Top 7 DOT Compliance Software of 2024

a fleet manager checking on vehicle performance and DOT safety protocols using DOT compliance software on tablet
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SafetyCulture

SafetyCulture (iAuditor)
Audit app

Rated 4.6/5 stars on Capterra from 183 ratings

SafetyCulture logo

Why use SafetyCulture?

A top-rated and highly versatile mobile-first platform, SafetyCulture works effectively as a DOT compliance software for fleet operations safety. It aids companies in maintaining compliance with the standards and regulations established by the US Department of Transportation, particularly the new ones. It facilitates the completion of inspection checklists and records safety incidents, all possible through a mobile device, even when offline. By streamlining these tasks, companies can prepare for external audits and ensure they operate according to the rules.

Features:

  • Organize essential documents, such as driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and drug and alcohol test results in a centralized repository, enabling compliance teams to prepare reports and share them with regulatory offices.
  • Track, monitor, and manage vehicles and other equipment in the fleet by creating digital portfolios that include registration, insurance information, and maintenance history.
  • Streamline DOT safety audit, pre-trip inspections, vehicle maintenance, and driver onboarding using digital checklists from the Public Library.
  • Manage safety incidents promptly by generating comprehensive reports with photo and video documentation and analyzing the collected data related to compliance to improve current safety protocols.
  • Enhance driver skills and ensure their certifications are up to date by providing specialized training programs.

Why use TivaCloud?

An all-around software solution for transport and logistics companies, TivaCloud maintains the company’s compliance with DOT regulations by streamlining various tasks. This includes managing driver qualification files, monitoring hours of service, and conducting vehicle inspections.

Features:

  • Driver Qualification File Management
  • Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Records
  • Compliance Alerts and Notifications

Why use Fleet Complete?

Fleet Complete is a comprehensive fleet management solution that streamlines fleet operations through automated scheduling, reporting, and communication tools, saving the company time and resources. But most importantly, it digitizes record keeping, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations.

Features:

  • GPS Fleet Tracking and Location Monitoring
  • Driver Behavior Monitoring and Coaching
  • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Integration for Hours of Service Tracking

Why use FleetWave?

Trusted by its diverse customer base, including government agencies, utilities, and transportation businesses, Chevin’s FleetWave provides tools for monitoring and managing their workflows and delivering proof of compliance with DOT regulations. With this platform, companies reduce the risk of violations and penalties, saving them expensive overhead costs.

Features:

  • Vehicle Maintenance Management
  • Driver Safety and Compliance Monitoring
  • Electronic Driver Logs and Hours of Service Tracking

Why use Fleetpal?

This software is a full-featured fleet management solution that offers simple-to-learn and easy-to-use tools to ensure the company’s adherence to DOT regulations. With Fleetpal, managers won’t have to go through hoops to review and update driver certifications, vehicle inspections, and other regulatory documentation.

Features:

  • Driver Qualification File Management
  • Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Tracking
  • Electronic Document Storage and Retrieval

Why use FleetUp?

An award-winning software solution for trucking and delivery services, FleetUp enables the proactive monitoring of driver behavior and vehicle maintenance, reducing the cases of accidents and injuries. And with its automated reporting capabilities, companies can prepare all compliance-related documents (e.g., HOS, DVIR, and IFTA) required by the DOT.

Features:

  • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Compliance
  • Hours of Service (HOS) Tracking and Reporting
  • Vehicle Maintenance Scheduling and Alerts

Why use SafeFleet?

While this software solution is designed specifically for transport companies that handle waste and recycling vehicles, SafeFleet’s full-featured platform works well as a DOT driver compliance software. Because of its versatility, companies also use this as an integrated safety solution for smart city vehicles (e.g., school buses, law enforcement, public transits) and commercial last-mile deliveries.

Features:

  • Video and Photo Capture with Storage
  • Vehicle Upfit and Maintenance
  • Live GPS Tracking with Route Optimization

What is DOT Compliance Software?

DOT compliance software is a highly specialized digital tool that helps in-house or third-party transport and logistics services adhere to the regulations set by the Department of Transportation in the United States. These regulations cover a range of transport-related concerns, including safety, security, and environmental issues, such as the movement of hazardous materials.

With this software solution, companies can manage relevant data regarding their transportation activities and streamline the reporting and document submission processes.

Importance

Complying with DOT rules and regulations is daunting for many companies, especially those that manage a large fleet. They should provide proof of compliance to numerous standards, including vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, hours of service, and drug and alcohol testing, to name a few.

On top of that, businesses should also participate in regular audits conducted by the federal agency and their partners, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). DOT compliance management software can help in numerous ways, as follows:

Facilitates Efficient Audits and Record-Keeping

First, the software streamlines data reporting and analysis of safety incidents, driver behavior, and fleet performance. Second, it has a centralized repository that organizes relevant documentation. These tools help the company prepare for and undergo internal and external audits and inspections.

Provides Real-Time Monitoring Insights

Aside from tools that schedule maintenance tasks and repairs to keep vehicles at optimum performance, the software also monitors driver behavior through telematics, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Automated reminders and alerts update managers about expiring licenses and related documents, enabling them to calendar must-have driver training programs and certification tests for their workers.

Reduces Operational Costs

Non-compliance with regulations results in hefty fines and penalties. Violations can also lead to increased insurance premiums or difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage. Worse, the company’s operating authority may get suspended or revoked.

Hiring a consulting office or forming an internal team to deal with vehicle inspections and corresponding paperwork could work, but it is expensive and prone to errors.

Given those considerations, using high-quality software is a much better solution.

Key Features

Comprehensive fleet management platforms usually include compliance management modules that could help companies maintain their full conformance to regulations. But if your business already has most of the fundamental transport and logistics solutions at hand or currently cannot afford an all-inclusive software, make sure it has the following functionalities:

Selecting the Right DOT Compliance Software

Trucking companies, freight forwarders, courier services, and passenger transportation services will benefit considerably from the software solutions discussed in this top ten list. Before making your final choice, review the summary provided below:

DOT Compliance Software Free Version Paid Plan Mobile App
SafetyCulture Yes $24/user/month* Yes
TivaCloud No Contact for pricing Yes
Fleet Complete No Contact for pricing Yes
FleetWave No $3/vehicle/month Yes
FleetPal No Custom quote Yes
FleetUp No Contact for pricing Yes
SafeFleet No Contact for pricing Yes

* billed annually

Eunice Arcilla Caburao
Article by

Eunice Arcilla Caburao

SafetyCulture Content Contributor
Eunice Caburao is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, she has written a wide range of topics for over a decade. Eunice draws upon her rich, multidisciplinary background to create informative articles about emerging topics on health, safety, and workplace efficiency.