reveal problems before they become liabilities—but only if they’re done right.
Reinforce your inspection program by:
- Refreshing driver training on complete, accurate DVIRs
- Checking submission consistency across the fleet
- Making sure all defects are logged and resolved
DQMConnect helps you store and organize all DVIR data in one place, making everything accessible when you need it most.
👉 Expert Tip: A reliable DVIR routine sends a clear message: safety comes first.
4. Drug and Alcohol Testing Program: Stay Sharp
DOT drug and alcohol testing compliance is a year-round responsibility. As we hit the mid-point of 2025, take time to ensure your program is still on track.
Be sure to:
- Update your random testing pools
- Double-check your pre-employment and post-accident test logs
- Review all return-to-duty documentation for accuracy
If you’re not already working with a TPA or using an integrated system like DQMConnect, this is the time to start.
👉 Expert Tip: Strong compliance in your testing program helps reduce risk and ensures you’re following federal regulations to the letter.
Keep the Wheels of Compliance Turning
It’s never too late to step back, reassess, and fine-tune your compliance strategy. A strong safety program isn’t something you “set and forget.” It’s a living, evolving process—and one that leads to smoother audits, safer drivers, and fewer violations.
With DQMConnect, you can:
- Automate driver file management
- Improve maintenance tracking
- Centralize your entire compliance workflow
Ready to stay audit-ready through the end of 2025?
Contact us today to see how DQM Connect makes DOT compliance simple, scalable, and stress-free.
