DOT Compliance Insights

Expert advice on driver qualification files, FMCSA regulations, and fleet compliance best practices

Trucking Compliance

How to Get Your Stamped Schedule 1 the Same Day (Form 2290)

The one document state DMVs require before they will register a heavy vehicle. If you need one fast — for a brand-new truck or a registration deadline — the e-file workflow that returns it the same day.

8 min read

Trucking Compliance

Form 2290 Suspended Vehicle: The 5,000-Mile Rule Explained

If a heavy vehicle drives 5,000 highway miles or fewer in the HVUT tax period, it owes no tax — but you still have to file. How the suspended category actually works, how to track miles to qualify, and what happens if you exceed the limit.

9 min read

IFTA Software

Best GPS Devices for IFTA Tracking in 2026

Hardware GPS for IFTA compared to smartphone-based apps. Garmin, Geotab, Samsara, Motive hardware vs phone apps — real annual cost and audit-readiness for fleets of 1, 5, and 25 trucks.

12 min read

DOT Medical

How Long Is a DOT Physical Good For?

A DOT physical is valid for up to 24 months — but examiners issue shorter certifications (12, 6, or 3 months) for monitored medical conditions. Here is exactly when each window applies.

6 min read

DQF Compliance

DQF Software vs Spreadsheet: When Manual Tracking Fails

Spreadsheet-based DQF tracking works for 1-10 drivers — then breaks. Real audit fines from three carriers, the math on missed expirations, and when to graduate to driver qualification file software.

10 min read

IFTA Software

How Much Does IFTA Software Cost in 2026?

IFTA software pricing ranges from $14.90 per filing to $35/truck/month. Real costs for FleetCollect, Motive, Samsara, TruckLogics, Q-Series, and ExpressIFTA — plus hidden fees to watch.

9 min read

Carrier Research

How to Look Up a DOT Number

Look up any DOT number in under 60 seconds using the free FMCSA SAFER system. Step-by-step walkthrough and what to verify before contracting with a carrier.

7 min read

IFTA Software

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying IFTA Software

A buyer's guide built on what actually goes wrong in IFTA audits. Five sharp questions that separate the credible IFTA platforms from the ones that fall apart at filing time.

8 min read

DOT Medical

DOT Physical Card Explained

The DOT physical card — officially the Medical Examiner's Certificate — proves a commercial driver passed the FMCSA medical exam. What it looks like, what each field means, and how to handle loss or replacement.

6 min read

DOT Compliance

How to Pass a DOT Audit: 4 Real Carrier Case Studies

Four real DOT compliance review outcomes — three carriers passed, one didn't. The differences in their preparation, recordkeeping, and audit-day behavior reveal exactly how DOT audits separate prepared fleets from unprepared ones.

12 min read

IFTA Compliance

IFTA Pass-Through States: You Owe Tax Even If You Don't Stop

Yes, you owe IFTA tax for every mile in every state — even if you never stop for fuel. Learn how pass-through state miles work, how the credit system offsets liability, and common mistakes that trigger audits.

9 min read

IFTA Compliance

What Is IFTA? International Fuel Tax Agreement Explained

Complete guide to IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement). What it is, who needs to file, how the fuel tax calculation works, quarterly deadlines, required records, and penalties for non-compliance.

10 min read

Trucking Business

Truck Driver Per Diem 2026: Tax Deduction Rules & Rates

Current per diem rates for truck drivers in 2026 ($69/day standard). Who qualifies, how to calculate your deduction, owner operator vs company driver rules, and record-keeping requirements.

9 min read

IFTA Compliance

IFTA for Owner Operators: Complete Guide 2026

Everything owner operators need to know about IFTA. Registration requirements, mileage tracking without a fleet manager, common mistakes, quarterly deadlines, and the best tools for solo truckers.

12 min read

Trucking Business

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Trucking Company in 2026?

Complete breakdown of trucking company startup costs in 2026. From authority ($300) to trucks ($50K-$180K), insurance ($8K-$15K/yr), and operating expenses. Real numbers from owner-operators.

10 min read

ELD Compliance

What Is an ELD? The Complete Guide for Trucking Companies

An ELD (Electronic Logging Device) automatically records driving time and Hours of Service data. Learn how ELDs work, who needs one under the FMCSA mandate, key features, and how to choose the right device.

12 min read

ELD Compliance

10 Most Common ELD Violations and How to Avoid Them

ELD violations are a top citation during DOT roadside inspections. Learn the 10 most common violations, their penalties, CSA score impact, and exactly how to prevent each one.

13 min read

ELD Compliance

FMCSA ELD Rules in 2026: Everything Carriers Need to Know

Complete guide to FMCSA ELD rules under 49 CFR Part 395. Technical specifications, data recording requirements, driver and carrier responsibilities, data transfer methods, and enforcement penalties.

14 min read

DOT Compliance

Complete DOT Audit Checklist for Small Fleets (2026)

Prepare for your FMCSA compliance review with confidence. This comprehensive DOT audit checklist covers every document, record, and process auditors examine—plus the most common violations that catch small carriers off guard.

15 min read

Ready to simplify DOT compliance?

Start your free 7-day trial and see how FleetCollect makes driver qualification file management effortless.