USDOT NUMBER: STEPS TO STAY IN COMPLIANCE WITH DOT

There are some rules applied to trucking-related operations, and DOT Compliance is one of them. DOT Compliance refers to meeting the requirements of the Department of Transportation, the federal agency that enforces DOT regulations governing the operation of commercial motor vehicles in the United States.  Commercial motor vehicles are monitored to ensure they remain in compliance. And violation of any one of these regulations can lead to severe consequences. These include financial penalties, suspension of a company’s permission to operate commercially, jail time, and many more.

The Department of Transportation is responsible for giving trucking companies USDOT Numbers and staying in compliance with federal regulations is a component of your trucking business that deserves time and effort. Just as filing your taxes with the IRS is necessary, so is staying in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Below, Global Multi Services explains the steps to comply with the DOT regulations. 

KNOW THE FMCSA REGULATIONS

The Department of Transportation requires all trucking companies to keep an up-to-date copy of the latest US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules in their office. In addition, all drivers must sign documentation that they have received the list of FMCSA rules and will abide by all the regulations. It is also essential for all truck drivers to familiarize themselves with the FMCSA rules that concern them. Educating your drivers on the guidelines can also help ensure that your drivers are ready for inspections.

STAY ORGANIZED WITH MANDATORY DOCUMENTS

Staying compliant requires keeping track of the FMCSA regulatory paperwork. Tucking companies need to know when to renew their permits, license, and other mandatory documents to travel across state lines. They should also record drug and alcohol testing, roadside inspection, and other important recordings. To make it easier, they can create a filing system specifically for keeping records.

Not good with paperwork? Then think about outsourcing to a company, such as Global Multi Services. Paying us to keep track of regulatory paperwork will cost a lot less in money, time, and stress than trying to iron out a problematic audit with the FMCSA.

APPLY FOR USDOT NUMBER

USDOT Number is a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor vehicles by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to evaluate safety practices during compliance reviews and inspections. Commercial vehicles participating in interstate and intrastate commerce must register with the Department of Motor Vehicles and obtain their DOT Registration Numbers to stay in compliance. Failure to do so can lead to costly fines and penalties.

HOUR OF SERVICE COMPLIANCE

All truck drivers must keep up-to-date with their records. These include hours of service, safety inspections passed, vehicle maintenance records, and any certifications maintained by the driver. All trucks must have an electronic logging device. These help to accurately track, manage, and share the records of duty status data. The ELD is synchronized with the truck engine to automatically record driving time for more accurate hours of service recording.

IRP PLATES: HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL TRUCKING COMPANY

The trucking industry is one of the most profitable industries in the United States but has regulations for trucking companies. These include obtaining their IRP Plates, IFTA Permits, MC Authority, and many more. It comprises innumerable business opportunities and many market niches to venture into.

Thousands of trucking companies are registered every year, and some fade away over time because of the inability to fight tough competition from new and established big companies. Therefore, entrepreneurs planning to have a successful trucking business must take note of their competitors and make appropriate strategies to counter them to grab their market share.

Do you want to know how to run a trucking business successfully? Read on to discover some essential tips. These tips provided by Global Multi services will help you transition from being just an entrepreneur to a successful business owner.

UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS

One of the most important ways to be successful in the trucking business is to understand the business. Learn the fundamentals of accounting, management, marketing and how they apply to the trucking business.

Management is essential in all businesses, and you need it to manage your business well. You can gain these abilities by researching the trucking industry, how it functions, its pros and cons.  You can also read books and watch free educational videos online.

OBTAIN YOUR IRP PLATES

Every industry has regulations that govern it, and that includes the trucking industry. For example, trucking companies operating across state lines must obtain IRP plates in their base state. Therefore, it is paramount to comply with the industry regulations if you want to have a successful trucking business. These also avoid fines and penalties while improving the reputation of your company.

Every state also has websites with updated information about licenses, taxes, safety, and other requirements. Visiting your state’s website will give you all the information you need.

EMPLOY EXCELLENT DRIVERS

Employing reliable and experienced truck drivers is an essential factor in having a successful trucking business. They help avoid unnecessary accidents, fines, and penalties. They also take good care of the truck and drive carefully. Truck drivers that are satisfied remain loyal and more motivated to perform well. Also, having committed, high-performing employees help your trucking company grow at an accelerated rate.

Additionally, it is vital to offer different benefits to your drivers to encourage their performance. These include accident insurance, health care insurance, flexible hours, loyalty bonuses, gift cards, and many more.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

Social media is the biggest marketing platform in this generation, and there is hardly a business that is not on social media. Many businesses are improving their social media presence to increase their website visibility. But your social media page must be unique, engaging, attractive, and interacting to keep your potential customers glued to your content.

Posting content on your social pages and telling your viewers the new developments in your company increases your social media presence. Asking for suggestions from your visitors also engage them with your services.

UCR PERMITS: TIPS TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY

Trucking companies are responsible for transporting freight worth billions of dollars every year in the United States. The industry is also highly regulated, and obtaining Permits such as UCR Permits can sometimes be overwhelming. They are the primary link between manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. They also move raw materials and products across long and short distances. Therefore, they are a fundamental part of the country's economy. 

The trucking business is very profitable, but the competition in the industry is fierce and affects many new and rising trucking companies. Many people want to venture into the trucking business. However, finding a place in the trucking industry is challenging without accurate acumen. In this blog, Global Multi Services will explain the tips to become successful in the trucking industry. 

KEEP YOUR TRUCK IN GOOD CONDITION 

Your trucks and trailers are the most crucial assets of your business. If they are not in good condition and constantly breaking down, your company will experience frequent delays and incur extra expenses. No truck driver can keep to delivery schedule if the trucks are not in good condition. Therefore, truck preventive maintenance services should be a top priority in your trucking company. 

Whether you have new or old trucks, it is vital to inspect them regularly to avoid sudden breakdown and costly repairs. Also, ensure the trucks you want to purchase are from reputable manufacturers and dealers. 

REGISTER AND OBTAIN YOUR UCR PERMITS 

The trucking industry in the United States is regulated, and to be successful, trucking companies must stay on top of legal requirements. These include obtaining your UCR Permits, IFTA Permits, USDOT Number, and many more. Failure to comply with the industry regulations and safety protocols can lead to hefty penalties. It can also create many obstacles in your path. Therefore, it is paramount to know the rules guiding the trucking industry. 

OPEN A WEBSITE FOR YOUR TRUCKING COMPANY

Your website is a window through which your potential customers can see the details of your trucking business. According to research, many people often check companies' websites before buying their products or services.

Your customers will also first visit your website to see what type of trucking services you offer. Therefore, your website must provide all the relevant information about your business. 

Also, ensure the site has significant pages. These include, about us, contact, home, services, your prices, testimonials, and others. Additionally, your website design must be user-friendly and filled with images of your business and employees to boost the confidence of your customers.

HAVE THE APPROPRIATE FUND 

You will need an enormous amount of funds to start your trucking business because trucks and other equipment are expensive. So, be prepared to get the funds you will need. Find out the estimated amount you will need to start your company.

And if you do not have such an amount, you can get a loan from financial institutions. It is essential to arrange for all the necessary documents and a business plan to convince the financial institution about your repayment capability.  

UCR PERMIT: LICENSE AND PERMIT NEEDED TO STAY COMPLIANT IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY

Running a trucking company is a very lucrative business, and you will not have a problem finding employees. But there are several licenses and permits like UCR Permit you need to obtain to operate legally in the United States. 

Starting a trucking company is beyond having the right location and best equipment to run your business. It entails meeting the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, and other government regulations. Therefore, obtaining the necessary permit is paramount if you want to stay legal with a good reputation and exceptional customer satisfaction. 

With the constant violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Department of Transportation regulation by trucking companies, Global Multi Services explain the necessary permit and license to stay compliant in the trucking industry. 

USDOT AND MOTOR CARRIER AUTHORITY 

The USDOT Number is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for monitoring trucking company safety and compliance records. These are mandatory for trucking companies operating in the United States to stay compliant. 

Motor Carrier Authority is the trucking authority given to trucking companies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to operate in intrastate, interstate, and international commerce. Trucking companies can acquire their USDOT Numbers and MC Authority by registering with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

UCR PERMIT 

The Unified Carrier Registration is a federally mandated program for trucking companies or individual truck owners operating in interstate and international commerce. They need to register their business in their base state and obtain UCR Permits. They are also required to pay an annual fee based on the total number of vehicles in their fleet.  

Trucking companies based in states that do not participate in UCR should register in a neighboring participating state. UCR Registration ensures safety in all the state trucking companies operates. You can register for your UCR Permit with your DOT Number and MC Number. 

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE 

For trucking companies to stay compliant, their truck drivers must have valid commercial driver’s licenses. You must be above 18 years to obtain a driving license and 21 years to be eligible to drive trucks interstate. CDL testing also varies from state to state. Getting a driving license includes the following:

• Extensive background check
•  CDL training
•  Permit exam
• A driving tests

   IFTA Permit 

    The International Fuel Tax Agreement is a cooperative agreement for simplifying fuel tax reporting by motor carriers operating across the lower 48 states of the United States and the Canadian provinces. IFTA allows trucking companies to register in their base state and obtain IFTA Decal and IFTA Permit for interstate and international commerce. They also require motor carriers to file quarterly fuel use tax returns in their base state.  

     IRP PLATE 

The International Registration Plan is a reciprocity agreement between the states of the USA, Canada provinces, and the District of Columbia to facilitate apportioned fees collection from motor carriers traveling in two or more states. The apportioned fee is calculated based on the total distance operated in all jurisdictions and vehicle weight.  

IFTA FUEL TAX RETURN: TRUCKING INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE LAW YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

The last thing every trucking company wants is to be penalized for not complying with the Department of Transportation or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Staying compliant and keeping your workers safe as you transport freights across the interstate and international boundaries is crucial. These include filing your IFTA Fuel Tax Return, MC Authority, Unified Carrier Registration, and many more.

Global Multi Services is here to help you stay in compliance with the trucking industry regulations. We will ensure your permits and license are up to date so that you can focus on managing your business. Partnering with a company that knows about trucking regulations and freight compliance will save you from costly penalties and truck detention.

With that said, here are the trucking industry compliance law you should know about

USDOT REGISTRATION

The United States Department of Transportation is responsible for implementing and overseeing regulations followed by the trucking industry.  DOT Registration is mandatory for trucking companies participating in intrastate, interstate, and international commerce. Also, paramount for commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials in quantities that require a safety permit. They must register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT Number to stay in compliance.

Failure to file your application correctly often leads to application rejection. And according to reports, over 50% of USDOT applications are incorrect. By referring to the experts like Global Multi Services for help, you can rest assured that your USDOT is filing accurately, and you will receive your DOT Number without stress.

IFTA FUEL TAX RETURN

IFTA allows the collection and distribution of fuel taxes among member jurisdictions. It also saves trucking companies from hefty paperwork and paying fuel tax in every jurisdiction. Motor carriers must register for IFTA in their base state and obtain IFTA Decal and IFTA Permit if they operate across multiple jurisdictions. After registration, they need to file IFTA Fuel Tax Return in their base jurisdiction. Failure to comply with these regulations causes hefty penalties and revoking of license.

UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION

The Unified Carrier Registration requires trucking companies to pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet if they participate in international or interstate commerce. Trucking companies must register for UCR in their base state. If your state does not take part in UCR, you can register in a neighboring participating state. Failure to register for UCR can affect your trucking business. These include subjection to costly fines and penalties, truck detained, and many more.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has mandated trucking companies to perform random drug and alcohol testing for all truck drivers and other employers. New employees must also have a drug and alcohol pre-test if they have not participated in random testing within the last 30 days. These regulations help truck drivers keep themselves under control and encourage them to treat their bodies properly. It also ensures safe driving and protects the drivers and other people on the road from accidents. According to federal law, trucking companies must adhere to drug and alcohol testing to stay compliant.

MC AUTHORITY: THE BENEFITS OF OPERATING UNDER YOUR MC AUTHORITY

If you plan to have a trucking company, then you need to get your MC Authority. MC Number Registration is one big step to stay compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulation. Operating under your authority means you have more responsibility, more expenses, and more paperwork to handle. But it also allows you to bid directly with different companies to obtain freight. That means you get to choose your load, time of operation, routes with a bigger payoff. 

Obtaining authority is paramount to maximize your profits without being limited to working for other companies. You can enjoy the benefits of being your boss with this exciting adventure. Read on as Global Multi Services explain the benefits of obtaining your MC Authority.

YOU ANSWER TO YOURSELF 

Having your Motor Carrier Authority allows you to make all the decisions about running your trucking business. You have a sense of freedom and responsibility over your time, money, and equipment. Operating under your authority also means you will only answer to yourself and your insurance company. You also have to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations religiously to avoid costly penalties or fines. 

With your MC Authority, you get to control your pay, decide your route, and when to operate within the hours of service. Your operating expenses will also be much higher. Therefore, you have to maximize your revenue and reduce your expenses to boost your profit.

CHOOSE YOUR FREIGHT AND ROUTE WITH MC AUTHORITY

Motor carrier authorities allow you to make decisions on the type of freight you want to haul. These also give you control over where you go, how much money you make, the route you take, and many more. But companies do not just come and meet you to haul their freight once you get your MC number. You have to build your reputation and gain their trust. You will also spend a lot of time negotiating contracts. It is different from working with a big organization with a pipeline full of freight ready to be carried.  

ALL THE PROFIT IS YOURS 

When you operate under your MC Authority, you get to keep the profit left after paying your expenses. You make more money by working hard and traveling for long hours instead of adding to another company bank account. However, making such money is not simple. You have to find companies to haul for with your authority. These might sometimes be difficult because most companies prefer to work with existing trucking companies.

MC AUTHORITY ALLOW YOU TO WORK WHEN YOU LIKE 

With your MC Authority, you decide when to work and when you take time off. Having this opportunity is a dream come true for many truck drivers. But you have to be disciplined and remember you need to make enough money to cover your expenses and cut yourself a decent paycheck. Balancing freedom and flexibility with long-term profitability is the goal, and this is what having your motor carrier authority gives you.