WEBINAR

Navigating FMCSA Compliance Reviews

Tuesday, March 17th | 1-2 PM CST

Whether your fleet is proactively preparing for a compliance review or responding to an upcoming audit, understanding the FMCSA’s expectations is essential. This webinar takes you behind the scenes of the FMCSA Compliance Review process—breaking down what investigators look for, how ratings are determined, and the steps you can take now to protect your safety performance. Join SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Kara Vines as she walks through each stage of the review, from the initial notification to the final safety rating. You’ll learn the most common violations that trigger interventions, how to organize required documentation, and practical strategies for strengthening your Safety Management Controls. We’ll also highlight real‑world trends, carrier pitfalls, and best practices to help you stay audit‑ready year‑round.

Whether you’re new to compliance or looking to refine your current safety program, this session provides the clarity, confidence, and tools you need to navigate the FMCSA Compliance Review with success.

March 17, 2026

1:00 PM

VIRTUAL

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Explain the purpose and scope of an FMCSA Compliance Review, including how the agency evaluates a carrier’s safety fitness under 49 CFR Part 385.

Identify the key triggers that cause FMCSA to initiate a compliance review, such as poor CSA BASIC scores, high crash rates, or roadside out‑of‑service violations.

Describe required documentation for a compliance review (Ex., DQ files, HOS records, maintenance records, DVIRs) and understand associated retention timelines.

Differentiate between FMCSA safety ratings (Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory) and understand their operational and business impacts.

Prepare for an FMCSA audit by applying best practices to strengthen safety management controls and reduce violation risk.

Your Host

Kara Vines

Senior Safety Consultant, SMSC

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WEBINAR

Navigating FMCSA Compliance Reviews

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: