Fleet Compliance Group

What Fleet Compliance Group does

Fleet Compliance Group, Ltd. is a privately held, family-owned professional services firm headquartered at 8900 Byron Commerce Drive in Byron Center, Michigan. Founded in 1989 by William J. Kaat and now led by his daughter Joy Kaat as President, the firm specializes in DOT/FMCSA regulatory compliance consulting, education, and testing services for motor carriers operating in Michigan. Its customer base spans the full size spectrum — from large over-the-road commercial carriers to small landscaping companies operating pickup trucks — addressing the core pain point that DOT regulations are vast and constantly changing and that carriers struggle to identify which laws apply, how they change, and how to maintain compliant procedures.

The company's service portfolio is organized into three lines: Compliance Services (initial program setup with driver qualification files, policy creation, and FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse configuration, plus ongoing monitoring as an add-on), a DOT Essentials monthly subscription that provides access to a dedicated compliance team for guidance, policy reviews, audit preparation, and JJ Keller discounts, and Consulting Services (simulated audits, 30+ page safety policy development, and SMP letter preparation). Education Services include on-site driver meetings covering HOS, CSA, pre-trip inspections, and defensive driving; in-person workshops at Byron Center that issue certificates of completion; and an annual Ask the Expert Seminar featuring FMCSA, Michigan State Police, and industry experts. The Testing Services line operates as a State of Michigan Third-Party Testing facility offering state skills testing for CDL (Class A, B, C), automobile, and motorcycle endorsements, with rental vehicles (tractor trailers, straight trucks) available on-site.

Fleet Compliance Group monetizes through a mix of recurring subscription revenue (DOT Essentials), project-based professional services (compliance setup, policy development, consulting), per-event training fees (workshops, driver meetings, annual seminar), and per-transaction testing fees. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quote-based via phone. Distribution is consultative and sales-led, leveraging the founder and staff's combined 100+ years of industry experience, deep relationships with the Michigan Trucking Association, Michigan Council of Safety Management (chaired by Joy Kaat), American Trucking Association Safety Management Council, FMCSA, and Michigan State Police, plus word-of-mouth referrals and the annual seminar pipeline. The firm operates entirely within Michigan with no disclosed digital marketing, no software platform, no API surface, and no disclosed revenue, headcount, funding, or external investors.

Name

Fleet Compliance Group

Legal name

Fleet Compliance Group, Ltd.

Website

https://fleetcompliance.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fleet Compliance Group, Ltd. is a Michigan-based, family-owned professional services firm founded in 1989 that provides DOT/FMCSA regulatory compliance consulting, education, and state third-party CDL/automobile/motorcycle testing to motor carriers of all sizes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Transportation Regulatory Compliance Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Road Transportation (4884)

akta.pro primary industry

Fleet Compliance & Regulatory Management (DOT/IFTA/ELD, Inspections) (TLABAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regulatory Compliance & Risk (DOT/FMCSA, MVR Monitoring, Drug & Alcohol Programs) (TLABANAL), Fleet Safety Management (Policies, Monitoring, Incident Prevention) (TLABAIAC), DOT / Regulatory Compliance Inspections & Certifications (FMCSA/State) (TLAKAGAC), Transportation & Fleet Safety (DOT, Driver Safety) (EDABAEAM), Driver Programs & Workforce Management (Onboarding, Scheduling, Retention) (TLABAIAD)

Keywords

• DOT compliance services
• FMCSA regulatory consulting
• CDL third-party testing
• Fleet safety training
• Motor carrier compliance

Headquarters

HQ city

Byron Center

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. DOT Essentials Subscription Service: Monthly subscription providing ongoing DOT compliance support including a dedicated compliance team, consulting services, policy reviews, clearinghouse setup, audit preparation, weekly safety newsletter, and JJ Keller discounts. Designed for companies who want a partnership for ongoing DOT compliance confidence.
2. A La Carte / Additional Services: Pay-per-service model for logbook/HOS auditing, MVR requests, consulting, and JJ Keller supplies. Provides flexibility for companies not on subscription plans.
3. Compliance Services (Set Up and Ongoing): One-time setup services for new DOT compliance programs including staff education, policy creation, and driver qualification file setup. Ongoing monitoring services available as add-on for continuous compliance management.
4. Third-Party Testing Services: State-authorized third-party testing facility for CDL licenses (Class A, B, C), automobile licenses, and motorcycle endorsements. Revenue from testing fees.
5. Workshops and Education: In-person workshop training sessions held at the Byron Center location. Provides certificates of completion for attendees. Covers DOT regulations and safety topics.
6. Driver Meetings: On-site driver education and safety training sessions. Topics include HOS, CSA scores, pre-trip inspections, defensive/distracted driving. Can be used for yearly safety training requirements.
7. Consulting Services: Consulting includes simulated audits, safety policy development (30+ pages of standard DOT practices), and SMP letter writing. Available for DOT-regulated companies not on subscription.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Fleet Compliance Group, Ltd. provides DOT and FMCSA regulatory compliance services to motor carriers in Michigan, including initial compliance setup programs, ongoing subscription-based compliance support, consulting (simulated audits, safety policy development, SMP letters), driver and management education (workshops, on-site driver meetings, annual seminars), and state-authorized third-party skills testing for CDL, automobile, and motorcycle licenses. The firm primarily serves commercial carriers of all sizes, helping them navigate ever-changing DOT regulations, pass audits, maintain driver qualification files, and stay compliant with federal safety requirements.

Product overview

Fleet Compliance Group offers a comprehensive suite of DOT/FMCSA compliance, education, and testing services for the commercial motor carrier and transportation industry. The core offerings consist of Compliance Services (initial setup and ongoing monitoring), a DOT Essentials Subscription Service (access to compliance team and resources), Consulting Services (simulated audits, safety policy development, SMP letters), Education Services (workshops, driver meetings, annual seminars), and Testing Services (CDL, automobile, and motorcycle state skills testing as a Michigan Third-Party Testing facility). The company operates primarily as a service-based business helping motor carriers navigate DOT regulations and maintain compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Compliance Set Up Initial DOT compliance setup service that educates staff on DOT regulations, required records organization, industry best practices, driver qualification files, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and policies needed to pass a DOT audit, including driver education and paperwork collection. Designed for motor carriers establishing a new compliance program.
• Compliance Set Up with Ongoing Services Full compliance setup combined with ongoing monitoring of driver qualification files, weekly and monthly reminders, MVR running (Michigan and out-of-state), Clearinghouse queries, PSP running, job history verifications, MCS-150 and UCR updates, access to industry experts, audit assistance, JJ Keller discounts, and one free workshop per year. Designed for motor carriers seeking continuous compliance management.
• DOT Essentials Subscription Service Recurring monthly subscription providing access to a DOT Compliance Team for guidance on compliance matters, consulting services, company policy review (safety, drug and alcohol, accident, discipline), Clearinghouse setup and use, DOT audit preparation, roadside inspection questions, weekly safety newsletter, JJ Keller discounts, and resource recommendations for ELD providers, insurance, permits, and consortiums. Designed for companies seeking an ongoing partnership for DOT compliance confidence.
• Simulated Audits On-site audit simulation service in which consultants review all information an auditor would examine, identify deficiencies, and educate clients on how to correct them. Designed for motor carriers preparing for DOT audits.
• Safety Policy Development Consulting service that provides general safety policy documentation containing over 30 pages of standard DOT practices, designed to be customized for the client's business. Targeted at DOT-regulated companies that need formal written policies.
• SMP Letters Service Service designed to help prevent DOT number shutdown by educating clients on necessary practice changes, writing Safety Management Plan (SMP) letters, and assisting with follow-up correspondence. Targeted at DOT-regulated carriers facing regulatory action.
• Logbook/HOS Auditing Auditing service for drivers' hours-of-service compliance covering both paper logs and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), that discovers HOS violations and provides a list of violations found. Available to companies not on subscription plans.
• MVR Requests Motor Vehicle Record request service that runs single or multiple MVRs and provides results for both Michigan and out-of-state drivers. Available to companies not on subscription plans.
• Workshops Comprehensive workshop series held at the Byron Center, MI location covering DOT regulations and safety topics. Attendees receive a Certificate of Completion upon participation.
• Driver Meetings On-site driver education meetings held at customer locations covering rules and regulations including HOS, CSA, Pre-Trip Inspections, Defensive Driving, and Distracted Driving. Available for yearly safety training or continued education requirements.
• Annual Ask the Expert Seminar Annual all-day information-packed seminar featuring professionals from Fleet Compliance, Accident/Litigation, Drug and Alcohol testing, FMCSA, Michigan State Police, and Insurance. Includes refreshments, lunch, and raffle prizes.
• CDL State Skills Testing State of Michigan Third-Party Testing service for Commercial Driver's Licenses covering CDL A, CDL B, Passenger, School Bus, CDL C Hazmat, and CDL C Passenger. Rental vehicles available including CDLA tractor trailers (10-speed manual and automatic) and CDLB straight trucks.
• Automobile State Skills Testing State of Michigan Third-Party Testing service for Automobile Licenses with requirements including current driver's license, temporary instruction permit, registration, insurance, and for under 18, held for 6 months with Segment 2 certificate and completed driving log.
• Motorcycle State Skills Testing State of Michigan Third-Party Testing service for Motorcycle endorsements, requiring TIP from SOS, registration, insurance, and requiring the rider to provide their own motorcycle, helmet, and closed-toe shoes.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Michigan Trucking AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder William J. Kaat served as member of the Board of Governors and of the Legislative Policy Committee of the Michigan Trucking Association. President Joy Kaat is a member of the Michigan Trucking Association and has been recognized multiple times by the association. The partnership provides industry leadership, regulatory advocacy, and professional recognition.
• American Trucking Association Safety Management CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder William J. Kaat served as Zone Chairman of the American Trucking Association Safety Management Council, providing national industry representation and safety management expertise.
• Michigan State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder William J. Kaat was a member of the National Committee for Motor Fleet Supervisor Training of Michigan State University, contributing to industry training standards.
• Michigan Department of TransportationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder William J. Kaat was an active member of the Road Advisory Committee of the Michigan Department of Transportation.
• Michigan Public Safety CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder William J. Kaat was a member of the Advisory Board of the Michigan Public Safety Commission.
• Michigan Council of Safety ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident Joy Kaat serves as chairperson for Michigan Council of Safety Management, providing ongoing industry leadership in safety compliance.
• FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)minorOthersFMCSA professionals participate in the annual 'Ask the Expert' Seminar, providing regulatory updates and expertise to attendees.
• Michigan State PoliceminorOthersMichigan State Police professionals participate in the annual 'Ask the Expert' Seminar, providing enforcement perspective and regulatory updates.
• JJ KellerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFleet Compliance Group offers JJ Keller discounts to subscription service members and can order JJ Keller supplies for customers. JJ Keller is a provider of safety and compliance resources for transportation companies.
• Steelcase, Inc.minorOthersFounder William J. Kaat served as Fleet Operations Manager at Steelcase, Inc. for more than 30 years before establishing Fleet Compliance Group in 1989.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Fleetio: Fleet maintenance and management software platform that increasingly handles DOT compliance workflows. Represents the software substitute threat to compliance-focused service firms.
• Lytx: AI-driven video telematics and fleet safety platform serving commercial carriers. Adjacent to Fleet Compliance Group's safety training services through a broader technology-led approach.
• PrePass: Provider of weigh station bypass, electronic screening, and safety compliance services for commercial fleets. Comparable in supporting carrier compliance but operates at a national scale.
• J.J. Keller & Associates: The dominant national provider of DOT/FMCSA compliance products, training, and consulting services. J.J. Keller is also a current partner of Fleet Compliance Group through the supply discount program, making it both a competitor and a channel relationship.

Direct peers

• Tenstreet: Provides CDL testing, driver management, and compliance software for the trucking industry. Directly overlaps with Fleet Compliance Group's third-party CDL testing and driver qualification services.
• Smith System: Provider of driver safety training and fleet safety consulting with a focus on collision prevention. Directly comparable to Fleet Compliance Group's driver meeting and workshop training services.
• Foley Carrier Services: Provides DOT compliance services, drug and alcohol testing program administration, and consulting for motor carriers. Directly comparable in service mix to Fleet Compliance Group's compliance and education offerings.
• Kraus & Associates: DOT compliance consulting and safety management firm serving motor carriers. Comparable in providing safety policy development, compliance audits, and driver program services.

Emerging players

• Netradyne: AI-powered fleet safety and driver behavior analytics platform. Competes with traditional driver safety training services through scalable technology, posing a forward threat to firms like Fleet Compliance Group.
• Stay Metrics: Driver retention and safety analytics platform serving motor carriers. Overlaps with Fleet Compliance Group's driver-meeting and safety-program services but is software-led rather than service-led.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fleet-compliance-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fleet Compliance Group