Trucking Permits

Ever wonder what regulations are required by the state? This is a list of what they are and what requirements your vehicle or driver needs to obtain them.

What is the DOT?

DOT (U.S Department of Transportation): Is a United States Government Agency that creates regulations that ensures the safety of Motor Vehicles and its Drivers. These Road Rules are created by DOT to create a safe environment on the road and prevent horrible accidents.  

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) – Is a sub-division of DOT, that specifically handles the Trucking Industry.   

Where to start?

USDOT Number – A number that is special to your company, when entering this number in the system, it will show all the vehicle information about your company. This includes Vehicles, Accident reports, Inspections, Audits, Investigations and Compliance reviews. 
MCS-150 = A form you must complete to get a USDOT number. It lets FMCSA know who you are. This form must be updated anytime there is a change in your company, such as a new vehicle or change of address etc…

Terminology

GWV = Gross Weight Vehicle
Interstate – Commercial Vehicles that travel between 2 or more states.
Intrastate – Commercial Vehicles that stay within their own state.

Road Taxes

HUT (Highway Use Tax) – Commercial Vehicles that weigh 18,000 pounds or more need a HUT tax.

Note: The HUT only applies to New York, however, each state has its own version of HUT. Example: KYU tax is for Kentucky.

Kentucky Highway Use Tax (KYU) – All operators with a Commercial Vehicle that weighs 60,000lbs or more must obtain a Kentucky HUT.IFTA (International Fuel Tax) – Commercial Vehicles that weigh 26,000 pounds or more need an IFTA tax.
HVUT (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) – Commercial Vehicles that weigh 55,000 pounds or more need an HVUT/2290.
MVT (Motor Vehicle Tax) – An annual tax that is evaluated on motor vehicles and motorboats.

Road Permits

DEC Waste – Commercial Vehicle Permit needed to handle Waste materials.
HAZMAT – Commercial Vehicle Permit to handle Hazardous Materials.
Over-Weight – Are temporary permits where the GWV exceeds legal weights.
Over-Width – A permit for a load that exceeds the maximum width.
PAPUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)- PUC has authority over Public Utility and services operations in commonwealth, and sectors including water, energy, telecommunications and transportation.
PHMSA Pipeline (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) – A program that oversees 1 million daily shipments of hazardous materials by Land, Sea and Air. They are also in look over the nations pipeline infrastructure, which equals to 64 percent of the energy commodities used in the United States.

Registrations

IRP (International Registration Plan) – A registration agreement between United States and Canada. The fee is based off the distance operated in participating jurisdictions.
UCR  (Unified Carrier Registration) – Companies that operate a commercial truck or bus, that is interstate or international commerce, or makes arrangement for transportation of cargo and goods, must obtain a UCR.

Other

19a – Special requirement for Bus Drivers
BOC-3 – Bus Drivers cannot operate a vehicle unless they have a 19-A

MC Number (Motor Carrier Number) – Is something needed for Commercial Vehicles that are hauling cargo across state lines.