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The trucking industry is one of the most regulated industries in the United States at the state, federal, and international levels. There are numerous rules they must obey to operate across the state. These include obtaining IFTA Permits, IRP Plate, USDOT, Filing IFTA Fuel Tax Return, and many more. Navigating these rules can be challenging for many trucking companies. But they must follow them otherwise, face stiff fines and penalties, or may even lose their authority. Read on as Global Multi Services takes us through permits obtained by trucking companies at the federal and international levels.

PERMIT OBTAIN AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the governing body that oversees registrations for USDOT and MC Authority.

  • USDOT NUMBER AND MC AUTHORITY

The USDOT Number is a unique identification number used to evaluate the safety practices of trucking companies. Trucking companies operating interstate are generally required to obtain a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

MC Authority is a permission trucking companies obtains from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to transport goods across the United States. They also require a DOT number and appoint a process agent in their base states.

  • COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

A commercial driver’s license is mandatory for drivers to drive a commercial vehicle legally in the United States. They must be above 18years, complete training, and pass a driving test before receiving the license. While the application and testing requirements vary from state to state, most states require drivers to be 21years and above for interstate travel. To qualify for a commercial driver’s license, drivers must pass a knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical screening.

  • UCR PERMIT

The Unified Carrier Registration is a federally-mandated program for trucking companies operating across interstate and international borders. Trucking companies must register in their base state to obtain UCR Permits. They also need to pay an annual fee based on the total number of vehicles in their fleet. Trucking companies whose base state does not participate in UCR must register with their neighboring participating state to obtain their UCR Permits.

PERMIT OBTAIN AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

  • IRP PLATE

The International Registration Plan allows motor carriers to operate across the province of Canada. Trucking companies must first register in their base state and pay an apportioned fee. The fees are calculated based on the distance covered in a specific jurisdiction and the weight of the vehicles. After registration, they must track and report the mileage travel in each jurisdiction and renew their IRP Plate annually.

  • IFTA PERMIT

The International Fuel Tax Agreement is a cooperative agreement between the provinces of Canada and states of the United States except for Hawaii, Alaska. IFTA mainly aims to establish and maintain the concept of using a single fuel license used by interstate motor carriers. Qualified motor carriers need to register for IFTA in their base state, receive IFTA Permit and IFTA Decal. They must also carefully document fuel usage in each jurisdiction and file IFTA Fuel Tax Return in their base jurisdiction.


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The trucking industry is one of the fastest-growing and most regulated industries in the United States. Establishing a trucking company needs thorough research on how the industry works and considering various compliance obligations. Trucking companies need to obtain permits and licenses to operate across state lines. They also need quarterly and annual filings to stay in compliance. Examples of these filing are IFTA Fuel Tax Return, IRP Plate, UCR Permit, and many more. The filing is done through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other operating bodies. Continue reading as Global Multi Services explains filing trucking companies needs to stay in compliance.

Designation Of Process Agent

Filing the BOC-3 form is mandatory for trucking companies operating in the United States. Trucking companies need to file Designation of Agents for Service of Process when applying for authority. The process agent represents the company when sued. Trucking companies must renew their BOC-3 filing every year. The filing costs between one hundred to two hundred dollars, and it’s filled annually to stay in compliance.

Unified Carrier Registration

The Unified Carrier Registration Renewal is mandatory for trucking companies engaged in interstate commerce. The renewal process is easy and provides smooth operation for commercial motor carriers with no delay. Trucking companies can complete UCR filing through the Department of Transportation in their state. The filing fee depends on the number of trucks in their fleet. Failing to apply for your UCR Renewal on time may lead to fines and penalties.

IRP Plates Registration

IRP is important for trucking companies operating across the Canadian province, the District of Columbia, and the United States except for Alaska and Hawaii. The International Registration Plan facilitates one license plates and fees collection from trucking companies engaged in interstate commerce. Trucking companies must register for IRP Plate in their base jurisdiction and pay an apportionable fee, calculated based on the miles covered in each jurisdiction. IRP has filed annually through the Department of Transportation in each jurisdiction.

IFTA Fuel Tax Return

The International Fuel Tax Agreement is an agreement between the Canadian province and the United States except for Hawaii, Alaska. IFTA establishes the concept of using a single fuel license and simplifies fuel tax collection for motor carriers operating interstate. Qualified motor carriers must register and obtain an IFTA license and two IFTA Decals in their base jurisdiction. Trucking companies must keep records of mileage covered in all participating jurisdictions and gallons of fuel purchased in each state. They must also file IFTA Fuel Tax Returns for every fiscal quarter.

The Bottom Line

Trucking companies must comply with federal, state, and local taxes to avoid penalties. They must have an IFTA account to file IFTA Fuel Tax Report. They must also report quarterly driven miles of their motor carriers to ensure the accuracy of their filed tax. Global Multi Services helps process IFTA permits and file IFTA Fuel Tax Returns.


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Every trucking company owner wants to see their business develop just like every entrepreneur in the world. But competing with larger fleets and industry leaders can sometimes be difficult and impossible because they offer more aggressive pricing, hire drivers more quickly, get better discounts from their suppliers, and deliver faster. These issues can make expanding your business challenging. Not to mention the regulation trucking companies needs to follow. These include filing IFTA Fuel Tax Return, obtaining IFTA Permit, IFTA Decal, IRP Plates, and many more.

So, what can you do to compete with the big guys and grow your trucking business? Global Multi Services have compiled vital tried-and-true tactics that successful trucking business owners use to get their companies on the right path for prudent growth.

USE STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY

As a business owner, you have many responsibilities and need to make sure everything is in order.  From ensuring your trucks are in good condition to hiring the best drivers, dispatchers, managers, and many more. These can sometimes be tough but, the good news is that technology can help you out. Using state-of-the-art technologies helps to be organized, manage finances, coordinate with drivers, and reduce stress.

It also helps truck drivers navigate the road, record miles and fuel gallons in each jurisdiction, determine the best routes, and many more. These ensure safety, compliance, productivity, maintenance, and efficiency in your trucking business. Tap into the growing technology today to save time, energy and grow your business.

FILE IFTA FUEL TAX RETURN

Nothing stays the same in the trucking industry, not even its regulations.  Changes, alterations, and new rules are being proposed and incorporated all the time. Failure to comply or bridge those rules can lead to downtime, hefty fines, license revoke, and many more. Therefore, it is vital to stay up-to-date with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

Companies like Global Multi Services can handle your paperwork and trucking permits without stress and help you stay in compliance. They will help file IFTA Fuel Tax Return and ensure all your miles and fuel gallons records are accurate. These prevent you from fines, delays, and avoiding mistakes while growing your trucking business.

HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN

Planning and setting goals help you stay focused on what you envisioned for your trucking business. Without adequate planning and proper maintenance, you might not be able to last for a year or two in the trucking industry. You have to build a network of customers with good customer service and efficiency. Being genuine to your customers also helps your trucking company have a sense of reliability and authenticity.

Streamlining your operations and acquiring more clients help grow your business. Build trust with customers that are profitable and beneficial for your business.  These may look tedious at first but building relationships with the right clients will give you a good reputation and better standing when approaching more clients in the future.