Each plan unlocks a different maximum search radius. Here is exactly which distances are available, why those limits exist, and how to choose the right one for your practice.
What "search radius" means #
The search radius is the straight-line distance from the center ZIP code that DOT Lead Scout will search for motor carriers. A 15-mile radius means you will see every carrier whose registered physical address is within 15 miles of the ZIP center.
Larger radii return more leads. They also return leads that are farther from your clinic, which can affect how realistic in-person visits are.
Available radii by plan #
Each plan unlocks a tier of search distances. Higher plans always include every radius available to lower plans.
Scout / Trial
15 miles maximum
Available: 1, 5, 10, 15 miles
Larger radii locked to higher plans
Engage
50 miles maximum
Available: 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50 miles
Locked radii are visible but not selectable
You will still see larger radii in the dropdown when you are on a smaller plan — they appear with a lock icon. Selecting one will prompt you to upgrade.
How distance is measured #
Distance is calculated as a straight-line (great-circle) distance between the center of your search ZIP and the latitude/longitude of each carrier's physical address.
This is not the same as driving distance. A carrier 14 miles away as the crow flies might be a 25-minute drive depending on traffic, bridges, and freeway access. For drop-in visits, plan your routes using Google Maps or the built-in Map View.
Carriers without a geocoded location are excluded
If FMCSA does not have a usable address for a carrier, it cannot be placed on a map and will not appear in radius searches. This affects a small percentage of records nationwide.
Which radius should you pick? #
The right radius depends on how you sell DOT physicals and how far carriers will travel to reach you.
| Strategy | Recommended Radius | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in visits | 5–15 mi | You want carriers close enough to visit in person on a single day. |
| Phone & email outreach | 25–50 mi | Carriers will drive in for an exam; you do not need to visit. |
| Mailers / postcards | 25–50 mi | Mail-based marketing scales to a wider geographic area within Engage limits. |
Two smaller lists beat one huge list
Instead of a single 50-mile list with 1,500 carriers, consider a 10-mile primary list and a 25-mile secondary list. You can prioritize each one differently and avoid feeling overwhelmed by a single massive list.
What locked options mean #
When a radius is too large for your current plan, the dropdown shows it with a lock icon. If you select it, the system blocks the request and prompts you to upgrade. Your existing lists are not affected — only new list creation is constrained by your plan.
Downgrading does not delete existing lists
If you downgrade from Engage to Scout, your 50-mile list will still exist and remain accessible. You just will not be able to create a new 50-mile list until you upgrade again.
To compare full plan benefits beyond radius, see Plans & Pricing.
