---
title: "Compliance & Safety Data"
description: "Table of contents - [Operating Authority Status](#0-toc-title) - [Safety Rating](#1-toc-title) - [MCS-150 Filing & Freshness](#2-toc-title) - [Authority Date & New Entrant Flag](#3-toc-title) - [Other Compliance Flags](#4-toc-title) Scout+ The Authority & Compliance section of the Overview tab tells you whether the…"
url: "https://dotleadscout.com/docs/compliance-safety-data/"
updated: "2026-04-29"
category: Lead Details
---

# Compliance & Safety Data

Table of contents

- [Operating Authority Status](#0-toc-title)
- [Safety Rating](#1-toc-title)
- [MCS-150 Filing & Freshness](#2-toc-title)
- [Authority Date & New Entrant Flag](#3-toc-title)
- [Other Compliance Flags](#4-toc-title)

Scout+

The Authority & Compliance section of the Overview tab tells you whether the carrier is currently authorized to operate, how they're rated by FMCSA, and whether their paperwork is current. Compliance issues are not red flags — they're often the best outreach signals.

## Operating Authority Status

   Every carrier has a single-letter status code that says whether they are currently authorized to operate:

| Code | Status | Outreach Implication |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A | Active | Best — carrier is authorized and running. Pursue actively. |
| C | Conditional | Authorized but with restrictions. Often a sign the carrier needs a compliance partner. |
| I | Inactive | Not currently operating. May come back — track for reactivation signals. |
| N | Not Authorized | Authority denied or never granted. Skip these for outreach. |
| O | Out of Service | FMCSA shut them down. Drivers may be looking for new carriers. |

##### Default lists are filtered to active

Lead Scout's default search excludes Inactive, Not Authorized, and Out-of-Service carriers. You can include them with the *All Statuses* filter when needed.

## Safety Rating

   FMCSA assigns a safety rating after a compliance review. Many carriers are **not yet rated** — this is normal and not a negative signal.

##### S — Satisfactory

Passed a compliance review. Established, well-run carrier.

##### C — Conditional

Has compliance issues but can still operate. **Strong outreach signal.**

##### U — Unsatisfactory

Failed review. Often paired with Out-of-Service status — check before reaching out.

##### Unrated carriers are opportunities

Most active carriers have **no rating at all** — FMCSA simply hasn't reviewed them yet. Treat unrated carriers the same as Satisfactory for outreach purposes.

## MCS-150 Filing & Freshness

   Every motor carrier is required to file an MCS-150 update **every two years**. The filing date tells you when the carrier last refreshed their record with FMCSA.

- **Recent (under 2 years)** — up-to-date and active
- **Stale (over 700 days)** — overdue for biennial filing. DOT Lead Scout flags these as a *compliance opportunity*
- **Very old (3+ years)** — the carrier may be inactive or may need help getting compliant

##### Stale MCS-150 = perfect outreach pitch

Carriers overdue on their MCS-150 are at risk of having their authority revoked. Reach out with a friendly "hey, your filing is stale — we can help with the physicals you'll need to stay compliant" angle.

## Authority Date & New Entrant Flag

   The **Authority Grant Date** is when FMCSA first issued operating authority to the carrier. Any carrier whose authority is **under 18 months old** is flagged as a *New Entrant*.

##### Why new entrants matter

Brand-new carriers are still building their compliance program. They almost always need a DOT-physical partner and are far less likely to already have a long-term relationship with another clinic. New entrants score +10 on the opportunity model.

## Other Compliance Flags

| Field | What It Means | Why It Matters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prior Revocation | Authority was previously revoked and reinstated. | These carriers are usually compliance-conscious now — good fit. |
| MCSIP Step | Step in the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Program. | Step 99 = no current intervention. Lower steps = active oversight. |
| Review Type / Date | Type and date of the most recent compliance review. | Recent review = carrier is on FMCSA's radar; physicals matter. |
| Days Since Authority | Days from authority grant to today. | Combined with status to judge how established the carrier is. |