All Plans
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most often. If your question isn't here, the dedicated articles in the rest of this knowledge base go deeper. And if you still can't find what you need, info@dotleadscout.com always works.
Getting Started #
How is DOT Lead Scout different from buying a list?
A purchased list is a static snapshot — outdated within days. DOT Lead Scout pulls live data from FMCSA every night and tracks changes over time, so you see who just added drivers, who just got a Conditional rating, and who just filed an MCS-150. The platform keeps surfacing fresh outreach moments instead of giving you a list to call once.
Do I need a USDOT number to use DOT Lead Scout?
No. DOT Lead Scout is a tool for medical examiners and clinics — you're the one selling DOT physicals to carriers, not a carrier yourself. You don't need to register with FMCSA in any way.
How long does it take to set up?
About 10 minutes from signup to your first list of leads. See 1.5 First Hour Setup Checklist for the step-by-step.
Plans & Billing #
Can I try DOT Lead Scout before paying?
Yes. We offer a free trial that lets you preview leads in your area before subscribing. No credit card required to start the trial.
What's the difference between Scout and Engage+?
Scout is the entry-level plan: lead lists, weekly data refresh, 15-mile search radius, basic CRM. Engage+ unlocks daily refresh, 50-mile radius, the full Pipeline CRM, Map View, change signals, the daily digest, and reminder notifications. See 1.4 Plan Comparison for the full feature matrix.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Cancellations apply at the end of your current billing cycle — you keep your access (and your data) until then. No partial refunds, but no surprise charges either. See 8.1 Managing Your Subscription.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your account, lists, notes, and reminders are preserved indefinitely. If you re-subscribe later, everything comes back exactly as you left it — you're not starting over.
Data & Accuracy #
How often is the lead data updated?
Core fields (status, fleet size, contact info, MCS-150 date, safety rating) refresh every night. Extended fields (cargo flags, vehicle counts) refresh weekly. Your saved lists pick up new matches daily on Engage+, weekly on Scout. Full details in 9.7 How Often Is Lead Data Updated?.
Where does the carrier data come from?
Directly from FMCSA's public Motor Carrier Census via the Department of Transportation's open data portal. It's the same data shippers and brokers use to verify carriers. See 9.1 Where Does the Data Come From? for the full picture.
Why doesn't every carrier have an email or phone?
FMCSA only requires minimum contact info, and many carriers registered decades ago never updated theirs. About 90% have a phone on file; only ~40% have an email. See 9.6 Why Are Some Phone Numbers or Emails Missing? for tips on finding alternatives.
Are these leads exclusive to me?
No — FMCSA data is public, and other examiners and platforms can access the same carriers. What's exclusive is your outreach, your relationships, and your ability to act on change signals before competitors do.
Outreach & Strategy #
What's the best time of day to call carriers?
9-11 AM and 2-4 PM local time tend to have the highest connect rates. Avoid Mondays (busy planning the week) and Fridays (early departures). Tuesday through Thursday are the sweet spot.
Should I call or email first?
For owner-operators and tiny fleets: call first — the owner picks up. For mid-to-large fleets: email first to a general inbox or safety manager, then follow up by phone. Cold-call success rates drop sharply once you're past the receptionist.
How many touches before giving up on a lead?
5-7 attempts spaced over 2-3 weeks is industry standard. Use the Pipeline CRM's reminder system (Engage+) so you don't lose track. Most leads convert on attempt 3-5 — people who give up at attempt 1-2 leave most of the revenue on the table.
Should I drop in unannounced?
Yes — in clusters. Driving 30 minutes for a single carrier rarely pencils out, but visiting 5-10 carriers in one neighborhood is one of the highest-converting outreach tactics in this business. See 7.5 Planning Drop-In Visit Routes.
Technical & Account #
Does DOT Lead Scout work on mobile?
Yes. The portal is fully responsive — lead lists, Pipeline CRM, Map View, and the lead detail panel all work on phone-sized screens. Perfect for on-the-road calling and drop-in visits.
Can I export my leads?
Yes — CSV for spreadsheets and importing into other tools, or printable PDF for offline reference. Export buttons are at the top of every lead list.
Can I share my account with my staff?
DOT Lead Scout accounts are per-clinic, not per-person. You can share login credentials with employees in your clinic. Multi-user team features (separate logins, role permissions) are on the roadmap — if this matters for you, email info@dotleadscout.com to get on the early-access list.
Is my outreach data private?
Yes. Your notes, reminders, status changes, and pipeline are visible only to your account. We never share user data with other examiners or third parties. The only data we use across accounts is anonymized usage analytics to improve the product.
