Running a reliable fleet requires more than just delivering loads on time.
The fleets that succeed in 2026 focus on organization, efficiency, and proactive compliance every day. They don’t wait for audits or renewals — they build smart systems and consistent habits that make compliance effortless behind the scenes.
Here are five proven fleet compliance best practices every 5-Star Fleet should master — and how GW Connect helps make them part of your daily workflow.
Habit 1: Keep Fuel Tax Reporting Accurate and Audit-Ready
IFTA reporting deadlines arrive quickly, and manual spreadsheets can lead to costly filing errors.
Smart fleets automate fuel tax reporting to save time and ensure accuracy.
With GW Connect, fuel purchases and jurisdictional mileage flow in automatically. The platform calculates taxable miles, tracks exemptions, and prepares precise quarterly IFTA reports ready for filing.
Pro Tip: Connect your telematics data through Trip Dawg so every mile and gallon updates in real time. You’ll eliminate duplicate entries and maintain clean, auditable data.
Habit 2: Stay Ahead of IRP and 2290 Renewals
Renewal delays can take trucks off the road and disrupt operations.
The most efficient fleets treat IRP and 2290 renewals as an ongoing process, not a last-minute rush.
GW Connect’s renewal dashboard provides full visibility into every plate, registration, and expiration date. Automatic alerts keep your compliance team informed long before deadlines.
Pro Tip: Assign monthly renewal checkups for each terminal or compliance team to review active credentials.
Not sure if you have what you need for headache free registration management? We break it all down on out visit our resource page.
Habit 3: Track Maintenance Before It Becomes a Problem
A well-maintained fleet stays compliant, safe, and operational.
Preventive maintenance scheduling reduces downtime, extends equipment life, and keeps inspection records current.
With GW Connect’s maintenance module, you can schedule service intervals — and document completion digitally.
Pro Tip: Integrate your telematics provider to trigger maintenance alerts automatically when mileage thresholds are met.
Habit 4: Manage Assets Through Their Entire Lifecycle
From the moment a truck joins your fleet until it’s sold or retired, detailed recordkeeping is essential.
Centralized data helps track titles, insurance, maintenance, and registration all in one place.
GW Connect’s asset management tools show what’s active, inactive, or due for renewal — giving you a clear, complete view of your fleet health.
Pro Tip: Maintain a digital “asset ID card” for every unit with photos, titles, and repair history to simplify audits and resale preparation.
Habit 5: Connect Compliance Across Your Operation
Compliance shouldn’t exist in silos. When your IFTA, driver files, and telematics data all communicate, your team works smarter.
That’s where the combined power of GW Connect, DQM Connect, and TripDAWG delivers unmatched efficiency. Together, these integrated tools:
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Share driver, vehicle, and mileage data automatically
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Eliminate duplicate data entry
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Provide full visibility for operations, safety, and licensing teams
Pro Tip: Conduct quarterly compliance checkups using all three platforms to verify IFTA, IRP, and driver file accuracy before audit season.
Explore the integration benefits at GW Connect, DQM Connect and TripDAWG .
Turn Compliance Into Confidence
The best fleets aren’t reacting to compliance problems — they’re preventing them.
By following these fleet compliance best practices and using connected tools like GW Connect, your team can run a cleaner, safer, and more efficient operation in 2026.
With GW Connect, you can:
✅ Automate IFTA, IRP, and 2290 reporting
✅ Manage maintenance and asset lifecycles
✅ Centralize renewals and documentation
✅ Seamlessly connect with TripDAWG and DQM Connect
Schedule a Demo and see how a 5-Star Fleet keeps compliance running as smoothly as its trucks.
