FMCSA Safety Rating Upgrade (DOT Safety Rating Upgrade / DOT Audit Upgrade)
Facing shutdown with an Unsatisfactory rating? LBC Fleet has saved companies from this exact situation.
Our first client in 2015 had just failed a DOT audit and was about to be shut down with an Unsatisfactory rating. We got them upgraded to Conditional first to prevent shutdown, then later achieved Satisfactory. Not only have they been running with a Satisfactory rating for nearly 10 years, they've been our client for 10 years.
Critical timing: If you receive a proposed Unsatisfactory, aim to file your response within 15 days so FMCSA has time to decide before prohibitions start.
Unlike your friendly former roadside inspector turned compliance guru, we know what works, and have the proven track record showing it works.
When FMCSA issues a Conditional or Unsatisfactory DOT safety rating after a compliance review, the impact is immediate. Insurance rises, customers notice, and Unsatisfactory ratings risk shutdown.
In this guide
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What a safety rating is and when it is assigned
FMCSA issues Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory ratings after a rated compliance review. Ratings follow the method in 49 CFR Part 385, Appendix B.
Auditors grade separate factors and then combine those factor grades for the overall company rating. Each factor examines specific regulatory areas and compliance patterns.
Prepare for Your AuditWhat can cause a downgrade during an audit
How violations add up
One factor rated Unsatisfactory often moves your overall rating to Conditional. Two or more factors rated Unsatisfactory almost always result in an Unsatisfactory company rating. High vehicle out-of-service rates (about 34% or higher) and high recordable accident rates can also push a factor to Unsatisfactory.
The factors auditors grade
- Driver qualifications
- Vehicle condition and inspections
- Hours of Service (HOS)
- Controlled substances and alcohol testing
- Accident history
- Overall safety management controls
Acute vs. critical violations explained
Acute violations are serious one-time issues:
- No drug and alcohol testing program as required by Part 382
- Putting a driver with a suspended or revoked CDL behind the wheel
Critical violations are patterns showing weak controls (often 10% or more of records checked):
- Multiple drivers over the 11-hour or 14-hour limits - HOS patterns count heavier
- Recurring vehicles without annual inspections under Part 396
Why companies trust LBC Fleet for FMCSA safety rating upgrades and DOT safety rating upgrade services
Your two options to challenge or change a rating
1) Administrative Review — §385.15
- Use when you believe FMCSA made a factual or procedural error
- File within 90 days of the proposed or final rating
- With a proposed Unsatisfactory, aim to file within 15 days so FMCSA can try to decide before prohibitions start
2) Change based on corrective actions — §385.17
- Submit a written request after you implement corrective actions that meet §385.5 and §385.7
- Include a clear Safety Management Plan and proof your controls are working
- Unsatisfactory only: FMCSA will perform its review in 30 days (passenger/hazmat) or 45 days (others)
- Conditional: No review deadline in the rule. The rating stays until changed
We don't just submit and disappear - we fight to get your plan reviewed
After submitting your corrective action plan, the real work often begins. Sometimes follow-ups and phone calls are needed to get somebody to even look at your submission. We continue pushing to get your corrective action plan seen and reviewed so that you can finally get back up to Satisfactory.
Many competitors submit a document and consider their job done. We stay engaged until FMCSA makes a decision on your safety rating upgrade - because your business depends on it.
What your Safety Management Plan must include per FMCSA requirements
LBC Fleet builds evidence-based corrective action plans
We map each violation to specific regulatory requirements under 49 CFR 385.5 and 385.7, develop systematic controls, and create substantial evidence packets that demonstrate sustained compliance improvement.
We submit to the correct FMCSA Service Center for your geographic region per 49 CFR 390.27 requirements.
Required documentation under 49 CFR 385.17
Per 49 CFR 385.17, your request must include "a written description of corrective actions taken, and other documentation" proving you "currently meet the safety standard and factors specified in §§385.5 and 385.7."
Comprehensive corrective action documentation
- Root-cause analysis for each finding
- Updated policies and procedures mapped to the cited CFR sections
- Training and verification records with dates and responsible roles
- Monitoring controls and internal audits
- Evidence packets: DQ files, maintenance records, HOS controls, testing program records, accident register
Critical evidence requirements
Important: FMCSA requires substantial evidence that corrective actions have been effective. According to transportation attorneys, "bare assertions that the problems have been fixed without any corresponding proof will almost always result in the request being denied."
FMCSA Safety Rating Upgrade Investment
Transparent Pricing Structure
- $150 per hour for expert FMCSA safety rating upgrade consulting
- $2,000 retainer to begin work on your corrective action plan
- Nationwide service across all 50 states
- No hidden fees - you know exactly what you're investing
Why carriers choose our transparent pricing
The $2,000 retainer ensures we can begin immediate work on your time-sensitive safety rating upgrade. Every case has unique variables - violation types, evidence complexity, and FMCSA office requirements differ significantly. Compare our investment to the cost of shutdown, lost revenue, and higher insurance premiums from an Unsatisfactory rating.
What's included in your investment
- Complete analysis of your compliance review findings
- Custom corrective action plan mapped to 49 CFR requirements
- Evidence packet preparation and documentation
- Submission to correct FMCSA Service Center per 49 CFR 390.27
- Follow-up correspondence with FMCSA analysts
- Ongoing support until upgrade decision
Ready to begin your upgrade?
Contact us today for a consultation. We'll review your compliance review findings and provide a project timeline estimate.
What separates LBC Fleet from other FMCSA safety rating upgrade companies
DOT safety rating upgrade experts since 2015
Many competitors are new companies offering cheap services. We've been successfully providing FMCSA safety rating upgrades nationwide for over 10 years. Our first client was facing shutdown - we saved their business with expert DOT rating upgrade services.
Proven DOT upgrade results, not just reports
Others charge you for a document whether it works or not. We work until you get your FMCSA safety rating upgrade. No one-size-fits-all templates - every corrective action plan is custom-built for your specific violations.
Nationwide FMCSA experience
We've worked with FMCSA offices across all 50 states. We understand regional differences in how DOT safety rating upgrades are processed and what different offices expect to see.
Don't risk your business on inexperienced providers
Some companies promise "$725 total cost" or other bargain pricing. Remember: if your corrective action plan gets rejected, you could face shutdown. The cheapest option often costs the most when it doesn't work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FMCSA required to review my upgrade quickly?
Only for Unsatisfactory ratings. Under §385.17, FMCSA will perform its review within 30 days for passenger or placardable hazmat and 45 days for others. For Conditional ratings, there is no review deadline.
When does a proposed rating become final?
After 45 days for passenger or placardable hazmat carriers and 60 days for others, unless you successfully act.
Can I operate with a Conditional rating?
Yes, but expect higher insurance and fewer opportunities. Unsatisfactory triggers prohibitions after the 45 or 60 day window unless corrected.
How long do I have to submit corrective actions?
There's no specific deadline for §385.17 corrective action submissions, but timing is critical. For Unsatisfactory ratings, you should act before the 45/60 day final rating takes effect to avoid operational prohibitions.
Important: Per 49 CFR 385.17(g), FMCSA may allow up to 60 additional days beyond the initial 60-day period if they determine you're making a "good faith effort to improve safety status."
Can I still get loads with a Conditional rating?
Yes, but it's challenging. Most major brokers and shippers monitor safety ratings through services like TruckStop.com and will restrict or avoid Conditional carriers.
However, some companies work with major brokers like Coyote, JB Hunt, and CH Robinson to provide ongoing documentation that helps maintain load opportunities during the upgrade process.
Impact: Expect 15-45% higher insurance premiums and reduced freight rates compared to Satisfactory carriers.
What makes FMCSA approve or deny upgrade requests?
FMCSA evaluates whether your corrective actions demonstrate you "currently meet the safety standard and factors specified in §§385.5 and 385.7." Key factors include:
- Substantial evidence of corrective actions (not just promises)
- Systematic safety management controls
- Proof that violations have been addressed at the root cause level
- Documentation showing sustained compliance improvement
Reference: 49 CFR 385.5 Safety Fitness Standard
Ready to upgrade your safety rating?
We help carriers navigate both administrative reviews and corrective action plans. Learn more about our Audit Preparation and Driver Qualification Files services.