New Entrant

Definition

New Entrant is the FMCSA designation under 49 CFR Part 385 for any motor carrier in the first 18 months after authority activation. New entrants undergo a Safety Assurance Program that culminates in a state-conducted safety audit roughly 12 months in. Passing the audit allows the carrier to transition to permanent authority; failing it can extend the period or trigger revocation. The new-entrant designation is visible on SAFER and is sometimes used by brokers to apply additional scrutiny during carrier qualification. Drug program enrollment, DQ files, hours-of-service records, vehicle maintenance, accident register, and insurance must all be in order at the audit.